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Tag: author Tui Snider

Cemetery Symbols: Epitaphs for the Living?

Inspired by a Microphone with Wings To me, visiting historic graveyards is like opening a dictionary or using a search engine. While I start out with a clear idea of the information I wish to find, I’m nearly always distracted by other things along the way: a unique monument, a strange name, or in this case, a microphone with wings. Not to mention that I’ve never seen seen someone described as “debonair” on their headstone before! Here’s the full epitaph for “Todd” Harith Rahman Miles a.k.a. MC Pradah Black: “Devoted Christian rapper, writer, poet, musician, and producer. He was creative, outspoken,…

TGWW Radio: Dr. Rev. Ray Anderson & Rev. Beverly Love

Tune in each Thursday for Teal Gray Worldwide Radio Join me (Tui Snider) and my co-hosts hosts Teal Gray, and Jonathan Emmett, each and every Thursday for Teal Gray Worldwide Radio . Each week the three of us and our special guests have a lively discussion about offbeat, unusual, and downright strange places and events around the world. Whether you listen *live* or catch the replay, we invite you to be a part of it! TGWW Radio’s Special Guests for July 30th: Rev. Dr. Raymont Anderson: ASL Interpreter, Author, Life Coach Rev. Dr. Raymont Anderson is an Interfaith, New Thought minister and spiritual counselor who happens…

Cemetery Symbols: Headstones, Footstones & Misleading Names

Why do most headstones face east? Most people have heard the word “headstone” before. Generally speaking, headstones mark where the head of the deceased is situated. In most Christian cemeteries, the person is oriented so that the body faces east. According to this tradition, this means they will be facing the right direction when the sun comes up on Judgment Day. In a family plot, however, there is often one major headstone. While this monument may have the names of family members inscribed on it, it usually only has the family’s last name. So, you might see a large marker…

Cemetery Symbols: Who is the Virgin of Guadalupe?

Who is the Virgin of Guadalupe? Since the Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico, depictions of her are common in areas with a large Hispanic population. The squiggly lines that surround her body represent rays of sunlight. I’m not Hispanic, but the Virgen of Guadalupe made a big impression on me as a little girl when my family visited Mexico City. You might even say that I’ve been a fan of her ever since! To learn more about her, check out this excellent post: Everything You Needed to Know about the Virgen de Guadalupe. Field Guide to…

Cemetery Symbols: What does Draped Cloth Mean on a Grave?

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide: Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below: What does draped cloth signify on a headstone? You know how some folks say a person “saw curtains” as a euphemism for death? Those curtains refer to the veil that separates the living from the dead. In the first photo on this post, the draped cloth simply refers to the person passing from this world to the next. On the next photo, however, the book represents the pages of the deceased person’s life. The cloth falling upon the right side…

How to Create Quick & Easy Book Trailers with PowerPoint

Did you know you can use PowerPoint to create videos? I’m sure I’m not the only indie author with a rollicking to-do list, a list so long that a few things rattling around the bottom are gathering dust! One such item on my to-list is: “make a promotional book trailer.” Frankly, I find the idea intimidating! I don’t own fancy video editing software, and I’m nervous about the learning curve because I’m a hands on learner who absolutely hates reading directions. While soaking in the tub the other morning, it dawned on me that since I already use PowerPoint to create…