Spread My Ashes

Memorial Service

2010-12-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

A lot of people wonder what a memorial service should be like because they have only been to traditional funerals. They are used to a setting much like a church where funeral songs are played, a preacher says a few words, and perhaps even a family member speaks. It is a very solemn occasion that includes viewing of the loved one by all that attend the service. This is the traditional way to say goodbye and one we are quite familiar with in the US. Memorial services where the person has been cremated can vary widely from the traditions.

No need to have it quickly
The time constraints that cause people to miss work and have to fly across country in a few days is due to the limited time to bury an embalmed body. Once you decide to be cremated, the time constraints can be relaxed quite a bit. Some families have even waited until a convenient holiday gathering to say their last good byes. Scheduling may vary depending on where you decide to have the service. If you have it in a remote location, you may wait until the season is right.

Location can be anywhere
The cost to transport a body is prohibited so people who die overseas even request they not be transported home. This is not the case with an urn full of ashes. You can transport them yourself on an airplane as carry on luggage if you have the right container. You can put them in your car and take them anywhere you want to drive. Some families don't wait for the cremation because the body has been donated to a medical school.

Include crafts/arts/etc
The memorial service is more about honoring the life lived than the traditional funeral. Items that are identified with your life are displayed to show what contributions you made to the lives of those attending the memorial service. It maybe art, a wine collection, crafts, awards, or just a theme of fishing for those who loved the outdoors. It is more a commemoration of a life well lived and the respect from your family and friends.

Anything you want it to be
You can do anything you want for your memorial service because there aren't any rules. Pick a theme, pick a place, set it up so everyone's mind wander over those great moments in your life that will make you live on after you have passed to the next plane.

Instructions for your burial

2010-11-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

There was another example recently where a funeral home cremated the wrong body and buried the one who was to undergo cremation. So, you need to select carefully who you are going to trust with your last wishes. Never leave any burial instructions to chance. If you plan on having your ashes spread in a special place, be safe and visit the spot if you can before you decide on it. There may be special logistics needed to get to some remote spots.

Work with your spouse or family member
Always make your burial plans with a family member because as we all know, we won't be there to help out when everything is done for our burial. It is best to express your wishes to them while getting them on board to your plans. They will have to execute your plans so they need to know how important it is to you. Fill in all the details so they don't have to wonder what you would have wanted them to do.

Contracts
I don't recommend signing any contracts with service providers because who knows if they will still be in business when you need their services. It is best to save your money in a special account so you won't lose it like some have done with those prepaid burial plans. Estimate your cost and add at least 10%. Every 3 years, look at the costs again and see if you need to adjust for increases in the price of carrying out your wishes.

Have a plan
Have a plan and keep it with all your other important papers. The planning can be fun and going on vacation to see a particular scenic place has its own rewards. Plan for your cremation costs, your memorial service, and the cost to spread your ashes or have the interred. Keep it simple and you will keep it inexpensive

Going down under when you die

2010-11-16T06:52:00.000-08:00

I am not talking about going to the underworld but I am suggesting that you may want to select Australia as a final resting place for your ashes. There are many distinct areas of the country to select for your final resting spot. The geography of the country is extremely diverse, ranging from the snow capped mountains of the Australian Alps and Tasmania to large deserts, tropical and temperate forests. Whatever type of environment and scenic beauty you want for your final resting place, you will find something here.

Southern Forests
The southern forests are a great spot to visit for From Perth, take the South Western Highway towards Bridgetown, stopping in Pinjarra along the way. Be sure to visit the Gloucester Tree lookout - an awe-inspiring 60 meters up. Certainly not for the fainthearted, but those who accept the challenge of climbing this giant Karri tree will be rewarded by an amazing view of the forest canopy. Follow a trail to explore the enchanting Karri forests. An excellent area to have your ashes spread if you like a forest view.

Wine country
Perhaps you would like to be spread along the rows of a vineyard where you can become part of the next grape harvest for Australian wines. Along the southern coast are many vineyards. Your memorial service can be hosted in the area while featuring some really fine wines before your ashes are spread to fertilize the grapes.

Australia is full of scenic areas to select as your last resting place. The southern forests are just one of many.

