USAMonuments.com & ValdostaMemorials.com

Enlightened Perspective

2008-10-31T10:10:00.002-04:00

ENLIGHTENED PERSPECTIVE I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.I've learned... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.I've learned.... That being kind is

Attitude

2008-08-19T11:11:00.002-04:00

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The

Living With People

2008-07-26T11:50:00.000-04:00

Living with PeoplePeople are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway.If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.If you are successful, you will win some friends and some true enemies: succeed anyway.What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.If you find serenity and happiness, some may be

Wish It, Dream It, Do It!

2008-07-20T18:51:00.003-04:00

Wish it!Dream it!Do it!These six words, when incorporated into your lifestyle, can help you to accomplish more!Have you ever known someone who was a procrastinator? I mean a SERIOUS procrastinator!Well, I have known a few of these individuals who did not have the follow through to accomplish often great ideas.I would prefer to associate myself with a person of average talent who works hard to

The Old Man and the Dog

2008-07-15T21:03:00.002-04:00

The Old Man and the Dog By Catherine Moore'Watch out! You nearly broadsided that car!' My father yelled at me. 'Can't you do anything right?'Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle. 'I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me

Five Lessons About The Way We Treat People

2008-07-09T20:48:00.004-04:00

** Five Lessons About The Way We Treat People1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was

That's Not Me...

2008-07-04T13:56:00.005-04:00

"That's not me," my friend said, explaining why she does not wear makeup, nail polish and the like. "Okay," I said to myself; you are just being yourself, and what you are really saying is you do not have enough self esteem to take care of your appearance.Have you ever known someone who thought the world evolved around them and their needs, idiocyncracies and view of the world. All of us are

Great Website

2008-07-04T13:26:00.001-04:00

Wow! What a web Site ! Open the www site below and try this out on your computer. The screen will fill with the logos of most every store or info site that you will probably ever use. When you click on a logo, it takes you directly to the store or site you have selected. It's a great time saver and you don't have to hunt and type addresses on the Internet. http://www.allmyfaves.com

Please Come See Me....

2008-07-04T13:06:00.006-04:00

"Please come see me," my adult friend wailed."I'm sorry, but I need this time for me," I responded."I need this time to tune out the world, recharge my batteries, and rejuvenate.""Yes, but isn't life to be 'celebrated,'" she said.Yes, and this is how I celebrate my life on days when I need to rejuvenate."Everyone has their needs and I must look out for my needs FIRST. I can only look after your

Life Should Be Celebrated....

2008-07-02T15:30:00.005-04:00

" Life should not only be lived, it should be celebrated! "These are the words I read on a coffee cup and words that should be inspirational to all. Do you "live" your life; or, do you "celebrate" your life?As I have become older--and wiser--I appreciate the importance of celebrating life. In my youth, I gave little thought to my own mortality or to celebrating my life. Now, as a senior citizen,

St. Francis of Assisi

2008-06-16T15:40:00.011-04:00

For those in despair and in need of a psychological retreat, I recommend reading the referenced prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. His life story is remarkable and one that I am confident you will enjoy. Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Francis_of_AssisiBurton Fletcherhttp://www.usamonuments.com/http://www.callourlawyers.com/http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/http://

The Serenity Prayer

2008-06-16T15:27:00.005-04:00

The Serenity Prayer has touched a great many lives in a positive manner. I know that during times of distress I have leaned on the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer. I hope it will comfort you too.For more information on The Serenity Prayer, please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_prayer#cite_note-2Burton Fletcherhttp://www.usamonuments.com/http://www.callourlawyers.com/http://

What is Success? by Bessie A. Stanley

2008-06-16T14:21:00.006-04:00

What is Success? by Bessie A. StanleyThe next time someone asks about the meaning of success, a question right up there with "what is the meaning of life," you will have the makings for a good answer at your fingertips.Here's a more complete version of this famous poem by Bessie A. Stanley. This was the prize-winning definition of success which won a contest sponsored by Brown book Magazine,

A Thankful Heart And A Happy Home....

