Author Archives: MaryFrances Knapp (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Frida Kahlo: In Conversation with Death

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's relationship with death and dying in her work and personal life

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) was an artist whose work spoke to the emotional and intellectual identity of its subject matter – no easy feat for a woman who was, first and foremost, a self-portrait artist. She created portraits of the human … Continue reading

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Our Weekly Tip: Before Death: Estate Planning

How can you ease the uncertainties that can arise with settling an estate?

3 Tips to Keep in Mind During Estate Planning: 1) Gain Clarity: Understand what will need to be managed with this particular estate. Debt? Bank accounts? Real estate? 2) Embrace Proactivity: Many believe that estate planning shouldn’t be a concern … Continue reading

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Preserving the Totem Poles of the Northwest

Clans indigenous to the Northwest Coast saw totem pole carving as a crucial end-of-life tradition

Their beautiful, intricate designs have made totem poles an icon of the Northwest Coast. Way before they graced the sides of planes and backs of tourism brochures, however, totem poles played an important role in the region’s indigenous end-of-life tradition. … Continue reading

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“For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder

Let Stevie Wonder's song bring strength and joy to your memorial ceremony

Gone are the days of somber memorials defined by a dreary black dress-code and a slew of sad songs. It’s important to create an atmosphere sensitive to the grieving process, and a memorial ceremony will always embrace that. But, in … Continue reading

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The Tomb of Poets in Maqbaratol Shoara, Iran

An astounding resting place for the creatives of Iran

Mystics, scholars, poets — it seems that all of Iran’s esteemed creatives end up at the Maqbaratol Shoara mausoleum, otherwise known as “The Tomb of Poets.” The mausoleum has welcomed everyone from Asadi Tusi (in 1079), the very father of … Continue reading

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A Story Lately Told by Anjelica Huston

Part one of Huston's autobiography reveals a fascinating childhood, difficult father-daughter relationship and the death of Huston's mother

It’s easy to understand why actress, model and 70s “It Girl” Anjelica Huston has divided her memoir in two. The first half, A Story Lately Told: Coming of Age in London, Ireland and New York (Scribner, 2013) primarily chronicles her … Continue reading

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