Monday, November 1, 2010

Dia de los Muertos Blog Hop and HDH Freaker's Free for All


Welcome to the Dia de los Muertos Blog Hop! If you've come from Emma's Blog right track. If not, you might want to start HERE so you don't miss a thing. By now you've got the whole Dia de los Muertos celebration down so I won't go over it again. My twist may not be exactly traditional (being of Swedish and Bohemian descent) , but the spirit is there for sure. I do my whole hutch and sideboards as ofrendas or alters.




Here is a picture of my paternal Grandfather decorated with traditional marigolds.




I always heard that Grandpa came home after work and read the dictionary. He was not well educated but strove to better himself by learning new words each day. I was lucky enough to inherit that dictionary as well as his glasses and the magnifying glass he used to read with. He also love his cigars. My happy skeleton is holding his cigar case while sitting on the very dictionary he read night after night. I have his bowler too and a picture of him wearing it. I think he is happy that his habits are remembered.


In Mexico they decorate the graves but I live so far away that that is not possible. Instead I made a cross from marigolds that sits atop an epergne filled with candles. In the past I made this of fresh marigolds and oasis but finally decided that using silk made way more sense. Now I have it for year after year.



My hutch is also a giant ofrenda honoring a whole slew of people who are important to me.

I've collected some traditional Mexican art like this Catrina and the platter and vase with her likeness below. Isn't she beautiful?

Here's my food offering. I made a mini pan de muertos and the carafe is water. I've been making this bread since my Junior High Spanish teacher, Mrs. Parizek, introduced it to us. YUM! The top is decorated with (what's supposed to look like) little bones. HERE'S the recipe.


This shelf honors my parents. This is their wedding picture as well as the top of their wedding cake. I've made sugar skulls for each of them.

My sugar skulls were made using the traditional molds from HERE. Since cake decorating isn't my forte and I wanted these to last, I decorated them with Polymark dimensional fabric paint. Love the vivid colors but the paint sort of melted into the sugar a bit. I was hoping it would work more like decorative icing. (Back to the drawing board!) The names of my departed loved ones are written across the forehead. Ralph and Edna are my parent's names. (BTW, those are their wedding rings)

I also used the paint to decorated my string of skull lights in the Dia de los Muertos theme too. Pretty festive, eh? Remember, this is a fiesta honoring life, not death and is a very happy occasion.


These are my mother's sisters. They are very dear to me. My middle name is Lee, derived from Orletha. This is her high school graduation picture on the left. It was the roaring 20's and bobbed hair was all the rage so Auntie Lee cut her long locks in the style of the day and that is her braid. Her Grandma refused to talk to her for years after that. LOL The braid was kept in a box of Midnight in Paris perfume which reminds me of her to this day. On the right is my Aunt Rhoda. She was very fond of hats so I made a sort of Catrina card with a big fancy hat for her on my Cricut. The skull is from Indy Art and the hat was fashioned in DS from George.

I could go on and on but you've another stop to make. But before you go, please leave a comment for a chance to win this Tim Holtz Alterations Texture Fades set signed (with love, no less) by the famous Tim Holtz himself! WooHoo! I'll draw the winner on Wednesday so come on back and see if you won, okay? There are also fabulous prizes along the way and a grand prize if you comment on all of the blogs so what are you waiting for? Start HERE if you haven't already.


Now and go visit Jessica! and be sure to stop over to Haunted Design House to check out what the reat of the Minions are offering for the Freakers Free For All (meaning ANYTHING goes!).

124 comments:

  1. Well that synches it, I knew there was some bonafide witchery goin on, ROFL, wow, what a decorating of love, my fav. is the story of your grandfather and memorabilla, just fantastic, I keep a picture of my grandfather in the bookshelf, it was his greatest pleasure to sit and read. Hugs

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  2. Wow, I learned something. I have never heard of this celebration but you have decorated beautifully to honor your family.
    KIm

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  3. Fabulous job on paying tribute to those you love! TFS

    xdebrax@yahoo.com

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  4. what a beautiful display. You have a great display.

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  5. What a great job. You honor your family well.

