December Joy

I must admit, November was tough. Waking up to the harsh realities about our American political scene and the billionaire bros set to control our immediate future sent me right back to bed. When you add the atrocities raging around the globe I found myself both angry and sad, even dumbfounded, with gratitude out of reach. But as December rolled into being, I smoothed away my distemper and distain and distress by focusing on the small joys which are easy to spot during this month of collective cheer. Follow the strands of colored lights adorning every facade across the town, behold the bejeweled trees from pine to palm lighting up our dark afternoons, why even the ribbons of clouds overhead are a running reminder that December joy is right here in this sheeny now.

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Dia de los Muertos and a disappointing Election

Oh my, this week… it was absolutely a lot.

Dutifully, even joyously, we built our Dia de los Muertos altar to honor our dead, hoping to coax them back for a night or two. In the past we created elaborate shrines, but this year, with many of our photos and mementos still in boxes, we created a simple display, using all the affection we feel when recalling our time with each of them. The quirky grin of her grandfather, the grace of a favorite Aunt, the solid presence of my father, a host of fabulous friends gone too soon, all the mothers’ lovely adoration. We left them fruit and chocolates and water to satisfy their long journey, along with their cherished possessions we are lucky enough to have. Remembering our remarkable lineage fuels us forward, even into the darker days lurking just ahead.

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