“Work in Progress”
Aren’t we all just work’s in progress? I tend to be super hard on myself, like for new years resolutions I make goals I want to achieve; Things usually of how to be a better person to how I can honor my craft better. Some of these end up being wishes that seem unattainable, but I try to slowly chip away at them. But some couldn’t wait anymore so, I have taken the last two months to work on some new offerings and here is some introspective previews:
One project is working more towards my offerings as a memorialist - more transparency and communication behind the steps. It is definitely difficult to juggle spending time online versus in the studio (alongside another job that takes me away from the studio). But I know both communication and working on your projects are important because being separate from your best friend is hard!
One of the projects where I aimed to break down barriers and transparency of my process was through the Bare Bones Articulation zine - I am currently working on volume 2 and can’t wait to share more…
I also, realized there is a privilege that as I get as I work on your beloved pet - I work with their grief. Helping them move into their new stage of life. Many times it gets heavy but brings me so much joy when the pets and their humans get reunited. But I don’t get to work with you! I hope to offer snippets of memorial journey’s that will help you as well. Here is one of my favorites I had done for my beloved tarantula for her untimely passing:
Memorial Bouquet
Consider their favorite colors, toys, or things that remind you of them - Choose flowers that speak to you or from the following flower speak:
- Lilies - spirit and hope
- Chrysanthemums - grief and honor of the dead
- Carnations - Remembrance and love
- Red Roses - enduring love
- Orchids - I will always love you
- Forget-me-nots - memories forever
Any bulb flowers - renewal and rebirth
Write them a letter or bind little messages as your wrap your bouquet together. You may want to consider flowers as well that will dry well or create a ritual by rewrap your bouquet and letter once the flowers have wilted. That way you continue their memory and a great little activity/shrine to create to process your grief.