Day of the Dead: November 1, All Saints Day, and November 2, All Souls Day are marked throughout Mexico by a plethora of intriguing customs that vary widely according to the ethnic roots of each region. Common to all, however, are colorful adornments and lively reunions at family burial plots, the preparation of special foods, offerings laid out for the departed on commemorative altars … Read More Dia de Muertos
When I was walking my dog this morning, I passed a man walking his dog. The reason I mention it is that he (the man, not the dog) was wearing an old-school grey sweatshirt/sweatpants ensemble. I hadn’t known one could purchase such a thing anymore but it looked fairly new, so I’m guessing that it hasn’t been hanging in his closet for 20 years … Read More The Sweatpants of My Youth
It’s dirty little secret time and here’s mine: I’m obsessed with looking at real estate web sites, especially when there are photos to go along with the listings. And I know that I’m not alone. People in the US have been buying and selling houses like crazy over the past few years. The flipping of houses has become a hobby/business for some. But that’s … Read More Am I a Voyeur?
My friend Mary Akers (and I thank her for bringing this to my attention) posted a link to a National Geographic story that has left me shaken up Dogs used as shark bait. I know there are some places online touting the use of live cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies for bait as urban myth, but this story should show that this is actually … Read More
As children, our costumes were always simple, cobbled together things–gypsy, ghost, hobo, whatever. They were not store bought and more often than not required that we put on lipstick and eye shadoow, which was always a plus back then. We would trek out with our dad and hit the neighborhood with our pillowcases in hand and Unicef boxes around our necks. Every once in … Read More Admit it: You Hate Halloween
I got The Best American Short Stories 2005 out of the library last week and have been reading it in bits and pieces when I have time. First things first: I was charmed by Michael Chabon’s refreshing introduction, the theme of which was entertainment and about how the main aim of fiction–short stories–is to entertain (OR that when it is the main aim, it … Read More
Here’s a cool blog you’ll want to bookmark and check out on a daily basis: Surviving the Workday: How to use spirituality to thrive at work
About fifteen years ago someone (a boyfriend maybe? I can’t remember. See, I’m getting old!) gifted me with something I coveted: the recordings of Dylan Thomas reading his work on cassette tape. If you have never heard these recordings, you are truly missing out as this man was not only a genius but he was clearly a performer as well. His voice is rich … Read More Speaking of Dylan Thomas…
Heading out to New Jersey on business until Wednesday night. I may or may not have time to post. It’s likely I will as hotel rooms make me lonely. Anyway, thanks for stopping by.
myfanwy collins 