§ Gnome for the Holiday....

They're adorable, they're irresistible, they're cute, and for the most part, they're inexpensive and festive little sprites! But, in my opinion, they're also becoming over saturated on the market. Everywhere you look, in stores, online, in magazines and websites....gnomes for every season, holiday, and occasion. I'm tired of seeing them personally. But, I find myself with a few in my cart as I walk to the cashier. I can't help myself...
[very large image, may take some time to load]

...yes, I have purchased one for thanksgiving even, and no doubt I'll find some more for Christmas.

§ Día de los Muertos...

Since the 1960s I have been observing the Day of the Dead. You see, I had a 'best friend' through high school that was of Mexican descent, and she taught me many things about this special time of celebrating and honoring those of family that have passed on...It's NOT Halloween as many think. [3 days from Oct 31st through November 2nd]   It is a loving tradition!! A way of respecting those that have left us behind. Tho traditionally it's a Mexican observance, lately, it has become part of many cultures throughout the world. Anyway, last year -2020- Mattel Toy Company came out with a Barbie Doll dressed in the customary costume. Our local news [and national] had segments on the doll. Barbie was beautiful! And perfect. I wanted one. I went to all the stores the next day and into the entire week afterward and all was "sold out". My last resort was online purchase...same thing: "Sold Out"!! Sunday, coming back from my morning walk [around 8 a.m.] I stopped at the HEB [Texas Grocery Chain] for lunch and the needed bottled water. Naturally, I went down the seasonal aisle to check out what decorations they had stocked for Halloween, and lo and behold, there was the 2021 [!!!] version of Día de los Muertos [day of the dead] Barbie!! Tho, it isn't as pretty as the 2020, I had to have one by god. But, they were locked up tighter than a drum. I had to find a clerk...he said "I have to unlock them, and take her to the cashier for you. There is a limit one per customer". He also told me the cashier number where I was to go to pay for it. They're NOT cheap. By the way the 2020 Barbie online this year through Amazon, eBay, etc. are from $200 to selling for over $800!! I would still like having the 2020, but not for those prices. Okay...so, I got the Barbie 2021. And then, when I got home I told Bud that Ken, the Catrin [females are Catrina], will be out in a few days. He said "you'd better get there early if you want one". I was there just after the store opened, and he was locked up where Barbie once stood! I  went through the same routine, and this time, the cashier I was directed to go to told me that they sell out fast. That day, Barbie was sold out, but I Got him.  Now I have both male and female.

The Animated Movie COCO [about Day of the Dead ...I give it 5*s]
The History of Day of the Dead
Spanish Terms associated with Day of the Dead HERE

from the history channel...
The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture, the holiday is celebrated each year from October 31- November 2. While October 31 is Halloween, November 1 is “el Dia de los Inocentes,” or the day of the children, and All Saints Day. November 2 is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31 and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2.

§ About the Weekend...and About Comments

By the time the Day of the Dead Festival began downtown on Saturday, I was in no mood to get there. I had done 6 loads of laundry that day, and I was a bit on the worn-out side of the day.   I just didn't want to spend hours there and come home afterwards when it closed at midnight.  But, I still wore my T-shirt and leggins all day. LOL I'm bummed that I missed it, but if all goes well, maybe there is next year....I can attend next year?  If not, oh well, life goes on.  And to top it off, I spent the 'in between time' of loads of laundry, taking down and packing Halloween decor away [some don't like Halloween, but I do and I don't care about how others feel about it, some even begrudge me in their comments here at Hootin' Anni's, and that's okay. Not everyone enjoys it like I do, but I do wish those that comment negatively would keep their thoughts to themselves. It'll never stop ME from enjoying the ambiance...it's a fun seasonal day for me...always has been!!!  And Day  of the Dead coincides with it, so it can be a busy time for me also].  Then, I brought out the few items I have for Thanksgiving. 

Sunday was a beautiful day, the weather was super. Cool, dry and a perfect morning for walking and in search of Autumn colors and critters around the Coast....

Dew laden Autumn leaves


On Golden Pond


Red berries


Sunrise through the palm fronds


notice the dragonfly?


Praying Mantis


Walking stick insect


...A doe and a buck in the park

And while driving around and through parks yesterday, the Malfunction Lamp [engine] came on on my car's instrument panel.  I will get offline now, and call our mechanic!  Ugh.  I am not looking forward to this.

§ Big Nosed Kate [and Hazel] - and a bit of TOMBSTONE [AZ]

It was rainy this morning, so I stayed indoors; worked on a jigsaw puzzle and following the spirit of the season, I just now finished a pencil sketch I've been working on the last week or so....