2008-06-16T13:07:00.006-04:00

"A thankful heart and a happy home go hand in hand."Too often, I feel that we lose sight of all that we have to be thankful for, in this country, in this state, in this county, in this city, in this neighborhood, on this street, and in this home. You can take the large view or the narrow view but how you look at life will determine your happiness.As a retired educator, I observed during my days

Count Your Blessings & The 80-20 Rule In Relationships

2008-06-16T12:24:00.009-04:00

If you are in a relationship that meets 80% of your needs, count your blessings. If you are happy, regardless of the percentage of your needs that are met, then count your blessings. Most successful relationships may fit the 80-20 rule with 80% of your needs being met.The danger is feeling dissatisfaction and acting destructively when the other 20% of your needs are not met. If you are searching

Don't Waste It....

2008-06-16T11:03:00.003-04:00

The attached thoughts were discovered in an antique store and the advice was so good that I thought I would pass it along.Life is short--too short--and we never know when our last day will present itself. Just ask any fan of "Meet the Press" who recently lost long-time host Tim Russert at age 58.Mr. Russert was much too young to have died of a heart attack. His death should be a reminder to all

James Dean's Advice: Dream and Live.

2008-06-14T15:30:00.006-04:00

So, how should we live our lives? James Dean's quote is one thought on the subject. Dreaming and living are important aspects to how we live our lives and I believe that no life can truly be fulfilled unless dreams are part of that life.Burton Fletcherhttp://www.usamonuments.com/http://www.callourlawyers.com/http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/An actor must

Eleanor Roosevelt on Dreams

2008-06-12T16:50:00.005-04:00

The accurate quote is "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Actually, whether you believe your dreams are beautiful, or freightening, what you believe will determine your vision and your vision will become your reality.Eleanor Roosevelt was a great woman and humanitarian who inspired millions with her courage and commitment to serve others. I hope you will

Count Your Blessings

2008-06-12T16:28:00.003-04:00

"Count your blessings" and appreciate life.I was talking with a friend today and was informed that a relative "committed suicide." I have had numerous relatives commit suicide and I understand depression and the dangers it entails; however, I believe it is a very selfish act to commit suicide.It is not for me to judge the individual who ends their own life; however, I believe there is

Rules For Communication

2008-06-11T16:16:00.006-04:00

I saw the referenced plaque in an antique store in Lake City, Florida. It reminds me that every business and individual needs self-imposed rules of conduct.Today, I received an outrageous email from an acquaintance espousing a political view much different than my own. I called my acquaintance and gently informed him that my views were the polar opposite of his own.I saw no need to be

Scatter Seeds of Kindness and Find Peace

2008-06-11T15:58:00.003-04:00

What gives you peace of mind? I suggest the acts of being kind to others is one of the ways you can reach inner peace. It is said that the act of giving benefits the giver more than the receiver. I feel an inner warmth when I "scatter seeds of kindness" by performing good deeds for others. I suggest that you will too.Burton Fletcherhttp://www.usamonuments.com/http://www.callourlawyers.com/http://

Whoo Hoo!!! You Rock.

2008-06-11T09:46:00.005-04:00

"Whoo Hoo!!! You Rock."I received this message today and it reminds me of the value of humor in communication. Whenever possible, a message delivered with humor stands out from all others.When communicating, choose your words with your reader in mind, and both you and your reader will be glad you did.Burton Fletcherhttp://www.usamonuments.com/http://www.callourlawyers.com/http://

The Miracle of Friendship

2008-06-10T21:04:00.003-04:00

Friendship is a gift and it does bring you happiness. Be greatful for your friends and cherish those relationships.Burton Fletcherhttp://www.usamonuments.com/http://www.callourlawyers.com/http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

Clock of Life

2008-06-10T20:18:00.002-04:00

"The clock of life is wound but onceAnd no man has the powerTo tell just when the hands will stopAt late or early hourNow is the only time you ownLive, love, toil with a willplace no faith in tomorrowThe hands may then be still."So, what do these words say to you? To me, they suggest we should live in the moment, enjoying that moment and making the most of the opportunity and good fortune to be

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

2008-06-10T19:57:00.004-04:00

"Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much" are inspirational words that inspire me in my day-to-day living. How about you?Do you have a Gregorian chant to provide yourself with positive self talk? If not, I suggest you reflect on your self talk and think about how you can pull yourself up when the world seems to be dragging you down."If it is to be, it is up to me," were words I used to push myself

Imagination Is Everything

2008-06-10T13:37:00.007-04:00

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” Albert EinsteinThroughout my professional career, I have observed a great many people who excelled in the area of imagination. I believe myself to be imaginative and this skill has aided me throughout my career.Those with imagination have more control over their lives, their future and their destiny.Without imagination,

How To Have A Successful Marriage

2008-05-08T17:23:00.003-04:00

Love, itself, is not enough for a successful relationship or marriage. A good relationship should precede marriage and a good relationship must be created. The attached picture suggests ways to improve the opportunity for success in a relationship as well as marriage. Try it!Burton Fletcher

That Man Is A Success

2008-05-08T16:09:00.002-04:00

What is success? The answer will vary depending upon the person and their stage of life. A person who lives well, laughs often, who loves and who loves others, who has an appreciation of earth's beauty, and who is a dreamer and a pursuer of excellence. The ability to motivate others and who gives 100% of himself or herself. This person is a success!

