Tip # 19...Preserve your story online

It's early Friday morning and I have one question: What happened to the Cleveland Indians? I am a baseball fan but do not have a particular allegiance to either the Red Sox or the Indians. However, I believed Manny Rodriguez's comment would spur on the Indians to clobber the Red Sox. Lucky for me, I am not a gambler.

Ah, the history of the game is created every time someone steps to the plate. Every swing, every bunt, every strike and ball are recorded in the annals of baseball history. Fans pour over and memorize these trivia facts their entire lives. You know what I mean. The guys who say "Well, Mickey Mantle's average in 1962 was .314 but it was downhill from there."

Family history is created every day, too. And, unless we preserve it, it slips away. Yesterday's tip offered a way to preserve your history with life books. Today we explore some other options. As media changes, the way we preserve must expand and adapt. The best scenario is to use a variety of methods to tell our story thus ensuring longevity and survival.

Books are family heirloom treasures and I cherish the life books my parents created. But the Internet continually invents new options for preserving your story. Family Tree Genealogy insider (from familytreemagazine.com/insider/default.)aspx August 8, 2007) suggests you can "Immortalize your self online," with http://www.storyofmylife.com/. The site by Eravita offers members the means to preserve their story for future generations. You control the story, the photos, all of the content. Storyofmylife.com guarantees survival of your page and is a great alternative to the book format.

Another option for those over 50 years old is http://www.eons.com/. Eons offers a site to create your own story. In addition, you can plan uture goals and connect with others in the Eons community. Eons is like a http://www.myspace.com/ for the seasoned Internet user.

Here are more choices to review. Select carefully as Internet sites can be fleeting, here today, gone tomorrow. Be sure to have a backup, just in case.

• http://www.mylifestory.org/user/index.php
• http://www.timeofyourlife.co.nz/why.html
• http://www.your-life-your-story.com/oral-history.html
• http://www.killerstartups.com/Blogging-Widgets/Dandelife--Record-Your-Life-Story-1/
• http://www.lifepim.com/

I realize that sometimes living your life is hectic enough without the thought of recording it. I also realize that when I relax, reflect and write I uncover more knowledge of my life than I can in the daily race to tomorrow. Manny Rodriguez may not realize the importance each victory until he truly has a chance to reflect upon it. So, I turn to Socrates, who so wisely wrote, "The unexamined life is not worth living." I choose to believe my life is worth living, worth examination and worth recording.

Tip # 18...Buy a life book for yourself, your partner, parent or grandparent

Life changes. Did you notice? Things firmly in place 3 months ago have faded away. As one phase ends, another begins. For years, I dreamed of taking my children to New York City. We talked about it all of the time. What we would do. Where we would stay. Many, many details in our daydreams.

Life changes. This week my daughter is on her first trip to New York City. She is there as part of a college radio conference. She is on the adventure she and I imagined for over 17 years. In one week, a dream turned to reality. Next week, she will be back in Arizona.

Today's tip is part of keeping track of all those life changes. A life book makes chronicling the details of your life easy. Its pages are covered with questions to help you reflect on your life. As a gift, the book is a viable way to learn about another life's without an interview. Or, it can be the impetus for a follow-up interview with that person.

A life book prompts you to recall events to describe your life to your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fill out a page per day and before Christmas, you will have finished the book. You can give it as a gift to a budding genealogist in your family or save it for adding information every October.

Here are a couple examples of books you can use:

• http://www.amazon.com/Write-Your-Life-Story-Telegraph/dp/1845281330
• http://www.amazon.com/Create-Your-Own-Lifes-Story/dp/1558670874

Is there a better way to share your life experience? Stay tuned for tomorrow's tip.

Tip # 17...Encourage children to record their thoughts and activities during Family History Month

We are more than halfway through Family History month and our countdown on our second half of tips for our celebration has arrived. Today's tip focuses on the next generation of family historians.

The best way to encourage the next generation is to provide them with a way to make family history meaningful to them. They can learn many techniques and build memories by recording their experiences as their family implements some of these tips. By recording their reactions and their memories of Family History Month, they create a special keepsake for themselves and their children.

Paper and pencil work wonders, however there are some new ways to harness their energy in the direction of writing family. Here are a few options:

• Give them an It’s My Life Scrapbook (available at mailjust4me.com/crafts/itsmylifescrapbook.htm)
• Find a perfect journal to match their taste at a book store or other retail outlet
• Purchase a regular school notebook that they can decorate as they desire
• Create a special document on the computer where all of the next generation can write their experience
• Offer them a scrapbook and related accessories so they can write, show photos, artwork, or ?

