Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Dia de los Muertos

Thank you all so much for your kind words about my sweet kitty, Chyna. I'm so glad to know and there are so many tenderhearted people reading my little ol' blog who feel the same way I do, that our beloved critters are friends, and more than that, they are family. You bless me with your kindness and I thank you most sincerely.

Floral Dia de los Muertos mask by Lisa Leggett

Do you know about Dia de los Muertos? Day of the Dead? Even if you don't, I'm sure you've seen the most commonly associated image, the sugar skulls. Dia de los Muertos is a holiday that focuses on prayers & remembrance of friends and family who have died. The celebration begins on October 31st and ends on November 2nd, and the traditions include building private alters called "ofrendas" to honor the deceased, I think it's beautiful.

Floral Dia de los Muertos mask by Lisa Leggett

Ok, now let me back up a little. Back at the beginning of September, my pal Jacquie hosted a crafty party at her place in Santa Rosa. She had a bunch of cool things for us to try, one of which was painting paper mache skull masks (like these) which sounded like fun. Jacquie and I chatted away the afternoon, more chatting than crafting, but a great time nonetheless catching up with her and shooting the breeze. I left with a good start on my mask, promising myself that I'd get it finished by Dia de los Muertos so that I could share it with you guys. And then, as usual, I got swept up with new ideas - like Halloween swaps! I never forgot about my mask, I saw it every time I walked into my craft room, I'm just easily distracted. 

Floral Dia de los Muertos mask by Lisa Leggett

I was discussing Chyna's passing with some friends the day after she'd gone when one of them reminded me about the Day of the Dead and that it was a good time to remember those who've gone on, which in turn reminded me about that unfinished painting project, so I took it up once again, this time with her in mind specifically.

It was nice to do something creative, even if it was sooner than I would have thought possible after losing her. The previous week had been so stressful worrying and watching her every move, listening for her to make any noise, timing her medicines and foods, keeping the dogs from annoying her too much. It was relaxing to zone out, listen to a book and draw & paint for a few hours.

Floral Dia de los Muertos mask by Lisa Leggett

Her name really was Chyna Cat Sunflower, I named her after a Grateful Dead song, the words of which don't really make any sense, it's just lyrical imagery, fun and pretty. I always loved that song, give it a listen, you might be surprised how nice it is. I picked a few little elements from the song to incorporate in my own way...

Floral Dia de los Muertos mask by Lisa Leggett

Candles to remember her...

Floral Dia de los Muertos mask by Lisa Leggett

Shadow cat, watching butterflies near a shower of pearls.

Floral Dia de los Muertos mask by Lisa Leggett

Diamond-eyed Jack.
And sunflowers, of course there had to be sunflowers.

Floral Dia de los Muertos mask by Lisa Leggett

A giant sunflower for my Chyna.

Floral Dia de los Muertos mask by Lisa Leggett

And an alter for her, and for Butch...

Dia de los Muertos Pet Alter

 My furry angels.

Dia de los Muertos Pet Alter

Bones & treats for Butch

Dia de los Muertos Pet Alter

Beer for Chyna, she loved beer. It sounds ridiculous, but it's true, she was forever trying to mooch from Sean. He indulged her sometimes, it made me craxy... those two.

Dia de los Muertos Pet Alter

Water to drink and a soft rug for them to lay on, welcoming & familiar. Everything here was gathered from around the house, much of it meaningful and tied to other happy memories.

Dia de los Muertos Pet Alter

I left the alter up until last night, a day longer than necessary, but it made us smile every time we walked past it, and that's a good thing. 

I've only shared this with a small handful of friends, and I was so pleased to learn that many of them also have little shrines to the pets they've lost. Do any of you? I'd love to hear about it if you'd like to share.

Thank you again for being so supportive and sweet, you're the best!
oxo,
Lisa

3 comments:

Beedeebabee said...

Wow...how pretty is this!! I think your sugar skull is just beautiful, Lisa, so thoughtfully done...and with such awesome drawing and painting skills too! (let me just say again how you continue to amaze me with your many wonderful talents!!!). Your shrine for Butch and Chyna was also very beautifully done. All those cheery colors, goodies and precious photos, must have helped you to feel happy when remembering those adorable little sweeties. (and I loved the snap of Chyna mooching the beer!) xoxo

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

A Soul Healing project. Perfect. I can tell it made you feel better. I'm so glad.
xx, Carol

TheMistressT said...

Your shrine really does express all the colorful beauty your Butch and Chyna brought to your life.