In the process of researching my family history, I have come to a very solid conclusion: my family did not like taking pictures or they were lost.
I remember my grandmother telling me about a fire she had when my father was young, which was why he was afraid of lightning (the three story house was burned to the ground from a lightning strike). I remember seeing the pain in her face while she was telling me the story. All of her antiques, most were kept on the third floor, were destroyed. I can only imagine how many family memories were stored in that house. It was an unforgettable moment her and I shared. Yes, some moments were funny, devastating, and informative. However, we bonded more than day than any other time before that. It was not often that I was able to see my grandmother, but the times I was able to visit, it was hours upon hours of listening to her stories. Moments that I will never forget. Moments that I am trying to keep alive for her, the rest of the family, and for future generations.
I write a lot about my Grandmother McKenzie because there were few moments that we shared, most do not know about. It does not mean I love any of my other grandparents less. I love them all equally, and still wish they were here. But, I do know they are all in a lovely place, and at peace.
I did not know my Grandfather McKenzie very well. I was young when we visited, which was not very often. I did not understand the reason, until my grandmother told me the truth. He was not fond of children, and always had excuses for his grandchildren not to show up. I do not hold it against him. I actually think it was for the best. He was, from my father's and his sibling's explanations, an alcoholic. Looking back now, I wonder if it was because of the way he treated his children. Maybe he regretted it all, and did not want to take the chance to hurt any others. Though, that is neither here or there. I remember a smiling person, who was always nice to my face. That is all that matters.
My mother's parents were funny. I remember them the most because my mother visited quite often. My grandmother was a sweet person, with a sense of humor most cannot match. I remember one particular visit when it was obvious my grandparents had just had an argument. After an hour or so of visiting, my grandfather said something (my grandmother obviously disagreed) because when his back was turned, she showed him a finger I never thought I would see her raise! That was the type of person she was.
Another time I remember, was when we were bringing her to her sister's house for a visit. I think she stayed a weekend or a week. On the way there, for no reason what so ever, she looked at me and stuck her tongue out. Just thinking about those times makes me smile!
My mother's father, was a different personality. He was a quiet man, for the most part. He definitely had his opinions, and did not waste them. Though, there were times that he would just sit in the living room chair, and either fall asleep or watch television. On the other hand, there were times when he would tickle my sister and I to the point of losing our breath (in a good way of course). One time specifically I can remember, was when he showed me his WWII items. He had some machine gun bullets and explained how the person would aim them. He showed me his medals and uniform. There was more, but I cannot remember what they were.
My sister and I every so often talk about him and his "language". It was not profanity, but a humorous distortion of the words. Pretty was purdy, purple was poiple, etc. We still laugh whenever we hear such words.
Today, it seems like people forget to stop and enjoy life. I think this is why I am sharing these certain memories with everyone today. Take the time to make a simple memory that will last an eternity. Savor that memory. Remember the love.
On a different note: Today is Forrest's birthday! Happy Birthday Forrest! It has been almost five years and I love every second. I cannot wait to see what the next five years brings us! We are making our own memories, which I am and will cherish forever! HUG to you!
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Friday, September 26, 2014
Downtown Savannah
Forrest's boss gave him an extra day off because his vacation was cut short, so he took today as that day off. We went to downtown Savannah and walked around. It was a very nice day for it. A slight breeze, cooler temperatures. At least, cooler than it has been.
It was a nice walk. We went into a couple stores, which were extremely pricey, but it is Savannah. We decided at 11:15 to have lunch at Panera Bread.
Overall, the day was fun and it was nice to do something out of the ordinary. Now, we are both drained and just sitting around. I will post pictures soon of our day there.
It was a nice walk. We went into a couple stores, which were extremely pricey, but it is Savannah. We decided at 11:15 to have lunch at Panera Bread.
Overall, the day was fun and it was nice to do something out of the ordinary. Now, we are both drained and just sitting around. I will post pictures soon of our day there.
Monday, September 22, 2014
End of Vacation and Beginning of....
Today is my last day of vacation. A part of me is sad, but another part is excited for what is to occur. My next class, which starts tomorrow, is Childrens Literature in a Pluralistic Society. I already bought the book and looked through it. It will definitely be an interesting class!
Last night, I was working on my ancestry, and for some unknown reason, my father's side of the history was wiped out completely. Technology, what a wonderful concept. I had to input all information, including my father's. Thankfully, the Newport Historical Society sent me the information! I had my grandmother's line all the way back to the 10th century! I was smart, mostly thanks to Forrest, to have saved as many documents as possible (not including the Historical Society's because that I will definitely keep and is in a three-ring binder)!.
