hold time in your hand and remember me

Time is a current we're not always mindful of ... until someone we love steps out of it. When we lose someone, we mourn the loss of time we were supposed to have with that person. It never seems to be enough. Although we may feel cheated, we should also remember the precious time we did have together.

This may be one of the reasons why pocket watches have been such a significant token within families, linking one generation to the next. As objects they are intimate, something cradled in the palm of your hand. And like all meaningful memento mori, they remind us that the clock is ticking.

Engraved pocket watches make a tremendously thoughtful gift for both men and women. This mechanical, handmade pocket watch by Victorian Studio can be engraved with the person's name and date if desired.

Victorian Studio offers several designs, from classic to ornate. Here's another design (I clearly favor the ornate!):

And perhaps these pocket watch charms by Peace, Love and Charmony, could be given to guests as a memento (attached to a modest ribbon and note, of course!)

Where have I been?

Wow, it's been a LONG time since I've posted! But I'm back, promise.

I've been very busy with my day job, which sometimes means dwelling on death in in a very different, often exhausting way. To confess:  I work as a writer/producer for non-fiction tv, and the majority of my projects have been true crime stories. Writing about other peoples' tragedies (and not always feeling good about it) has taken up all space in my psyche allotted to loss & death.

With my free time I escaped back into life - finding solace in friends and family, always aware of how precious and fleeting our time is here. Honestly, who wants to dwell on death when life offers so much?

Yet ... yet. The Modern Mourner blog has always been waiting for me. It's been quiet, polite, all the while knowing how much I love it. Helping others find meaningful (and beautiful!) ways to say goodbye is truly my life's work. It's where my heart lies.

Life is beautiful ... and Death should be too.