Green Memorials and Cemeteries

2010-11-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a place in nature where you can have your ashes interred or spread underneath a tree while still being able to leave a memorial, check out the green memorials and cemeteries. You can purchase an individual spot or a family spot underneath a tree and even include your pets if you desire. These back to nature plots are like a small forest where you can purchase a family tree.

The Family Tree
Purchasing a spot underneath one of the trees will give you a nice memorial location for the ashes of your whole family. You can chose to spread your ashes on the ground there or have them buried in the urn. If you purchase your own family spot, your pet's ashes can be interred there as well. Single people don't have to worry because they also have communal trees where you can purchase the space for just one to be shared by others.

Memorials
You can select from many different kinds of memorial marker once you purchase a spot from a green memorial park or cemetery. Something you can't leave behind if you decide to have your ashes spread in a National Park or Forest. Here, if tastefully done, they are a welcome addition to the site. Try and select something that lasts but fits well with the natural look of a green memorial park.

Places like the Ramsey Creek preserve in South Carolina use GPS to find unmarked graves for the relatives. They also allow picnicking and hiking on the preserve. At the Lakeview Memorial Cemetery in Utah, deer and other animals freely roam among the oak and maple trees in a natural environment. Greensprings in New York provides meadows and woodlands filled with native trees and shrubs. Here you chose your own plants to help re-populate the land. As you can see, you have many different green places to chose from if you prefer a purchased site over a public site.

Online Memorials

2010-10-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

When you decide to have your ashes spread somewhere like a National Park, Football stadium or other areas not specifically designated a memorial spot, you will need to have a memorial placed somewhere else. You may want to select one of the many online memorial sites. These sites also have grief forums for you to talk to others as you go through the stages of grief. Some of these sites are free but others you must pay a fee to host your memorial. The sites will also allow you to put up a private memorial with a password so only family members and friends can access it.

Here is a list of memorial sites.

Remembered Forever

Virtual Memorials

Valley of Life

Christian Memorials

Memorialebook

Spread your ashes on Harney Peak in South Dakota

2010-10-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

The summit of Harney peak is over 7000 ft and the highest point east of the Rockies. It is located within the Black Elk Wilderness area, in southern Pennington County, within Black Hills National Forest. Harney Peak is the site of the Sioux Native American Black Elk's "Great Vision" which he received when nine years old and the site to which he returned as an old man, accompanied by writer John Neihardt, who popularized the medicine man in his book Black Elk Speaks. George Custer and his party are supposed to be the first Americans to explore it's summit.

History
Native Americans have a long history in the Black Hills. After conquering the Cheyenne in 1776, the Lakota took over the territory of the Black Hills, which became central to their culture. When European Americans discovered gold there in 1874, as a result of George Armstrong Custer's Black Hills Expedition, erstwhile miners swept into the area in a gold rush; the US government re-assigned the Lakota, against their wishes, to other reservations in western South Dakota.

Trails to explore
The shortest and most popular trail starts in George Custer State Park. It is 6 miles long and takes you to the Black Elk Wilderness area. Sylvan lake is the starting point. You can also start out at Mount Rushmore and hike on over to the Harney Peak. The area’s pervasive pine trees are dense and deep, giving the hills their namesake “black” appearance from far off. There are multiple trails there and you can select one going up another one coming back.

Memorial Service
There are several lodges in the area that could be used for a memorial service. The one at Sylvan Lake would be ideal for your memorial service after which your ashes can be carried up to the Harney Peak for spreading. Legion Lake Lodge, Blue Bell Lodge, and State Game Lodge are other options. The Black Hills have a rich history of Indian lore and mining that can contribute to the theme of your memorial service.

Cremations and the ethics of the cremation business

2010-10-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

In Arizona, they found two large pits of human bones that were buried en masse by a crematorium. The bodies were supposed to be cremated and interned in a memory garden. While the law wasn't broken, ethically there should be more respect for the human remains. Which is how we feel when we talk about our approach to cremation and the scattering of your ashes. It should be done with reverence and never just dumped in a hole like at the land fill.

How to go out in style
You need a plan that includes more than just your wishes to be cremated. After all, do you really want your ashes left in a closet somewhere or accidentally thrown into the trash bin? The plan start with your wish to be cremated and end with the location that you want your urn interred or your ashes spread on the ground.

Pick a crematorium
Step 1: Specify where you want your body cremated. Be sure to pick one that has a reputation for doing what they are contracted to do. You will need to buy some type of container or include the purchase of that container within the contract.