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Honors Burton Fletcher With Order of The Lion Award

2008-05-06T14:36:00.003-04:00

Burton Fletcher, a member of the Pensacola Area Alumni Association, http://www.pensacolasae.com/ supporting the Florida Sigma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, bestowed Valdosta attorney Burton Fletcher, the owner of Georgia Loan Closers.com, the distinguished “Order of The Lion” designation “for recognition of continued leadership, dedication and loyal service to the Fraternity.”

Family History Questionnaire

2008-04-12T15:58:00.004-04:00

Family History Questionnaire, Family History, Family History Plaques, Family, GenealogyWe have a wonderful Family History Questionnaire on www.ValdostaMemorials.com at http://www.valdostamemorials.com/family_history_questionnaire.htm.Burton Fletcher

Authorized Dealer of Music of the Spheres Windchimes

2008-04-08T20:14:00.001-04:00

We are dealers of Music of the Spheres Windchimes. http://www.musicofspheres.com/chimesizes.html.Let us help you save money with your purchase.Burton FletcherBurton@USAMonuments.com

Friends Are Like Balloons

2008-03-30T11:26:00.003-04:00

Friends Are Like Balloons!A sharp tongue can cut my own throat.If I want my dreams to come true, I mustn't oversleep.Of all the things I wear, my expression is the most important.The best vitamin for making friends. B1.The happiness of my life depends on the quality of my thoughts.The heaviest thing I can carry is a grudge.One thing I can give and still keep...is my word.I lie the loudest when I

The World's Deadliest Shotgun

2008-02-07T15:53:00.000-05:00

AA-12, the world's deadliest shotgun! I am amazed by the power of this weapon. I'm scratching my head in wonder about where this stands with the 2nd Amendment Crowd? No game is too big for this weapon and with squirrels, I suppose you just shoot down the tree and kill the squirrel that way! I have heard that bigger is better, but this gives new meaning to that concept. http://uk..youtube.com/

Do What You Think Is Right!

2008-02-07T15:49:00.001-05:00

I received a version of the following comments recently that I have edited.A father, son, and donkey are walking to town and pass a guy who says, “Why would both of you walk when you have a donkey, one of you needs to ride the donkey or else that’s dumb!” The father looks at his son and says “He’s right; you need to get on the donkey.”They pass another gentleman a mile later who says “How selfish

Things You Would Love to Say - But Don't Dare

2007-05-21T12:26:00.000-04:00

Strange Quotes:"I just broke up with someone and the last thing she said to me was, 'You'll never find anyone like me again!' I'm thinking, 'I should hope not! If I don't want you, why would I want someone like you?' --Larry Miller"A woman broke up with me and sent me pictures of her and her new boyfriend in bed together. Solution? I sent them to her dad." --Christopher Case"A study in the

Colonoscopies Are No Joke!

2007-05-21T10:11:00.000-04:00

Colonoscopies are no joke , but these comments during the exam are quitehumorous.....A physician claimed that the following were actual commentsmade by his patients (predominately male) while he was performing theircolonoscopies :1. "Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone before!2. "Find Amelia Earhart yet?"3. "Can you hear me NOW?"4. "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are

What Do You Say To Those Who Are Grieving?

2007-05-13T11:33:00.000-04:00

What do you say to those in grief who has lost a loved one, whether that person was a human or a pet friend? How do you express yourself to comfort and support during a time of intense emotional distress? The following are words that are worthy of sharing so I am passing them along to my readers. I hope you enjoy them.As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you

After-Death Instructions

2007-05-07T18:17:00.000-04:00

The following template may be of value to express your end-of-life wishes. If you do not provide your wishes in written form, you may look down from Heaven to see that there is confusion and misunderstanding as to your after-death instructions. Take the time to clearly communicate your wishes so your grieving relatives will not be likely to make ill-informed decisions after your death.

