I have been sitting on my hands waiting to share the space of a very magical person and his magical world, as part of Dia de los Muertos...
It is lovely to be a part of and watch others, celebrating the lives of the people they love that have passed... My mom spent her day yesterday at the cemetery. Cleaning my aunt's grave, and leaving Marigolds for her and others...
For today's Day of the Dead sharing, I would like to tell you about a special person who has created an incredibly special place. His name is Eddie Gallego, and he spends his time snuggled in a magical world right inside this courtyard...
I eluded to this place last week, when I spoke of my visit into town...
When you walk in you are greeted by a bevy of lovely wonderful characters. Masks (that I had to have a few of to add to my collection), skeletons, shrines, milagros, papel picado, beautiful garments, jewels... The list is quite endless...
But nothing will prepare you for the jaw dropping, beautiful altar, Eddie has created for his family members. It can give you chills. It makes you want to run home and create one of your own.
It forces you to stay one too many hours, drinking it all in... Then compels you to walk over and ask Eddie if, well, you know, please, maybe, could I take some photographs? To which the exceptionally well coifed Eddie obliges with the kindest version of the words "of course" you have ever heard...
You look up, you wonder what you want to capture through your camera first. It is almost as though you have been allowed to photograph a place that will disappear in the blink of an eye, so you begin to feel anxious and desperate to click away...
I glance at Eddie, and question a second time, "you are sure it is okay?" Yes he nods, like you are being silly. You wonder if he understands the magic he has created, or if he is so used to it, magic simply lives within him...
Super duper beautiful sensory overload ensues. I love what Eddie has created. And am taken aback no matter how many times I have seen his shrine... You see, his shop is right next door to the Museum of Art where I do pottery. So I pop in and shop as often as I can...
I have told many a friend that is not familiar with Day of the Dead, how wonderful and cathartic and genuinely good it feels to create a little altar or shrine for those they love that have passed. Even if tiny, even if simply a candle a flower and a few photos. Especially if you are still mourning or carry a terribly heavy heart for your loss. A special place to house your love for the person can mean so much and help tiny bits of the pain take a new shape...
You will find many shrines and altars, even in residential neighborhoods or on the side of a road in the Southwest, decorated with silk and real flowers and candles lit, at all times of the year. You may find them possibly, anywhere where there is a good sized Mexican population.
Now, if you are ever in Downtown Tucson, you must stop in and say hi to Eddie, and take a peek for yourself...
I just couldn't leave this place, without bringing something for you, in the form of a giveaway...
I looked all around... How to choose?
I did find the perfect treasure(s), some for me and one for you ;) And Eddie carefully packed up my goods. I bought a Chrismtas gift for my sis, so huge and so awesome, I don't know how I will ever stand waiting to give it to her. But I will, somehow...
I leave and don't go that far down the road, when I have to make a Cruella Deville U turn, and stop to take a photo. A photo of an altar that is always up, and part of a downtown neighborhood. Just as I had described above...
You may also find little prayers tucked in, in nooks and crannies...
Not far down the road, you might also happen upon this place... Which, I will share details about with you soon, as well...
I keep lots of special little places around my gardens both in town and at the country house. In the country, I have a little sanctuary, that I have shared here before... It is lovely and very dear to me. A simple place for me to visit in the garden...
At the little house in town, I keep a few altars in the garden as well. My garden is very important to me, as I find it a very important place in my life. A place I can escape to and fill with things that bring me peace. With beautiful plants growing, a fountain and wee shrines.
Inside, I have a 100+ year old wooden case with a glass door, that I picked up at an antique colonial furniture shop about 13 years ago. In this beautiful wooden case, I keep most of my religious statues and photos of my great grandfather, a lovely 100% French man, with a very intriguing history...
So, as we take a stroll to the sanctuary in the country this morning we find...
A mermaid skelly on the left, from Eddie's shop, and a painted little skull candle holder on the right, which I painted this morning. Part of why I am so late!! Also, we have been living outside like gypsies, which I will share in the next post!! So, I am behind, eeeks!
Anyhow, both items will be my giveaways for this post. I will draw 2 names. The first name drawn will receive the Mermaid, the second name drawn, gives a home to the skull...
Next Sunday, Novemeber 9th is the All Soul's Procession in Tucson, which has been in preparations for a whole year. It is awesome, if you are in town, you won't want to miss it... Here is a video of a Day of the Dead procession in Oaxaca...
I found many videos to share, so I couldn't make up my mind... But here is one about Day of the Dead. And, lots of videos of the Tucson All Soul's Procession here & here...
I am on my way to visit others participating in Dia de Bloglandia... On Tuesday I will announce all drawing giveaways (for Palmistry hand as well).
See you soon!! ♥, V
ps: You can Find Eddie Gallego and his shop called Tolteca Tlacuilo at 186 N. Meyer Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701 ( his shop is open daily). Located in Old Town Artisans District. Phone: (520) 623-5787