Executor
Step 2: Select a person who will pick up your ashes after the cremation. You would be surprised how many urns filled with ashes are left at the crematorium and forgotten about. Pick a family member or friend and they are the ones who have responsibility for your plan to go out in style. You need to discuss the whole plan with them and get their approval as an executor.

Memorial Service
Step 3: Decide on where you want to have your memorial service and what the theme will be for it. A lot of people select the theme that goes along with their final resting spot. While others will pick something that defines their life. A painter will show their art work or someone will show the crafts they made as a hobby. Be sure and provide a beverage to toast a life well lived which is a very important part of going out in style.

Spreading the Ashes
Step 4: Pick your spirit whisperer. A spirit whisperer is the person who will transport your ashes to their final resting spot. They will say a prayer, read a poem, or give a eulogy while returning you back to whence you came. Depending on where you have picked for your final resting spot, you need to pick someone capable of carrying out your instructions. This may or may not be your next of kin. You can hire someone to deposit your urn or spread your ashes in remote locations.

Final Resting Place
Step 5: Determine where you final resting place will be by searching for the most scenic place or a favorite place of yours that defined your life. A favorite vacation or a favorite fishing spot is selected by many. Some select a place they always wanted to visit but never had the chance.

If you can answer these 5 questions, write then down and discuss them with your family. Make your plan and reservations in advance. Provide the funding for the expenses and you will be all set to go out in style

Spreading you ashes in the Virgin Islands

2010-10-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

If you have been thinking about having your ashes spread in one of the US National Parks, then don't forget about the Virgin Islands. St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John are the three principal islands of the U. S. Virgin Island chain. St. John is the smallest of the three at 20 square miles but two thirds of it is a National Park.

What is it like?
Within this protected paradise are sub-tropical forests, semi-arid scrubland, and swamps along the coastal areas. Some 800 species of plants inhabit these varied climates, including one native palm tree – the Teyer palm, along with bay rum trees and tropical orchids. More than 50 species of tropical birds breed on St. John, including the Bananaquit and three species of Caribbean hummingbirds. Other migrant species spend the winter in the park’s dense forests.

Places to check out
Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Cinnamon Bay is another place where you can go camp in a tent and walk along the beach. A number of trails on the North and South shores offer a variety of short and long hikes, ranging from 15 minutes to two hours. Try Caneel Hill Trail. It joins Cruz Bay Village with the NorthShore Road entrance to Caneel Bay and takes you to the top of Caneel Hill

So don't forget some of the US National Parks that aren't in the states but in the territories. The park within the US Virgin Islands is a great one to consider for your final resting place.

Pet Cremation

2010-10-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

After your pet passes on, the veterinarian often has a pet cremation service to assist the grieving owner. What a lot of pet owners do not know is that there are different ways to handle the pet cremation. Even the Veterinarian is always aware of how the service they use handles the cremation or the ashes afterwards. Unlike with human cremation, you can select a less expensive alternative called group cremation. You may also select an individual cremation. Each process comes with different

Group or Communal Cremation
The crematorium will place several animals together to be cremated at the same time. However, many services don't spread the ashes in a memorial park or other place of reverence. They just take them to the local landfill. You can ask your veterinarian before you agree to this type of cremation but often times they don't even know or don't want to know where the ashes go. There are no hard and fast rules or regulations so you must inquire before you use that service.

Individual Cremation
If you decide to go the individual cremation route, you can get your ashes back. This way, you will know where they will be spread. You can also specify in the contract where they will spread the ashes after the pet is cremated but even that doesn't guarantee it. It is important that you pick a reputable cremation service that will fulfill your wishes. Don't assume anything because as we already know, most business is just in it to make money. They will pick the cheapest route to go.

Cremation Art

2010-09-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

There are many examples of cremation art. Now, Alex Lynch has figured out how to make a cross from the ashes. He mixes them with other materials and uses a mold to make a cross you can display as a memorial. The project was started when he was interested in making something for his mom from his dad's ashes. All she had was a box that held his ashes. He thought she needed something more so he started thinking about the options.

