October 25, 2024

REMINDER: YOUR SUBMISSIONS ARE ENCOURAGED

credit: Margaret Durney

Overview for this week.

1. Dia de Muertos is next weekend, I have a guide to Day of the Dead celebrations around the world and how we celebrate in Tucson with our own All Souls Procession.

2. I have another special edition Barbie to go with the Diwali Barbie from two weeks ago. This time it's a pair, Dia de Muertos Barbie and Ken special for 2024.

3. Tohono Chul Gardens here in Tucson is having their own day of the dead festival next weekend. family fun in a beautiful garden location.

4. The men's 2024 IRONMAN World Championship is this Saturday in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i. I have details on the race, some of the special competitors, and how to watch it from home.

5. Continuing with the Big Island, I have an article on what makes Kona coffee so special and unique.

6. I have a special Reader Submission this week. A good friend fom Kailua-Kona and a woman that I admire, Elizabeth Theriault, was kind enough to share some pictures from her recent trip to my home state, New Hampshire.

7. In Performing Arts, I'm highlighting an upcoming bilingual opera to be performed by Arizona Opera at Children's Museum Tucson as part of their "Beyond Downtown" series.

8. in the Educator's Corner, I look at Blended Learning, an educational methodology that combines face-to-face instruction with remote learning that is gaining popularity in academic and business circles.

9. In Wellness, I have some tips from WebMD on the best times to have a glass of water.

Now, to this week's Flock.

Tap to view past issues.

The Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos), the celebration that has its roots in both ancient Mesoamerican culture and the pair of Catholic holidays, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, is coming up next Friday and Saturday. Last year, I looked at the history of this Mexican celebration of friends and loved-ones who have departed. Day of the Dead celebrations are popular far beyond the borders of Mexico. This week, I'm looking at how they are celebrated around the world.

From: Pin and Travel

Across the world, it is not uncommon for different cultures to mark a day to celebrate ancestors who are no longer in the living realm. These celebrations range from lively and colourful festivals to spiritual and sometimes serious affairs. Over the years, as civilisations develop, these celebrations have mingled together but despite the universal themes, each country maintains their own customs and traditions when it comes to honouring the departed. From the colourful celebrations in Mexico to the bewitching pagan rituals in Ireland...

Here is a sampling of how different countries Celebrate the Day of the Dead:

Mexico: Día de Muertos

Every year in Mexico during the days leading up to November 1 and 2, people gather to commemorate Día de los Muertos, a cultural celebration honoring the cycle of life and death that can be traced back to the time of the Aztecs. As part of the deeply traditional festivities, participants decorate ornate ofrendas (altars) with offerings for ancestors, including marigolds, fresh-baked pan de muerto (sweet bread), and detailed sugar skulls. In addition, many revelers partake in candlelight processions with their faces painted as calaveras (the holiday’s skeletal symbol).

Source: Mano a Mano

United States : Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead

Today, the holiday blends Indigenous traditions with European-influenced spooky season festivities and is popular in places where Mexican and Hispanic heritage is strong. From sugar skulls and cookies to decorated shop windows, “ofrenda altars” and cemetery visits, some locales pull out all the stops to make the holiday memorable.

Source: moveBuddha

Guatamala: Día de Todos los Santos

In Guatemala, it's referred to as Día de Todos los Santos or All Saints Day and is celebrated on November 1st of each year. Similar to Mexican Día de Muertos, this day is all about honoring the lives and memories of lost loved ones, with many Guatemalans believing their spirits return to visit them this day. There are two towns in particular in Guatemala that have elaborate celebrations each year to visit and honor the dead. The Giant Kites, known as "barriletes", are believed to serve as an element of communication between realms that allow people to connect with their lost loved ones on this day.

Source: Heart of Travel

India: Shraddha and Mahalaya

In India, both Shraddha and Mahalaya are celebrated with deep cultural and religious significance and can both be referred to as the Day of the Dead in India. Shraddha rituals are observed by Hindu families across the country, primarily during the Pitru Paksha, which usually spans from the lunar month of Bhadrapada to Ashwina, typically falling from September to October. During this time, families perform individualised rituals involving food offerings and prayers to pay homage to their ancestors and seek their blessings.

