by Linda Stuart | Oct 11, 2017 | Funerals, Death, and Dying, Life's Journey, Marking Milestones
People are often surprised when they learn of my love-hate relationship with the term “Celebration of Life.” “But you’re a Celebrant!” they say. “Doesn’t that mean you like to celebrate?” Well, yes…and no. It depends....
by Linda Stuart | Dec 26, 2016 | Marking Milestones
The introductory year of my fifties has proven to be the best and worst all wrapped up in a package that I’m still not sure what to do with. A season of growth and loss, joy and sorrow, 2016 delivered a plethora of gifts to dissect, digest and ultimately accept....
by Linda Stuart | Dec 24, 2015 | Marking Milestones, Ritual Moments
The festive room overflowed with friends and family as I watched my eldest son carefully light each of the 50 candles that had been bound together and adorned with sparkly silver ribbon. And all I could think was, “OMG we are going to set off the smoke alarm!” And...
by Linda Stuart | Nov 15, 2015 | Marking Milestones
Mia entered the world on March 11, 2015, with, according to her mom, a “slightly ridiculous big crinkly-nosed smile.” Her parents, Melissa and James, came to me with wishes for a modern baby naming ceremony to honour their pretty little girl and to appoint four very...
by Linda Stuart | Oct 21, 2015 | Marking Milestones, Ritual Moments
They first appeared only 21 days before my perfect, meticulously planned wedding. The harpist was booked, the dry-ice machine rented and my ultra-puffy Sarah Duchess of York replica wedding gown fit like a royal glove. Hives. The pressure leading up to the wedding day...
