I have been sitting on my hands waiting to share the space of a very magical person and his magical world, as part of Dia de los Muertos…
It is lovely to be a part of and watch others, celebrating the lives of the people they love that have passed… My mom spent her day yesterday at the cemetery. Cleaning my aunt's grave, and leaving Marigolds for her and others…
For today's Day of the Dead sharing, I would like to tell you about a special person who has created an incredibly special place. His name is Eddie Gallego, and he spends his time snuggled in a magical world right inside this courtyard…
I eluded to this place last week, when I spoke of my visit into town…
When you walk in you are greeted by a bevy of lovely wonderful characters. Masks (that I had to have a few of to add to my collection), skeletons, shrines, milagros, papel picado, beautiful garments, jewels… The list is quite endless…
But nothing will prepare you for the jaw dropping, beautiful altar, Eddie has created for his family members. It can give you chills. It makes you want to run home and create one of your own.
It forces you to stay one too many hours, drinking it all in… Then compels you to walk over and ask Eddie if, well, you know, please, maybe, could I take some photographs? To which the exceptionally well coifed Eddie obliges with the kindest version of the words "of course" you have ever heard…
You look up, you wonder what you want to capture through your camera first. It is almost as though you have been allowed to photograph a place that will disappear in the blink of an eye, so you begin to feel anxious and desperate to click away…
I glance at Eddie, and question a second time, "you are sure it is okay?" Yes he nods, like you are being silly. You wonder if he understands the magic he has created, or if he is so used to it, magic simply lives within him…
Super duper beautiful sensory overload ensues. I love what Eddie has created. And am taken aback no matter how many times I have seen his shrine… You see, his shop is right next door to the Museum of Art where I do pottery. So I pop in and shop as often as I can…
I have told many a friend that is not familiar with Day of the Dead, how wonderful and cathartic and genuinely good it feels to create a little altar or shrine for those they love that have passed. Even if tiny, even if simply a candle a flower and a few photos. Especially if you are still mourning or carry a terribly heavy heart for your loss. A special place to house your love for the person can mean so much and help tiny bits of the pain take a new shape…
You will find many shrines and altars, even in residential neighborhoods or on the side of a road in the Southwest, decorated with silk and real flowers and candles lit, at all times of the year. You may find them possibly, anywhere where there is a good sized Mexican population.
Now, if you are ever in Downtown Tucson, you must stop in and say hi to Eddie, and take a peek for yourself…
I just couldn't leave this place, without bringing something for you, in the form of a giveaway…
I looked all around… How to choose?
I did find the perfect treasure(s), some for me and one for you ;) And Eddie carefully packed up my goods. I bought a Chrismtas gift for my sis, so huge and so awesome, I don't know how I will ever stand waiting to give it to her. But I will, somehow…
I leave and don't go that far down the road, when I have to make a Cruella Deville U turn, and stop to take a photo. A photo of an altar that is always up, and part of a downtown neighborhood. Just as I had described above…
You may also find little prayers tucked in, in nooks and crannies…
Not far down the road, you might also happen upon this place… Which, I will share details about with you soon, as well…
I keep lots of special little places around my gardens both in town and at the country house. In the country, I have a little sanctuary, that I have shared here before… It is lovely and very dear to me. A simple place for me to visit in the garden…
At the little house in town, I keep a few altars in the garden as well. My garden is very important to me, as I find it a very important place in my life. A place I can escape to and fill with things that bring me peace. With beautiful plants growing, a fountain and wee shrines.
Inside, I have a 100+ year old wooden case with a glass door, that I picked up at an antique colonial furniture shop about 13 years ago. In this beautiful wooden case, I keep most of my religious statues and photos of my great grandfather, a lovely 100% French man, with a very intriguing history…
So, as we take a stroll to the sanctuary in the country this morning we find…
A mermaid skelly on the left, from Eddie's shop, and a painted little skull candle holder on the right, which I painted this morning. Part of why I am so late!! Also, we have been living outside like gypsies, which I will share in the next post!! So, I am behind, eeeks!
Anyhow, both items will be my giveaways for this post. I will draw 2 names. The first name drawn will receive the Mermaid, the second name drawn, gives a home to the skull…
Next Sunday, Novemeber 9th is the All Soul's Procession in Tucson, which has been in preparations for a whole year. It is awesome, if you are in town, you won't want to miss it… Here is a video of a Day of the Dead procession in Oaxaca…
I found many videos to share, so I couldn't make up my mind… But here is one about Day of the Dead. And, lots of videos of the Tucson All Soul's Procession here & here…
I am on my way to visit others participating in Dia de Bloglandia… On Tuesday I will announce all drawing giveaways (for Palmistry hand as well).