A Vase
His first attempt was a vase that could hold the favorite flowers of the one who has passed on. That project did not work so he had to rethink and he came up with the cross. It took him a while to figure out the materials that would work best to make the cross. Soon, he had the right formula and mixed in the ashes then presented the completed cross to his mom. The cross looks like any other cross and only you know that it is a special one unless you choose to tell someone. Then others saw it and decided they wanted one. So then he formed Windsong Memorials to make them.

If you have ashes sitting on your mantle but have always wanted to have a nice memorial, check out Windsong Memorials

Height of Land: A scenic place to rest your ashes

2010-09-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

When you are looking for a place as your final stop in life, most people are looking for a good view. It would be a place they would have lived if the world permitted them the luxury of that dream. One of the places in the US that qualifies for that description is a spot in Maine called Height of Land. It has a most spectacular view and is easily accessible by car. If you are looking to get off the beaten path, then you have access to the Appalachian Trail from here. Just travel a ways down the trail until you find your perfect spot to scatter your ashes.

Height of Land
It is a scenic western Maine overlook in Franklin County on Hwy 17. It has an elevation of 2200 ft. Mooselookmeguntic Lake dominates the view from Height of Land. This pristine, 16,300-acre pool is Maine's second largest lake. Its tough-to-pronounce name is derived from a native Abanaki word meaning "portage to the moose feeding place." This view is considered one of the most mesmerizing in the state. With a pristine lake and majestic views of the White Mountain chain.

Still remote
You will be entering a land that is far from interstate highways and so hasn't changed much over the last few decades. It is a place where wildlife from moose to eagles have space to roam, where wild trout and land locked salmon thrive. The area consists of winding dirt roads and great fishing lakes. It is surrounded by mountains which has kept it largely undeveloped which has made it a fishing mecca. SO take a trip up to Height of Land overlook to see what could be the view from your final resting spot.

Live Long and Prosper

2010-09-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

After a long prosperous life and many episodes of Star Trek, you may want to consider the new Star Trek Urns sold by Eternal Image . They have created them with a diehard trekie in mind. There is a picture of the Federation shield on the front and one of the Enterprise. They also have solid bronze medallions that can be affixed to a memorial or head stone. Even the inside of the Urn is flecked with star like material.

As James T Kirk once said: "How we deal with death is at least as important as how we deal with life, wouldn't you say?"

Space the Final Frontier
It has a whole new meaning when you opt for a Star Trek urn. No word yet on launching them into space. Check out Eternal Image for other name branded memorial products like Major League Baseball, Precious Moments, and university logos. They also have special products for cats and dogs.

Spread your ashes in the French Polynesian Islands

2010-09-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

There are numerous places in the south Pacific to spread your ashes. You could island hop for the rest of your days just researching where your final resting place would be. One of the places you would stop at would be the French Polynesian Islands. Most people know the place by the name of the largest Island which is Tahiti. If you have the desire to find an island for your final resting spot, you can't do much better than these islands. They are known as the earthly paradise with a delightful climate.

Tahiti
Tahiti of course is the island of love and has been written about by many famous authors. If there is one thing you can say about Tahiti, it is a place where life was meant to be enjoyed. Tahiti isn't the only island in the French Polynesian chain. French Polynesia consists of five great archipelagoes, the Society, Austral, Tuamotu, Gambier, and Marquesas islands, arrayed in chains running from northwest to southeast. When you go, do not pass up the opportunity to take the ferry ride to Moorea and see the island's stunning Opunohu Valley, replete with splendid scenery, lush vegetation, and fascinating archaeological sites.

Memorial Service and spreading your ashes
There are many great places to hold your memorial service right on the beach. Excellent, easily accessible hiking areas exist on Tahiti, Moorea, and Nuku Hiva. Horseback riding is readily available on Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, and in the Marquesas with the Huahine and Raiatea operations especially recommended. You can charter a sailboat to take you almost anywhere you would like to go in the islands. So, go check out what can pass as paradise. You may just decide to let this be your final resting spot.

Pick up those ashes

2010-09-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

Many people are opting for cremation today with the economy being is such a poor state. Even the local governments are running short of funds, so they are using cremation on the citizens that can't afford a traditional funeral. The families just don't have the extra funds to take care of their loved ones. So when they can't pay the bill, often times the ashes just get left at the funeral home. Each state has different laws that govern the how long a funeral home has to legally keep the ashes. However, they rarely inter the ashes but hope that a family member will show up to claim them so the ashes are kept on a shelf.

