Iris Portraits, Continued

This iris thing could go on for awhile as new ones emerge almost daily, and I am often short of a Blip at the end of the day. This variety is another one from the East Coast, from my Aunt Jeanne’s garden. Displayed against the bridal veil, it is the epitome of old-fashioned.

And now for a diversion, which I hope doesn’t offend anyone. Quite by accident I discovered that there is an entire industry devoted to funeral favors:  engraved memorabilia that can be purchased by the carton to distribute to family and friends. Most popular seems to be a tiny glass bottle filled with your choice of colored sand and synthetic shells, a photo of the beloved, and a quote. Horrified, at first I thought (sorry) that each bottle contained some ashes, but no. There are also keychains, engraved with relevant name and dates. Miniature bottles of bubbles. Balloons. Maybe I just don’t go to enough funerals, but this is the first time I’ve ever heard of such a thing and I find it enormously upsetting. If this custom brings you comfort, I’m glad it serves a purpose, but in the meantime let this stand as a protest to the commercialization of grief and sadness.