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  6. I really enjoyed reading about your family, and your memories..kinda short,could have gone on reading....lol TFS

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  7. WOW!!! You did an amazing job!!!! :)

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  8. Love all the decorations and those sugar molds are wonderful! Great job.

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  9. This is amazing! You did a wonderful job!

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  10. Oh Donna, this is very interesting! I loved learning about your family. Its wonderful you have so much of their beloved items to remember them by! You are one lucky lady! HUGS! :)

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  11. I think it is awesome how you have so much to remember your loved ones by with such wonderful stories!!! I have officially been inspired to do my own- Dia de los Muertos day !!!!

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  12. so great to learn a new heritage
    gad1974@windstream.net

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  13. Oh Donna you were not kidding when you said you decorated for these days!!!! I love EVERYTHING!!!!! You rocked it!!!!! I am very happy that you are part of this!!!!

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  14. Wow, I just love how you decorated to honor you family.. Thanks for the chance to win such a FABULOUS prize..

    Amanda:0)

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  15. so much to take in and so lovely with the family connection x

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  16. Well, thank you for a glimpse into your mausoleum! LOL!! Seriously, you've got some pretty funky stuff there, girly!

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  17. HOLY CRAP, Donna! I just spent half an hour checking out all of your fascinating pictures! Really cool stuff!

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  18. Everything in your hutch is beautiful. I especially like the catrina!

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  19. Donna......I am so touched from everything I have learned about your family today. Your celebration of them is beautiful. I love everything about it. Were you the only child or the only one who got all these family heirlooms? Isn't it priceless?
    Love and hugs!

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  20. Just love your alters to your family, they are just beautiful. It just goes to prove that we are a multi-cultural country. JSharer417 at aol dot com

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  21. Just love how you decorated to honor your family! WOW! I Love how you celebrate. Thanks for the chance to win!
    Minta

    mintab@gmail.com

    check out my blog..
    http://mintascreations.blogspot.com/

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  22. Beautiful display. Wonderful to share the culture and tranditions. TFS.

    Jess B.
    thatzuneek@gmail.com

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  23. I love it all. What you do for them is so special. It's just beautiful. I'm now your newest follower. Thanks for sharing your memories with us. I would love for you to stop by and visit my blog sometime. jennyscards.blogspot.com
    hugs,jen

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  24. I remembered to come back today! AND, I'm so glad that I did! This is insane! You go way out for DOTD! Amazing, really. Love the dictionary alter, with the glasses, and your aunt's picture and her hair! You really know how to throw a party!

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  25. Donna, this is just a most fantastic set up evahhhhh.
    I loved reading about your family, and the family belongings are honored so wonderfully.
    Carole

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  26. Love your alter...we can tell it's filled with lovingly festive memories!

    :D

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  27. I love them all, Great Job, thanks for sharing. pattig161@yahoo.com

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  28. You have such a wonderful tribute set up! I love all of your ideas :) TFS!

    Emily (coolcricutcreations at yahoo dot com)

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  29. Love all of your projects and decorations! Very colorful.

    Linda
    myquillingnest at hotmail dot com

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  30. I really enjoyed this stop on the hop! I learned alot about this celebration that I didn't know much about. Thank you for sharing your personal mementos with us and also a receipe! I'm collection this stuff and will definately introduce this to my kids at home and school!

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  31. I am really enjoying this hop. You are all so creative. Beautiful projects!

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  32. You have some beautiful decorations!! I loved the cross!!

    Thanks for sharing!!

    Bev B
    bevborda at yahoo dot com

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  33. Donna, what an awesome post! Loved your story and your decorations are fabulous. What a great way to honor your family!

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  34. Wow very nice, I loved it all. thanks for sharing.
    Liset
    hailemnat@gmail.com

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  35. Wow! I love reading all of these stories of everyones family members--how insightful! I love all of your work you have done to make such memories of each and every one!!! thanks for sharing with us all!

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  36. Wow you really did your house up. What a great tribute!!

    ohhh I would love the Tim Holtz folder!! Thanks for the chance.