Sometimes, certain organizations will step in and help. Veteran organization will see that the ashes of a veteran will be interred properly. If you are a member of some fraternal organization, they will often do the same for their members. For the majority of the people, the ashes remain there, not collected by anyone. This is why it is important to plan your departure and go out in style. You don't want to have your final resting place be some shelf in the dark recesses of the funeral home.

Pick the person who will be handling your arrangements very carefully. Funeral homes report that family squabbles account for some of the left ashes. Be sure and pick someone responsible enough to carry out your plan to be spread in your favorite place or interred in your favorite garden. Leave written directions and check into all the details of your plan. If you want someone to travel to be able to spread your ashes, are you sure they are committed to do that? Plan well, and everything will go smoothly. After all, a smooth exit is certainly a part of going out in style.

Name that Tune for your legacy

2010-09-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to go out in style once you adopt a greener burial over the traditional embalmed body in a casket. One of the most interesting to me is having your ashes pressed into a vinyl record along with a recording. This recording can be anything you want from your last words to your favorite song. Having your ashes pressed into vinyl isn't cheap but as a memorial it is a very good way to truly go out in style.

Your final thoughts of wisdom
One of the items to record on the vinyl record would be your own thoughts. What would be your final thoughts of wisdom? Would it be some advice to your children or perhaps just the story of your life. An audio recording of the major events in your life with dates and names for your grandchildren. It could be like a short form of autobiography or full of those secrets you held your whole life. However, you decide, this would be a lasting legacy to what you thought was important to hand down to your descendants.

Which song would you select?
Some people would just select a song that was an important memory of them or represented the way they lived their life. You may just want to select a song that your loved ones could play to remind them of you and bring back the memories of your life. The first song that comes to my mind is "my way" by Frank Sinatra but I am sure there are many other appropriate songs to pick. It may be the special song that you and your spouse considered your own. And if you are a singer or composer, it may be one of your very own.

Either way you decide to go, this is one way to go out in style with your own recording to pass down to those left behind.

World Wide Wilderness for spreading your ashes

2010-08-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

IUPUI picture of Kenya

Take a trip around the world to find your final resting place. There are wonderful remote wilderness spots to investigate and you won't need a visa when your love ones return with your urn full of ashes. Check out the wild side of the planet for a secluded resting spot that fits your imagination.

Hidden Highlands
The last wilderness in Great Britain is in Knoydart, Scotland. The only way in is by boat or hiking. You can take the boat in and walk the 9 miles back out or do it all in reverse. While you are there try out the pub where your loved ones would raise a toast to you upon your return. Primitive camping in the remote wilderness is allowed as long as you observe "leave no trace" rules. There are mountains and lots of hiking trails to find that perfect spot for spreading your ashes.

Gobi Desert
If you like the truly remote areas, try Altai, Mongolia. You will have many adventures to find your final resting spot. Hop on that camel and ride forever in the Gobi Desert but be sure to take plenty of water. Visit the Tavanbogd National Park where you can climb the highest peak in Mongolia at 14350. Along the way, sleep in a ger, float the river, or hitch up your animal and ride the trail. You can even participate in dog sledding. This is a really diverse area to explore so surely you can find a suitable resting spot for your ashes that will allow you to truly go out in style.

Safari
You can not forget the safari when looking for great remote areas to spread your ashes. So, head on out to the northern frontier in Kenya. The night sky here will have you begging to stay and never leave. Take that camel trip out to a remote spot and feel the seclusion. While the game is not overabundant, you will see plenty of elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes. Either way, for that remote African burial spot, you can get all the seclusion to rest here for all eternity.

Australian Outback
Crocodile Dundee wouldn't have it any other way than to have his ashes spread in the outback. You can join him in the love of this country by visiting the Kakadu National Park where you can do offroading, boating or hiking. The area is remote and one of the great wildernesses left in the world. When you get there, be sure and have a chat with the real Crocodile Dundee who grew up there. This place is full of rock art done by the aborigines and many places to spread your ashes.

These are just a few of the great wilderness areas in the world. Check them out if you long to have a wilderness as your final resting spot. The wilderness resting place is one of the true spots to go out in style with a green burial by having your ashes spread.