To Practice Death Is To Practice Freedom

2007-05-02T09:26:00.000-04:00

I received a message today with a reference to a website post worthy of attention. "Men come and they go and they trot and they dance, and never a word about death. All well and good. Yet when death does come - to them, their wives, their children, their friends - catching them unawares and unprepared, then what storms of passion overwhelm them, what cries, what fury, what despair!To begin

This Pastor Had Guts

2007-04-30T23:20:00.000-04:00

The following message is circulating through cyberspace and I think it is worth giving a moment to pause, read and reflect on our values. You may or may not agree with every point; however, it should serve to give you ideas to consider.This Pastor Had GutsThought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some

Mental Feng Shui

2007-04-23T10:20:00.000-04:00

I received the following message from a friend. It has great words of advice."This is without a doubt one of the nicest good luck forwards I have received. There's some mighty fine advice in these words.ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.THREE.

An Update Regarding The Kenneth Kendrick Memorial

2007-04-22T18:12:00.000-04:00

I received the following email from Becky Porter regarding an earlier article of mine relating to the Kenneth Kendrick Memorial shown with this article.Ms. Porter was kind to share thoughts regarding my article and to highlight some of the many accomplishments of Kenneth Kendrick, a life well lived."Hello... My pastor mentioned something today in church that made me think of Kenneth Kendrick.

The Future For Memorialization

2007-01-21T17:35:00.000-05:00

Tom Roberts, president of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association wrote an informative column in the January 2007 issue of the ICCFA Magazine that caught my attention.Roberts' column addresses several topics including the increasing role of cremation and the challenges and opportunities for the death-care industry.Roberts wrote of his recent trip to Beijing, Shanghai and

Listen To Your Friends And Live Within Your Means!

2007-01-14T15:29:00.000-05:00

"Helen" was my student during the early 1980s, and like many of my former students, we have maintained a friendship over the years.Helen and I had a recent conversation that I thought I might share with some of my readers.Helen is a talented woman, now retired, and living an affluent lifestyle in a city far away from her family and friends of many years.As will occur as we grow older, Helen has

Who Will Write Your Legacy Obituary?

2007-01-12T10:34:00.000-05:00

I start this column with the question, "Who will write your obituary?"If you have lived a noteworthy life, you may be fortunate enough that television, magazines, radio and newspapers will publish the news of your passing with commentary and articles mourning your passing. For most of us, our passing will be only be noted in the obituary we write, provide to the funeral home, and we pay for

Genealogy--It's Not Just A Hobby, It's An Adventure!

2007-01-10T09:01:00.000-05:00

I read the following tidbit message in an email today: "Genealogy--it's not just a hobby, it's an adventure!"Think about those words for a moment."Genealogy--it's not just a hobby, it's an adventure!"Yes, genealogy is an adventure! From personal experience, I can tell you that genealogy is very much an exciting pilgrimage to discover our heritage. I can credit, or blame, genealogy for serving as

The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People

2007-01-07T12:36:00.000-05:00

Recently, a gentleman on another webpage suggested to another to "get a life." This advice may or may not be accurate, but it is always good to reflect on where you have been, where you are and where your life will be with and without changes in your lifestyle.Said differently, I always think it is important and useful for everyone to take a look at their life to understand who they are and to

The Student Gives Great AdviceTo His Former Professor!

2007-01-03T11:05:00.000-05:00

I have the good fortune to maintain contacts with previous students from a previous long career in education. I received the following message from a gentleman who was a student of mine more than 20 years ago. I hope you will agree that the student has shared great advice with his former professor."As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably

Is Your Monument Builder Truly Creative?

2007-01-02T10:14:00.000-05:00

I ask the question, "Is your monument builder truly creative?" because I believe a lot of monument companies are not. Obviously, some are very creative, but too many are luke warm sellers.I read a comment from Bill Bates concerning the funeral industry that I have modified to apply to the monument industry. "So many [monument companies] are afraid to risk rejection or to look foolish that they

Support Our Military/Damn The Politicians/"In Flanders Fields"

2007-01-01T22:14:00.000-05:00

If you have read my other posts, you know I am an unabashed memorialist, which is quite different from a monument builder.I read an article today regarding the Marines in Iraq and how the Marines have lost so many of their comrades that they have learned much about the ceremony of burial.One reference within the article I read, was published by the Los Angeles Times. See, http://

New Blog, The Granite Troll

2007-01-01T19:24:00.000-05:00

There is a new blog that we want to share with those in the monument industry. It is called The Granite Troll and it has the purpose of making fun of folks within the monument industry.See http://www.granitetroll.blogspot.com/ and share your thoughts with The Granite Troll.

