Dia De Bloglandia

Hola Twinklestars! Welcome to the celebration of life that once was, and yet, continues to be, via El Dia De Los Muertos, or, as it is commonly known, the Day of the Dead.

The focus is on gathering family and friends to pray for and remember those who have died. The celebration occurs on November 1st and 2nd coinciding with the Catholic holiday of All Saint's Day on November 1st  and All Soul's Day on November 2nd.

Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts. However, there are many variations on the skulls, and even the ofrendas; during Dia De Bloglandia, our lovely hostess Stephanie RodRigvitz forgives us if we don't stick with tradition as much...and it's perfectly okay to take creative license to bring your own vision to fruition...

Grandma Imogene and Grandpa Andy were teens when they got married, and were the epitome of romance (diamonds were Grandpa's favorite gift to Grandma) and remained so until Grandpa's passing at age 73. Grandma was heartbroken, even after her own ya-ya sistergirls took her away to Paris....she passed away three years later, at age 73, to follow her true love....

My grandfather on my mom's side, Fred, was a preacher man-the cross is for him, as is the typewriter, as he was quite fond of surfing the world wide web. He had the best sense of humor, a quick wit and a fun and thoughtful, compassionate and kind human being...and of course you know Frida, painted by the lovely Ms. Valencia. I like to think that these 2 great minds, Grandpa Fred and Frida, found each other in the after world, and had many conversations about art and life...

My Stepfather Jimmy was a fisherman, a poet, and a philosopher.......you could talk about God or politics or Andy Griffith, all while eating the delicious redfish dip he'd make. Or turkey noodle soup, day after Thanksgiving...He was there for you whenever you needed him.

I never met Cowboy's dad, but i feel like I know him. It is he who taught Cowboy to love the land, and grow things in what seems like clay. And to work with his hands, and hammer and nails and wood.....

...and Cowboy's mother, aptly named Jewel, just passed this spring. She had strong faith, and was a poet. She also loved the home shopping network ☺. She believed in ghosts, and I wonder if she might say hello in the next few days...

(I got this lovely shrine from Tristan at Enchanted Revelry, I just loved it the minute I saw it.)

Please join Stephanie's party, and celebrate the people in your life who continue to bring meaning and love into your heart, even if they have passed on.

Happy Day of the Dead!

Comments

[Alix]

Oh Miss Roo,

Thank you SO MUCH for this truly enchanting description of El Dia De Los Muertos and the loving tribute to your dearly departed. The photographs were so visually stunning I couldn't take my eyes off them!

Of course, everyone has heard of the Mexican festival, but I didn't know the details. I think I would like to go to Mexico again and enjoy this festival in an authentic way.... with mucho tequila!

My favorite part of your story was Grandma Imogene and Grandpa Andy. What a sweet romance they shared! And the diamonds! Grandpa Andy was a very wise man and obviously knew how to treat a lady.

You are a treasure Miss Roo. I am so happy our paths have crossed and that I just need to look to the left to catch a glimpse of you. Maybe someday in person even.

[kj]

rhonda roo, this is so incredibly touching, i'm not sure what to say. it made me almost cry and definitely laugh. what an awesome way to honor, grieve, reconnect with the people we love.

my "favorite is cowboy's dad but i think jimmy is having a good laugh over your tribute to him!!

i'm loving your blog, girl....

xoxo

[Deborah]

Oh Rhonda, this is De-Lovely!!! All of it, simply fantastical! I adore the stories about your family. **swoons** Oh my, Tristan's shrine of Mary...**turns green with envy** Wonderful wonderful!!!!! Yes, FIVE exclamation points! I am Catholic and I am SO participating next year. Beautiful Ms. Rhonda Roo Deb

[Stephanie]

Rhonda, wonderful wonderful! You speak so beautifully of each your family members, such memories.

and of course! anything goes in dia de blogland!!

x..x
steph

[somepinkflowers]

oh
why
oh
why
do the best memories involve FOOD??

:-)

i love that you remembered this--->
"""eating the delicious redfish dip"""

and
then jewel with this---->
"""She also loved
the home shopping network"""

that just plum
makes me smile
and
i do wonder
what i will be remembered for...

???

almost arrested at the Louvre
for taking photographs,
almost arrested for trying
to save the live oak trees,
almost arrested for candle-light marching
on campus without a permit,
almost arrest for...

well
you get the picture...

:-)

enjoy your Day of the Dead..

[Chris]

You really gave each loved one their special tribute, and it all combines to make a beautiful offering. Thank you for sharing.

[Carmen]

Love everything! specially reading your personal memories because that's what's all about sharing even if it makes us a little sad sometimes or makes us wonder
Cheers!

[Lee Anne "Nikki" Ghilain]

Awesome......such a lovely way to remember!

[gillian]

Roo is such a great name! Thank you for your lovely visit and your ofrenda is glorious. Enjoy this day!! xo

[Rita Hutton]

That was very sweet my dear. There are so many of them, that you could have a blog twice as long couldn't you? Your great-grandmother Lannie.....what a dear soul and great inspiration. Aunt Shirley, a beautiful woman, full of life all her days here on earth...I'm sure all those mentioned appreciate being remembered. And all the rest in our hearts...I love them all and miss them terribly. We honor you our dear spirits.....we appreciate all you taught us in life here on earth. And we appreciate your continued watching over us and extending help from time to time. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
I also want to say I love you to the living.....especially you my dear Rhonda Roo!
love from your proud mommy g!