Whatever writing tools you choose, this idea will help them to remember first hand what they experienced with their family during this month and year. Yes, this is a bit of an underhanded tip, I admit. But, is it wrong to encourage children to write for fun? You may have to live with the responsibility of creating a life-long writer. I can accept those consequences. I hope you can, too.

Tip # 16...After viewing your home movies, convert the film to DVD format

Today's tip follows on the heels of yesterday but it does not mean you have to implement the two tips on consecutive days. It's just logical to keep plans for home movies together especially when you have gathered all of your home movies into one spot for Family History Month. As mentioned yesterday, your home movies may be on 8mm film, super8 film 16mm films, camcorder tapes. In addition, you may have photographs which are 35mm negatives or 35mm slides.

Everyone understands how Cd's and DVDs can easily store movies, music, pictures and information. And, these two formats can help preserve your memories. There are a number of options for saving memories in new formats and here are a couple of ideas:

• Local stores like iMemories or camera shops can convert the film for you.
• You can do it yourself if you opt to purchase the best equipment and are willing to learn the details of the process. For books and information, see the list at the end of today's tip.

Remember, some tape has audio, some video and some have both. Consider your options wisely when you transition film.

When I converted an old reel to reel audio tape to CD, the experts at Lampchops Studios in Phoenix, Arizona recommended that I save the original tape but enjoy the ease of the new format storage. DVD’s and CD’s have not existed as long as film so preservation of the original is imperative. Consider the new format as an easy back up for the original. Keep the original stored in the recommended climate controlled environment to enhance its lifetime.

When you invest in one copy, you can usually receive discounts on additional copies. Are there family or friends who would enjoy their own copies of these movies? I may be getting ahead of myself, but I see Christmas presents on the horizon.

Additional information:

http://www.lambchops.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Convert-VHS-Home-Movies-DVD/dp/1592004822

http://www.audiovideomemories.com/hm_how2.htm?gclid=CKCh5vHzlI8CFRUsagodyT7GeQ

http://www.homemoviedepot.com/

http://www.imemories.com/

http://www.convertfromvhs.com/

Tip # 15...Spend an evening watching old home movies

The latest help wanted ad in the Arizona Republic states "Quarterback Needed: Prior experience a plus, apply immediately at Cardinals Stadium." Yes, how sad for us Cardinal fans. Double sadness for us Diamondback fans. The only other team I love to root for is the Pack and thank goodness they were victorious.

So, the Monday morning let down needs a quick pick-me-up. Our tip today is perfect for a Monday. The idea planted today can come to fruition by the next weekend.

If you are like me, you have old movies on VHS, 16mm or 8mm hidden in the bottomless caverns of your storage areas. I know I have these movies, but I need a few days to wrap my arms around the exact location. Is it in the box in the garage, or near the old projector in the front hall closet?

During the week when you walk through the garage or open the doors to closets, you can survey your surroundings and lock in on the precise spot. Then, by next weekend, you will be ready to retrieve and watch your movies.

Set aside a few hours to watch all of your movies. Create a bit of suspense and design ticket stub invitations with time and place for family members to join you but let the movie title remain a secret. Let the aroma of the hot, buttered popcorn permeate your house and attract the stragglers. Play music until the entire family arrives and turn the volume down low as showtime begins. Get ready to unwind and relax in the privacy of your own home theater as you watch the best movies in the world...your family history.

Tip # 14...Set aside time to talk with family members

If you are anything like me, you like to tell stories. I love to tell my children about my own experiences. At first, I simply enjoyed reliving my past with a fresh audience. They never heard these real life stories. How exciting! Then, I started to repeat myself, did I say repeat myself, and re-tell the story again because I liked hearing it.



I liked to start each story with "Did I tell you about the time...?" When my kids started to roll their eyes and say, "Yes, Mom, only about 1400 times," I knew they could tell the story by themselves without any assistance from me. They said, "Yes, we know you saw Gene Hackman, Glenn Close and Richard Dreyfus on Broadway, and Gene Hackman has such a presence he took command of the entire stage," and "Yes, we know you saw Alec Baldwin as Stanley Kowalski," etc. I thought my work was done.



Until yesterday. I said these simple words, "Well, you know my Paul Newman story." And my youngest child said, "I don't remember a Paul Newman story." I was aghast. Where had I gone wrong? I looked at my daughter as if she were some alien creature.



I immediately got on the phone to my other daughter and asked, "Do you remember the Paul Newman story? The one where I threw a Frisbee to a gorgeous blue-eyed gray haired man and didn't know it was him until I heard his voice the next day when your father and I were at the Falcon Inn? And, then the next day I found a $50 bill on the sidewalk near his room?" She said, "Yes, of course I know it."



