Paranoid...ME?

In my list of things to do on Saturday, the number one was to be the designated driver that afternoon to the Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Terlingua Cemetery, whose organizers go to great lengths to follow the original Mexican traditions associated with this date and do a wonderful job of it.
 

If you ever have the opportunity to attend, I would encourage you to do so, especially if you are not of Hispanic origin.  Even if like myself you are...it is an experience that will not disappoint and will enrich your understanding of other cultures.

Even being Hispanic...Mexican-American to be exact... I had never been part of the celebrations that take place on this date.  Sure I had seen them on TV and in movies but it was not until 2010 in Terlingua that I had the privilege to be part of them in person.

Like I mentioned I had every intention of being the designated driver but I changed my mind.  Why?  Call me paranoid if you like but as I was walking to my car after I got off to photograph the "other" cook-off...I caught the attention of a Sheriff's patrol vehicle.

He stopped on the opposite side of the road and watched me walk to my car.  I got in and was going to head to Study Butte to meet one of my blog followers who works there.  Well, this patrol car decided to follow me.

I pulled over on the shoulder, let him pass me then made a U-turn as I decided to head back to CASI.  He decided to turn around as well.  I tried to see if it was only my paranoia...so I turned off at the Old Ghost town...I will be darn if he did not turn in too!

In order to "shake" him...decided to park and get off at the cemetery...he looked my way and continued on towards "The Porch". No one was there yet as the celebration takes place at dusk. I walked around the cemetery as I waited for the patrol car to head back to where ever.  Decided I had had enough law enforcement attention for one day and went back to my camp.

What profile did I fit?  Out-of town middle age woman wearing a back brace and taking pictures???  Except for the back brace I think there are plenty of middle age women taking pictures especially this time of the year...OK...call me paranoid if you must!

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Dia De Los Muertos

Apart from the Chili Cook-Off one of the things I like to do when I am in my favorite desert is to attend the annual Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration held at the Terlingua Cemetery.  I was prepared to miss it this year as it took place on Friday, November 2nd and I do not leave the campground after Wednesday in my own vehicle as the local as well as State Troopers descend on the area and pull you over for no reason as they are looking for drunk drivers.

Lucky for me my friends wanted to go and they drove. I noticed this year a lot more people are dressing up as well as helping in the lighting of the candles that takes place at sunset.  It is really a spectacular sight and one I would highly recommend if you are in the area.

My camera is a cheapo and does not take good pictures in particular late afternoon and evening shots. So please excuse the poor quality.

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I wanted to take a picture of all the graves when they were lit but my camera did not cooperate.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Looking forward to my trip

When I am feeling down or “life” gets in the way I find great comfort in looking at pictures of events and happy moments and it undoubtedly makes me feel better.  Tonight is no exception to the rule.  Was looking at last years pictures of my trip to my favorite place in the whole wide world and I found the picture up above.

El Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican celebration that has become a tradition in many Texas towns and Terlingua is one such town.  The couple up above are husband and wife and each year they dress up for the occasion.  I had read about this event from Ara and Spirit  http://theoasisofmysoul.com/ but I did not get a chance to attend until last year.  If you have the opportunity to go by all means do so.  It takes place on November 2^nd just before sunset but due to limited parking try to get there an hour before.

They usually post signs around town and ask that you bring a potluck plate as well as chairs and your own beer.  They also have a small bonfire.  What I really wanted to see was all the tombs lit at sundown but since I was riding with someone else I unfortunately had to leave before that happened.

In Mexican tradition families go to the cemetery and bring the favorite food and drink of the deceased and leave it for him as an offering while they also eat by their loved ones tomb.  The exception to the rule is if your loved one died as a child, then it is celebrated on November 1st.

One thing I found intriguing was why all the tombs had coins (dimes, nickles, quarters) and when I asked they told me it was to pay for their "crossing to the other side".

Good night may you have Terlingua Dreams.