See you soon!! 🖤, V
ps: You can Find Eddie Gallego and his shop called Tolteca Tlacuilo at 186 N. Meyer Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701 ( his shop is open daily). Located in Old Town Artisans District. Phone: (520) 623-5787
Thanks so much for all the beautiful photos!! I loved reading and viewing the videos!
I loved this post! You have such an interesting life. Good for you! You’re such a great artist and photographer.
FANTASTIC!! she says after popping her eyes back in and picking her jaw up off the floor! Those flying skeletons! Just so much detail!
and your little garden altars, perfectly lovely!
Thank you THANK YOU for being part of Dia de Bloglandia and sharing this!!
x..x
steph
I really want to visit Tucson. The more you show us the better it looks. I have been enjoying looking at the day of the dead posts too-I have always liked the imagery but had not really found out that much about it before. It is so touching to see people’s celebrations of their dead loved ones.
Another fascinating and beautiful post. Lovely! (:
WOW Vanessa! I love the views of Eddie’s shop! So rich and lush in color and texture.
I am hoping that My Mister and I will be able to travel next year: Arizona and New Mexico, both places I have longed to visit since I was a wee one. If we make it to Tuscon, you can bet that I’ll visit this shop.
Hugs,
Kate
Thank you thank you thank you (and muchas gracias to Eddie) for sharing such colorful memorials to the lives of such special people! I can’t help but think that celebrating the lives of those who have gone on is a much more fulfilling way of keeping not only their memories alive but their spirits as well. No hiding away MY family in old shoeboxes and photo albums to be put out of sight!
Wow! What a place! You’re right – I found myself pouring over all the photographs of Eddie’s shrine. Is that a tree of life in the middle of it? And look at those butterflies – I forgot to add those to my ofrenda this year – and those flying skeletons! Eddie really does have a passion for this festival, doesn’t he?
And it’s so interesting to see photos of the ofrendas in your neighborhood. More, more, please! And the photograph of the candles next to what looks like a burnt building or fireplace is mysterious – please tell the story about that later.
And to go to the parade with you! Oh what fun! Please remember to take your camera with you and take lots and lots of photographs. 🙂
All of this, fantastico!!! Thanks for taking us into Tuscon to meet Eddie and his glorious shop!!!!
xoxoxo
You captured some awesome images my friend.xo
WOW! Makes me wish I could visit in person!! Thanks so much for sharing the photos….
~ Carolee
Happy Dia de los Muertos VV!!
THis is an uplifting post! Eddie’s shrine rocks!!
And your shrine in the country is so pretty too.
For twenty years I have wanted to go to celebrate in Mexico, the you tube you share here FINALLY gave me the chance to feel the vibe! Thank you!!
Also!! Hope you had a bewitching Halloween!
Xox
C
oh gosh!!! what a fun and colorful adventure you had, it must be something else to actually see eddie’s altar in person… wow!!! his ofrenda is so fabulous and detailed!!! being in his beautiful shop i would be like a kid in a candy store!!! and your little sanctuary is magical as usual. thank you so much miss vanessa for sharing!!!
ooohhh another giveaway! super fun!!! oh i love the mermaid skull and the skull head you painted… can’t wait until tuesday! see you then!!!
Wow, wow, wow, Vanessa… I’ve never really understood the concept of Altars, but you’ve explained it wonderfully, and I love it. Your friend’s shop is just incredible!!!!!
What is so wonderful is your overview, your evidence of Eddie’s shrine, and how you’ve showed us so much variety and beauty, along with your own always fantastical work. I love this! It makes me smile.
Happy day to you!
i would love to see that shop.. thank you so much for sharing with us.. i have been mourning for the past seven years.. for my beloved father.. who passed away on november 1, 2001 and have been trying to get things together for a shrine for him..
thank you again for the inspiration and the beautiful photos.
big ladybug hugs
lynn
!!! That is breathtaking! I must fly on down to Tuscan right away and see Mister Eddie’s shrine because if the pictures are this beautiful I can’t imagine how beautiful the real thing would be!! Wow!
xox
Super duper beautiful sensory overload, indeed! Looking forward to hearing about your gypsy living…the man, the little man and i are about to move on from the farmhouse to a little cabin in the woods…canNOT wait.
That store is absolutely amazing. I so wish there was one close by like that for all the things I was looking for. His shrine is beyond imagination and so full of so many things I will have to look at the photos many times to catch them all.
The other shrines you showed in the area are phenomenal as well and look like they have deep meaning to their locations.
I would love to see that procession in Tuscon…maybe next year I will come shopping with you to Eddie’s store and then go see the parade. How about that?
XOXOXOXO L.
What a color explosion! I would have spent hours and hours there. And the flowers on that first picture — devine.
Thanks so much for sharing these photos. Wow, is all I can think of to say.
