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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Stepping Out

Stepping out in my new town is the news of the week. I would say mine are baby steps but that just might be my judgmental self, because any forward motion is still forward, right? By discovering my new neighborhood via foot, bike or car, I am expanding my sense of place and today that feels hopeful and hopeful feels good for sure.

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A Soapbox, the Smoke and Mirrors game, and just Living

Open Facebook on any given day and you will find someone, particularly unqualified, posting or most likely reposting, an opinion or article or tirade that they are momentarily passionate or incensed or preaching about. The decade of social media platforms open to just about everyone has given way to just about everyone pulling out their soapbox and proselytizing their viewpoint. I am not immune from this behavior, as is well documented through my blog, I too have voiced over-zealous opinions from time to time. But I am not speaking of personal posts where no one should mistake my vantage from science or fact; I am referring to those who dig up some unreferenced study and pronounce it as truth, or those who announce they have uncovered some injustice that only they, and the undocumented thread they followed, know about. This behavior makes all of Facebook a dangerous and misguided place instead of a platform to share photos and celebrations with friends and family. What is it that makes people want to preach? Throw in the smoke and mirrors that shift and trick every angle shot and you really have to struggle to stay in your own lane and ride your own joy in life. But that is what I do intend to do, just focus on the day to day living and use my voice to sing a tune that is original.

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