~*Happy November* ~

Small jars of candles and a garland of marigolds sit upon the mantel, along with pictures of loved ones who have passed away. Today is the Feast of All Souls, and if I were feeling up to it, we'd be visiting a local graveyard today. Well, that trip will have to wait for another day but there are some simple homey things we can do to honor this day. As it is also known as the Mexican Day of the Dead, we'll be having tacos for supper tonight and this afternoon we'll be reading a couple of favorite books from our November basket:

Day of the Dead by Tony Johnston

Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book by Jeanette Winter

and

The Spirit of Tio Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story by Janice Levy

I'll make some Aztec Hot Chocolate for the boys to sip as we read. It's appropriately chilly today, on this second day of November. I hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween. I can hardly believe that holiday's already come and gone, and with Daylight Savings Time in place, the days are growing ever shorter and darker. We need to fuel our inner light all the more as we journey ever closer to winter ...

Thank you again for all your kind wishes and prayers for my recovery. I am feeling so much better ~ it's mostly down to plain old tiredness now. I guess they really meant it when they said to take it easy, lol! There's really not much else you can do while waiting for your stamina to return. I can't complain though ~ my family has been wonderful stepping in to help out and making sure I do in fact take it easy.

Thanks for stopping by. I wish you a day filled with life, love and remembrance. :)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.  ~ John Muir

Comments

[Tracy from NJ]

It's been a while since your last post...hope you are feeling a little better every day.

[Charlotte (Matilda)]

Just thinking about you and wanted to check in and see how you are doing. Prayers for continued recovery for you and a restful upcoming holiday season!

[Greta]

Hope your recovery is going well. We miss you!

[S/V Mari Hal-O-Jen]

I thought of you this morning. :) I put cinnamon, vanilla and hot cocoa mix in my second cup of joe, nearly Aztec, right? Hope you're feeling great today!

[Kiri]

I'm so glad you're feeling better. I keep checking back to see how you are doing. I have to have my gallbladder removed the first week of December-very nervous! I hope you are able to eat all the yummy treats your husband brought you!

[Lynn]

Hope you are continuing to recover! I keep checking back to see how you're doing and see if there is anything new outside your windows :) Enjoy the lovely season and feel better. Thanks for the endless inspiration; I have been reading your blog for several years now!

[Debi Gull]

Dawn, I just found your blog and love it. I am a Montessori preschool teacher for Head Start and found my way here from LaPaz Home learning. I absolutely love your blog and hope to explore it more fully. Speedy recovery. Debi

[Michelle]

I remember that in one of your posts you wrote that your blog is your happy place. A place where write about things that make YOU happy. Today, on this day when there is so much sadness in the world, I thank you for the "happy place" that you have created for so many of your readers. Your blog is a place where we can go to reflect upon the things that really matter in this world; nature, family and the one true source of happiness and peace, Jesus.
Thank you Dawn!!

[Chrissy]

Dawn,

Glad you're recovering. I had my gallbladder removed several years ago and it can be rough sledding the first few days after!

I am a frequent reader and first time commenter. I love your blog! It is a peaceful place to be and for that I thank you...much of my limited computer time is spent perusing your archives.

I have searched but been unable to find what curriculum(s) you're using for homeschool. Would you please post more on that topic or point me in the right direction?

Many Thanks,
Chrissy

[helene]

Happy November! We will once again be reading and enjoying "Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear" which we bought a few years ago at your recommendation! Take it easy and enjoy a lot of "couch time" with your guys!

[Heather]

Thinking of you!

[Lisa]

I am so glad you are feeling better. Still in our prayers:^D

[Penny in VT]

Glad you're doing well Dawn, I only hope things get better and better...

That's a nice idea - the photos on the mantle with candles - I'm going to remember that - but I think I'll do it on all their special days (birthdays, etc) as well as All Souls. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Lecia]

It was great to see a post from you, you are such an encouragement to me as I homeschool my children. I am glad to see you are feeling better, take it easy until you get your strength back!

[Jane]

Glad to hear you're feeling much better. Happy November!

[Sarah]

Happy November! It sounds like you have a nice, quiet and thoughtful day planned. I am glad you are recovering well from your surgery. Have you been able to sample those yummy chocolate treats, yet?! God bless you, and take care!

[Kelly]

Lovely post as always. Glad to hear you are recovering well. Thank you for sharing. :)

God bless!

[Charlotte (Matilda)]

So glad to hear your recovering well. Take it easy and rest, rest, rest!!! Happy November!