Are Internet-Based Monument Companies Naturally More Creative?

2007-01-01T13:24:00.000-05:00

As reflected in the title to this article, I pose my question as it reflects a discussion that needs to be had within the death-care industry relating to creativity. I have long argued that the monument industry has not been creative enough, preferring instead to earn a quick buck at the expense of creating a legacy memorial for their clients. This lack of creativity has filled cemeteries with “

Local Monument Companies Are Defensive Regarding Online Competition

2007-01-01T09:59:00.000-05:00

In reply to my thoughts on the impact of online competition on the local monument company, an individual who I will call Mr. Monroe, wrote his opinions that demonstrate the defensiveness of local monument companies in regard to online competition such as www.USAMonuments.com.“It's not like shopping for a brand name product with a model number that is exactly the same no matter where it’s

Online Marketing Has Changed The Monument Business For The Better!

2006-12-31T19:33:00.000-05:00

Our company has both a local and an online presence serving a local, national and international clientele. Like the progressive company we are, we chose to have a powerful online presence; however, with that said, our online presence is significantly stronger than most monument companies in the U.S. market. See www.USAMonuments.com a/k/a www.BigBeautifulMonuments.com and form your own opinion.I

Are You A Fool Who Doesn't Know It?

2006-12-31T08:25:00.000-05:00

How you respond to the title question, "Are You A Fool Who Doesn't Know It?" may be more indicative of your status as a fool than any other question I might pose to you.Most of us are fools from time to time. I suspect it is very rare for any person to not be a fool occasionally. That is a lofty standard that I have been unable to achieve throughout my life.Normally, I act in a manner that is

Speaking Our Minds & The True Gentleman

2006-12-28T17:25:00.000-05:00

On a frequent basis, I read poisonous remarks written by some members of the monument industry. They seldom contribute anything useful to the dialogue, and they are quick to attack others in a broken-record fashion similar to a spam attack. These hatemongers seem determined to harm others.I try my best to be a positive person. As a matter of principle, we should avoid negative persons for they

13 Reasons to Smile

2006-12-27T09:02:00.000-05:00

Life is often too serious and I like to take a few moments each day to smile. There is humor all around us if we will only take the time to see it. I received the following "13 Reasons to Smile," in an email from one of my college buddies this morning, and it brought a smile to my face, so I am sharing it with you. The author is unknown, but someone understood a lot about life as I am certain you

Emoticons: A Tool For Living Well!

2006-12-26T19:58:00.000-05:00

I like emoticons, those little smiling keyboard symbols that are used to communicate a shorthand lingo for emotions in our communications through the Internet, e.g., ;o), :o(, and a host of other symbols.An Internet pal sent one out on a listeserver today, <@:( , that reminded me of the subject. I'm not sure, but I think he was saying his pal was a dunce.Some emoticons are obvious to most folks

The Funeral Blues

2006-12-22T19:01:00.000-05:00

Funeral BluesStop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,Silence the pianos and with muffled drumBring out the coffin, let the mourners come.Let aeroplanes circle moaning overheadScribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.He was my North, my

Funerals: A FTC Consumer Guide

2006-12-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

When a loved one dies, grieving family members and friends often are confronted with dozens of decisions about the funeral - all of which must be made quickly and often under great emotional duress. What kind of funeral should it be? What funeral provider should you use? Should you bury or cremate the body, or donate it to science? What are you legally required to buy? What other arrangements

Setting A Location For A Funeral Or Memorial Service

2006-12-22T11:40:00.000-05:00

A fitting location for a funeral or memorial service is important to establishing the right mood for the celebration intended to honor the life of the deceased as well as to show our respects to the living. Every end-of-life plan should consider the attitudes, personality and lifestyle of the departed and the intended invitees at the celebration. For those such as myself who are not wealthy,

Recognize Mental Illness And Recommend Treatment

2006-12-22T08:37:00.000-05:00

I read the post of a monument builder on another website and this person launched into an angry, insulting and immature attack on another member. It was obvious that the attacker has mental-health issues that will harm his performance in the death-care industry, where serving others is paramount.Mental illness is pervasive in our society, and often the mentally ill do not receive the treatment

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Project

2006-12-21T17:35:00.000-05:00

We created a beautiful bronze memorial for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The accolades have been numerous and the following epitomizes the efforts invested in projects."Ya'll did an excellent job...we have been looking at it all day. We had our office Christmas party today and personnel from the district attorneys office and the drug task force for our area were here admiring the plaque.I

Who Will Write Your Final Cut?