Upon the search last night, I did accidentally find a picture of a McKenzie family photo c.1914. The moment I looked at it, I was blown away. One of the people, the older gentleman, looks almost exactly like my grandfather! I have a picture of my grandfather, held it up to that family photo and Forrest also agreed. I wrote the person who had the picture, but we have not figured out if that is part of my family or not. Man, I hope it is. It would be nice to have a family photo, especially from that time! The funny part is: during the research of my McKenzie side, four names in the family photo keep popping up (before I even saw the photo). I am hoping and thinking they are! Only time will figure it all out.
I also wrote three Historical Society's this morning, hoping for more information on the rest of my family. It becomes very confusing and difficult when there are more than one person's with the same name. Thinking about the difficult time I am currently having with this, I wonder what future researchers within my family will have with my name, since my father and I share the same name. If any more people in my family, while I am living, name their child after them, I will scream! I understand that it is to preserve the family name, but think about the future researchers! Of course, I am kidding, to a point.
At the same time as completing all of this, I am in the process of retyping one of the documents that the Newport Historical Society sent me. It is old and faded. I am going to buy some clear protective pages for it, but want to retype it, just in case. This and getting ready for the new class. So far, I have the physical folders labeled for my filing cabinet, and have my computer folders labeled and ready for my sandisk. I like to have both physical documentation and electronic.
That is it for today. That is enough!
I hope you all have a great week!
Hugs and loves to you all!
Last night, I was working on my ancestry, and for some unknown reason, my father's side of the history was wiped out completely. Technology, what a wonderful concept. I had to input all information, including my father's. Thankfully, the Newport Historical Society sent me the information! I had my grandmother's line all the way back to the 10th century! I was smart, mostly thanks to Forrest, to have saved as many documents as possible (not including the Historical Society's because that I will definitely keep and is in a three-ring binder)!.
Upon the search last night, I did accidentally find a picture of a McKenzie family photo c.1914. The moment I looked at it, I was blown away. One of the people, the older gentleman, looks almost exactly like my grandfather! I have a picture of my grandfather, held it up to that family photo and Forrest also agreed. I wrote the person who had the picture, but we have not figured out if that is part of my family or not. Man, I hope it is. It would be nice to have a family photo, especially from that time! The funny part is: during the research of my McKenzie side, four names in the family photo keep popping up (before I even saw the photo). I am hoping and thinking they are! Only time will figure it all out.
I also wrote three Historical Society's this morning, hoping for more information on the rest of my family. It becomes very confusing and difficult when there are more than one person's with the same name. Thinking about the difficult time I am currently having with this, I wonder what future researchers within my family will have with my name, since my father and I share the same name. If any more people in my family, while I am living, name their child after them, I will scream! I understand that it is to preserve the family name, but think about the future researchers! Of course, I am kidding, to a point.
At the same time as completing all of this, I am in the process of retyping one of the documents that the Newport Historical Society sent me. It is old and faded. I am going to buy some clear protective pages for it, but want to retype it, just in case. This and getting ready for the new class. So far, I have the physical folders labeled for my filing cabinet, and have my computer folders labeled and ready for my sandisk. I like to have both physical documentation and electronic.
That is it for today. That is enough!
I hope you all have a great week!
Hugs and loves to you all!
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Criticism among Americans
Today is a venting post:
I know I should not read the comments below articles, such as on Yahoo! I cannot help myself though. It is amazing how many people consider themselves a critic. First of all, I understand that every person has the right to their own opinion. Free speech is what this wonderful country thrives on, and what a portion of it is about (this country is more than free speech: right to happiness, freedom in general, etc). However, people are taking it to an extreme. Some think they are 'professionals'. I laugh at this notion. If you (generalizing, not personalizing) are going to critique another, make sure you have the credentials to back it up; along with, or taking the time to search for, references to back up your claims.
This subject has been running through my mind for the past few months because I am enrolled in school to become an author. I know I will receive many 'critiques' on my works, many of which will not be from professionals. I will have to take those with a grain of salt. Today was a final straw, if you will, because I was reading an article about Nick Cannon's diamond shoes, which he wore on the finale of America's Got Talent. Yes, they may have been over the top, but it was the finale. Furthermore, he is looking for a charity to donate them; therefore, it is not as bad as some celebrities that spend millions of dollars on multiple cars (many that sit collecting dust [figuratively, because they have staff to wash them]) and multiple homes. Some celebrities, for instance Cyndi Lauper, continuously give support and donations to charities. Some celebrities are anonymous about their donations, some are public. The fact remains that Mr. Cannon is not keeping the shoes, so how can people say he is wrong for what he did?
