This past weekend our computer modem crashed, which bothered me more than I care to admit. About once every hour or two I had the urge to “check in” or find a recipe or get my google (translate) on. But because Mexico is Mexico and places like Telcel and Telmex are closed on weekends (not to mention two hours every afternoon), we had no choice but to wait it out.

This minor irritation gave me some needed perspective. First, it confirmed one of the things I love most about Mexico (generally speaking). People are accustomed to waiting for things here, and no one seems bent or put out in the least bit by the general lack of instant gratification. It reminds me of how it was when I was young (not that long ago), when technology was slow, unpredictable and not always a given. Has the success and efficiency of manufactured goods really shaped our country that much? Has it bred an entitlement mentality in me? This unsettling feeling lead to a second realization…

It might serve me well to detach from my devices on a regular basis. Every Sunday? Every day after 5pm? Definitely a few weeks a year on camping trips and family vacations. It seems my kids would benefit just as much as I would from seeing me more present and less dependent on non-essentials. I mean, I love dark chocolate and sharp cheese and red wine but I certainly moderate my consumption of them. Is my laptop really much different?

Anyway, by the time I had gotten over myself and looked around me, the whole town was infused with excitement in preparation for Dia de los Muertos. We wandered the markets slowly, taking in the festive charm and collecting bits and pieces for our alter…

We then headed home, past my favorite church in town…

And back to our street…

The building of the alter was a messy event at our house. Maybe all Mexican mothers performing such tasks with kids under foot experience water spills, broken glass, fighting siblings, cries of pain from experimentation with candle wax and pine needle distribution throughout the house. Maybe that’s just part of it. I like to think those who’ve passed enjoy watching and laughing at the process.

Feliz Dia de los Muertos everyone! May we all remember our loved ones with fondness, joy and celebration.