2006-12-21T11:08:00.001-05:00

I was watching “The Final Cut,” a science fiction drama starring Robin Williams, Mira Sorvino and James Caviezel. As a memorialist, I particularly enjoyed this film.First-time filmmaker Omar Naim writes and directs the science fiction drama The Final Cut. The movie is set in the near future. The story concerns a microchip that is capable of recording a person's entire life. Robin Williams plays

Random Thoughts On The Loss Of Our Pet Friends/Rainbow Bridge

2006-12-19T10:57:00.000-05:00

I'm a softie when it comes to animals. I can't help it, but I'm a pet person through and through. How about you?I love my pets so much that I built a memorial to honor our pets and the memorial is in the Fletcher Family Memorial Plots at McAlpin, Florida.The following poem is touching and I hope it gives comfort to some of my readers. I hope that all of us will have an opportunity to cross the

Are You Interested In Becoming A Funeral Director?

2006-12-17T19:44:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought about becoming a funeral director?If I were chosing a career again, I might consider this profession as I am a caring sort who enjoys working with people. If you have a son or daughter who is undecided about a career path, the following URL may be a good starting point to stimulate a discussion. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos011.htmThe site indicates that the traits necessary

Conflict And The Potential For Violence During Burial Rituals

2006-12-17T08:56:00.000-05:00

Today, I received an email that stimulated my thoughts on the potential for conflict among family members, and others, during burial rituals, from last rites, through a viewing in a funeral home to funerals.Violence At The Funeral Home or The FuneralTwo of my cousins engaged in a fight at the funeral home when their father died. Naturally, emotions run high at the time of death of a close member

End Of Life Plans: Viewing Or Non-Viewing Of The Deceased's Body

2006-12-16T20:27:00.000-05:00

Recently, I attended the preburial viewing for a gentleman whom I grew up with in a small Northcentral Florida farm community.Upon arrival at the funeral home, I signed in, looked around for the family whom I know, but did not immediately see, and I then proceeded to walk down the aisle to view the body. "Gee, he looks old," I thought, as I viewed the cancer-ravaged body of a man who was slightly

Cemetery Thefts: Extremely Bad Karma!

2006-12-14T19:36:00.000-05:00

I was informed of a cemetery theft of bronze vases and I was reminded of a theft of an item at my father's grave earlier this year.My father was a huge fan of the Florida Gators! He could recite statistics freely. His idea of fun was to watch videotapes of previous Florida-Florida State games, particularly those games in which the Gators won!Dad had a sense of humor where he called one of his

Do You Know Your Family History?

2006-12-13T08:55:00.000-05:00

Do you know your family history? Few of us really know our family history, including myself. Sure, I know more of my family history than most people, but how much do we really know?Part of my love for memorialization came from the dearth of facts that most cemetery monuments (can we really call them memorials?) provide. The cemetery is the source of information for the living. Genealogists study

Life Is Short, So Make The Most Of It!

2006-12-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

I received a message yesterday that went like this, "Robert passed away. His viewing will be ... and his funeral will be ... ."Robert was younger than myself by less than a year. We grew up in the same Northcentral Florida farm community.He was a smoker and heavy drinker, and those bad habits probably cost him his life as he died of cancer. Thanks to the early intervention of my parents, I never

Pay It Forward!

2006-12-09T08:35:00.000-05:00

A quick search of Yahoo.com will provide reminders and thoughts about the concept of “Pay It Forward,” as portrayed in the Warner Brothers movie starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment.The Pay It Forward Foundation was developed by Catherine Ryan Hyde to bring the message from her novel to classrooms across the country.The foundation was established in September 2000 to educate

Will You Have A Pauper's Grave?

