my love forevermore

After years of the day to day work flow and the constant struggle to find our own way of life for our future we decided to start looking around for places to relocate our small family. We began searching for a place to call our own, but didn't want to be too far from where our families were located. With a short list of towns circled on a map we packed for a road trip and headed North. We enjoyed the sound of the wind passing through the car as we traveled through each town hitting all sorts of small shops and playing a sweet soundtrack along the way. Finally we arrived in the small city of Ashland very late at night and booked a room. Tired from the day of travel we decided to call it a night and wake up early for some great adventuring and exploring. I remember the moment I pulled the curtains open, seeing a sea of snow dusted mountains and trees that almost made us cry. The sun rise was like a warm hug in the morning that could make anyone just sit and smile with joy, appreciating the simple pleasure of all that this nature was. We spent the day exploring the city and everything this gorgeous valley had to offer. In the moment we left a small restaurant and walked to the car, seeing a vibrant array of color from the sun setting on all the bright beautiful trees, we knew we were hooked and ready to bet everything on black, to wake up to this sight and feeling everyday. We were ready to take a chance, a leap of faith in our relationship and our future. That was four years ago and we now call Southern Oregon our home.

Dia de Los Muertos is an annual multi-day event. Historically, it dates back to pre-16th century, originating with the Aztecs and Mayans. Dia de Los Muertos is a joyful and life-affirming reflection of the beliefs in the Mexican culture that death is not the end of one’s life but a natural part of the life cycle. The dead continue to live in memory and spirit and return to Earth on November 1st and 2nd . The families prepare for their loved ones’ return by decorating the graves and tombs, as well as building altars in the homes (ofrendas) which hold momentos of the departed, such as photos and favorite foods. Each ofrenda represents the elements of the Earth: water, wind, earth, and fire (candles, lit to help the souls find their way home). The belief is that the gates of heaven open at midnight on October 31st, and the spirits reunite with the families and enjoy the festivities prepared for them. There are many symbols of the Dia de Los Muertos celebration. Marigolds and red cock’s comb flowers are used as decorates everywhere. The marigold’s strong smell help the spirits find their way. Pan muertos (sweet rolls topped with sugar shaped like bones) and sugar skulls are reminders of the cycle of life shared by both the living and the dead. Monarch butterflies hold the spirits of the departed as they return each year for the winter to Mexico on November 1st. Depictions of skeletons are common in the decorations for Dia de los Muertos and emphasize the commonalities between the living and the departed. The celebration of the union of two souls, Isaiah and Anna, on Friday, November 1st, will continue to include all loved ones, past and present, at the reception. In the tradition of Dia de Los Muertos there will be an ofrenda erected to pay tribute to the departed. Guests are asked to bring to the reception copies of the photos of their loved ones who are departed to be placed on the ofrenda. Having them included at the celebration will be a special honor.