Spreading your ashes : The new green burial method

2010-08-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Green burial is the new frugal way to memorialize your passing into the after life. It doesn't take up space in a cemetery and it doesn't require embalming fluids that will leak out into the ground water. A representative from Fort Snelling says that 60% of the veterans in the Midwest US are now opting for cremation. Today there is even a greener method than cremation that uses water instead of fire. A Swedish company is using liquid nitrogen to freeze and break up a body into individual pieces. So, you have different more than one way to select for the process but all provide you with a greener method of burial.

Changes in planning
Either way you chose, the traditional steps to mourn the passing will be changing as the method changes. This means not having a traditional funeral and grave yard service before burying the body. Instead it brings flexibility to honor the passing in many different ways with no time constraint to get it done quickly. Some families are waiting until their yearly visit to perform the memorial service and then spread the ashes. It gives them time to remember the joy of the life lived and family time to plan the trip.

Wake/Memorial Service
Plan a memorial service to replay the best memories of your life. Since you don't have the constraints of a traditional funeral, plan it for the place and time that fits your memories of the loved one that has passed. An artist will show their art and a hunter might want to have their service outdoors near their favorite hunting spot. Another might display their crafts while someone else will display the collection they spent a lifetime gathering. Whatever it is that you think defines your life, show it, discuss it, and let your loved ones share the memories. Don't forget to toast a life well lived instead of mourning the loss.

Memorials
Select a memorial that may or may not be placed near where you will scatter the ashes. Some places like the US National Parks will not let you erect a memorial so that will have to be placed elsewhere. There are memorial park and gardens where you can place a memorial. Cemeteries are starting to add memorial parks also. You may even design an online memorial for your loved one if you so desire.

Spreading your ashes
Have a private service at your selected place for scattering your ashes or a big party if you so desire. Those that select air scattering or sea scattering usually have a small intimate group there. Whereas those that pick fireworks to be spread will have a big party. If they are to be spread in a remote location, you may have to hire someone to hike in with them. Either way, pick out a nice poem, eulogy, or prayer to say when you spread the ashes. It is all up to you to decide just where and how you will spread those ashes. Make it personal.

So here are the steps. Do the cremation, have a memorial/Wake service, decide on a memorial, and spread your ashes. Just do what you think is appropriate for your loved one and let them go out in style.

Aquamation: the greener alternative to cremation

2010-08-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Traditional cremation occurs when a body is placed in a furnace to reduce it to bones and other items that don't incinerate. The bones are ground up to form the cremains, or ashes as we know it. While cremation is greener in a lot of ways than traditional embalming an burial, there is an alternate way which uses less energy. Aquamation uses water and some chemicals to dissolve the body. It has a couple of advantages over traditional cremation and if you didn't know what process they were using, you would could not ell the difference since you still get the same cremains in an urn.

Speeding up decomposition
A fancy term that just means you use water and chemicals instead of fire for rapid decomposition of the body. Alkaline hydrolysis is the process that decomposes a body after a traditional burial. The same process, potassium and water is warmed up which speeds up the rate of decomposition to just a few hours. It is very much like putting the body into a stream of water to help decomposition. All jewelry and artificial joints are unharmed and can be reclaimed afterwards. The water used in the process can be cooled down and spread on a garden as a natural fertilizer. Just like in cremation, the bones are ground up and returned to you as ashes.

Religious objections
If you have religious objections to burning of the body through cremation, this is the process for you. It mimics the natural decomposition of the body through natural means. Buddhist have used a similar process by placing the body in streams with alkaline water to speed up natural decomposition.

Aquamation is available in Austrailia, the US, and is becoming the new alternative to traditional cremation. You can still go out in style with a nice memorial service followed by having your ashes spread in one of the most picturesque spots in the world. Forgo the traditional burial while having your body decomposed in a greener and more frugal way. Aquamation or cremation is the way to go.

Cremation Jewelry

2010-08-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Whether you spread your ashes, interred them in a memorial park, or just have them buried in a cemetery, you may consider cremation jewelry as a keepsake. There are many companies providing quite a diverse collection of items for all tastes and budgets. You can pick an item that reminds you of your lost loved one or one that you like.

You can find anything from simple cylinders to crystal lockets. Each will have a small cache to hold a portion of the ashes. The rest may then be spread where ever your loved ones requested as their final resting place. Some don't actually wear the jewelry but use it in a memorial that hangs in their home where they can see it. Others, like to wear it near special holidays that remind them of their loved ones. Moms wear it when a child dies to keep them close to their heart. Be sure and put in your will what happens to the jewelry when you are gone so it does not end up in a garage sale.