2006-12-08T17:09:00.000-05:00

Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, Susannah Rosenblatt, wrote an article titled, "Unclaimed and forgotten are laid to rest," dated December 7, 2006.The article struck me on a number of levels, both positive and negative.On the positive side, it is an act of kindness that our society pays quiet homage to provide a resting place to the loved ones of families who either cannot afford or neglect to bury

Requests For Excuse In An Alabama School District

2006-12-07T15:26:00.000-05:00

As a long-time educator, I can appreciate the following humor with both a smile and a wrinkled brow.I promise you cannot read these and not laugh out loud. These are real notes written by parents in an ALABAMA school district. Spellings have been left intact.1. My son is under a doctor's care and should not take PE today.Please execute him.2. Please exkuce lisa for being absent she was sick and i

Family Squabbles And Monument Replacement

2006-12-06T08:38:00.000-05:00

I received a call this morning in my capacity as president of the Georgia Monument Builders Association."I'm from Florida," the woman said, "and my sister replaced our parent's monument without informing me."Apparently, her sister had replaced the monument for her mother and father without bothering to ask her permission, much less to even inform her! Obviously, she was "in shock," when she

Mental Illness, Difficult Clients & Service In The Monument Industry

2006-12-05T17:13:00.000-05:00

Some time back, the daughter of a client filed a malicious and illegitimate complaint against me personally, and my company, saying we had not manufactured a monument as we had been instructed to do.The facts were contrary to what this woman was saying and all of our attempts to resolve her complaints were met with hostile reactions. Though we tried, there was no appeasing this person. All of us

Find A Grave

2006-12-05T10:22:00.000-05:00

This section will be expanded and updated with materials I have received from other sources. I do not claim authorization or originality in this section."Check http://beta.blogger.com/www.findagrave.com. You can search for Hollywood Cemetery, and post a request for a picture. It sends emails to people who have volunteered to take photos in that area. "********

Do Catholic Cemeteries & For-Profit Cemeteries Place Unreasonable Burdens on External Cemetery Purchases

2006-12-04T17:36:00.000-05:00

I received a call on December 4, 2006 from a monument builder in Gonzales, Texas. He expressed his appreciation for my numerous publications and history of advocacy for issues affecting consumers and the monument industry. I welcomed his call as it is always good to hear from my readers.We talked about how some within the funeral industry have looked at cemeteries as the dumping grounds for its

A Perspective on Appreciating Time

2006-12-03T08:50:00.000-05:00

A little something to put things in perspective...After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park the forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.When he gently struck it, three

What Does It Mean To Be In A Service Business?

2006-11-30T22:24:00.000-05:00

Do you ever think about the business opportunities to distinguish your company from all others? How can you do that? What makes your company unique? If you have had a good or a not so good experience with a monument company, please share that too. We love to hear from our readers and we will be posting select comments on our blog.Please share your thoughts with us by emailing Burton@

Abraham Lincoln Items On EBay!

2006-11-30T19:24:00.000-05:00

I have over 100 items up for auction on eBay. If you collect Abraham Lincoln, Civil War or similar memorabilia, then you will want to check out my site. Happy bidding!Visit my site on e-Bay. http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZfletch-in-valdostaQQhtZ-1Share with us by emailing your thoughts to Burton@USAMonuments.com.

What Will The Monument Industry Look Like In 10, 20, 50 Years From Now?

2006-11-30T18:54:00.000-05:00

Question: What will the monument industry look like in 10, 20, 50 years from now?Answer: I would like to hear the views of my colleagues within the industry. While I will not be in the industry 20 years from now, I hope the industry is thriving. What we do as memorialists is important to the families we serve. If you have ideas you would like to share, please send them to me.I'm the moderator and

Caveat Emptor, Caveat Vendor & The Golden Rule!

2006-11-30T17:53:00.000-05:00

Some folks are great at creating a double bind, a set of circumstances in which the vendor must choose between similarly disappointing choices. Like any vendor should, I seek to avoid those dilemmas, as I explain below.Caveat Emptor: The Latin phrase, caveat emptor, meaning buyer beware, is the principle in commerce that the buyer alone is accountable for measuring the merit of an acquisition

Should The Monument Industry Have Higher Standards For Entry Into The Profession?

2006-11-29T17:08:00.000-05:00

We have studied our competition and we have observed many within the monument industry who are inexperienced in business management. As a consequence, unable to proficiently run a business, they get into financial trouble, harming consumers and the reputation of the entire industry. So, we ask, the question: "Should the monument industry have higher standards for entry into the profession?"We are

Don't Waste The Day!

