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Oct 31Liked by Karen Christensen

I remember about 30-40 years ago, especially when I was living in the Boston area, that some people were promoting cemeteries as quiet, green spaces nestled in urban environments. They were viewed as places people could walk/run for exercise and kids could play. The notion for promoting them was that they were overlooked spaces in the heart of the city that could have multiple uses, while also respecting those buried there and their families. It sounds like that concept never really took off.

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That's fascinating - I know there are "placemaking" professionals who read my letters and perhaps they'll start talking about cemeteries now. It would be a good way to come to terms with life cycles, too.

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The photo I included was taken in Patzcuaro, a town in the mountains where we were taken by an old friend I'd been able to reconnect with in Guadalajara. I've discovered that there are loads of websites with photos taken in that town, and tours there for the Day of the Dead. (When we were there it didn't seem at all like a tourist destination.) The mountains of marigolds are spectacular. https://zocalofolkart.com/day-of-the-dead-in-patzcuaro-tour/

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