Source: Pin and Travel

Ireland: Samhain

The general belief is that the celebration of Samhain — a Gaelic holiday of Celtic tradition celebrated on November 1, marking the end of the harvest season in Ireland — is most probably the origin of Halloween in the United States and the modern global holiday. Today, masks hide the faces of those who celebrate the festival around bonfires where local gastronomy — the main protagonist is the sweet Barmbrack-leavened bread with raisins and sultanas — is to the fore.

Source: El País

Here in Tucson, we celebrate Dia de Muertos with the All Souls Procession Weekend which includes three days of concerts, dances, face painting, and street performers, capped off with the Procession through downtown Tucson. The Procession culminates with the ceremonial burning of an 'urn' participants have deposited mementos and prayers into. The Procession is organized by the non-profit arts collective, Many Mouths one Stomach. I have always been impressed by the fact that the All Souls Procession does not solicit or accept large corporate sponsors, and is community funded by donations from individuals and local small businesses.

From: All Souls Procession Weekend

The All Souls Procession is one of the most important, inclusive and authentic public ceremonies in North America today. The Procession had its beginnings in 1990 with a ceremonial performance piece created by local artist Susan Johnson. Johnson was grieving the passing of her father, and as an artist, she found solace in a creative, celebratory approach to memorializing him. Says Johnson, “From the beginning, it was different people’s ethnic groups, different cultures, but also it was all these different art forms put together.”

After its inception, many artists were inspired to continue, growing the Procession into its modern incarnation. Today we find ourselves organizing upwards of 200,000 participants on the streets of downtown Tucson for a two-mile long human-powered procession that ends in the ceremonial burning of “The Urn”. The Urn is filled with the hopes, offerings and wishes of the public for those who have passed.

Myriad altars, performers, installation art, and creatives of all kinds collaborate to prepare their offerings for this amazing event. The All Souls Procession Weekend Honors the Ancestors and our lost loved ones and Celebrates Life.

2023 All Souls Procession Tucson, AZ Aerial Footage

My special Dia de Muertos prayer goes out to Ken "Cowman" Shirk, a pillar in the Kona triathlon community. We lost Cowman in August of 2023. He was truly one of a kind.

Last April a group of Ken's close friends trekked up the Hualālai volcano to spread his ashes on the summit. We miss you Cowman.

Two weeks ago, I featured the Diwali Barbie, a part of Mattel's inclusive line of Barbies celebrating cultural holidays from around the world. I have another this week, the 2024 Dia de Muertos Barbie, and Ken.

From: Fox 31 Denver, By: Christina Mrfice, October 17, 2024

Barbie’s Dia de Muertos dolls are exquisite

With Dia de Muertos right around the corner, Mattel has released two new dolls to mark the holiday. Barbie’s 2024 Dia de Muertos dolls are so much more than just toys, though. They’re legitimate works of art.

Treat yourself to a delectable fusion of flavors and traditions at Tohono Chul’s Chiles, Chocolate, & Day of the Dead Festival! 

Experience the vibrant energy of the Fall season with dozens of food vendors, local craftspeople, and entertainers who fill the gardens with delicious bites, handmade delights, and lively melodies. Kids can enjoy free craft activities and complimentary face painting for Día de los Muertos!

Immerse yourself in the artistry of personal ofrendas (altars) crafted by local artists and students, paying homage to the enduring borderland traditions of Día de los Muertos.

Don’t miss our community altar, where you can leave recuerdos (remembrances) for your lost loved ones which will be taken to Tucson’s All Souls Procession on Sunday, November 3rd to be burned in the famous Burning of the Urn Ceremony.

The men's addition of the 2024 Ironman World Championship returns to its home in Kailua- Kona, Hawai’i this Saturday, October 26th, after being held in Nice, France last year. The following article from Endurance Sportswire has all the stats you need to know about this year's race and how you can watch it. They also profile some of the extraordinary and inspiring athletes who have met unique challenges to compete in this year's championship.

