Moving Forward While Looking Back

Dia De Los Muertos, or Day Of The Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back to a

 pre-Columbian past. This is a time for families to recognize and remember the souls of 

the departed. However this is not a time for mourning - this is a time to enjoy life.

 After all, Life is for the living.

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  Frances Ann Day summarizes the three-day celebration, the Day of the Dead—

“	On October 31, All Hallows Eve, the children make a children's altar to invite the angelitos (spirits of dead children) to come back for a visit. November 1 is All Saints Day, and the adult spirits will come to visit. November 2 is All Souls Day, when families go to the cemetery to decorate the graves and tombs of their relatives. The three-day fiesta filled with marigolds, the flowers of the dead; muertos (the bread of the dead); sugar skulls; cardboard skeletons; tissue paper decorations; fruit and nuts; incense, and other traditional foods and decorations.	”
—Frances Ann Day, Latina and Latino Voices in Literature     ________________________________________________________________________________

I was honored to have my work featured in the 23rd annual Dia De Los Muertos 

celebration at Maude Kerns Art Center.

This is my third year participating in this joyous celebration featuring art, music, 

and some fantastic dancing.

 

I hope these photos help to ignite some bright ideas for celebration with your friends
 and family during this time of the year. I know that it has for me.

For more information visit Maude Kerns Art Center.
 www.mkartcenter.org/dia_website/index.html

Last of Summer

            

Here we are again, September. 

My eyes weep for past memories of my Father and little Sister, 

while I try and smile thinking about the incredible summer that has blossomed around me.  

It is always difficult to say goodbye, even though I know that it is the only way to move on.

This New Moon is a Solar Eclipse in Virgo, said to open a doorway into the new. 

If change truly is the only constant in life, now is time to tap into that frame of mind. 

Unplug and Connect

The past summer months have been soaked with outdoor adventures, music, and friends.

As a creative person, I find so much of my energy is given away. It can be difficult to find a life and work balance. Taking time away to recharge is a luxury that is often times overlooked.

How do you recharge? What gives you energy?

These questions are some of the more difficult for myself to answer.
 It is easy for me to ask others what they want and then deliver on the goods. That is how I work. However, when I ask myself what I really want or need - it feels overwhelming!  

With all the ways we are digitally connected it is easy to feel that you are always on call. There are emails, phone calls, and texts that never end. It becomes all encompassing and exhausting. 

It is empowering to be able to walkaway from the screen. 
The most precious thing you can give someone is your time and attention. 
To unplug and consciously make time in order to connect with what feeds your soul is not just a luxury, it is something that every human being needs from time to time.

The following short film offers more ideas of how offline is becoming the new luxury.

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Murano, An Island of Fire & Water

I found myself feeling especially comfortable on the island of Murano. 

It is a charming island known for the glassblowers that had been exhaled from Venice in 1291.

To this day, the glass artisans are the main attraction to the island.

I found the slower pace and less crowded walk ways to be just what I needed after a long trip.

I enjoyed myself so much here, I decided to stay a while. You will never guess what else I discovered on this island of fire and water. I look forward to sharing my visual gems from adventures in

Murano, Italy with you!!

A City On Water

Venice, a city of mystery covered with reminders of a time long past.

This is a moody place where fog covers a maze of narrow water lined streets.

Old stone buildings seemingly float on water and rise to meet the seabirds flying over head.

This is a land of boats and bridges that seems to be decaying elegantly into the sea before your eyes.

Though there is tons to see in Venice, I could not stay here too long 

with so many other islands to discover I was ready to hop on the next boat. 

Next stop the island of Murano.

Finding New In The Old

Exploring old art was the reason I wanted to travel in Italy. 

I was surprised to find myself enjoying the new street art that has magically appeared.

Art has a voice that is louder than words.

It is amazing to find so much inspiration just walking along the street.