Cozy Wednesday with Author Elizabeth Craig (Giveaway too!)

Comments (65) on “Cozy Wednesday with Author Elizabeth Craig (Giveaway too!)”

1. Where did you get your ideas to write your books?

2. I live in Western New York, but I think my traditions are more to do with my ethnicity. I’m Polish and the big thing is the funeral breakfast. After the funeral mass, and burial (unless it’s winter-the body won’t be buried til Spring) everyone meets at a restaurant for the funeral breakfast. Generally, a good time is had by all as many people haven’t seen each other since the last death (or wedding) and we eat and drink. Yes, there is plenty of alcohol at a funeral breakfast here-and it better be an open bar! (If not you’re considered cheap!)

3. Katreader–You know, I think a funeral breakfast sounds like a great idea. Of course, I love breakfast food just about any time of day. Alcohol with breakfast would be a new experience for me, though…ha! Thanks so much for sharing your traditions.

4. Thanks so much for hosting me today, Dollycas!

5. My mom wanted a traditional church supper and my loving cousins arranged her funeral as mom wanted.

   1. Church suppers are pure comfort, aren’t they? Sweet of your cousins to help out so much!

6. Here the food is served in the church basement, not in your home. I am looking forward to reading about the Southern way of funerals. Dee

   1. Thanks, Dee! And I think there would be many advantages to having the meal in the church basement. No cleaning required during such a tough time!

7. In England it was considered good luck if a chimney sweep showed up at the wedding. The bride was given silver horseshoes (Paper) that hung by a white ribbon that she carried with her bouquet for luck.
   Ann

   1. Ann–Love the idea of the silver horseshoes! I had a penny in my shoe for luck on my wedding day. It rattled around in my shoe too much, though. 🙂

8. I do love a good book in the South…. Also, loved those funeral ‘meals’…

   1. Alicia–Me too!

9. I have lived in the South my entire life and all of the traditions you mention are true. I was brought up with them instilled in me. Can’t wait to read this book.
   Sandy Smith

   1. Thanks so much, Sandy!

10. I am in Georgia.
    For funerals, We make a line with cars, which is escorted by police to the burial site, usually all the cars have their head lights on, or flashers.
    After the burial we have a “gathering” and the local community/friends cook for the family.

    Thanks for a chance at the giveaway, and the book sounds like a fun read.
    Jenna_bearden_10152005(at)yahoo.com

    1. Jenna– Many years ago I was in the funeral procession for my great uncle’s funeral (not too far from an army base) and I remember the soldiers getting out of their vehicles and saluting when the procession went by. Very moving!

11. While I’ve lived in the South, I grew up in the Orthodox Jewish Community of NYC. When someone passes away the funeral takes place within 24 hours, unless a close relative lives in another city, state or country, then it is held on the 2nd day. A period of mourning called Shiva (from the Hebrew word seven) commences when the mourners re-enter their home after the funeral.

    We share the tradition of bringing food for the mourner, since we don’t think they should have to cook or prepare anything during this period. The Temple members will meet in the house twice a day for regular prayers since the mourner can’t leave the house. (Men pray 3x a day)

    After the seven days you ‘rise’ from Shiva and start Sheloshim, the thirty days after, when men don’t shave but do return to work and a semblance of normal life. The Kaddish (prayer for the dead) is said by the mourners for a full year, and they cannot take part in any festive occasions or parties.

    There’s more to this that I can’t remember and I might even have made a mistake or two in the telling.

    I’ve attended wakes for friends family members and do think it’s a lot easier that way.

    I’d love to win a copy of this book for my home library and to share with my kids.

    1. Nora–What an amazing way to honor the memory of the departed! I didn’t realize the mourners couldn’t leave and that there were so many rituals. But you’re so right…very lengthy. In a lot of ways, that would really be comforting, but I can see where wakes are easier. 🙂

       1. Which is why I hate funerals and have no intention of showing up for my own. ;-P

12. Usually in Canada with funerals its traditional to have a wake with alot of food, I guess alot like southereners. I have to tell you I love your Memphis BBQ Mysteries. It’s my favorite cozy series. I’m a big Elvis fan and love reading about the south, Memphis and southern food. Can’t wait to read Knot what it seams. It sounds great.

