WInter Winter Winter, It's worth repeating.
About a year ago I wrote a piece for BRO extolling the beauty of Forest Lawn Cemetery in winter. After a good snowfall it is one of the most serene places anywhere. Queenseyes’ two recent winter theme posts point out how glorious winter can be if you just participate in the season a little bit. Forest Lawn is a gorgeous place in all season, but is a place few think of a winter recreation spot. So, I thought it would be worth repeating a bit of that old post as a reminder that you do not need a lot of equipment and organization to enjoy this most underrated season in Buffalo. Here it is:
The quiet landscape of rolling wooded hills sprinkled with the monuments of Buffalo’s ancestors has a stark beauty in winter. The cemetery embraces the soul as you enter. The city is left behind at the gate. You are transported to another world. Walking among the monuments to the memory of those who came before us can be deeply moving. The crunching snow and clattering branches above pique our senses in a new way making us more aware of our surroundings. The snow softens the hard cold stone of the monuments and provides new emphasis to architectural details. Winter can be a deeply contemplative time. It resonates with thoughts of mortality and the meaning of our existence.
What Others Have To Say
What Do You Think?
Related Articles
-
If You See This Posting, You're at the Wrong Site
We've updated Buffalo Rising. Some people haven't seen it yet, though, so if you're seeing this post, you need to refresh your browser to be taken to the new www.buffalorising.com. If hitting refresh alone doesn't do it, hold the *shift* key and hit refresh. If that doesn't work and you still see this old version of the site, try going to this story. That should certainly take you to the new site and from there, you can navigate around the new BuffaloRising.com.
- Feb 5th 2009, 9:21pm
- Continue Reading
- 3 Comments
-
The Wait is Almost Over - BR's New Site
As we mentioned in our previous post, we’re in the process of changing the Buffalo Rising site. We’re almost there as we expect to launch the new site on Friday, December 19th.
In the meantime, posting will be light as we log new stories in the new publishing system which will only be viewable when we launch on Friday.
As always, we appreciate our users’ patience as we make this transition but we promise it will be well worth it. With faster load times, a comment view … - Dec 18th 2008, 11:32am
- Continue Reading
- 6 Comments
-
A Kennedy Visits Buffalo
Caroline Kennedy was in town for a visit with our mayor yesterday. A possible choice to succeed US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Kennedy's name has been mentioned along with that of Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (son of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo) and our own Byron Brown, among others.
Certainly, Kennedy has "been around politics" all of her life, which is to say she was born into a family of politicos and lived in the White House--neither of which would necessarily f … - Dec 18th 2008, 7:55am
- Continue Reading
- 34 Comments
-
Downtown Free Fare Zone May be Axed
Free light rail rides on downtown's above ground section could be derailed thanks to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's budget mess. That is the news coming out of a Buffalo Place meeting this morning. Facing a budget shortfall and reduced State operating assistance, the NFTA is scrambling for new revenue sources and is contemplating charging for rides along the lengthy downtown pedestrian mall.- Dec 17th 2008, 4:40pm
- Continue Reading
- 48 Comments
Comment Options
RisingDamp666
Before public parks, before Olmsted, there were the cemeteries which were an extravagant 'commons' for people to stroll through, picnic in, and enjoy. The popularity of cemeteries before 1850 became a major inspiration for the great public parks such as Fairmount, Central Park, Delaware Park, etc.. But we can't go back to those Halycion days anymore thanks to theives, vandals, and other riff raff. Forest Lawn is spectacular and any opportunity to enjoy it should be savored...and protected.
Report this
Boz
There is an area in the cemetery featuring a larger-than-life statue of an angel lifting someone up into the heavens that is particularly striking this time of year.
Also, if you want to learn more about RD666's point about the early role of cemeteries, Garry Wills's book "Lincoln at Gettysburg" has an excellent chapter (perfect for President's Day too!). Also, that tradition has not entirely vanished -- in most seasons on any given Saturday you can still find wedding parties taking their photos and college students taking a break down by the lake.
Report this
star
Forest Lawn is one of our treasures that WNYer's can enjoy all year long. This year Forest Lawn will be be expanding their Sundays in the Cemetery tour season with additional programs, themes, walks and events...more information will be announced real soon.
Report this