Wow! That shop looks amazing and that shrine is really something spectacular! We are planning to visit the states for the first time at the end of next year – drive from New York to San Fran and then down to Mexico – I can’t wait! I’m not sure where Tucson is but I think I’ll have to put it on our itinery. If it’s at this time of year it would be even better.
Yes, I love my garden too, and have a little fairy shrine that I helped build with my neices. Perhaps I will have to build a shrine to my loved ones that have passed too.
I love this post – it’s so inspiring!
Such a great way to remember those who have gone on before us instead of “forgetting” them an never speaking of them unless we are sad. Thank you for sharing.
Stunning Vanessa! I can’t believe what an amazing place that is…I would never want to leave. Thanks for sharing with us!
Dear Vanessa,
I am a fan of your blog and today I posted my 100 post. I choose some beautiful images that I found in Blogland since I beggin my blog, and as yours is one of my favorites, I used some pictures from your blog. Please come to visit and see. I will love your visit and comment!
Have a nice week!
Thank you so much for introducing me to Eddie. If I ever manage to get them to send me to the Tucson office, I know where I want to shop!!
I am loving this…what a wonderful shop. I will be making a shrine from the box that you sent me some time ago…now that I understand the concept a little better.
Your posts are so wonderful and always fill me with joy.
Gypsy Wagon????? the $2000.00 one…I wish I lived closer I would buy it in a heart beat 😉
Oh wow, the altar by eddie and the other two altars are beautiful, ethereal and alive. I’m awed struck by it.
What a great addition!!!! Beautiful!
Oh my…this is such a wonderful post! I LOVED the video at the end, the wonderful music and beautiful costumes and all the celebrations…I must make an alter for my family…Thank you for the inspiration!
Whoa….what a MAGNIFICENT ofrenda Eddie has! I can’t stop looking through your beautiful pictues…really excellent post!! Seriously…Dia de los muertos just took on an entire new meaning to me.
So much color and so beautiful! I have little shrines throughout our property where our beloved pets’ ashes have been buried. It’s a nice remembrance of them when we walk the trails of our wooded area.
Wonderful as always! Thank you!
I’m on eye candy overload, LOL! Thanks for sharing, and thanks to Eddie for letting you 😀
Fabulous. I can’t even recall how I found your blog, but I’m glad that I did. Today is my daugher-in-love’s birthday and the 9th is my lovely daughter’s, so the 2nd and the 9th are special dates to me. Thanks for the great pictures.
I wish we had a colorful culture like this. Us Finns just tend to silently mourn.
However Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year to go to the cemetary, everyone goes and lights a candle. It is a sea of flickering flames… so beautiful and peaceful.
I loved the flying skeleton with a butterfly carrying it, poetic..
A fascinating store, to be sure!
I found this creature online and thought you might like it;
http://www.nenufar-blanco.com/72nemora.htm
Thank you for sharing so much wonderfulness! I am in awe.
Eddie’s shop would be a place that I think I would want to spend a lot of time too…what a treasure! I’m so glad you took us there and also to the downtown altar…and great videos–what a rich culture in your corner of the world. Thanks for sharing it with us…Marilyn:)
Huh ! The shop is really cool.
Love each and every pictures that you post.
Thanks for your generous giveaway.
Well, where do I begin. Wonderful photography and so beautiful to read about the Day of the Dead. There is a little shop in Camden that sells all things Day of the Dead related and I bought a few Christmas presents from there last year. So gorgeous. I love the colour and the friendly ghoulishness of it all – so wonderful. I believe it is very healing to openly acknowledge those we love that have passed on. If more people did this – allowed themselves to look back with love and to grieve for what they have lost, we would all be much happier and better adjusted than we are. Your garden shrine is just fabulous too. Have a wonderful day and remember that magic lives in all of us – blogs like yours remind us of that.
One day I’m coming out to Tucson!! I believe there will come a season in my life when I will live around there somewhere. Taos, New Mexico is on my list as well. So beautiful. So alive with culture and art and LIFE. Thank you for sharing these special photos and words. I adore shops where you are almost overloaded by the magick of it all. So many places to look and so much to drink in. ~slurp~
BTW, if I can break in with a little shameless self-promotion, I’ll be having a give away on my blog some time today…stop by.
~Desert Dreams (and Dessert ones too)~
Melissa
Oh! this is simply magic!!
p.s. I made that fabulous frosting recipe (the vanilla, lemon, sour cream one) over the weekend to top some little cupy cakes that I baked up…..and it was SO YUMMY!! Thanks for the recipe, Miss Sweet!! 🙂
Street shrines have recently become more common in the east, too. I know in NYC, they started with the graffiti memorials in black and latino neighborhoods, and then we started seeing flowers and candles and photos as altars everywhere.
Ofcourse, after 9/11, all of southern Manhattan became a shrine. It was truly affecting to walk down a street and see photos fluttering from every surface, flowers and candles melting into puddles, chalk notes on the sidewalk.
