Día de los Muertos

I have chosen to celebrate the life of Boots. Boots was more than my pet, she was one of my closest companions. Boot’s was my present on my 8th birthday. My mother and my sister went to the SPCA and found the perfect kitten to bring home. Boot’s was a rescue from an abusive household, I was so excited for my new cat but when she got to our warm and loving home she ran and hid beneath the couch. Treats, food and toys couldn’t get her to come out and I didn’t even get the chance to touch her. Late in the night I was asleep in my bunk bed when I heard quiet taps on the wooden ladder that lead to my bed. I shot up to find her, Boots, who didn’t quite have a name at the time. She sat there just beneath my feet staring back at me. I couldn’t tell how old she was but the rescue center said she was between the ages of 3 and 6. I reached out my hand for her to smell and she followed with welcoming my touch. I pet her lightly and she began to pur, this soon became our nightly routine. I started finding her high and hid away in my bed each time I’d come home from school, I’d talk to her about my work, school and friends. Boot’s was my outlet and my person to spill all my stress to, she looked at me with sleepy eyes and listen as I’d scratch behind her ears.

Boot’s meant a warm, living thing with feelings that would stick by me and comfort me no matter what. Whether by choice or because she depended on me to eat, she was always there. I personally never liked to cry in front of people, it was uncomfortable and would show weakness. Many people cry into their pillows or even a stuffed animal, well in my case Boots was the victim of all my ugly faces and exasperated sighs. Boots was like a friend who wouldn’t and couldn’t stab me in the back or leave me in the dust. When it was time for dishwasher duty, it was singing time too and Boots loved to hear me sing. A popular song on the radio or a sing along from “High School Musical” me and my cat were there jamin in the kitchen. I didn’t have to get dressed or shower to hang out with her, she saw me in all states and still loved me and slept next to me every night. Boot’s was like a bestfriend that I loved with all my heart.

I decided to create my sugar skull in remembrance of boots for a few reasons. Boots was a bright, beautiful and loving animal who deserves to be celebrated and remembered. I also haven’t experienced losing a loved one except for boots of course. In and through this project I intend to show how Boots was more than a family pet. Boots was a curious ball of fur, and more importantly she was apart of our family and will continue to be remembered by her family.

My sugar skull represents mainly Boot’s characteristics and interests. When you look at a picture of boots you see a grey, green eyed cat with a patch of white on her chest and a total of four white paws. It looks like she's in little white booties or boots, that is how she was finally named. Therefore when you look at my sugar skull you’ll see her reflective green eyes and her grey coat. The music notes represent her love for songs and the “ZZZ”’s represent her absolute love for sleep. The mask I have created in remembrance of Boots reflects her environment and her personality. She was sparkly, pampered and frankly knew her place as top cat in the household. The colors in the mask represent my bedspread that Boots slept on every night along side me. Her fangs pop because they were in clear view when you rubbed the perfect spot behind her ears.

Before this project I have hear about Dia de Los Muertos. Though my previous understanding was not as clear as it is now. I thought people dressed as dead departed loved ones and painted their faces as skulls. Now that I know the celebration is much deeper than that, the whole concept is cool to me. I personally try to be a positive person and as I mentioned I don’t like to cry unless I need to let it

all out. I know that losing a loved one can really tear people down. So celebrating the lives of lost ones and appreciating them is really beautiful. People take the time to celebrate others accomplishments and acknowledge the mark the person put on their world. I think Dia de Los Muertos is a wonderful tradition that empowers the living to celebrate the dead.