As we cozy up to the enchanting embrace of winter’s solstice, let’s embark on a musical journey like no other. We’ve got not one but two incredible renditions of Vivaldi’s ‘Winter’ that are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine, leave you on the edge of your seat, and fill your soul with awe.
Get ready to be mesmerized as we explore these riveting performances! Which one will steal your heart and whisk you away to the winter wonderland of music?
Stay tuned for the showdown of the season! #VivaldiWinter #MusicalMagic”
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Or…..
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Enjoy this time of hibernation, dreams and “tearing it up” a little!
However you like to celebrate, remember to spread the love and do what you can to lift someone else up.
Calling ourselves “Scar Clan” emerged through the threads of love and the tapestry of long life, and has bound us together in a unique bond, marked by shared experiences and cherished memories. As we gather before our Dia de los Muertos altar, we long for the day when we can reunite with our ancestors, celebrating the eternal connection that runs through our veins.
With every offering placed upon the altar, we honor the past and anticipate the future, knowing that our love will guide us to that sacred heart where our ancestors await, ready to welcome us into their timeless embrace.
We create an altar and invite our ancestors to return home and visit. During this week we celebrate life and love together as we offer remembrance and gifts.
Dia de los Muertos
October 28 – November 3rd
October 28th – The first candle is lit, and a white flower is placed to receive lost souls.
October 29th – The next candle is lit, and a case of water is placed, dedicated to the abandoned and forgotten deceased.
October 30th – Another candle is lit, a glass of water is placed, and white bread is placed, for the deceased who left without eating, perhaps through an accident.
October 31st – Another candle is lit, a glass of water is placed, a white bread is placed, and we add some fruit for our ancestors.
November 1st – All Saint’s Day, the souls who died as children arrive this day. All the food is put on the altar.
November 2nd – Day of the faithful departed. Souls of the dead adults come to collect and eat the offering that their families place.
November 3rd – The last white candle is lit, and we say goodbye to our deceased and the offering is removed.
Supplies
Candles 5
Water carafe, glass of water
White Flower 1, Flowers for display, such as traditional marigolds
As the world slowly thaws out from the long, cold winter, it can be hard to shake off the sluggishness and gloom that often comes with the season. But fear not, dear readers, for the arrival of spring brings with it a renewed sense of hope and possibility.
The buds on the trees and the blossoms on the flowers are a reminder that even in the darkest of times, new life is always waiting just around the corner. The world is waking up from its slumber, and so too can we. It’s time to shed those heavy winter layers, both physically and emotionally, and step out into the bright, warm sunshine.
Sure, there may be days when the clouds gather and the rain pours down, but even on those days, there is something to be grateful for. The smell of fresh rain on the pavement, the sound of birds chirping in the trees, the sight of a rainbow stretching across the sky – all of these things are reminders that there is beauty in every moment, even the difficult ones.
So, if you’re feeling down, take heart in the arrival of spring. Take a walk in nature and feel the sun on your face. Plant some flowers and watch them grow. Reach out to a friend and reconnect. And remember that just as the world is constantly renewing itself, so too can we renew ourselves and find hope and joy in the midst of darkness.
Life is a wild, unpredictable ride, but we’re all in it together. So, let’s embrace the new season with open hearts and open minds, and see where this journey takes us.
During the COVID pandemic in 2020, we moved into a new home. In the first 6 months at our new place, the garden was tended and nurtured to come back from a couple years of complete neglect.
This garden has revealed treasures like sparkly pebbles, crystals, agates, geodes, tiny clay sculptures, and odd bits of stained glass, all scattered throughout. It’s been fun finding all the little things and collecting them. Yesterday, while tilling a flower bed, I found a bell-shaped crystal that was drilled for hanging in a window.
Among the treasure there have been 2 little angels. Both have broken wings. One is a 2” glass figure of a seated angel. The second is a 3” tall amethyst angel in prayer. They sit together now, inside the crystal geode, tucked away and watching over the home and garden.
I find myself pondering these treasures, there in the dirt, as I take a deep breath. Were they tossed away and discarded by the former resident? Were they “Gifted” back to Gaia?
These sparkly things sit now, collected up on a ceramic platter, resting under a tree in the garden. I’m imagining up a game to play with the grandchildren where they can hide them again!
Back to Wounded Angels. I’ve found two in the new garden. With 3 already in my collection, that’s 5 angels.
All with broken wings.
“The wound is the place where light enters you.” Rumi
As long as the light enters!
So, without putting judgement on it, the process of each of us healing our own wounds is a gift that gives us the skill and wisdom to go deep without fear when helping others. To inspire and uplift someone else when they need it.
These thoughts are easy enough when you’re the one strong enough to help others… but what about those times when you need help yourself? It’s important to understand that life is a cycle, life is a circle, life always comes again.
Be willing to let someone help you up. Practice gratitude. It feels delicious.