13. Tina–Sounds like Southerners and Canadians have a lot more in common than we thought! And thanks so much for the kind words on the Memphis series. I have such a good time writing that! Next book in July for the series.

14. Found a new author.New series to put on the TBR list. No traditions in regards to weddings and funerals though.

15. I don’t think we have any traditions here. But a funeral will usually include a board of photos and some rememberances from friends and relatives. This is probably a tradition in most areas.

16. I live in NC and there are no real traditions in regards to marriages or funerals that I am aware of (no quirks or outrageous things anyway).

17. My family is quite small and there have not been a lot of weddings or funerals. The only wedding I have actually attended in the last 30 years was my son’s. His bride’s family took over everything and I was only told the date, time and place to arrive. She’s Filipino. At the reception, they had a roasted pig’s head on a special table. It was supposed to signify prosperity and happiness. Everyone was supposed to partake. Fortunately I’m not squeamish. Unfortunately, after only 5 years, they are separated and heading for divorce. Probably because so many didn’t want to eat any pig’s head.

18. Food seems to be a part of the tradition in many of the places I’ve lived, an expression of comfort and care. Your cozy series sounds wonderful!

19. Thanks so much, Diva!

20. Merry–Thanks so much for coming by!

21. Margie–I haven’t seen that, but it sounds like a wonderful idea. Have seen it at 50 year anniversary parties, etc., but how nice for a funeral!

22. Amanda–Thanks for coming by and commenting!

23. thanks for this wonderful post. traditions are many that we follow. Naming our babies after the deceased that we honor that way.

24. Burial within 24 hours and 7 days of mourning with family bringing food each day.

25. Irene–Oh my! I’m a little skittish about meats, so I probably wouldn’t have known what to say…might have had to come up with some sort of excuse (allergic to pig’s head? Allergic to seasonings? That would have been tough!)

26. I’m in the South too. Yes, we have different customs too. One is the food after a funeral. Sometimes I think my husband attends funerals just to eat the potato salad and baked beans after the service. I still have this feeling that shoes and pocketbook must match if going to church on Sunday. Like the title of your new book.

27. Anne–And that’s a lovely way to remember departed family members. Love that!

28. Very quick burial, but that does help bring closure quicker, I know. The food for seven days sounds like a wonderful tradition.

29. Tea–It’s one way to get husbands to funerals! And I’m with you on the matching shoes and pocketbook (and belt, if I’ve got one.)

30. There use to be family traditions, but now that everyone is gone none of the traditions are followed.

31. Peggy–I’ve noticed that with our extended family, too–the matriarchs and patriarchs were always the ones who kept up with the traditions.

32. No customs at all – got married in a British registry office, and can’t imagine what customs I would associate with funerals

33. Here in Kentucky, which is the South but not as Southern as Georgia or Alabama, food is almost always a huge part of the funeral process. The minute the word goes out that there’s been a death, everyone starts cooking. Before the arrangements are finalized people are bringing food to the house. Some times, the ladies of the community or the church organize everything and have the food taken to the church fellowship hall or the community center after the funeral. The meal after the funeral turns into a big family reunion with everyone having a good time and feeling guilty about it. And you’re right about the food; there is no health food at the funeral. Ham, fried chicken, casseroles, and rich desserts are the comfort food of the day. Nothing says, “Sorry for your loss” like something smothered in Campbell’s Cream of Something soup and Velveeta cheese.

    1. Tammy–Absolutely! It’s all about the comfort food. And yes, a big jolly family reunion with lots of laughter. We always do end up feeling guilty over it, too!

