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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Red, White, and Blue for All

Nine Cent Girl side-stepped much of the political drama this election cycle, instead posting life-enforcing messages, focusing on all the positive traits most American’s share, such as love for family and our magnificent country. However, today I endorse Kamala Harris for all those same reasons. She has already proven to be a unifier, a refreshing voice of positivity, and has stayed the moral course even when lambasted with hatred and bigotry from every dark corner. I am proud to vote for this strong and competent candidate who I hope will be the next President of the United States of America.

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I Wish I Could Talk to Dead People

Yes, it is true. There are too many people who I really could still use in my life. Their years of experience would certainly come in handy, (never mind their love). Personally, I want to ask them for guidance as I navigate the new terrain I find myself walking on. Not that I listened too much while my elders were alive, but their pearls found their way into my major decisions and guided me when my direction was clouded. Beyond my own need for their shepherding, I often pause when I hear something outlandish and wonder what my grandfather would say about the destruction of the Republican party, and their tearing down long-held principles. I know how sick my mother would be over the continued lies bantered about immigrants. My father, an esteemed surgeon, would be appalled by those who turned down a vaccine and instead believed the misinformation spread like a careless wildfire. Daily I wish my elders still sat around our dinner tables so that we could debate and analyze facts derived from reality instead of the lies that now filter our social media feeds and bias our conversations. I do wish I could talk to dead people because I could use lucidity instead of the smoke and mirrors offered.

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