Today is a Mexican holiday called, Dia de los Muertos.
A day to fondly remember loved ones who are no longer with us.
My pictures are a little foggy as my good camera has not yet returned.
(I pushed my manual only camera during the party big time, haha)
But I really wanted to stop in and share a few words about today.
I love how this Mexican holiday has spread throughout the world.
It's a beautiful time to just reflect and remember, in an extra special way.
The Day of the Dead celebrations and parades are huge and elaborate in many places.
Today I was on my early morning walk when I came upon a rock shaped just like a skull.
It was hard to draw on it as it was lumpy.
But I tried.
Not great, but it caused me to stop and think about family members who have died as I painted.
I thought about them all, things about them that made me laugh and smile.
And then, I thought a lot about Baby.
I wonder what she would think about Miles.
I often find myself drifting off to sleep…
Thanking her for sending us an angel to mend our broken hearts.
(Lovee, Matty and me)
You never think you can love again as much.
And then somehow.
You do.
And more.
Your heart expands to love more.
Baby.
Such a special girl.
She made it possible for her brothers to live like kings.
Why?
Because time is too short with them, to not lavish them with pure love and goodness.
Toys and treats.
Hugs and kisses.
Never enough.
So do it a lot.
With everyone you love.
As often a you can, I say.
Feliz Dia de los Muertos 🖤
Love, Vanessa
ps: If you would like to see a video about Dia de los Muertos, click here.
pss: Info about the Tucson All Souls Procession here. (this weekend)
Vanessa:
Thank you for posting this. It’s so important to remember family and friends that are no longer with us. I remember my mom and dad everyday, but it’s extra special to have a day dedicated to just that.
I love your rock. I love that you saw something in a rock. We paint Halloween rocks every year. I’ve never tried a “sugar skull” rock, but I will next year.
My heart is so happy for you. I’m so happy that you had Baby and that you now have Miles. I’m glad you can love again. I’m still waiting for that to come around. Losing all 3 of our fur babies in 1-1/2 years has left me feeling like I may not ever want to love another fur baby again. The loss is so deep and so genuine. I hope someday I can open my heart again. 🙁
xoxo
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
Kim,
You know, when people would tell me to get a new dog after Baby, I felt
sort of offended. It was weird.
I was like, no no no. I cant. No one can replace her. So
I know exactly how you feel.
(It was only when I knew the time was right, and there was Miles, plunked
in my path the very day I decided to plunge)
Matty and Miles fill my heart soooo much. Matty is my sidekick, my
little one and only protector warrior cuddle in bed at 5 a.m. guy -attack me
with love and growl at me too, simultaneously.
Miles is my heartthrob. Loves the world me everyone. Is funny
too, and so is Matty, but in different ways.
I love them both so much for such different reasons.
And I now know that….. when I lose one. I will get another
dog when my heart feels right. Because the love keeps growing.
Different but constant……
Sigh…
Sniffle.
I am so sorry for all of your losses fur and human. Your poor little
heart, trying to mend. Huge hugs dearest Kim.
Love, V
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPOM0IUsd_0&feature=branded
I hope this link works…I found it just as I opened your post and think it pretty appropriate. This was such a touchingly beautiful post, Vanessa. What a wonderful tribute to your Baby. It brought a tear to my eye. She shall never be forgotten. She will live on in your heart and always.
Your rock is so beautiful!!!! Did I mention that me and the hubby painted up paper mache skulls during the Hurricane. It was fun and a good way to pass the time without worrying.
Thank you for sharing what this occasion truly means. Sending hugs your way….xoxo
Those are such tender, heartfelt words, Vanessa. Such a good philosophy for living, to appreciate with all our hearts what we have in the moment, and to feel thankful for those wonderful souls who have touched us in the past. I think of all my darling grandparents whom I miss so much, and my previous gorgeous kitties Mittens and Nanoushka x
Ahhh how special to find such a rock on a festive and honoring day !
There is something so elemental and real about finding this stone and painting it.
That stone is like a message from the otherside, full of solid love built from time and care.
You are so magical my dear and I cherish your post. This one has really touched me.
xo
Dia de los Muertos is one of my very most favorite holidays… right after Halloween. ^-^
I love everything about this holiday. I love that our beloved dead, while still mourned & missed, are celebrated & surrounded with joy & laughter (along with the probable tears).
I am grateful for everything I have learned from those who have passed on from this life… I am a much more affectionate person now. I learned the hard way that I might not have all the time in the world, and to show those I love how much I love them every single chance I get.
Kyo did for me a similar thing that Baby did for you… my cats, while always treated like family, are always at the front of my mind now. They’re spoiled rather rotten, but I know that I’ll never ever regret spoiling them. ^-^ I only wish I would have spoiled Kyo more than I did. Ah, my Halloween pumpkin cat… How I miss him!
Happy Dia de los Muertos! Your family is blessed to have someone so wonderful to remember them, especially on this special day.
Love & hugs,
XOXO
Not only do I think of my Parents; Esther and Harry, I also think about my dearly departed furry ones as well. I think of them often…Pepe, Asa, Shadow and Maxie…All are in my heart forever. Also including Steve and Fay and Lee. It warms my heart that others think of their family members too.
Thank you for this post, Vanessa. I was without power for four days due to Hurricane Sandy. Everything was on hold. Seeing this lovely post makes me melancholy and comforted at the same time. I never do anything for Day of the Dead, but think I might start next year to build an altar for my beloved departed dad, father-in-law, and fur baby dog, Jinxy. Amazing that you found that rock!!
Beautiful. We celebrate. I don’t think there is another holiday like it and it is special to be able to take the time to remember the people and our pets that I have left, but made our lives special.
Hello, Vanessa!
First, I LOVE your blog and have entered your parties the last two years. Sadly I confess, I am very bad at commenting.
But the post today was so beautiful and you really put my thoughts into words.
We have always had animals–especially dogs–(SPOILED animals of course) and eleven years ago we lost a very special
dog ( Chett ) to an aneurism right in front of us on a car trip. This was very traumatic for us and changed our world.
We now have six rescue dogs and I would not say we love them more, but maybe we appreciate them in a different way.
Our whole world revolves around our dogs and I would not have it any other way.
I too, said after Chett died that I could not get another dog, as we already still had two others who were also grieving. But Chett, being wiser than us, immediately brought other needy souls into our lives ( Axel, now passed ) and Miss Onyx. Miss Onyx I know Chett sent as she is all black, but has 4-5 red hairs –the exact color of Chett–on her but, but nowhere else. If not for them, I don’t know how I would have recovered. They gave me love, joy and empathy as they cuddled in my lap as I cried. They were also a great help for our other two dogs who also loved Chett so much.
Anyway, I know that people think they can not get another right away, but I know that is the ONLY way to truly heal. Our departed ones would want us to rescue another one as we did them. There are so many waiting for their families.
After Chett passed, he taught me so many things and directed me to the path I have been following ever since. I will always be indebted him.
Thank you again for such a beautiful post and letting me express my thoughts!
Love to you and yours,
Chrislyn
P.S. I also meant to tell you that I love your rock!
Miss Vanessa,
Once again , you have touched my heart🖤
Thanks for this beautiful post.
xoxo,
Dena
Lady V, your altar for Dia De Los Muertos is beautiful. I did an altar for Halloween with the same idea. I wrote a list of all the people and pets who have passed on. The list was long. It made me feel good to remember all those who I have loved and have gone to the other side.
Awww, sweet Baby. Love your altar and the rock.
It is so hard to stop missing those who have left us. It is like an ache in your heart that expands into your chest and takes your breath away.
Baby was so sweet. That’s such a lovely altar, too.