2006-11-17T16:16:00.000-05:00

The following thoughts were found in an antique store several years ago. I thought they offered a lot of advice and I will share them with my readers. I hope you enjoy them! Burton"Don't Waste It""On this day:Mend a quarrel~Search out a forgotten friend~Dismiss a suspicion and replace it with trust~Encourage someone who has lost faith~Keep a promise~Examine your demands on others and reduce them~

Terminology: Monument Versus Memorial

2006-11-17T15:56:00.000-05:00

I recently exchanged email with a columnist regarding the difference between a monument and a memorial. I believe the thoughts may be of interest to my readers. Please feel free to email me your own thoughts at Burton@USAMonuments.com."Dear John,You wrote another fine article, “We still need to hear Dr. King's words, not just visit a monument.” As a Southerner, I recall with appall the days of

An Update On Losing A Pet

2006-11-16T22:57:00.000-05:00

It has been said that "time heals all wounds." I'm not sure that wounds are ever healed; however, the pain subsides as we go on with our lives.I still feel the loss of Muffin, my beloved Chihuahua, though it has been a little over two months since her passing. Though she can never be replaced, a wonderful joy came into my life with the adoption of Bobby, a Chihuahua, and Dusty, a Britany

Losing A Pet

2006-11-16T22:52:00.000-05:00

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2006LOSING A PETAugust 16, 2006 was a very sad day in the Fletcher household. On that day, I lost a beloved pet friend. The following are words that I wrote on that day.I am sad; very, very sad today, Wednesday, August 16, 2006. My pet friend, Muffin, a beautiful Chihuahua died in my arms as a result of congestive heart failure.I was crying as I began typing my thoughts

Good Communication Is A Two-Way Street

2006-06-09T22:56:00.000-04:00

To say that good communication is a two-way street is a cliche.I often communicate with representatives from foreign companies with whom we have working relationships. It is a characteristic of different cultures to exhibit different styles of communication. I have found that Asians are more interested in relationships than Americans.Typically, Asians are more courteous and patient than Americans

Beautiful Memories & The Wisdom Of Clients

2006-06-09T14:21:00.000-04:00

I have great relationships with our clients. In one way or another, I seem to learn something from all of my clients. Sandy Reeves hired us to build a memorial for her dad. A message on her email had the following quote: "I dropped a tear in the ocean. When they find it; that's when I'll stop remembering you..."Those words speak volumes about the bonds we form with our loved ones. I hope you

Creating Positive Sentimental Memories

2006-06-08T21:27:00.000-04:00

I wrote the following article "Creating Positive Sentimental Memories," earlier this year. The original article, with photos of some of my family, can be found in the articles section of our website at http://www.valdostamemorials.com/articles/CreatingMemories.asp. The story and photos express one of those sentimental experiences that each of us should strive to create whenever we can.I am lucky

Tell Me About Head Stone Cleaner?

2006-06-08T00:56:00.000-04:00

"Head Stone Cleaner" is an item we are receiving inquiries on so I thought I might as well address the subject here.We sell a Head Stone Cleaner with Teflon Protectors that is represented to remove dirt, moss and mold and to restore the natural luster to granite, marble, concrete and stone.The manufacturer says it is as easy as spraying on and waiting for 60 seconds before wiping with a clean

What Do You Expect In A Website?

2006-06-07T23:10:00.000-04:00

As you view www.USAMonuments.com or www.ValdostaMemorials.com, please take a few moments to bookmark our site so you can locate us in the future. Also, please provide us with feedback on our site and express your likes and your dislikes. You can email me directly at Burton@USAMonuments.com or you may call me toll free at 888.978.2883.Unlike most monument companies, we import products directly and

Visiting Cemeteries Is A Fun Experience

2006-06-07T23:02:00.000-04:00

Visiting cemeteries is an enjoyable experience to me. Too many folks have hangups regarding cemeteries. Sooner or later, everyone is going to die, and most of us will probably wind up there. Accept the inevitable and enjoy every moment along life's journey.Recently, I visited Jacksonville, Florida and stayed with my aunt Dorothy for a couple of enjoyable days.Before my visit, I called funeral

2006-06-05T23:25:00.000-04:00

What does it mean to be professional?Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the idea of professionalism varies from monument company to monument company. We consider ourselves to be a stone company as we market a much wider selection of products than monument companies.The hallmark of professionalism is doing what you say you are going to do. We work hard to achieve the trust of our