Stone Gardens II

Cemeteries are normally peaceful, quiet places. There are exceptions…Arlington, for instance. But, for the most part, when I’m walking, sitting, photographing in a cemetery, you can actually hear the birds. For those of you that live in more rural areas, you’re thinking, “Duh, of course you can…they’re always there!” But I’ve lived in a busy suburb or burb for a long time and hearing nature is not a normal “thing,” traffic, industry, airplanes, construction, machinery…but not in cemeteries. For some reason the sound of the “outside” of cemeteries stays on the outside. And most graveyards have benches and you know how I am about benches.

I was potsying (my word) around my YouTube Channel and saw this old video I made during COVID. Still practicing my software skills, I did a remake of the concept and even used some of the same images as Stone Gardens One but added a few from the RVA area. I don’t think I’m being morose or depressed or whatever, I just like graveyard quiet and try to stop and walk about when I can. There are some extravagant monuments in the Richmond area. There are just as many unmarked graves.

I don’t think I find comfort visiting my parent’s graves. In fact, I know I don’t. I am thankful for all they did for me but that’s got nothing to do with where they are buried and me going to “visit” them. I honor them wherever I am by trying to live up to the values they tried to impart. I don’t do flowers, stones, or any icon. And, I certainly don’t go to cemeteries to talk to ghosts! Hah, I carry my own ghosts, I don’t need strangers. Of course, if my parents had been buried on a hill with a view and a comfy bench…it might be a different story.