While there are many reason to select cremation jewelry as a keepsake memorial to your love one, I believe the best one is to have something lovely that reminds you of them. Jewelry will keep them close to your heart for years to come. Remember, there are no health hazards to cremation ashes so don't worry about wearing them. Pick out the one you like best and make a wonderful lasting memorial.

Stolen cremation ashes and grave robbing

2010-08-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

With the worldwide economy being in a shambles, thieves have taken to stealing anything they can sell. The latest items are cremation urns. A man moving back to St. John's from Ontario discovered that an urn containing his father's ashes had been stolen from his car overnight. So they are even breaking into cars and taking the urns. Be careful when you transport your ashes and never put your ashes in checked baggage if you are flying.

There are stories about thieves breaking into houses and taking the cremation urns to sell. In at least one instance, a baby's ashes were stolen during burglary. All they wanted was the urn so it isn't likely that you will ever get the ashes back because they have long since been dumped who knows where. If you worry about keeping your loved one's cremation ashes then it isn't a good idea to keep them sitting on the mantle at home. You never know when your house will be burglarized and you will lose an irreplaceable item.

Cemeteries are having trouble with grave robbers taking cremation urns. These cemeteries are offering rewards to get the ashes returned. More than one theft of human remains has been reported by the Lebanon International Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery. It seems that thieves are breaking into the cemetery for the value of the urn. These thieves are prying open the columbarium and making off with urns. If you are going to have your ashes interred in a cemetery, it is best to pick a bio degradable urn and bury it.

I recommend that you pick a wonderful place that you enjoyed to have your ashes spread instead of keeping them in a urn that might be stolen. There are some beautiful places in the US National Forests, along some national hiking trails in the US, US National Parks, and even some BLM land. Go have a wonderful time in nature selecting a great place to spread your ashes. Don't let those thieves dump your ashes in the street and sell your urn.

The art of dying in style: cremation art

2010-08-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

A lot of well known people have had a statue of them placed in parks and on college campuses for years. Recently, artists of all types have been offering to create some special art just for your loved ones and incorporate your ashes to make it a special memorial. Some will incorporate your ashes right into the art and other just provide you a place to put your ashes in later. You can have them do a sculpture, painting, special urn, or some glass work as keepsake art for your family.

Now, the Australian Artist Peter Booth wants to take your ashes and put them in his art. The difference is that he will sell the art to someone else after he is done. It is art about mortality and he likes to use material that is related to his subject. Who knows where this art will end up and who will buy it. That means you could be part of some significant art exhibit at a museum in the future. Notoriety for you even after your death.

This opens up a new area for memorials to consider when you are deciding what to do with your cremated ashes. All those statues and buildings on campus that were funded by donations can now incorporate your actual ashes. You will be forever part of your donation. On the other hand, you can commission some art to be done which will include your ashes then donate it to a museum. There seems to be many ways to form a memorial to your life now that will include some of you. This isn't for everyone but if it is for you, look into the various options for very personalized art, especially if you are also the artist.

Just how much does that funeral cost?

2010-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the average costs of funeral services. If you want more than the typical done in any area, you will pay more. There are just a lot of things to consider with a traditional funeral, including the burial plot. With cremation, you can opt for a container that will be used in the cremation chamber and then have a simple memorial service, perhaps even reading a poem that reminds you of them. You can select anyone to provide those services or do it your self. All you have to pay for in the cremation and a few state required fees.

1. Casket: $2,400
2. Professional service charges: $1,200
3. Vault: $950
4. Embalming: $400
5. Funeral at funeral home: $350
6. Visitation/viewing: $275
7. Hearse (local): $185
8. Other preparations (cosmetology, hair, etc.): $150
9. Transfer of remains to funeral home: $150
10. Service car/van: $85
11. Acknowledgment cards: $20
Total: $6,165

This list doesn’t include cemetery and burial costs. The average cost of the burial plot is about $3000. Cremation will cost you around $700 plus whatever you wish to spend on the memorial service. For me, a good bottle of scotch so people can toast my memory will be sufficient. Cremation versus traditional burial isn't all about the cost. I believe a memorial service celebrates the life instead of the death of your loved one.