"Thank God," I said. "Your sister said she never heard it."



So, part of my universe was still intact. This simple anecdote illustrates the incredible importance of sharing your own personal history with family members. At least once, and as advertising experts have proved, repeated stories increase the retention. What is the example marketing people use? The first time someone sees a commercial, they have no idea what it is. The third time they see a commercial they know something was said about a product. And, the fifth time they see a commercial, they say "Did you know that there's a new TV show called Frank TV?"



Repetition is key even if children roll their eyes and can recite my stories by heart. But, I am not the only one with stories. Every family member has their own version of their life. We have unlimited untapped resources available to us. Every one has fabulous stories to tell. They may not think they do because they have lived it and it seems so normal, but to family historians, their lives are a gold mine.



My oldest daughter was given the school assignment to interview someone who lived during the Depression. My mother was the ideal candidate since she was visiting us at the time. My mother does not see herself as a story teller and was a bit hesitant at first. Once the questions started flowing, my mother shared stories I had never heard because I had not thought to ask the questions.



Hence, our tip #14 for today...set aside time to talk with family members. I challenge you to discover a better way to celebrate Family History Month. Start with the oldest family member. Interviewing a family member can feel awkward at first for both parties so keep the conversation as informal as possible. Here are some ideas for questions to break the ice.

• What was your life like as a child? What games did you play? Who were your friends?


• What schools did you attend? Who was your favorite teacher? Who was your least favorite teacher?


• Did you play sports or participate in after school activities?


• How did you celebrate the holidays? Your birthday? What career would you have pursued if you had not been a ..............?


• What did your parents do for a living? What was a typical day like for you as a child?


• Where did you live when you were growing up? When did you move out of your parent's house?


• What were you doing on: a) Dec. 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor Day; b) November 22, 1963 when JFK was shot; c) Dec. 8, 1980 when John Lennon was shot; d) fill in an appropriate historical event.

Once the conversation is underway, ask permission to write and/or tape parts of the interview. If the interviewee is not comfortable with recording the process, write notes as soon as you can after the conversation. Be sure to ask for permission to talk again since you may uncover good follow-up questions after you leave.

After the oldest family member, contact the second oldest, third oldest, etc. on a time frame which works for your schedule or establish a goal to talk to someone in your family once a month for the next year. The time invested will be phenomenal for your relationships and priceless for your role as family historian.

And, you may even hear about the time I met Michael Douglas on the Twentieth Century Fox studio lot.

Tip # 13...Organize the loose photos hidden in drawers, closets and cabinets

We made it to Saturday and tip # 13 for our celebration of Family History Month. However, this # 13 is not unlucky in any way. If anything, our Diamondbacks' luck ran out last night, and I am not sure I am able to discuss it at this point. Two losses at home in the NLCS is too much for me to bear. I glimpsed the possibility of having the World Series and the Super Bowl in my town within a couple of months of each other, but it appears to be slipping away.


And, for that reason I debated whether I should use tip #13 on a Saturday. Organization and loose photos sound like chores and I know we have enough of those to do on a Saturday. And, I have so many loose photos hidden in drawers, closets and cabinets, I tend to feel guilty by making the suggestion to others to organize it. But my debate ended when I read this morning's Genealogy Insider. Check it out for yourself at http://www.familytreemagazine.com/insider/.



It would be too much of a coincidence to believe that Maureen Taylor's featured article in The Wall Street Journal is not a sign that today is the today to organize photos, to locate some buried treasure and try to interpret or seek guidance on these gems. I have read her books and love the depth of knowledge she lends to every search. The article in The Wall Street Journal at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119214969916756801.html?mod=weekend_journal_primary_hs. has inspired me again to bravely tackle my piles and organize my little messes.

One of my little messes is the above photograph. I believe at least one of the four men is a brother to my grandmother Clementine Herrmann Dalhaimer Bauer. Maybe all four of them are. I see a family resemblance but since I am not an authority, who knows? I assume the photograph was taken in the Volga River Region of Russia. The back of the photograph is a postcard and I can tell it was mailed. The handwriting on the card is barely visible. To my inexpert eye, it looks like it was intentionally erased. What does that mean? Why was the photograph card ripped in half and taped back together? How can I investigate? I may need to send it directly to Maureen.