Meet witch Hazel

I also did a witch painting years ago if you've not seen it before....find it HERE

Hopefully, I will be able to attend the Day of the Dead Festival this weekend! I've gone to them for the last 5 years or so, and it's a fun atmosphere and I get to add names of my family to the listings on the walls of those that left me behind...my mom, dad, brothers, and brother in law. Plus some pets' names. And, of course, walk around and get into that mode with the street music and revelers....hopefully some painted faces and those in costume. We are supposed to have a biggo cold front move into our area of the coast starting tomorrow; putting the low temps into the 40's overnight! That's downright cold for us!!! But, for the festival, it will be a pleasant, cool sunny day. And I'll be wearing my new shirt. I apologize for the wrinkled look, I hand washed it and it needs to be steamed a bit before I wear it. I think I'll probably have to wear leggins to keep my legs warm outdoors with the predicted temps, the sea breeze will be coming in through all the buildings on the streets...chilly.

Oh, and one more thing....I finished reading a book .... one of the most boring books I've ever put my hands on.  It had 4 stars behind it on Amazon, and some of the buyers' reviews were so positive, I ordered it.  I actually ordered it for Bud to read first.  LOL  It's of a subject that we both became interested in when we lived in Arizona.  Going to Tombstone often, we frequented the   O K Corral [where the famous gunfight between the Earp brothers and the Clanton family took place.]  And many times while there, spending the day, we'd have a burger and beer at Big Nosed Kate Saloon.  Big Nosed Kate was Doc Holliday's love interest [sometimes a wife, depending on who's historical account you read].  Well, not much has ever been written about Kate.  The new book is supposedly a factual writing of her, taken from some of the letters and historical text....very true.  Well, I don't agree....it was nothing but pure hearsay in my opinion.  And really, nothing new learned about her.  I was determined to finish the book, hoping to read something worthy.  Nada.  Thing is....Bud enjoyed the heck out of it.  [must admit that the historical photos of all the OLD WEST were the best of perusing the book]. 

§ More 'Ween and Dia de los Muertos

The one with the spider in her white hair, I made [she has a cone body] The black metal talon is a candle holder [there are two, but only one photographed]

Dia de los Muertos

[Day of the Dead]

 A Mexican Tradition that celebrates the family's love of those that died and remembered! Becoming a very popular tradition in the United States.  Tho closely related to Halloween, it isn't a dark, ritualistic celebration.  Instead it's for family who have lost loved ones [including animals] and remembering those who left us behind.  It's a LOVING tradition.  Read the history of Dia de los Muertos [November 1st] from National Geographic.

For my hot chocolate [I don't drink coffee, never have, never will], I found this cute cup of "El Gato" [the cat]...in traditional skull depiction.

...and another critter, this time a dog. A wax warmer:

§ Celebrating and Remembering...

Day of the Dead tattoos, paintings, portraits, murals and altars are all common commemorations of an important celebration in the Mexican as well as South and Central American traditions. Known widely as the Halloween of Latin America, the Day of the Dead is a holiday that sets time aside for those who have fallen before us. I Went to the Day of the Dead Festival over the weekend...this is what I saw. The majority I asked permission [some from parents] from everyone allowing me to photograph them:

Skulls, as in skeletons, sugar skulls, ceramics, face painting are 'essential'. The meaning behind it is a way to accept that loved ones that have passed on are no longer among the living in the flesh, but a reminder that they are still alive in spirit; adorning with bright dress, instruments such as guitars, etc.

A face that is half flesh - half skull represents the ongoing cycle of life
This one was my favorite!
Here's more:





Band music is heard miles before you arrive!
Mariachi is the best!




Colors are traditionally symbolic:

Pink - Celebration and joy
Red - The blood of life and a symbol of sacrifice
Purple or Indigo - Grief and mourning, the pain of loss and suffering
White - Hope, promise and purity of spirit
Orange - The brilliance of the sun; a new day
Yellow - Symbol of death

One of the most important traditions is building an altar to remember those who have gone; usually very intricate and colorful. It's built in several steps taking days...

'Bout now, it's hot with all the closeness and the heat of the day...I look for this sign!! Aside from tradition, the culture also enjoys the celebrations in many ways...food, drink, fun. Also, we are fortunate enough to have part of the city streets shut down to traffic and enjoy the music, the festivities, the parade, the drink...and of course, you can't have a street festival without the vendors and those that get the attention they deserve. I like to go during the midday fair and watch the kids and family doing things together and enjoying themselves...people watch while I have a refreshing 'cool one'. A Denverite at heart it's gotta be Coors Light!!

...and to not forget my favorite day - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!