    I'm a new follower!!




    http://happyscrappn2.blogspot.com/

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  37. Wow, love that you so many wonderful thing from love ones. That is too cool

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  38. Wow, you have an awesome altar, i love it. I'm so going to step up my altar for next year. My daughter and I made one in honor of my grandmother gg. i love your ideas and inspiration.
    -joanne

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  39. beautiful set up for remembering the love ones tfs Debbie @DD'sCrafts debbiewilson62@comcast.net

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  40. I LOVE your sugar skulls - I think you did a fabulous job! Thank you for sharing your tratitions with us! :)

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  41. Wow Donna, you really did a beautiful job honoring your family. It is so nice to have all the memories, and articles you have displayed are fabulous. I guess you can learn a lot about a person thru their history. Awesome girlfriend!

    Hugz, xx

    ~L~

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  42. What a great tribute to all your family. Your decorations are fabulous. TFS. Just beautiful.
    Cindy, Madison's mom www.funkycards.blogspot.com

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  43. I was almost afraid to open your blog (lol), but I put my BIG GIRL PANTIES on and did it. You certain did a job of decorating. Loved reading all your memories. hugs.

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  44. What a gorgeous and thoughtful display you have created Donna. I love the "Catrina" statue. Your Grandfather's story and related items have inspired me to create one for my grandparents as well. Looks like a new holiday is going to be celebrated in my home next year.

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  45. Feliz Dia De Los Muertos! I love your sugar skulls, you decorated them beautifully!

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  46. WOW. Reading through your post all I could think about was the love you have for your family and all the treasures you have of them. Thank you soooooooooo much for sharing. cureta2@yahoo.com

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  47. omg This is all very amazingly. Very fitting for the day of the dead celebration. My teens would love this stuff awesome job

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  48. beautiful decorations
    aecopenhaver at gmail dot com

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  49. What a unique way to honor family. Thansk for sharing.

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  50. Thank you for sharing your family with us. A beautiful tribute to them.

    Yolonda
    yianthony at yahoo dot com

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  51. wow.. you definitely went all out for this. If something is worth doing, its worth doing right, right? lol. Fabulous job thanks so much for sharing!
    -jamie
    babyblueangel_30@yahoo.com

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  52. Wow wonderful deco!!thanks millierose651@aol.com

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  53. Wow beautiful collection. I love the Catrina doll. Thanks for sharing.

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  54. WOWZERS!!!! This is just fantastic.
    You have so many awesome things that belonged to your loved ones. Love how you have used all of these things to honor them! :)
    anmeron at alabamabroadband dot net

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  55. I loved everything you showed us, Your projects were great. thanks

    shop2udrop at embarqmail dot com

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  56. WOW......Great blog and terrific projects. Love the skulls. Thanks for sharing.

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  57. Wow, Donna! To have all those memories is truly a blessing and everything on your hutch just looks so well laid out!!! I think if I had enough to do something like that, I couldn't get it done because my "too" sentimental self would probably break down in blubbering tears! Thanks so much for sharing a part of your history and yourself!!!

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  58. Donna, first thank you so much for being part of this Hop and for celebrating in such a beautiful touching way my heritage!!
    I, like another reader could have gone on and on reading all the detail information about your ancestors....
    I love, love all you did!! (I have to say what I thought back then when I first came across your creations! (-- "oh, she is good, because she is a Taurus like Me!! lol --)
    Hugs, Gaby

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  59. Wow, I am totally inspired by the depth & detail of your tributes to your family members who have passed! Thank you so much for sharing them all!

    debpaint16@aol.com

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  60. Thanks for sharing the giveaways. Very crafty and inspiraional. Smooches... fgreggs@yahoo.com

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  61. I love how you honor all your loved ones, so many wonderful memories and great heirlooms. ~lori

    gallionlori at gmail dot com

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  62. Wow Donna, this is a fantastic way to remember your family x

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  63. Wow! You did a fantastic job decorating, you honor your family very well! Thanks so much for sharing.

    Feliz dia de Los Muertos!

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  64. that is an amazing set-up. thank you for sharing with us.

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  65. Oh Donna What a wonderdul tribute to your family,Ilove how you have so many precious heirlooms and you've showcased them wonderfully using your artistic talent! I have dabbled in family hisory with the help of my friend and have gone back as far as 1800's so interesting. love this tribute you've done Donna
    Hugs
    Juliexx

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  66. I happily became a follower. :)
    The story about the hair was so special.
    I wonder if she ever regretted doing it.
    You know... then not talking to her mom
    for so long. . . . Missing out on a lot there.

