Welcome November {& Memories of Those we Love}

It is a warm and beautiful November 1st day.  The garden is blooming, with flowers and herbs enjoying the weather.  In this neck of the woods, it is only early mornings and evenings that bring a tinge of cool and crisp air, reminding us that it is autumn...

Although the garden is still blooming, I collect every flower I can and dry it.  Those blooms that do not dry well, are pressed into books.  Memory petals... 

A tiny Christmas tree I planted 6 years ago has grown ever so tall and wide, and is gifting its first true pine cones.  Such a lovely scent.

Bougainvillea blooms retain their color, even after drying.

The dry petals fade beautifully in the rain, leaving their fuchsia droplets of natural dye, wherever they land...

A handmade bowl, from the other side of the globe, always reminds me of this time of the year. With its amber and golden glaze. 

 

Tea feels like this, today.

A vintage forest green tea cup from Mexico, is what I shall choose, to say hello to this new month... 

The 2nd day of November brings Dia de Los Muertos.  I collect marigolds from my garden.  I think of my Aunt.  I think of my furry child, whose memory is always with me...

And, I light my candles...

We miss our furry girl with a vastness that I can not describe.

Our hearts have not mended.

We have decided that they never will, and that, that is okay.

We accept that, and know it is because of our ardent love for her...

 

I dedicate this post to the memory our loved ones, yours and mine, who have passed.

And to our loved ones, who are still with us...

As we hold both, close to our hearts.

Love & memories, all intertwined.

~ Welcome Beautiful November ~

 

♥ ,V

 

ps:  I listened to Lisa Lynne as I typed this post.  I have shared this before, I know, but it brings such a soft peace...

pss:  I thought I would share the link to last year's Dia de Los Muertos  post.  It was such a beautiful evening, cool breezes and glowing candles...

Comments

[Papillon Bleu]

Thank you Vanessa.
X

[deborah]

What a beautiful shrine...perfectly fitting for the furry one who knew to spend her end days gazing out the back of the yard where she spent the happiest days of her life. She's chasing butterflies and bunnies till she sees you again. **blows kisses** Deb

[Marina]

Happy November my dear artist Vanessa!

I love your work with your camera!
tu admiradora del fin del mundo,by the way en primavera!

xoxo

[A Gilded Life]

I miss your sweet Baby for you, Vanessa...
That photo of her is pure gorgeousness, and the shrine is just lovely!

xoxo Debbie

[Rebecca]

Such a lovely and beautiful post.

[Kathy]

Happy November you sweet thing. The other day my daughter was talking to a friend who had lost his father about a year ago. He said, "I guess I just need to get over it." She said, "No. You just need to learn how to live WITH it." I thought that was so very wise. And that is what the two/three of you shall do. Learn how to live with it. Hugs to you kiddo. Kathy

[deb jacobs]

my maternal great-grandfather came here from belgium. my great-grandmother came here from france. my grandmother came here from france too. i have made my usual altar into one for my father. it was lovely reading your post.xx

[Tara G]

Ah! lovely altar.
We have just finished decorating our altar as well, although a few things are pending. And sugar toys to substitute for sugar skulls. We don't get skull decorations in India as such, as it's considered evil :D lol.
One furry child and 3 loved ones shall enjoy their favorite things and us these two days.

[Aimee]

What a beautiful and loving post.

I've never seen anything like the Mexican tea cups, the green one is amazing, I now have a new obsession and want to replace all of my dishes! :)

[Silke]

A beautiful post, filled with meaning and love! Thank you! Love, Silke

[A Forest Frolic]

Aaahh Dia de Los Muertos...we've got some celebrating to do today! Beautiful post Vanessa. Hugs!

Jamie :)

[Sarah]

What a beautiful post. So sorry for the loss of your furry child. I've got four furry children of my own that I miss.

[sadira]

Such a beautiful tradition to remember those in our lives who are not with us anymore but still continue to touch us. I will actually be down your way this weekend for the celebration, and I am so happy to be experiencing all the merry making, art, colors, and love!

[Laura]

I love you, V.
blessings
~*~

[Moonfairy]

Thank you so much for this beautiful post Vanessa.... my eyes filled up with tears.

A few years back I always made a shrine on November 1st, but then I sort of forgot it (I got kids, lol). I hope I remember to make a shrine next year.

[Carousel Dreams]

Lovely post Vanessa...thankyou for sharing x

[Miss Linda]

I must say, a very woundrous post. Thank you.

[amy sperry faldet]

I light a candle for all. May Blessings and joyous memories only call. Light to you friends.

[JO]

Beautiful ...thank you.. this is a wonderful post ... for those who have lost those special to us ....

LOTS OF HUGS
JO

[Theresa]

What a beautiful and touching post. Seeing that photo of Baby brought tears to my eyes. But what a wonderful way to honor her memory. Our loved ones - even those long past - are always in our hearts. Thank you for welcoming November in such a gentle and joyous way. Theresa xixi

[Linda Diane]

The pictures are beautiful as are the feelings expressed. I just love the dried flowers with their pretty colors. That picture of baby is so very sweet, and I sit here and remember her, too, and all the wonderful posts of her you shared with us. Love to you.

[Katharine]

Beautiful writing as always. I always thought Dia de los Muertos was the same as Saints Day. Learn something new every day. :)

Now to listen to "And the Saints Go Marching In."...

[Miss Lori]

I've spent the last several day thinking about the upcomign holiday season, and how much I wish I ccould spend just one more christmas with my mother and father. They passed away so many years ago, when I was a young girl, when I needed them the most. I have nothing for my daughters of their grandmama and grandpapa, except their wedding picture, taken August 20th, 1956. Everything else I lost years ago in a flood. Thank you for this post. It means so very much to me. :)

[robin]

Sending warmest thoughts of healing and peace to you, to ease your heartache. Your furry baby is still with you - forever and always... xo, Robin

[Stephanie]

This is such a poignant beautiful post. Beautiful images and thoughts and such a lovely altar.

x..x