There are many steps to take to preserve these precious photographs like the photograph of my paternal grandparents on the right. Unfortunately I can't cover options for all photographs here, but Maureen's books are an excellent resource. For further information, visit her web site at: http://www.photodetective.com/ . Her blog also well worth the site at http://photodetective.blogspot.com/

I also have a collection of many modern photographs that are either duplicates (why order one set when you can have two?) or pictures which never made it in the photo album. My goal is simply to organize these photographs somewhat chronologically. For these pictures, make a commitment to buy an archival safe photo album or scrapbook and assemble it. Archival safe albums are available at most retail stores, you simply have to be diligent and read the labels carefully. I bought one album a few weeks ago and today is the day to fill it. All I need to remember is it doesn't have to be perfect. Just the organizational value will suffice for today. And, you don't have to do it alone. Have your family help you organize by timeline, subject or whatever works best for your collection.

If your family is anything like mine, the day will fly past as you share and bond over the memories in the photos. A picture is worth well over a thousand words and is a lot more accessible than buried treasure.

Tip # 12...Enjoy the ambience of an ethnic restaurant

Friday at last! Thank goodness for the weekend. I am definitely ready for some rest and relaxation. Hence tip # 12 involves food and the pleasure of an indulgent meal. What fun! This tip puts celebration in the heart of Family History Month.

There are so many choices here, you need to follow your heart. Perhaps a restaurant tied to your heritage? Maybe a choice to explore a cuisine you've never eaten? Consider the following options of some of my favorite restaurants in the Phoenix area.

• Black Forest Mill, 4900 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85019. 602-840-4000, http://bfmrestaurant.com/
  
• RigaTony’s, 1374 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ, http://iguanamacks.com/html/rigatonys/riga_twin_forks.html
  
• Thai Basil, 403 E. University, Tempe, AZ 480-968-9250
  
• Macayos, 8 locations in Phoenix area, http://macayo.com/promo/
  
• Manuels, 7 locations in greater Phoenix area, http://manuelsaz.com/
  
• Oreganos, locations in Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale and Gilbert, http://oreganos.com/
  
• Bylbos, 3332 South Mill Avenue Tempe, AZ 85282 480.894.1945 http://byblostempe.com/lunch.html


• Sabuddy, 6949 E. Shea Blvd. #10, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 480.348.2333, http://sabuddyrestaurant.com/


• Serranos, Seven locations, http://serranosaz.com/


• LaStalla Cucina Rustica, 68 W. Buffalo St. Chandler, Arizona

You can easily adapt these ideas to restaurants wherever you live. You and your family deserve to pamper yourselves in the spirit of family history. Enjoy and let me know your restaurant selections.

Tip # 11...Attend an Oktoberfest celebration

October is a fabulous time of year for festivals. And, since we are already close to the second weekend of the month, we would be remiss not to include an Oktoberfest celebration as one of the tips for Family History Month.

The Oktoberfest tradition started in Germany circa 1810. However, German heritage is not a prerequisite for a good time at an Oktoberfest celebration. How many people who wear green on St. Patrick's Day are truly Irish?

It can be great fun to appreciate cultural diversity. And chances are excellent you can trace an ancestor to one of the German states. According to Wikpedia, citizens of the United States citing German ancestry make up the largest ancestry group in the country, approximately 17% of the population. For further information, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_American.

There are Oktoberfest celebrations in every city across the United States. Of course, there are a number of events from which to choose in Arizona:

• Arizona Center for Germans Cultures celebrates on Saturday October 13th at Margaret T. Hance Park. For details, visit http://ac4gc.org
• American Historical Society of Germans from Russia celebrates at Leisure World Rec. II Promenade in Mesa on October 20, 2007 from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. For more information, send an email to AHSGR_sun@cox.net.
• Verde Canyon Railroad excursions offer Oktoberfest celebrations every weekend in October. For information, check out http://verdecanyonrr.com/VCR_PressReleases/PR_8-05amber.htm

So, enjoy some time rolling out the barrel, dancing to a polka, or just kicking back with bratwurst and sauerkraut. I know those are my plans for the next two weekends. Stay tuned for updates on my Oktoberfest adventures.

Tip # 10...Invite the relatives for a potluck celebration

Nothing beats one on one time with the family. And, there is still plenty of time in the month to incorporate this special meal into your plans to celebrate Family History Month.

A potluck celebration is a guaranteed hit with everyone’s appetite since guests bring their favorite family dish without the pressure or stress of traditional holidays. Should the meal celebration be breakfast, lunch or dinner? You choose the best time based on your family's schedule.

Besides a dish to share, ask your guests to bring two extra items.

1. Ask your guests to write the recipe of their potluck dish on an index card.
2. Request each member to prepare to share a family memory. Designate one of the guests to write down the memories as each person shares their story. There is no doubt you will uncover stories you never knew.

