I’m preparing to head to Chicago for the Romantic Times Conference, but before I go…it’s giveaway time!
Recently a 
friend from Indiana came to visit. She had two simple requests: go to Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles (which were delicious, btw) in downtown Atlanta, and visit Oakland Cemetery not far from the restaurant. I’d seen this cemetery often while driving to the zoo, but never stopped. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. I’ve been to many cemeteries and when you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all…or so I thought!
Oakland is a garden cemetery, which were popular during the Victorian era when pe
ople wanted to romanticize death. I know a little about cemeteries and Victorians as that’s what I wrote my Master’s thesis on. And no, I never finished my Masters, but that’s another story.
Anyway… since it was spring here in Atlanta, Oakland was in full bloom and 
it was amazing! Brilliant Azaleas and beautiful Dogwoods! The oldest part of the cemetery was by far the best; the area looked like something you might see in Italy or France. Spring definitely seems the best time to go. I was so glad we got to visit and I wouldn’t mind at all returning.
What does Oakland have to do with my giveaway? Pretty muc
h nothing, I just wanted to share the pictures!
As for my giveaway….
I have two 
paperback books from the Silken Sands Conference back in May. Ascension by Sable Grace and Heart of Courage by Kat Martin. Just leave a comment and they’ll go to one lucky person!
P.S. My historical paranormal romance, A Night of Secrets, is free on Amazon Kindle today and tomorrow!
Beautiful pictures. That cemetery really sounds interesting. If I go to Atlanta, I’ll check it out. And Gladys Knight’s restaurant, too.
I’ll see you at RT!
Lori, that cemetery and the Victorian lore you shared is very interesting. Twice in my life, I’ve lived near a cemetery. Nothing too ornate, but I have a fondness for walking the lanes in these small town graveyards and reading the headstones. Some are unique and make me wonder about the people who’ve lived here before me.
Have fun at RT!
Have fun at RT
I’d sure love to come too.
And of course I am entering
blodeuedd`s last blog was …Review: Run rabbit Run – Kate Johnson
As a child, I lived next door to a national historic mansion, with a then non-restored family graveyard. Naturally, several neighborhood children visited it regularly–during the daytime.
A couple of years ago showed the cemetery restored (but the house closed for restoration). My sister and I were actually chased out when we drove to the house. No opportunity to explain that a sign at the front gates was useless against those knowing only back farm tracks (what gate?).
Enjoy your time in Chicago–should be fabulous there this time of year!
I’ve always been one who likes to walk through a cemetary – I try to find the oldest grave marker and then I often wonder just what they saw during their lifetime. I enjoyed your photos; they are beautiful. Have a wonderful time at the conference.
Paula J Howell`s last blog was …Motivation fueled by Inspiration
Have a great time at RT, Lori!
Michelle Diener`s last blog was …On the Tudor Trail
Have a great time at RT Lori!
I so wish I were going!
One day.
Dale Mayer`s last blog was …Unbelievable – Maddy’s Floor is here at last!
Enjoy Chicago!! Drive Lakeshore north for some wonderful looking homes different from your area… Watched the Masters & realized that the azaleas had come & gone! Made the tv shots of the fairways & greens look almost ‘computer generated’… I love old cemetaries and want to visit Oakland — what can I say, we Hoosiers are weird sometimes…
Have a great time in Chicago!!
Have fun! I am so jealous! One of these years I am going to get the time off to go to one of the major conventions.
sionedkla@gmail.com
Have a great time!