on display

MONSTERS! A cool activity with the graduate group here and http://www.citizens-of-the-universe.com/monsters/index.htm James, the monster guru. Owen actually did most of the scupting... I was the "welder", responsible for smoothing the pieces onto the body. Pretty awesome outcome!

Otherwise, I got my act together for a little offrenda this year.

I don't have all my pictures of loved ones in order yet, but with we made sugar skulls with Val (and Owen and Joaquin, but their attention waned after a bit), and I have some pictures and some other personal items that remind me of my dear ancestors, how strange to consider them ancestors now,

is that right if I knew and loved them in life? Anyhow, I think it is a lovely practice to remember those who have died, and I like to remember how they have shaped me and my family,

what they taught me, recall memories near to my heart. Additionally, it is fun, bright and has a celebratory air,

which I also appreciate, I feel like it is a sincere heartfelt celebration of life. In brief, very brief, just one out of many memories:

Grandpa Jerry: a smile that can make you famous... reminds me to do so more and to more people

Grandma Jean: this may be old-fashioned, but to be a loving and supportive wife and mother. also.. I don't care if you wrap it in bacon, I still don't like liver :)

Tai-goon: to be brave, to take your son to a new country start a new life, life simply... he also taught me to make won-tons when I was a kid

Tai-pa: I understand that we share particularly dexterous toes, and talk about brave... she brought her daughter to this country alone and as I was told, through a river following the glowing cigarette of a coyote (or chinese equivalent) at a distance.

Gou-mo: if you are going to learn anything in a new language, learn to give a compliment. I remember she would always say "good-girl" or "good-boy" as appropriate. She was sweet and kind, and would worry about things like making sure I had my purse under control in a restaurant.

Uncle Dudley: so much, to be cheerful, to look in new places for great chow and to relish the discovery! Also... you should be able to tell what kind of wine you have based on the shape of the glass!

Uncle Henry: He was my friend on our trip to China, he was always energetic well into very old age and he attributed it to eating lots of vegetables. He and gou mou had a wonderful pommelo tree that they would risk life and limb to harvest pommelos for us to take home (frail looking tiny elderly people on rickety ladders with sticks trying to knock down large heavy fruit)

Grandma Amo: Brian's grandma was always extremely sweet to me and was a great hugger (she liked them too :).