More than 2,400 registered male athletes from 85 countries, regions and territories will enjoy the beautiful surrounding of Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i for the men’s edition of the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship on October 26 - The world’s top male professional and age-group triathletes will return to Kona for the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon with the women having raced in Nice, France on September 22.

Fans around the world can enjoy live race day coverage of the men’s 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon for free across multiple platforms including proseries.ironman.com, DAZN, and YouTube, as well as Outside TV in the U.S. and Canada, L’Équipe in France, and ZDF in Germany. Race preview content will be available throughout the week across IRONMAN’s social media channels.

...Every athlete that lines up at the entrance to Kailua Bay on Saturday, October 26 for the men’s edition of the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon has their own unique and personal journey to the start line, but all showcase a dedication and perseverance bringing them to center stage of the triathlon world. Some of the notable age-group athletes competing at the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon include:

The father son duo of Warren and Paul Hill at the 2022 IRONMAN World Championship

Warren Hill (NZL) will represent as the oldest competitor at 84-years young.

Billy Monger (Charlwood, United Kingdom) – A former racing car driver and double amputee, Billy will race at the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon in Kailua-Kona while raising vital funds for Comic Relief, a major UK charity. In 2017, just before his 18th birthday, Billy suffered life-changing injuries in a near-fatal race crash that led to the amputation of his legs. Driven by sheer determination and the unwavering support of loved ones, Billy was back behind the wheel within a year and has been unstoppable since in his pursuit of pushing boundaries in the world of sport. Since then, Billy has already raised £3 million for Comic Relief when he walked, cycled and kayaked across England in four days. As Comic Relief prepares to celebrate its 40th year, Billy is planning to conquer the pinnacle race of the triathlon calendar. And, not only that, but Billy is also hoping to set the fastest finish time for a double amputee on prosthetic legs at the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon, by completing the event in under 16 hours, 26 minutes and 59 seconds.

No doubt many of the competitors in Saturday's IRONMAN will start the day with a pre-race cup of Kona Coffee in the dawn hours Saturday morning. When I lived on the Big Island, I grew and roasted Kona beans Not being a coffee drinker, I never drink it myself.

From: San Francisco Bay Coffee

There are many options for high-quality coffee. One of the rarest is Kona coffee, grown on the Big Island of Hawaii. But what is Kona coffee, and what makes it so special? In this guide, we give you a taste of one of the most satisfying types of coffee, explain its history and benefits, and discuss where to buy Kona coffee. 

What exactly is Kona coffee?

Kona Typica coffee beansKona coffee is coffee that is grown in Kona, Hawaii. Kona coffee is primarily made from the bean variety Guatemalan Typica, a type of Arabica. However, coffee farmers have introduced new strains over the years by planting Red Caturra and Bourbon coffee trees. 

Kona coffee is a hard bean that forms as a result of the bean variety, the weather, and the rich volcanic soil. Coffee beans harvested in the Kona region have a very high density, which leads to complex bean development during the roasting process and unique and fantastic flavor profiles once brewed.

Flock reader and good friend, Elizabeth Theriault was recently in my old stomping grounds of New Hampshire and sent these pictures to me to share with the Flock. They both warmed my heart and made me homesick for New England in the fall. The colors and countryside are so beautiful this time of year. The photos also brought back memories from one year ago, when Elizabeth was here in Tucson, and we visited the Tohono Chul pumpkin show together. Around that time, I featured Elizabeth’s art, her beautiful hand-made drums, and her organization, DrumSpeak dedicated to spreading the positive power of the drum and drumming. Through her Blessingways service, Elizabeth officiates weddings and uses the power of ritual and community to conduct ceremonies designed to empower others and help them navigate life's transitions.

Elizabeth in the New Hampshire countryside

Littleton, New Hampshire

The Sunflower House - Littleton, New Hampshire

As part of their "Beyond Downtown" program, the Arizona Opera is presenting a series of performances at unique locations outside of their usual theaters. The next presentation will be a production of the bilingual children's opera, The Coyotes & The Rabbits at Children's Museum Tucson on November 9th.