    I haven't been on a hop in a long time!
    Looking forward to the fun!
    The sculls kinda freak me out to be
    honest.... :? But the thought is what
    counts. and yes.. learning something
    new about life in someone elses world.

    ((hug))

    TR

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  67. LOVE the story about your grandfather!! It's great that you have some of his favorite things!!
    xoxo Joy

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  68. Wow! You have so many heirlooms and family heirlooms. How wonderful! Thanks for sharing with us!

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  69. Great ideas. Keep up the good work.

    Laurie L.
    llamoureux1964 at verizon dot net

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  70. Donna you are so talented. I just want to come over your house and look at all of your stuff LOL! You are so inspiring to me. I love those skull lights!

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  71. Love your collection! I have a few of the little catrinas and they just make me smile.
    dakotadawn7553@hotmail.com

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  72. What lovely momentos you have!
    Thanks for the chance to win such an awesome prize.
    *smiles*
    debbi

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  73. What a wonderful tribute to your family and I think your parents cake topper is beautiful!!! TFS!!
    ilovetonkinese2athotmaildotcom
    Rexann

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  74. Fabulous job on paying tribute to those you love! I grew up in New Mexico, I miss the celbatetion we had.
    Rebecca Minor
    buzzybeedesignsATyahooDOTcom

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  75. What a lovely way to honor your family. Everything is so beautiful.

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  76. Great job on yrou tribute. The large pic of your grandfather is fantasic. That frame is woth the bucks. My parents hav one just like it.
    angel hugs
    Debby
    angels5.2005 @ gmail.com

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  77. Wow! What an amazing tribute! Thank you so much for sharing about your family with us...

    Awesome blog candy!
    Nicole
    niclax13@gmail.com

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  78. Wonderful job. You have honored your departed with so much love. Thanks for sharing.

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  79. Awesome job on honoring your family. Love all the pictures. TFS

    stacy at mycraftingtime dot com

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  80. WOW!!! What an amazing display to honor your family members. Thanks for giving me a glimpse into your family history. i LOVE that you have your aunts braid. Your decorated lights are fabulous!!

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  81. Feliz Dia De Los Muertos! Great decorations and I love that La Catrina! Gracias!!

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  82. Thank you so much for the amazing family tour. That is so cool that you have stories to share about your family who have passed. And real keepsake heirlooms too. Your projects were great too TFS
    trygod20@verizon.net

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  83. Great job !

    http://www.mariaelenaworld.blogspot.com/

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  84. THank you for sharing this part of your family with us. You are very lucky to have such beautiful momentoes from your loved ones.
    Kacee
    mcvicwif@yahoo.com

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  85. thank you for sharing so much about your family, it is definately filled with love

    Liz C

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  86. WOW! everything looks so beautiful... very pretty and I didn;t see any twist... my abuelita (grandma) would say it looks like a very traditional altar for el dia de los muertos!

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  87. Your decorations are beautiful!!! I love the chest with candle and that Catrina is amazingly beautiful!! TFS!! Take Care!!
    Jennie @ http://earthyscrap.blogspot.com/

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  88. Your post is really wonderful and I like that a big tradition for my country is important for you, great pics and GREAT ALTAR!!!! I love Tim Holtz and I'm scrapper but I don't have nothing about TIm!!!! It's a dream for me! Kisses!!!!!

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  89. Wowwee girl!! What a SUPER job you did with this. I have just learned about this tradition but it seems to me that you really did it up right! You have some wonderful memorabilia pieces and I love what you did with all of them. Your family is, I'm sure, very honored and proud.

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  90. OMG! I dont know what to say, this is PAST wonderful, thank you for the recipe, cant wait to try it,the dishes, photos, and your parents rings? you have such wonderful memories! I am sure you also have wonderful stories to go along!
    I am a new follower and will for sure be back to ck out your other amazing projects!
    TFS and a chance to win
    Bonnie C
    http://ascrapabove.blogspot.com
    ascrapabove@aol.com

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  91. Oh wow! You have definitely captured the memories of everyone you love and display them so beautifully! I didn't realize today was this day, I always have a mini urn on my computer desk of my father with a candle with his picture on it. I normally light it on fathers day, his bday, and the day of his passing (which is in 9 days) but because of this hop I lit it tonight. Thanks ladies for this awesome journey.