Burial Plots not selling

2010-07-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

As more and more people, 1 in 3 today, are deciding on cremation instead of traditional burial, it has caused a glut of burial plots on the market. People who bought plots but have decided on cremation or switching to a different cemetery are not finding buyers for their plots. Funeral homes who like to sell traditional burial plots in advance of death are not finding a very good market these days. More and more people will be deciding to go out in style and use cremation instead of the once somber funeral service and burial.

On top of people deciding to use cremation because they can't afford the traditional burial, some had prepaid funeral plans that are worthless as companies went bankrupt.The average cost of a plot is $3500 while the average cost of cremation is around $750. With cremation you can do without the expensive casket and embalming fees. As cremation goes up to Almost 50% in the next couple of decades, funeral homes will soon need to consolidate or go bankrupt leaving even more people without their burial plans.

In years past, funeral homes could prey on the easy convinced mourners to buy expensive items to honor their love ones. These costs were just put on credit cards but today credit is not as easily given. So, people are looking and better ways to honor their dead. And it isn't just the lack of money that is making people decide to forgo the traditional funeral. They just don't see the need to continue on with the tradition. More and more people prefer the green burial where embalming fluid isn't used and land can be used for other things besides the dead.

Do I need a Cremation Casket?

2010-07-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

In the not-too-distant future, you could be cremated wrapped in banana leaves as people look for more ways to lower the burial costs and make it greener. Because of the economic problems and no signs of quick relief, casket manufacturers are looking for new ways to produce a casket that is either burned during cremation or used for just a short amount of time before cremation of the body.

Families that didn't look at cremation in the past are now considering it because of its much lower cost. The option that costs the least amount for a family wanting to cremate their loved one is to use a cardboard box which is cremated along with the body. However, this means that you must have a memorial service or wait until you receive the cremated remains back to hold your celebration of their life. A lot of families are opting to just have a memorial service using items from their loved one's life to represent them.

Another option for your family is to rent a casket with a removable liner. This is more expensive that the first option but still cheaper than buying a casket. The liner is removed along with the body as they both head to the crematorium. The casket can then be rented to the next family for a funeral service. Some families don't want their loved one laying in a casket theat was previously used by another person.

Why can't you just use a wood casket? Well, you can but a solid wood casket still takes a long time to burn at added costs for the cremation. Hard woods look the best but soft woods burn the best. So, which do you select? Well, casket manufacturers are helping you out here. They are making a casket of cheaper compressed wood with nice looking hard wood veneer so the casket looks great and burns quickly.

Today, you have many more options to chose from when deciding to be cremated instead of having a traditional burial. The important part is to honor your loved one, celebrate their life, and let them go out in style. Read a poem and tell a story that reminds you of the joy you had sharing life with them. After all, it is their memory that is precious not the way we bury them.

Spread My Ashes in a Memorial Garden

2010-07-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Two major reasons for selecting cremation over traditional burial begins with the expense but also includes traditional cemeteries filling up. Those same cemeteries are now finding space for cremated remains. Memorial gardens are not just for spreading your ashes but it is a quiet place for people to come and remember those loved ones they have lost. As space around urban areas have become more scarce, memorial gardens are taking over.

Unused space in the cemetery
The St. Peter's By-the-Sea cemetery near York, England has found use for a section of their cemetery that wasn't deep enough to allow traditional burial. They turned it into a memorial park for cremated remains. The names of the deceased on listed on a common stone while the remains are spread out onto the garden grounds.

In the family plot
While this isn't a traditional memorial garden, if you own a family plot, cemeteries are letting people include cremated remains interred there because there aren't any spaces left for traditional burials. The urn is buried at the foot of an existing grave within your plot. One man I know has interred the urn contained the cremated remains of his second wife with the casket of his first wife. He fully intends to rest with both of them by having his cremated remains buried there also. Check with the cemetery because not all permit this kind of interment.

Walk of remembrance
One church has turned a garden path into a walk of remembrance by place two memorials along the path. They are allowing ashes to be interred along side the path or spread over the flowers. A special memorial book will be kept by the church with the names of everyone there. This memorial walk has been fully dedicated by one of the church deacons.

So, if you want to find a place to have your ashes near to where you live or in your already full family cemetery, check with them. They may have some alternatives that you don't know about.