Halloween or whatever you call it

One of my favorite holidays, which is not really a holiday at all, is Halloween. There are so many perceptions of this holiday that range from satanic to a celebration of those who have passed on. It is unfortunate that Halloween, much like any other commercially marketable holiday has lost it's meaning to capitalism and the retail industry. It has surprised me how popular it has become over the years. This might be due to its non religious affiliation, it is now taboo to celebrate anything that affiliates it's self with Christianity. However, it can be said that this holiday directly affiliates itself directly with Christianity even if it is unsponsored by the different sects of religion.

All Hollow's Eve, Halloween, Day of the Dead, Samhain... By whatever name it has been called, this special night preceding All Hallows day (November 1st) has been considered for centuries as one of the most magical nights of the year. A night of power, when the veil that separates our world from the "Otherworld" is at its thinnest.As ubiquitous as Halloween celebrations are throughout the world and in the U.S. as well, few know that the true origin of Halloween is a ceremony of honoring our ancestors and the day of the dead. A time when the veils between Heaven and Earth are thinner, and so it is believed that many could "see" the other side of life. The night is one very special night and time in the year when the spiritual and material worlds touch for a moment, and a greater potential exists for magical creation. In the Celtic calendar, it was one of the most important days of the year, representing a mid point in the year, Samhain, or "summer's end". And while celebrated by the Celts, the origin of this day has connections to other cultures as well, such as Egypt, and in Mexico as Dia de la Muerta, or the day of the dead. This should come as no surprise considering how advanced the Mayan cultures were when it came to the calendar, season changes, times of harvest, astronomy and mathematics. Anna and I really enjoyed Chichen-itza can you tell?The Celts believed that the normal laws of space and time were held in abeyance during this time, allowing a special window where the spirit world could intermingle with the living. It was a night when the dead could cross the veils and return to the land of the living to celebrate with their families.

Though the beliefs are different the end result is the same, belief in an afterlife, the existence of some form of Heaven, and the importance of families. That seems pretty parallel to a certain religion that I am sure most of you are aware of. :-) As Christianity began to take hold in Europe the ancient Pagan rituals were co-opted into festivals of the Church. While the Church could not support a general feast for all the dead, it created a festival for the blessed dead, all those hallowed so, All Hallow's, was transformed into All Saints and All Souls day.That is not to say that all religions believe in this, there are sects of Christianity that believe this day to be satanic and do not celebrate it. I say phooey, I love the magic of this night. Sinse my childhood; I have always felt a sense of magic and wonder during this time. The smell of fall in the air, pumpkins, leaves blowing on the ground. I don't necessary feel the veil is thinner, but like Christmas, there is defiantly an indiscernible magic that can be felt during this time.

Today, as mentioned above, we have lost the significance of this time of year which has turned into a candy fest with kids dressing up. Don't get me wrong, I love this practice as well, I feel that a balance can be reached, especially sense it is so much fun for the kids. Anna and I got to participate in a truck or treat at the church and had a wonderful time decorating our truck and getting dressed up. Anna has also been busy making themed cakes for friends and co-workers... I have yet to see one for husbands. :-)The house has been overly decorated and from our understanding, our neighborhood gets a ton of trick or treaters. Much to my dismay, I just learned it is going to rain. This is another popular occurrence in the Bay Area. I know it happens more than often, and it bugs me. We are in a drought up here, and have not seen rain forever, until now... and probably wont again after the night is over. Grrrrrr

Mezo

Family togetherness

Families support one another. The same can be said for ours... witness the Anderson Family Reunion. A lot of bonding took place. Witness good ol' fashioned sportsmanship and camaraderie. Today I give you "The Arm Wrestling Championship".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Many Happy Returns

We've spent a lot of energy this week worrying about and praying for our practice kid, Dante (our cat). After keeping him in the garage for a week we finally let him outside on Thursday night. He was as happy as a clam--chowder eater on a cold day with a little french bread on the side. He just had to smell everything and climb the trees and test out every hidey-hole. We followed him around for 30 mins but he eventually he gave us the slip. We meant him to be an outside kitty (Jonathan is allergic to animals) so we knew we had to let him go. At first we were happy for him but then we started to worry. Would he come back to us? Would he get lost? What if he comes back while we are at work and thinks we aren't coming back? What if he is hungry or scared?

We didn't see him for more than 24 hrs. We took turns calling and walking around shaking his toys. We had prayed and I had cried (Suck it up woman!). I'm pleased to report than Jonathan found Dante. Jonathan sat on our porch and called for him. Dante had been hanging out on our neighbors porch and came over. There was much rejoicing at the Clare's. We showered Dante with affection and he ate and ate and ate. I had him sitting on the couch eating out of a Nine Lives can. Jonathan kept walking by saying "Don't get used to this cat! This is a one time thing!"

PS. My last 3 picture posts were posts that I meant to write and never got around to. Alas--no words for you but peace of mind for me. I can now move forward in the blogosphere without lingering guilt. Thanks.

Catch up -- 4 months ago exactly . . .

We got married!