From: Arizona Opera

The Coyotes & The Rabbits by Héctor Armienta is a one-act bilingual opera inspired by a Mexican Folk tale. Join the Chiquita Banana Sisters in a whimsical adventure where mischief meets life lessons! When Scrawny Coyote discovers that reading is just as important as hunting, he gets tangled up in the sisters' playful tricks against his cousin, Loco Coyote. Dive into this enchanting production that celebrates creativity, friendship, and the power of knowledge—perfect for audiences of all ages! Produced in partnership with San Jose-based Ópera Cultura.

Part of Art After Dark- Admission is free! Space is limited and patrons will be admitted on a first-come-first served basis. CLICK HERE for more information.

Blended Learning is a relatively new educational methodology born out of the necessity of remote learning during the COVID 19 pandemic. Blended learning builds on remote learning techniques developed during that time and combines them with traditional in-person classroom instruction.

From: Learning A-Z

Blended learning is an educational methodology that blends online or digital components with face-to-face instruction. Including technology in education helps set students up for success later in life, because computers and other connected devices are so integral to communication and business today. When students learn in a blended learning setting, they do more than master the subject they’re learning; they also master the use of technology.

In-person instruction from a teacher is essential to the blended learning approach. Developing listening skills in addition to visual and kinesthetic skills is important for student development.

I've brought up the importance of drinking water and staying hydrated before, the following are a selection of tips from WebMD on the best times to grab yourself a glass of water to stay on top opf your game throughout the day.

From: WebMD, By: Janine McQueen, October 7, 2023

When You Wake Up

First thing in the morning is one of the best times to hydrate. Your body has gone through a long fast. For a simple jump start, squirt half a lemon in your first glass of a.m. water for a bright boost of antioxidant phytonutrients, vitamin C, and potassium.

Whenever You Sweat

Anything that makes you sweat -- a sauna or a hot tub, time outside on a hot, muggy day -- will cause your body to lose fluid. Ditto with exercise. As your muscles warm up, your body perspires to cast off heat. You’ll need to cool down with lots of water.

Before, During, and After Exercise

You need lots of water to replace what you sweat out. How much? Before you work out or spend time outside, fill up your bottle with 16 to 20 ounces of H2O. Drink 6 to 12 ounces about every 10-15 minutes while you’re active. Afterward, drink up again -- another 16 to 24 ounces.

When You’re Sick

Hydration is key to healing when you’re sick. Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever can cause extreme water loss. At the first sign of illness, drink lots of water, especially if you’re not hungry. Stay away from alcohol and caffeinated drinks. They’ll dry out your system even more.

When You’re on a Plane

Ever wonder why you get so parched and thirsty when you fly? It’s all about altitude. The higher the plane goes, the drier the cabin air becomes -- and around half the air in your cabin flows in from outside. To combat the super-low humidity level, carry on an empty water bottle to fill up as needed during your flight.

When You’re in a Midday Slump

It’s midafternoon and your energy has left the building. Don’t start a new pot of coffee, though. Instead, have a tall glass of water -- maybe sparkling to add some pizzazz -- with lemon or other flavoring to bump up your mood. Your hydration state directly affects your mood, memory, and visual perception, the British Journal of Nutrition reports.

Before Eating a Meal

Drinking water before a meal -- aka “preloading” -- might help you lose weight. A small study tested people who drank 500 milliliters -- that’s a little over 16 ounces -- of tap or bottled water about 30 minutes before mealtimes and throughout the day as they wished. Over 12 weeks, the preloaders lost almost 3 pounds more than those who didn’t follow the protocol.

How Much Water Is Best?

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine say more fluid is better for average, healthy adults -- 15.5 cups a day is ideal for men, while 11.5 cups a day from all food and drinks is enough for most women. But this includes hydration from food and all beverage sources. Your own needs depend on your health, how active you are, and the climate where you live. Check with your doctor on how much you need.

These Flock regulars are always here for you:

In coming weeks: we'll be sharing more investigative articles from our roving reporter William George, original writing from Flock favorite Dino DeConcini.

Don't Be Shy: Share Your Stories!

I'm looking forward to sharing more of your personal stories - oral, written, or otherwise, as we enter our third year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story.

Holualoa Ed Fit Wellness & Culture 2

520-818-4433

View as Webpage