Absolutely beautiful photographs…looks like wonderful place to be! Thanks for sharing!
Cheers!
I want to see Eddie’s hair. After these trips out with you I have to have a lie down 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing Eddie’s alter. Those beautiful butterflies and marigolds and flying skeletons perfectly portray my feelings about the passage to the next state of conciousness. I am just learning about the Day of the Dead,next year, I plan to actually celebrate with an alter myself.
What a fantastic offrenda. Thanks for sharing. I’m a gal with scandanavian roots, but I love, love, love Dia De Los Muertos and celebrate annually. My sister’s b-day is Nov. 2, so she always gets a little colorful skelly gift. Happy November to you! – Amy Bauer
What beautiful and colorful photos. The Day of the Dead has always been facinating to me.
Karla
Miss V~
I am speechless………..
You are heaven sent.
Thank you~
Ann-Denise
Eddie’s shop looks like such an amazing place, with all the color and fun doodads. And the shrine is spectacular! I love the autumn-colored flowers and butterflies he incorporated. I’m sure his family would be proud.
Oh how wonderful that all looks (and might I add that you have such a way with words.) A friend and I are planning to hitchhike somewhere in Arizona (he is from Chicago and hasn’t been north or south of Tempe unfortunately, so I thought I’d show him around.) Perhaps a bit of local custom would do some good. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Old Tucson (if I have it is very likely I don’t remember, tragic as that sounds.) I’ve also never been to one of the processions so it would be new things for both of us.
Before this comment gets any longer, please put me on the list for the giveaways. I’d be greatful to have either one of them, but the candleholder would add some color to my own, humble little altar.
Have a wonderul, fanciful week!
I want to hop in the car and take a road trip to Eddie’s. It’s only a thousand miles. On second thought, maybe I should fly… Thanks for sharing and the beautiful photos.
What a fabulous post! I just loved the trip into Eddies store and that wonderful shrine, it has such colourful feel good vibes. You have some beautiful images here. Now I must have a little look at the rest of you fascinating blog. best wishes amanda
Okay..that’s the kind of place that gets me into trouble. The kind of place where who ever is with me is told “..you can get me this ..I promise it’ll be my birthday and Christmas gift for the year”! What a wonderful shop he has and the nice thing about oferendas is that yo can keep adding and adding items to it each year. Happy di de los muertos Vanessa!!
Thank you, Vanessa, for posting such magical photos of Eddie’s heartfelt tribute to his loved ones. My heritage is Polish, Irish, and French, but I’ve embraced Dia de los Muertos. It makes so much sense! I participated in Dia de Bloglandia, too, in honor of my husband Michael. Many thanks to Stephanie and Susanna for sponsoring it. As always, your work is touching and inspiring.
Mary xxx
What a wonderful shop Eddie has, and that altar is amazing and beautiful!!!! Wish I lived near Tucson so I could enjoy the procession and all of the other sights.
Love the photos. I used to live in Phoenix. Loved going down to Tucson’s old town and St. Xaviar. This made me really miss it.
Woah, girl. Eddie’s shop is amazing … I love that he puts Tequila on his altar. Being Irish, I can appreciate that.
I love your mermaid skelly!
Happy Dia.
rich beyond rich and so full of love and care – each and every element – fabulous ms. Fancy – truly truly marvelous – thank you for taking us to these very special places – you delight as always…
xox – eb.
OOOOOOHHHH what a magical place indeed!! You take the best pictures!!!!
I could snuggle in that magic all day too!!!
{you’d have to come and visit me though!}
heehee!!!
Enjoy your day!
Breathtaking, marvelous and magical…
How wonderful to honor our dead with beauty and joy and creativity!
What a wonderful post! I’d like to enter for the drawing. My Mom is a Spanish teacher to 7th & 8th graders, and she celebrates Dia de las Muertos with her students each year. What a beautiful tradition. That Eddie sure is something too!
Hi Vanesa, what a nice surprise to find this post for Dia de los Muertos!!! so interesting, full of color and life, just loved it. Ale.
Everything about your post was wonderful. Eddie’s altar/shrine is just jaw dropping beautiful. The video was great fun. I, too, have lots of little altars and special places in my gardens and you inspire me to work on taking better care of them in the seasons to come (maybe not this winter when they’re under snow, but come this next spring).
There’s a lovely shop full of Dia de Los Muertos art and garden sculptures and all sorts of other great stuff down in Old Town San Diego that I love to visit when I go down to see my son and his family. I haven’t been there in awhile and I hope to get there again this coming spring.
I am DEFINITELY going to start working on an alter for my family members that have gone on! What inspiration this has been. Thank you for sharing the eye candy!!
oh vanessa! the colors and the skeletons. what a joyful expression of love for those we’re missing. thanks for sharing the photos and your thoughts. happy weekend 🙂