With each step, I think of loved ones who have passed, as I gather marigolds from my garden, in preparation for Dia de los Muertos.
Marigolds gift hundreds of seeds, and so, I collect them, and plant them year after year...
So that when November 2nd approaches, the garden will be gifting marigolds a plenty...
There are tall huge marigolds, orange, butter bream, canary yellow...
Their scent, acquired, beloved...
So many marigolds everywhere I turn.
Enough to string garlands, and fill vases...
As I do so, I think of Baby, my aunt, great grand-parents, my grandfather on my dad's side...
Last winter I took seeds from the crimson bushes of marigolds at Mombie's, and now, I have my own throughout the garden. I am so thankful for seeds, share a seed, fill your heart...
Crimson, mandarin, gold...
I fill my basket...
Last night I slept with candles, marigolds and thoughts of Baby fluttering about. I played a song I wrote for her, over and over in my head, as I fell asleep...
I think of so many of your loved ones, whose tales you have shared with me, who are no longer with us. And, I can't help but get a tear in my eye...
Then I remind myself, Day of the Dead is a celebration of life...
The beautiful lives of those we love.
I share my offerings (ofrendas) with you today, in that...
If you have a little something to say, about a loved one who has passed, I will print your words out, and fold them up. Tucking them into my little altar...
In celebrattion of life, on this beautiful Dia de los Muertos.
Love, Vanessa
ps: Little video here, with Dia de los Muertos tid-bits.