Thankful///

I'm beginning a few new acts of meditation this month.

First, no alcohol...cleansing and saving are in order.

Second, a log of what I'm thankful for, inspired by my friend Danielle. One entry for every day in November. I've heard of people doing this in various ways - I plan on creating a visual representation with drawings from my sketchbook. 

Today, November 1st, is Dia De Los Muertos.  A latin holiday in which people come together to celebrate their loved ones who have passed away.

Nov. 1st - Dia De Los Muertos

Today I am thankful for those I have loved and lost. 

My grandmother, Mimi, who loved that dogwood tree in front of her house and made sure I can't walk by one without thinking of her. Who would let me do her hair for what seemed like hours on end. Sitting  on the back of the couch I would comb her white hair, filling her head with these silly hair clips she kept in her top drawer, right next to her Original Chapstick in the black tube and mauve lipstick. 

My Grandfather, who's games kept up entertained...he'd pinch our toes and say, "little pea, pineroy, rudiwhistle, mariostle..." then with our big toe, "gobble, gobble, gobble." So silly but it's always the first thing that comes to mind when I think of him, saying these things in his low scratchy voice. Who with that same voice, told me when I was seventeen on one of our weekly visits to his nursing home, "I thought I'd never see you again." He kiss my cheeks -  he thought I was Mimi.

My aunt Nancy who's love of elephants has transcended into all of her nieces. My collection, which started with some of hers that I inherited, is one of my prized possessions.

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