Tale 2: My Favorite Cemetery

While I am sure there are countless wonderful cemeteries, I have to say that my absolute favorite is Cemitério do Araçá in Sao Paulo, Brasil. The cemetery is dense and reflects the congested city that it is ensconced in the center of. Gazing at the sea of tombs is akin to observing the ceaseless buildings, housing, and such that make up Sao Paulo. I did not see any ground crypts (as they are referred to here in the U.S.).  Families share a raised tomb and as the family members die they are interred in their respective tomb. The family of my father-in-law has one, which was what initially prompted our brief jaunt to the cemetery. However, these resting spots are rented. So, for my mother-in-law's side, because her sister forgot to pay the "rent," they have lost their tomb. My mother-in-law has no idea if her parents' bodies were relocated or disposed of in some other manner.

I am really looking forward to the next time we visit Brasil. I plan on spending a day or two just exploring Cemitério do Araçá.


http://screencast.com/t/pTXvpRxpC


http://www.screencast.com/users/CarolynAlves/folders/Jing/media/d377a43a-d8be-4594-b828-e820a6590438

Tale 1

Okay, so creating this blog is actually an assignment for my graduate program. I've been trying to come up with a concept that is personal to me and possibly interesting to others. So, while I know that many perceive my hobby as creepy or morbid, there is actually a name for people like me: taphophiles. Given that we have a moniker, it seems that maybe this is not such an uncommon prepossession. The bottom line being that I adore cemeteries. I can't remember a time when I wasn't drawn to them. My favorite hobby is to walk my local cemeteries and photograph headstones. This is precisely the pastime that got me back into school. Once I take the photos, I put them on my computer, organize, crop and create memorials for these forgotten souls on findagrave.com. Somehow this segued into my interest in archiving. As a contributor on findagrave.com, I have created almost 20,000 memorials. I am most gratified when some far away stranger finds a memorial I've made for their family member or friend. They tend to be very appreciative. Many people request transfers so they can maintain the memorials themselves, which is fulfilling since I've managed to make a connection between a person who has died and mostly forgotten with someone who hasn't entirely disregarded the deceased. I feel almost as though I am helping the deceased find their home. I imagine I will have a similar satisfaction as an archivist; when I can find that needle in the haystack and get it to Betsy Ross to finish the flag (metaphorically speaking, of course)!