Created by Soul: Dia de Los Muertos

I like the whole idea behind “Dia de los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead” for you non-spanish speaking folks, which is a day to remember family and friends that have passed away. The tradition calls for building special alters to honor your dead loved one (or ones), which consists of gifts, their favorite foods and beverages, photos, things that remind you of them, etc. These are traditionally built on their grave site. I wanted to make sure I got this right, so I did some research and read on Wikipedia that these “ofrendas” or offerings (again for you non-spanish speaking folks) are also “left out in homes as a welcoming gesture for the deceased”. Hmmm…I’m not sure how I feel about that one….hey, Dad come on in, I got your favorite tequila and tacos. OK, I just had an image of that and I’m actually digging it...if only. Anyway, as I was saying, some people make these alters in their homes with a cross, sugar skulls, photos, candles (Mexicans are big on candles, fact…just don't look it up) and sit around talking about the deceased…telling stories, praying, dancing, singing, etc. Growing up my parents were not into this tradition…I think mom was way too busy and dad...well, he just wasn't into it. However, when Vivian was little I used to take her to Bower’s Museum (in Santa Ana, CA) for their annual “Day of the Dead” event. I’m not sure if they still have it. It was great…making sugar skulls and decorations, they had dancers, food – pan dulce, Mexican hot chocolate, tamales– she really enjoyed it! But I have yet to build an alter at home and go all out. This year I thought I would put some effort into it so I started by decorating this little guy….

I found him at Michaels and he was on sale. Bonus!

At the SoCal Social event that took place on October 8^th they gave fabulous swag bags and in mine I found these paints (minus the black) along with a blue color that for some reason didn’t make it into the photo …OK, just image the black is blue as it is also by Martha Stewart Crafts…