After the celebration, assemble the stories, recipes and photos of the dinner in a single Word or PowerPoint document. Send attendees copies via email or mail after the event. It will be a great way to commemorate a family event.

If you don’t live close enough to relatives, invite your neighbors or friends. Potluck works anytime and it can be a fantastic way to learn about other families' histories. You may have more in common than you imagine.

Need a recipe to share? See Tip # 6.

P.S. After sharing my broda recipe and contacting Carl Honore, he wrote back to me:

Thanks for your kind email - and for citing me so flatteringly on your blog. Loved reading your thoughts. I'm very tempted to make that Broda recipe.
Good luck with Family History Month!
Slow wishes,
Carl

And, thank you, Carl, you made my day!

Tip # 9...Listen to a book about history, culture or families

One of my favorite places to visit, besides the hardware store, is my local library. I believe both places give me a sense of organization and order which uplifts my spirit. Obviously, I love bookstores, too, however for today's tip, I recommend you start at your library.

Libraries offer an efficient means of locating information. I know, the internet, can also provide information. However, the library provides a detailed, reliable catalog, access to information databases (which normally cost a fee) and provide human contact if needed when at a dead end.

I recommend the library because you have paid for its existence. Yes, I love to buy books, but I also love to read extensively. At the library, I can test out books in the comfort of my home, beach, or patio before I purchase. I can explore unfamiliar authors and find gems without the obligation of ownership. From my home, I can review the entire library catalog by topic or author. I can also request books be set aside for pickup at my convenience. If I choose, I can browse in the library to my heart's content. The other great blessing is the library has a vast collection of audio books.

I love audio books. I learn more listening to audio books in my car than I can possibly learn from reading an actual book during my leisure time. There is a word of caution.

Audio books reduce the stress of your daily commute.

This one idea may change the way you view your travel time forever.

Here are a few historical books ideal for the month of October.

• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hossein
• Any historical fiction book such as John Adams or The Great Bridge by David McCullough
• Roots by Alex Haley
• Founding Mothers: The women who raise our nation by Cokie Roberts
• Any book by John Jakes

Next time you drive past your local library, stop in and check it out. You will be amazed at the resouces available to you. Enter historical topics of interest to you and your family in the online card catalog. The library may simply become a weekly habit. you can't live without.

Tip # 8...Visit one of the many museums devoted to history

Ok, so the Cardinals win and my beloved Packers lose. Such is fate. My money should have been on the Cardinals.

But, enough regrets over yesterday. Our Family History celebration tip for today is simple, sweet and satisfying. And, like the other tips, can be tailored to your timetable. It is a marvelous springboard to discuss your family history during each era. The fireside chat exhibit in the attached photo inspires discussion, where were your parents, grandparents on Dec. 7, 1941?

There are so many incredible museums available to us. The displays and artistry attract young and old to interact and discuss each exhibit. It's a marvelous way to see history come alive.

Museums permeate large and small cities and villages. The Arizona Historical Society has four museums across the state. Locations include Flagstaff, Yuma, Tucson and Tempe. For detailed information, visit their web site at http://arizonahistoricalsociety.org/.

When my family visited the Tempe location last week, we enjoyed all exhibits and were impressed to find a special exhibit commemorating the Wallace and Ladmo show.

Here is just a small sampling of Arizona museums and their corresponding Web sites.

· Pioneer Living History Museum, http://pioneer-arizona.com/
· Casa Grande Valley Historical Society & Museum, http://cgvhs.org/
· Jerome Historical Museum, http://jeromehistoricalsociety.org/
· Mesa Historical Museum, http://mesaaz.org/
· Apache County Historical Museum http://wmonline.com/attract/apmuseum.htm
· Wickenburg Desert Caballeros Western Museum, http://westernmuseum.org/
· Gilbert Historical Museum, http://www.gilbertmuseum.com/

I am certain you can uncover many more in Arizona or anywhere you may live. This list could go on and on, however, I could never cover all of the wonderful museums I have experienced. A brief list follows of some of my favorite museums across the country. Test drive one yourself. No matter which museum you choose, memories and family history will become a part of it.

Wisconsin Favorites

Milwaukee Public Museum, http://www.mpm.edu/

Stonefield Village, http://www.cassville.org/stonefield.html

Old World Wisconsin, http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/oww/

Green Bay Packer Football Museum and Hall of Fame, (especially helpful after a loss to the Bears) http://www.lambeaufield.com/hall_of_fame/visit_the_hall_of_fame/

Tennessee Favorites
Carnton Plantation, http://www.carnton.org/

The Carter House, http://www.carter-house.org/

The Hermitage, http://www.thehermitage.com/

Tip # 7...Commit to learn how to conduct family history research

Sunday morning and all is well in Arizona. The Diamondbacks ruled over the Cubs. ASU won. The Diamondbacks made up for UA loss. But, UA should be proud. Their offensive tackle , Eben Britton, is a creative writing major and writes an online season diary for azcentral.com. Obviously, he is a winner. And last but not least, the Cardinals haven't played yet, so all is well. Maybe with a bit of help....my money is on the Diamondbacks.

