Dia de los Muertos
Terlingua, Tx.
November 2, 2010
The sun sets and the candles flickering on the graves burn suddenly brighter. It is their night, the gifts laid out on the graves for each of the departed to enjoy—their favorite things: tequila on one grave, an entire chicken fried steak is set out on another. It never fails to touch me this unique gathering—Day of the Dead in Terlingua, Tx. A seasonal event with roots in the ancient culture of the Aztecs, it brings a community together to mark the passing of another year; not just to remember those that are gone, but to sit and actually share a night with them.
And on this night I had the good fortune of finally meeting Ara Gureghian in person whose blog, “Oasis of My Soul” I have been following for some time. Ara not only takes beautiful pictures, but having once been a chef, he also cooks beautiful food. His dog “Spirit” famous for his goggles and bandana, rides in the sidecar of Ara’s motorcycle. They are a popular pair in the Big Bend. The desert has really come to be home for Ara who has been wandering for some time. His blog shares a heartfelt journey I think everyone should sample. He lost a son and took his grief on the road, following his heart wherever. It has led him here to Terlingua and this gathering where the past connects to the present and the living with the dead. It is All Souls Day. We share food and drink and a warming bonfire. I give him a copy of my book, he rolls me a cigarette. It seems we have known each other for a long time …
Mel Green The Blog 
mel!
thanks for providing an outward sign of inner light, for connecting the dots with Ara and Spirit and me and you.
wishing you a year of days awestruck by beauty,
christy
thanks, christy. the very same to you!
melgreen