An Artisan Show at the Brooks Academy

Since we had to drive right past the Brooks Academy to get back home, we decided to stop by. Much to our surprise, there was an artisan show set up right in the sunken garden.

We milled around and I made a few purchases.  Cape Cod artisan shows are the best places to get one-of-a-kind gifts!  So I stocked up on a few.

I was milling around, surreptitiously reading the clues and following the directions. Once I figured out where the box was exactly located I put my purchases down and pretended to arrange all of my bags while I reached down and took care of business of retrieving and logging in.  I don't think anyone even noticed anything out of order.  It was perfect: letterboxing AND shopping all in a beautiful and historic spot.  What a wonderful combination!

The Ofrenda

As I was researching ideas for Halloween costumes online, I came across some inspiration from Martha Stewart from her last minute Halloween ideas department.  If there's one thing I am all about, it is last minute. 

Anyway, I got to thinking about potatoes and how they so nicely lend themselves to the shape of skulls.  And skulls are cool. Which led me to noticing how nicely yams lend themselves to making ghosts and celery kinda could look like a marigold and I had beets in my fridge anyway so I figured I'd throw them in as well.  So veggie carving I did.  Primitive but unique. 

So then I needed a box or container to put all of them in. I began looking into the Day of the Dead celebration and learned that according to Wikipedia, "Tradition that is connected with the holiday include building private altars called ofrendas honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed." One thought led to another and before I knew it I had fashioned a makeshift ofrenda with carved root vegetables - patata, batata, apio, and remolacha.


I made the series available at the Dia de los Muertos event with very limited availability - after all the carving medium was perishable!  I did have a logbook but it was possibly overlooked.

Thanks to everyone for the nice and supportive feedback.  I'm glad you enjoyed something a little different.  I had fun putting it together!

P. S. Yes, I do realize that celery is not exactly a root vegetable, but who really cares? Que sera sera.

Celebrating Day of the Dead...Ralph Style!

Ralph Spoilsport hosted the best Dia de los Muertos celebration!  It was a great day full of outstanding event boxes and inky fingers. I was really pleased to meet Ralph himself.  It's always great to put a face with a name.

So, I got there a little early to set up the ofrenda. As I was getting settled, I ran into Janila and Crayola Posse. Boy was it great to see them!  It had been years since I had seen them last. As we took our places, I got reacquainted with Dogs with Wings and a little later another pal, Blue Delft, rolled in with her partner in crime, idlemoon.

Once we all got going, it was a frenzy of fantastically creepy and day of the dead themed event boxes and otherwise.  Ralph had done a truly amazing job of crafting some real gems.  His Carnival of Lost Souls was clever, unique, and darkly humorous and his Welcome Foolish Mortals had a very special twist.  And who doesn't love Tim Burton? And if all of Ralph's creations weren't enough, there were plenty more goodies to be had.  Kaypendragon's Sugar Skull (I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you!), Snowbaby's How many licks (love the adorable themed tin), Treasurehona's beautiful La Calavera Feliz 2013, and Popeye's impressive Banzai!!! were just a few of my favorites.

Blue Delft must've heard my stomach growl because just as I was starting to feel hungry, she offered me some windmill cookies.  After stamping in some more I had a quick bowl of mac and cheese to recharge my batteries.  As I was taking a breather, True Indigo surprised me with an invitation to be here now.

I am often compass challenged but I came up with it pretty easily. It was magical.  That Crayola Posse is always ready with a new and exciting - and extremely creative - adventure.  They even had a convenient stamping stump stationed right nearby!   How do that do that?!

Other highlights of the day included meeting and exchanging with Popeye, Treasurehonas, RiverSol (hope to take you up on that game next time), Anne of Green Gables, SuperDognFamily, alphagraywolf, Razbunny, Cozy Reader (loved the "bow tie"), Pink, Silly Moosehead (great get-up), Fluttering Dragonfly, and of course, Ralph himself! I was even pleased to meet Yankee fan in PA, even though I'm a BoxSox kind of gal.

Ralph had hidden some great new boxes in the vicinity.  It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed getting outside to stretch and soak in the fall beauty.  The carvings are a wonderful addition to my day of the dead collection.  I have been pouring over all of my new images since my return from the great event.

Unfortunately, I had to head out early.  As I was packing up the ofrenda, the Booshmen came by to ask to stamp in.  I was happy to oblige. I hope to have more time to connect with them again soon.  But for now, I had to run so that I could primp. I had a million dollars to win. Tough job but someone's got to do it.

Happy dia de la muertos and Happy Halloween everyone.

And again, many thanks to you, Ralph!

Boxtoberfest

Better late than never, TNT and I attended Boxtoberfest in Titusville, NJ. Even with as late as we were, we actually got to meet a few new folks. As it turns out, two people I met were from my home town. Funny I had to drive 2 1/2 hours to New Jersey to meet them when they probably live within a few miles of me. Anyway, shout out to Blue Delft and idlemoon. I enjoyed putting faces with your trail names and if you ever need a local letterboxing buddy, please call on me. Much to my chagrin, my usual buddies have discovered other interests so I don't get out as much as I used to.

I also met Hikers and Hounds' new member, Casey. She seemed to be settling in well with her new pack.

I was finally pleased to meet Otis' Friends since I have been one step behind him on many trails, stamping into boxes just hours after him. It was great to finally "catch up" to him.


Lotus and Celtic Cat hosted a wonderful day complete with some wonderful new stamps and boxes. I was disappointed that TNT and I were so late that we weren't able to find many. With a sprained knee, I didn't push it but instead meandered while TNT tried to catch frogs in the creek.
I sure would love to get back to this park again soon. Besides, I need to replace the leaking and cracked box for Eman's Merlin. If any of you readers are headed in that direction and are willing to replace the box for me, I'd appreciate it greatly. I can even send you a box in advance, or reimburse you, if you let me know. Thanks.