November 1, 2019 - 49 - “Altar-ed States”

Warning:  This is a bit of a cheat post.

     We're in Mexico with Michael's kids and their spouses and we're having sooo much fun.  Only problem is, it's almost midnight and I've finished nothing.

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      It’s Dias de los Muertos, and it’s a party, and somber, and playful, and oh-so-sweet all at the same time.  Here are some pictures of the cool ofrendas (altars) that people have created around town to celebrate those who have passed. 

    Check these out...then go hug someone you love.

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"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."

-Thomas Campbell

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This is the door of our neighbor's home.  Their sweet dog, 

Higbie, died last week.  I've noticed every day there are 

different flowers on their door and have overheard 

conversations, as neighbors go by and remember Higbie.  

On November 1st families go to the graveyard and spruce
up the gravesites.  This is in preparation for the entire family
spending the night at the graveyard with their loved ones.

There are underground tunnels that were used by the
Mexican insurgents to move around town.  This enabled
them to escape from, then fight back against,
the Spanish army.  This tribute honors those who
died in the Mexican revolution.

This is the grave of Stirling Dickinson.  He was an
American who visited San Miguel in the 30's and
never went home.  He started an art school that accepted
the G.I. bill and many Americans came down to study.
This was the beginning of the expat community in SMA.
He also was devoted to making improvements in the
town and in the lives of the people who lived here.