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  92. What a beautiful display! I absolutely love the sugar skulls. Thanks for sharing!

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  93. Amazing sugar skulls they are really beautiful. Alter is great..

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  94. I haven't never heard of this celebration before. But it looks like a wonderful thing to do for the lost love ones. Thanks for the chance to see what you have done. Its beautiful.

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  95. Donna, I'm sitting here with my mouth open, marvelling at all the work you put into this. I really enjoyed reading about your family. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story.

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  96. Wow this is amazing, I am so glad to have learned so much. Your alter is beautiful! I loved the hat you made for your Aunt, and your grandfathers story was beautiful.

    Thank you for sharing.
    Rachel
    gl2814@zoominternet.net

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  97. What a beautiful display! I loved reading the stories about your family. Thanks for sharing!

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  98. Thanks for sharing your beautiful display and stories...absolutely amazing!

    Melissa
    www.disneydreamerdesigns.blogspot.com

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  99. Wow I just love how you have decorated honoring all your family. This is absolutely amazing and I love it all!

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  100. Thanks for sharing this with me.

    Have a wonderful day!

    Hugs, Hilde

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  101. As an aunt, I especially love that you paid tribute to your mother's sisters. My sister was my best friend and dearest confidant and her children are like my own. Thanks for valuing your parents, too, with the lovely display. I got out my mo and dad's wedding rings to use with their photos after seeing this!

    Many thanks for your creative ideas...

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  102. Wow! Amazing! I love how you decorated! Thanks for sharing!I'm following now!

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  103. Wow Donna, way to make it your own! I'm not into skulls, but I recognise the importance of them in this celebrations. Great projects. I can almost smell the cigar smoke!

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  104. That, my friend, was an AMAZING post. I loved reading every word. Your memorabilia is wonderful - I love the braid in the perfume box. That is somehow so intimate - smell is our strongest memory sense.

    Thanks for the education and the great post!

    xx Susan

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  105. Your decorations are very beautiful in honor of your family. TFS

    I adore hopping around your blog.

    Hugs ~ Lindy

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  106. Oh my gosh - what a spread in celebration of loved ones. that is fantastic, i can tell you put a lot of work into this. thanks for sharing.

    Maureen (in San Ramon)

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  107. Wow, this is super cool...love the sugar skulls....Great post! :)

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  108. Thanks so much for sharing so much of your heritage with us. It's so interesting to find out about other cutures and families! ksjennings(at)gmail(dot).com

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  109. very interesting, thanks for sharing

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  110. All I can say is WOW! Your projects are all so interesting and colorful!

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  111. Wow. Talk about a total shrine. These are great. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

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  112. Great display. TFS
    TTFN. Debby in Ca. dpookybear at yahoo dot com

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  113. How lovely! I adore the items of your parental grandfather, it looks like he is coming home every minute!
    Unfortunately, when clicking "here", I could not find your bread (with bones) recipe. I was always carried back to your starter page. Sorry, I have to stop writing and must continue browsing your blog! Have a lovely day.

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  114. Beatiful!!!!!!!!!!! Just love your alters to your family, they are just beautiful.

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  115. I am impresed!!!!! Next year I will be decorating because of you and my sister's inpiration!!!!
    OMGoodness you did great!
    Gladys -- Gaby's sister

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  116. That was amazing. I love that you have such special things like the braid, the dictionary and the cake topper from your parents wedding. So special and what a thing to treasure. What an amazing journey through time, place and culture. Thanks so much for that link! When I finally move into my new house I will show you some cool things from my ancient aussie world. Love learning new stuff. thanks! x

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  117. Oh dear girl, here I am...poster #124, in absolute AWE of this awesomeness you have created to honor your family now gone. I am gob-smacked with your talent and fabulousness. Yup.
    Carole

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Thanks for making my day!