So what does that have to do with family history? Baseball and sports have permeated my family history as participants and spectators. During highlights, I know who I watched the games with and all of our reactions. It is a bonding experience like no other. More on that thought during October and November month.

One of the biggest concerns I hear from new family history fans is "What should I do?" Another is "What is the best way?" There are a lot of answers available and each one is valuable. There is no right or wrong way to get started. But we need to seek the calm of a wonderful Sunday morning to find our way. As seen in the photo from the shores of Lake Michigan at Sheboygan , there is a ray of light upon us leading our path. We just need to follow it calmly like the ducks near the lighthouse. Therefore, today's tip is to make the commitment to learn.

My recommendation is always to start locally, especially if your family has lived in the same area for some time. The second option is online. And, of course, the third option is to travel. Some may require a budget, but much is available at no charge.

In my state, the Family History Society of Arizona offers a workshop this month by Betty Lou Malesky, editor of the Green Valley Genealogical Society's Past Tracks and First Vice President of the International Society of Family Writers and Editors (ISFHWE). "Expanding Your Horizons" will be held October 20 at Creighton United Methodist Church, 4900 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ. For more details, visit their Web site at http://www.fhsa.org/.

Another huge local option is your library. My library has extensive online capabilities plus experienced individuals who are ready and willing to help you find books, books to exchange and databasesOnline options are so varied, it would be repetitive for me to list every link here. Again, I recommend checking a few Web sites for options. Read about five of the options and commit to the one which sounds best to you based on your time and budget.

When I attended the Milwaukee Genealogical Society workshop last April, I won a free online class because I traveled the farthest to the event. My commitment is to complete this course before the end of the year. For options from this source, visit http://www.genealogicalstudies.com/.

As you can see, the options are incredible. Do not let it overwhelm you. Check locally, check online, choose an option, and let it simmer for a bit. Watch baseball, watch football, relax and savor your Sunday and know you are ready to learn as your schedule permits. Just follow the ray of light and watch where it leads you.

http://www.milwaukeegenealogy.org/
http://www.genealogy.com/genehelp.html
http://genealogy.about.com/library/lessons/blintro.htm
http://didian.com/branch/howto.html
http://www.searchforancestors.com/learn.html
http://www.cyndislist.com/organize.htm

Tip # 6...Resurrect traditional family recipes from scratch

Ah, the weekend. I love the thought of it. After I finish my chores, I will STOP WORK and bask in a fun evening with my family. Maybe a bottle of wine, too?

Today tip's is a perfect fit for Saturday. One of my favorite ways to enjoy family is to center the time around a great meal.

When was the last time your family witnessed a meal made from scratch? With a bit of pre-planning, everyone can contribute to the meal. Invite everyone into the kitchen to cook. Assign tasks by age and ability. Leave the wine to the adults.

This is also an excellent time to reminisce about when and how your grandparents or great-grandparents cooked the meal. If the family recipe is not as health conscious as you like, try to adapt with new nutritious ingredients.

Need more encouragement to cook from scratch? Check out the book, In Praise of Slowness, how a worldwide movement is challenging the cult of speed by Carl Honoré. You gain nutritional benefits and reduce stress all in one easy step. Food made with love is healthier. I realize this sounds simplistic, and it truly is. Often we make life more difficult than it is. Honore recognizes it and offers real life solutions. His Web site, http://www.inpraiseofslow.com/slow/index.php, counters the allure the speed.

If your family did not pass along recipes from scratch, consider one of my favorite German Russian recipes or check out the Web sites below and build a new tradition.

BRODA

Ingredients:
6 pork chops Vegetable, safflower or canola oil
4 quarts of water 2 tablespoons Pickling spice
Bay Leaf 1 medium onion
3 tablespoons butter Salt

Wash pork chops and place in 8 qt. pot with 4 quarts of water and a bay leaf. Heat to boiling and boil for 15 minutes. While boiling, peel whole potatoes and cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Place the potatoes round side up on one half of 13x9x2 inch pan.

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in small pan on stove or microwavable dish in microwave. Mix butter with 3 tablespoons oil and pour over potatoes. Remove pork chops and bay leaf from pot. Place pork chops on the other half of the pan. Distribute the two tablespoons of pickling spice evenly between the two corners of the meat side of the pan. Quarter the onion. Place one quarter of the onion in each of the four corners of the pan.