34. I live in North Central PA. I know that the VFW Aux has had ham at funerals held there. I know that the Ladies Guild at the Catholic Church has a phone tree and they all make something for funerals. I have not been to a wedding here for some time. They usually have money dances – pay to dance with bride or the grooms.

    1. Rachelle–Interesting! I hadn’t heard of a money dance, but that would sure be a great way to start out the newlywed couple.

35. Your book cover is so cute. Sounds like a great read. When I was younger and my relatives would pass you would have a church funeral. And yes the church ladies cooked up an awesome meal. And those ladies always make you feel so welcome. And you could see relatives you haven’t seen in awhile. A lot of them now are just at the funeral home. At least the ones I have gone to lately. I think food always brings people together. We always had weddings with polka bands when I was growing up too. So fun.
    Sue B

    1. Sue–I’ve seen more visitations at the funeral homes lately, too. And thanks about the cover! 🙂

36. The new book looks great! Can’t wait to read it! Here in Minnesota, food in the church hall or basement is certainly still done. Sometimes it’s just cookies (lots of cookies and bars) or sometimes it’s the whole spread, with lots of hot dishes!

    1. I’m never one to turn down cookies! That would definitely help to sweeten the general mood. 🙂

37. Thank you for the chance to win this book. Reading this series makes me wish I could sew.

    1. I forgot to answer Elizabeth’s question. I live in Florida. We don’t have any customs regarding weddings and funerals.

38. We have no unusual wedding or funeral customs in Cincinnati, Ohio.

    1. Nyline–We could always bring up some of ours…seems a shame to miss out on the food!

39. I don’t think we have any unusual traditions for weddings or funerals here in So Cal. At least none that I have attended.

40. Vesper–Sometimes efficiency is even better than tradition! 🙂

41. I love mysteries, but theme mysteries are even better… especially crafty cozy ones! This one looks great!

    1. Vanessa–Thanks so much! And I love them, too. 🙂

42. Love this new series! I may have been born north of the Madison Dixon Line, but my parents and their families were all southern born and raised, so I relate to all those southern traditions, as I was raised with them. I think that is one of the many reasons I enjoy your books so much, the people in them feel like family…and yes we do have a few “batty” ones in the family. LOL!!

43. I grew up in Indiana and now live in Texas. I actually went to charm school where you learn how to eat without making noises. walk with a book balanced on your head, the lady like way to cross your legs, how to make introductions and on and on. Also, when we had funerals, tons of food were brought over by relatives and neighbors. If you back into family history, you will find some southern roots!

44. I am in AZ- I cant really think of any regional traditions we have- maybe more old west weddings then most

45. I am in Canada. I think its the same as most places, family, friends & neighbors all rush in with food , help & love

46. We have wonderful church ladies here in exurban Virginia, too — at many churches, at least. But I think there may be more differences between different faiths and denominations than there are regional differences. Quakers, for instance, have memorial services instead of funerals, and everyone is welcome to speak, sharing memories of the deceased. In some denominations it’s traditional to invite everyone to the viewing as well as the funeral, or to hold a wake (and sometimes the words wake and viewing are seen as interchangeable.) At both my father-in-law’s viewing and his funeral, there was an honor guard of Knights of Columbus in full regalia.

    The constants seem to be gathering together to remember the deceased, and members of the community providing food for the family and for mourners who attend the funeral. The latter seems to be nearly universal, at least in the U.S.

47. This Yankee would love to read a good cozy and learn about some Southern traditions at the same time.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

48. Oops–I forgot to answer your question. I don’t know whether this is just my family or a local tradition—but everyone in the our family is expected to send flowers to a family funeral.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

49. I don’t know if anyone still does this but when my grandmother died the funeral procession drove by her house on the way to the church. My parents said everyone used to do that

50. We don’t have any special traditions – pretty much the same as others; car procession to the cemetary and food in the church basement. The good thing about both weddings and funerals is that they bring family members together who may not see each other much otherwise.

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