I found my BFF at last.

Catch up -- 4 months ago . . .

We visited Mayan Ruins (Chichen-Itza) on our honeymoon!

Catch up --- 2 months ago . . .

We bought a house!






Bonus Picture:

Catching up

Counting Clare now counts 3 Clares. We just got a Kitty Kat. We would like to introduce Dante.He is 6 months old and according to the internet he is a seal mitted ragdoll. Isn't he pretty? We got him from an ad on Craigslist. His family was moving and couldn't keep him and his brothers and sisters. Dante is a real sweety--very loving and has the loudest purr you've every heard. He is still adjusting to his new environment but he makes progress everyday.

He is named after Edmund Dantes from The Count of Monte Cristo. When we were driving him home he staged an amazing prison break. He ripped a perfect hole in the side of the box, jumped out and sat in the back of the car.Check it out.

Everyone is a comedian!

It definitely can be said that the family is full of comedians, I can not remember a time when I laughed so much. So I am sure you have already figured out what today's theme is going to be on. We have some stage acts, and then we also have some unintended comedic acts. First, I give you "Daniel is a Comic".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Next we have one called "Out to Sea", this one requires a little more introduction. There are several things going on and it is a rather large video. Between vicious tree branches, or "Logs", and the fear of jumping off a kayak due to persistent sirens, I would there is a lot of comedy going on here. Not to mention to watch some of the rowing can also be amusing by its self.

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Then there is the spontaneous comedy, laced subtle humor and undertones. As I recall, I ended the second to the last post with Brickman teaching us a lesson. So, not to be outdone, Daniel gives you a history lesson called "Ancient Whidbey Art".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

And then there is comedy in which you wonder in the back of your mind... are they serious? Enter the "Moose Man", who ironically is "Going on a bear hunt". And so it is called.

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

No comedy would be complete without a little stage performance, The Hoppers demonstrate dark comedy along with a play on words... which can be very distressing if your name happens to be Peanut. Here is "P-nut and the Lion".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

I am embarrassed to disclose that I was suppose to be in that one and the next one. But unfortunately, as fate... or luck would have it, I was using the facilities. Their next performance involves a man that has the same problem I have, the ability to spell. I give you "Help Help".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Well lets tie this one off with a very soft spoken Amara. Don't let her gentle voice fool you into believing that her story might not be funny, that is how she reals you in. Turn up the speakers for this last one of the post... I fear that I might be approaching the Andy "too long of a post" danger zone. Here is The very graceful Amara telling us about "A hot dog for a pet".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Mezo

I need a Grandpa!

Today's installments will consist of more Anderson reunion mayhem. I really have enjoyed watching these, having never seen them myself, I feel anticipation every time I read a title that has some clever tie in with the movie and it's contents... again thank you Cindy. So why the title of the blog? The first movie is short, but I feel there is a great theme to it, and Momma obviously sensed it as well, hence it's title. When I first saw the title "Good throw" I wondered what it would elude to, and what is neat is that the explanation comes at the end of the movie. Watch and then I will explain my reasons for the today's blog title.

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

If you watch Ethan through out the entire clip you can see the build up process, in preparation to throw the rock into the water. What is sad is that right at the climax, he drops it. Tugging at the heart strings a booming voice comes from behind the camera yelling, "Good Throw Ethan"!, in support of his efforts. Reassuring him that he had done a good job, even if it didn't turn out the way he had hoped. Maybe I am making too much out of this; but there has to be some great similitude to this and another father figure, but I will let you connect the dots. :-)

On a similar note, of father or Grandfatherly love and assistance, I present to you "Lia calls a cab".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

That grin and enthusiasm is priceless.

Since were on the them of fatherly bonding, I found this clip to be especially cute. "The Great Pacifier Trick"

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

I don't know who enjoys this trick more, Andy or Jennah. But it does reminds me of BanAnna. When it comes to food, she always wants what I am having because it tastes better.

Mezo

Thank you "Momma" Cindy!

I believe it was a couple of blogs ago in which I expressed my sadness for not recording more events from the reunion, that and my amateur ability with my new cam corder... are they even called that anymore? Well, I am pleased to announce that someone took pity on me, and that someone is Cindy. She happened to have a stock pile of already edited video's ready for the posting. After a little battle with figuring out how to get them, I am ready to post more. Keeping in line with a technique that the Brickman has shown me, I will be crediting the work to the creator... though I am not always sure who was recording. I know Eric had the camera a lot, so I guess I will give credit to the singing Andersons. And what better way to start out than with a clip titled "Everything is Great". I want to add that Cindy did the editing and has also cleverly named each movie. A superb job I might add. So without further delay, I give you, "Everything is Great"!

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

And what post would be complete without The Brickman explaining something. This one is cleverly named, "Uncle Dick, teaches a lesson"! (It's in his blood ya know)

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Again, I want to give thanks to Momma for putting in a lot of work to not only getting the files to me, but also for the time that went into the editing... and being gracious to share these treasures. Keep checking back for more, I feel like The Brickman when the pictures were posted.

Mezo