Add broth from pot to pan to fill approximately up to 5/8 of the height of the pan. Save remaining broth.

Cover only the meat side of the pan with aluminum foil. Bake at 450° F. for one hour. For browner potatoes, adjust the heat to broil for the last 5 minutes. Add extra broth to pan as needed during or after baking.

Modern, healthy alternatives for Broda:
· Use Smart Balance instead of butter and use extra virgin olive oil in place of regular oil
· Use sea salt, seasoning salt, or onion salt in place of regular salt
· Make the meal ahead of time and refrigerate up to eight hours and then bake. For vegetarians, make a separate pan of potatoes with the same seasoning. Use a 14 oz. can of vegetable broth instead of broth from the pork chops.

Beverage Recommendation:
Anything goes. However, I would choose a favorite wine followed by a shot of schnapps after the meal.

For additional German Russian recipes, check out my book Value Meals on the Volga.

For other traditional family recipes, visit these Web sites.

http://www.familywebcafe.com/

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/family_recipes.htm

http://www.cyndislist.com/recipes.htm

http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/

http://www.espritdeisle.com/recipes.htm

Tip # 5...Get involved with the Veteran History Project

It's Friday and the weekend beckons us to relax and reflect. If you haven't had a chance to implement any of these family history tips, do not fret. There are many days left in the month and, as I mentioned at the beginning, it is virtually impossible to cover all of these points during Family History Month. These tips are meant to plant seeds for our family research. Pick the tips which work for you and your family, then celebrate your ancestry as it fits your schedule.

That said, how about all of the discussion and media coverage of Ken Burns' The War? The last episode aired this week. Everyone who has seen the show has been overwhelmingly moved by these families' stories.

So, I have fast forwarded my original Tip #23 up to Tip #5. The military and its affect on family history needs no explanation. For those who watched Ken Burns series, you are painfully aware. For those of us who lost family members or talked with family members who served (my uncle and my father respectively), there is a memory which can never be erased. War triggers change for many families. In particular, the Seven Years War in Europe (1754 and 1756-1763) prompted my family to move from Alsace and Germanic states to the Volga River basin of Russia. Further conflicts, including the Russian Revolution, forced immigration to the United States.

Today's tip, get involved with the Veteran's History Project, goes well beyond World War II. The project's mission is to collect and preserve stories of wartime service. The focus is on first-hand accounts of U.S. veterans from the following wars:

• World War I
• World War II
• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• Persian Gulf War
• Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts

For further information on how you can be involved, visit their Web Site at http://loc.gov/vets/about.html. For more information on the Ken Burns series, visit http://www.pbs.org/thewar/.

Tip # 4...Set up a family coloring night

Think you are too old to color? Think again. Consider these endorsements from Brent Belchamber who says:

"[Coloring is} non-competitive, multicultural, share-oriented and it works in every language… it’s also wholesome fun, but for those of us who have a lot of responsibilities, professional or otherwise, … coloring can also be time away from stress and the nagging demands of our own inner dialogue. "

Coloring builds creativity and is much cheaper than therapy. Grab the crayons or markers and you can engage every age in this fun activity. Imagination is contagious when children focus on a set of crayons and a blank page. Coloring cures video game-itis.

For ideas on coloring books, check your local arts and crafts stores, historical society or museum gift shops. Or, visit these Web sites for more ideas.

· lamppostpublishing.com/doverhistoricalcoloringbooks.htm
· apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/famous-americans-in-history/
· coloringtherapy.com/t_on_coloring_therapy.htm

Check this blog later in the month as a new coloring book devoted to family history debuts. Whatever your heritage or interest in history, you can find coloring pages for everyone’s taste. Remember, there are no mistakes in art. Inside or outside the lines works

Tip # 3...Take a tour of cyndislist.com with family members

October has definitely arrived! As I sat on my patio, sipped a cup of Black Silk java, and watched the sun brighten behind the clouds, I was immersed in the pleasure of October. It was the perfect preparation for our entry for the 3rd day of Family History Month.

Tip # 3...Take a tour of cyndislist.com with family members

Cyndi Howells created a family web page in the early 1990's. At the invitation of her local historical society, she presented a workshop on how to use the Internet to conduct family research. Cyndi, a genealogical Internet pioneer, compiled a list of 10-15 Web sites she used frequently. Her list was a hit and attendees requested extra copies and more links.

