Tim had an interesting post on Final Embrace regarding internet shoppers and how they've affected the funeral industry. The internet has made a dent in the funeral director's world. But the funeral director needs to look in the mirror. Cue up Cher, "If I Could Turn Back Time". On the local scene I've interviewed funeral directors that left me shaking my head. Several years ago, we (me, myself and I) surveyed the local market to determine what the cremation landscape was like. The numbers … [Read more...] about Act Now
funeral service
Campaign Trail
Yesterday, John McCain stopped in at a funeral home in Michigan on a last minute campaign stop.... The trip to a funeral home was a bit surprising for such a superstitious campaign. McCain later joked about the visit in his first rally today, noting he and his wife Cindy got a chance to visit the funeral home while others are dying to get in there. However, Peg Jonkhoff, who invited McCain to the Hannah House told reporters she was considering voting for Mitt Romney but admitted McCain may … [Read more...] about Campaign Trail
No More Wire Hangers!
When your clothes have cobwebs on them, you might consider cleaning out the closet. And so it goes. Cull it down to the minimum. If it requires a foundation undergarment to smooth the surface....lose it. I've been hanging on to the past and since I don't dress for success anymore, I'm chucking the old office wardrobe. Breakthrough: I've found freedom in my new unflattering khaki slacks and slippers. Embrace the full figure. At least that struggle has subsided. Let's burn … [Read more...] about No More Wire Hangers!
Full Circle
Observations from the garden: Circles. I've been thinking about them in so many ways. How we are all just spinning. How our culture is connecting to our primitive beginnings with our jet packs on. Let's start at a basic level. Footwear. What's the most popular style today, and also the oldest? Flip flops. What ancient custom in death care is making a comeback? Duh. Let's see, weren't most early funeral directors connected to a furniture operation? Are you with … [Read more...] about Full Circle
Surprise Judgments
A client in Texas tells us that the funeral director was surprised when she booked a cremation, casket, and chapel for viewing/visitation. "Well, you know he'll have to be embalmed." he responded. She did. That's what she wanted. She had her father-in-law's blue cloisonne urn that she'd bought earlier and wanted the same thing for his son. Another client selected a keepsake urn for her father-in-law who was Jewish. Even though Jewish law and tradition is to be buried in the ground, … [Read more...] about Surprise Judgments