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!