Mr. Cannon did make a decision to wear the shoes. This is a free country and is his right! Do not forget that. The fact that he is donating them to a charity is more than what most would do afterward. I give the man credit for being spectacular in the finale and then giving back to a great cause in return.
Second, there is not one person on this planet, myself included, that has not made a decision in his or her life that has caused friction in one way or another. Thus, reminds me of a old saying:
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones
Before you judge someone else, make sure you have not done something similar or bad in your life.
Lastly, if you are going to offer your opinion about or to another, please choose the correct tone; otherwise go to school and learn how to properly conduct a critique! There is a difference between a critique and an opinion. If you do not know what it is, it is simple to find out: Webster's Dictionary!
I know I should not read the comments below articles, such as on Yahoo! I cannot help myself though. It is amazing how many people consider themselves a critic. First of all, I understand that every person has the right to their own opinion. Free speech is what this wonderful country thrives on, and what a portion of it is about (this country is more than free speech: right to happiness, freedom in general, etc). However, people are taking it to an extreme. Some think they are 'professionals'. I laugh at this notion. If you (generalizing, not personalizing) are going to critique another, make sure you have the credentials to back it up; along with, or taking the time to search for, references to back up your claims.
This subject has been running through my mind for the past few months because I am enrolled in school to become an author. I know I will receive many 'critiques' on my works, many of which will not be from professionals. I will have to take those with a grain of salt. Today was a final straw, if you will, because I was reading an article about Nick Cannon's diamond shoes, which he wore on the finale of America's Got Talent. Yes, they may have been over the top, but it was the finale. Furthermore, he is looking for a charity to donate them; therefore, it is not as bad as some celebrities that spend millions of dollars on multiple cars (many that sit collecting dust [figuratively, because they have staff to wash them]) and multiple homes. Some celebrities, for instance Cyndi Lauper, continuously give support and donations to charities. Some celebrities are anonymous about their donations, some are public. The fact remains that Mr. Cannon is not keeping the shoes, so how can people say he is wrong for what he did?
Mr. Cannon did make a decision to wear the shoes. This is a free country and is his right! Do not forget that. The fact that he is donating them to a charity is more than what most would do afterward. I give the man credit for being spectacular in the finale and then giving back to a great cause in return.
Second, there is not one person on this planet, myself included, that has not made a decision in his or her life that has caused friction in one way or another. Thus, reminds me of a old saying:
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones
Before you judge someone else, make sure you have not done something similar or bad in your life.
Lastly, if you are going to offer your opinion about or to another, please choose the correct tone; otherwise go to school and learn how to properly conduct a critique! There is a difference between a critique and an opinion. If you do not know what it is, it is simple to find out: Webster's Dictionary!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
The Ancestry continues...
This is my 2nd Great Grand Uncle, Frank Harland Reed. He was the brother of my 2nd Great Grandfather, Herbert, and the son of Jackson.
When I first opened the packet of information provided by Mr. Cote, I assumed it was my Great Grandfather, Frank James. Upon reading the information, I discovered there was 4 Frank's in the family. Although I am a little disappointed it was not my great grandfather, it is interesting to see what my great uncle looks like. Disappointing, but intriguing at the same time.
Mr. Cote will never truly understand how much relief and appreciation I have from this information. I sent him a responding email thanking him, but no words can truly describe my feelings. This information made it possible for me to get beyond the 'stuck' point with Jackson's father, because I did not have any dates, or any information. I was able to reach as far back as 1495 (so far anyway)!
My grandmother would be more than happy, which I am sure she is smiling down from heaven!
This is for you, Grammy! I love and miss you! I refuse to let your heritage dwindle.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Vacation!
Today is the first day of my two week vacation! A much needed break is for sure! My mind needs this temporary slip from reality.
On my first day, I have reviewed my ancestry tree, and have come to the conclusion that I need to start over with the McKenzie side. I will keep my grandmother's family (whom married my Grandfather McKenzie) because I have documentation proving that side is correct. It is difficult to complete the McKenzie portion because I no longer speak to that side. Once my grandmother passed away, there was no need to continue communication. That, in itself, is a very long story, but for those who know the situation will understand. However, before discontinuing the communication, I was told by a family member that the spelling was changed from MacKenzie to McKenzie. We will see what I find out now.
