day of the dead 2011

this year my altar was maybe the most meaningful it's ever been.

As usual, a combo of remembering my ancestors and those who recently passed, but largely a solo process.

I'm in a new home this year and didn't feel all that comfortable setting up my altar in the shrine room. Luckily, a few years ago a darling friend of mine who had also lost her brother suggested keeping our altars in a suitcase so that it could travel along wherever we ended up. After moving, many items have yet to be rummaged.

The suitcase called out to me. I spent all morning assembling the feathers, the flowers, the stones, the food. I spent hours staring at photos and tearing up. I spent the morning conversing with my Granny and Pappy, who I haven't talked to since I was five. And then I went to work.

driving over the san mateo bridge is one of my favorite places to envision landcape in the bay area. the expansiveness to the left and to the right and the lovely bird habitat reminds me of cycles of life. that morning I phoned my mother. something wanted her to be part of my process. I needed her to be part of my process. though we've never discussed honoring the deceased in our family, I've carried and adopted the transition for years now. Only this year it occurred to me what a significant process the construction of the altar is. The bay area also being home to so many artists touches on the holiday in a unique and integrative way. i honor my process, my cycle, my grief and my family. this year my altar carried new meaning because for once I could share with my mother a tool i've used to help me through the grief that has plagued our bloodline.

thank you san francisco for reminding us of the community we are part of before it is our time to walk alone.