As far as the Reed family (my grandmother's side), I had come to a 'dead end'. I managed to get to my 5th great grandfather, but after that is nil. So, with Forrest's advice, I emailed the town's historical society to find out if more information on the family could be disclosed. My 4th Great Grandfather Reed built the schoolhouse and church in Newport, NH, which I found out through discovering his obituary. The search continues.
My mother's father's family is not exactly easy. Every other generation, it seems, is named the same. Either the name is Joseph or John. This goes on for, if I remember correctly, 5 generations. Talk about getting confused. I really have to pay attention to the dates, or I can easily mess up. That would not be a fun thing. My mother's mother's side is not bad to find, but just a little confusing because one person, Allie Piper, has three different middle names listed. It is a matter of finding out which one is the correct one. A process I am more than willing to figure out over this vacation.
Tomorrow, Forrest and I are heading to downtown Savannah. We want to take pictures and look at the sites. Yes, we are going to be tourists for the day! I cannot wait. I am excited to do that. The weather is expected to be humid, but we will leave early in the morning.
Multicultural Literature course is now over with and I should receive my final grade soon. So far, as of week 4, I had 100%. I know they cannot give out a perfect grade, so I am expecting some points to be deducted on the final, especially since it was a team final. I will post the actual final grade when it is posted to me.
Other than that, not much going on. I know, how exciting. The life of a college man is not as exciting as most believe it is. After school is done, that is when life will really become fun!
One other thing I am going to achieve during this vacation is to have another publication. I am still leaning toward a short story, but leaving my options open.
I hope you all are having a great week! HUGS to you all!
On my first day, I have reviewed my ancestry tree, and have come to the conclusion that I need to start over with the McKenzie side. I will keep my grandmother's family (whom married my Grandfather McKenzie) because I have documentation proving that side is correct. It is difficult to complete the McKenzie portion because I no longer speak to that side. Once my grandmother passed away, there was no need to continue communication. That, in itself, is a very long story, but for those who know the situation will understand. However, before discontinuing the communication, I was told by a family member that the spelling was changed from MacKenzie to McKenzie. We will see what I find out now.
As far as the Reed family (my grandmother's side), I had come to a 'dead end'. I managed to get to my 5th great grandfather, but after that is nil. So, with Forrest's advice, I emailed the town's historical society to find out if more information on the family could be disclosed. My 4th Great Grandfather Reed built the schoolhouse and church in Newport, NH, which I found out through discovering his obituary. The search continues.
My mother's father's family is not exactly easy. Every other generation, it seems, is named the same. Either the name is Joseph or John. This goes on for, if I remember correctly, 5 generations. Talk about getting confused. I really have to pay attention to the dates, or I can easily mess up. That would not be a fun thing. My mother's mother's side is not bad to find, but just a little confusing because one person, Allie Piper, has three different middle names listed. It is a matter of finding out which one is the correct one. A process I am more than willing to figure out over this vacation.
Tomorrow, Forrest and I are heading to downtown Savannah. We want to take pictures and look at the sites. Yes, we are going to be tourists for the day! I cannot wait. I am excited to do that. The weather is expected to be humid, but we will leave early in the morning.
Multicultural Literature course is now over with and I should receive my final grade soon. So far, as of week 4, I had 100%. I know they cannot give out a perfect grade, so I am expecting some points to be deducted on the final, especially since it was a team final. I will post the actual final grade when it is posted to me.
Other than that, not much going on. I know, how exciting. The life of a college man is not as exciting as most believe it is. After school is done, that is when life will really become fun!
One other thing I am going to achieve during this vacation is to have another publication. I am still leaning toward a short story, but leaving my options open.
I hope you all are having a great week! HUGS to you all!
Friday, September 5, 2014
The weekend is here
Happy Friday! The weekend is officially here!
I am excited today. I have my portions to the team final completed, and awaiting the team to review them. I have a few things left to do in class, but four more days and the end of class will be here, which starts my vacation for two weeks!
I guess, I did not have much to say. It's not easy typing this while Forrest is talking to me in the background (I have no idea what he's saying, although he was just singing something).
Have a fun and safe weekend to you all out there in the virtual world!
I am excited today. I have my portions to the team final completed, and awaiting the team to review them. I have a few things left to do in class, but four more days and the end of class will be here, which starts my vacation for two weeks!
I guess, I did not have much to say. It's not easy typing this while Forrest is talking to me in the background (I have no idea what he's saying, although he was just singing something).
Have a fun and safe weekend to you all out there in the virtual world!
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