Since her workshop, her list has grown to over 264,000 links to her home page. With so many connections, a beginner or sophisticated genealogist can explore Cyndislist.com for hours. Gather the family and explore the site together. Set a timer for an hour. Start with the tour of the site, it is an outstanding introduction. Be sure to visit the links for "Are You New to Genealogy?" and "Cyndis Blog." I know you will be surprised how quickly the timer rings.

And, in the process, you may just inspire future family genealogists.

http://www.cyndislist.com/

Tip # 2...Create a family blog

Let technology help you keep in touch with family around the globe.

Blogs help individuals and corporations share their opinions and talk conveniently on line. Why not use a blog as a communication device for families?

A family blog can help relatives discuss events and publish comments at their convenience when hectic schedules prohibit visits and telephone conversations.
Follow these easy steps:

1) Use blogger.com, or your favorite blog site. Most sites make it easy to set up a blog and publish comments quickly. View the demos and you will be quite impressed with the capabilities you can utilize.

2) Send email invitations via evite.com or sendomatic.com to relatives around the world. Include extended family members as appropriate. You control who participates in the blog...just your family or the entire world.

3) Start the discussion with a simple question or a poll. This is a great chance to talk about issues of the day, past events, or favorite memories. Set up a new topic periodically and discover family history straight from the source.

4) Read, enjoy and learn! Tell me about your successes or make recommendations on how you made it work with your family.

31 Days...31 Ways to make your family history live forever

Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit. Ok, I had to say that first thing. It has been a crazy day as Cox internet service has rarely worked at my house. So, I sit here at Java Spot, thoroughly enjoying my Caramel Blended Iced drink as I begin my celebration of Family History Month.
Yes, it's finally here and I am ready to celebrate!

Need inspiration to celebrate Family History Month this October?

This blog will highlight quick and spunky tidbits to bring family history to life for all ages and all cultures. Use one idea or all 31 for fun and celebration of your family's history. Whether you can track your ancestors to the Mayflower or you are ready to embark on your first genealogical search, get ready to celebrate!
Share your successes with me as I publish one tip per day on my blog during October. I welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing your comments.

TIP # 1) Discover Family History Month

The purpose of Family History month is “to bring your family together to remember and honor your ancestors,” according to www.familyhistory.org. Many groups across the country, including the Family History Society of Arizona, initiated momentum to have October designated as Family History month in 2003. You can uncover more detailed information on this special month at the following Web sites.

familyhistorymonth.org/
nps.gov/history/nr/feature/family/
genealogy.about.com/cs/holidays/a/family_history.htm
fhsa.org/genealogy_month.htm
hatch.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Services.Genealogy

So, check out the rest of the 30 ideas to celebrate and honor your ancestors. Use one a day or pick and choose the ones which work best for you to bring your family together.

What Skeletons are in your closet?

September days have raced past me, and the sunlight shortens its visit every day. In Arizona, temperatures are under 100 degrees. Ah, the beauty of fall. Not only the weather is in transition on the eve of October. October represents spooks, goblins, witches, pumpkins, tricks, treats and all the scary monster flicks you can imagine. However, that is a minor part of October for us family historians.

October is Family History Month. A time to honor our families and renew our adventure in tracking our ancestors.

Some individuals express concern about the past. Phrases I have heard include:

• The past is over, it's done
• My family never talked about that
• I might find out something I don't want to know (the old skeleton theory)
• It's too hard to do
• I'm adopted, I don't have family history
• I don't know where to start

Family history is fascinating. It is the story of how you became you. Genetics alone does not make a family. Every family has skeletons in their closet. Isn't it the skeletons that keep life a bit interesting? And, what better time to start the process than in October?

I agree family history can overwhelm the novice or experienced treasure hunter alike. Family historians solve one mystery and then follow the trail on the scent of a new lead. Did you ever meet anyone who finished all of their research? Let's use October's Family History Month as a way to celebrate and revive your family's history.

History touches the heart, as you can see in the attached photo of my in-laws from November 1942. It is the month they were married in Walnut Creek, California before he traveled to Europe to fight in World War II. Their expressions, their love, their loyalty and his birthday on October 29th should never be forgotten.

Join me in October as I offer a tip every day...31 days, 31 ways to make your family history live forever. If we uncover a few skeletons along the way, so be it. We can face the scary world together.

Ugly Betty Rules

Yes, on my day off, I've immersed myself in the Ugly Betty marathon. Oh, I did my chores, finalized my talk on David Morrell, printed my handouts and prepared an agenda for Oktoberfest while I watched. But now I'm hooked on the series. I rarely become addicted to a television series. Today was an exception.

The show is great and I love how some of the most intriguing people are the ones who don't come in cookie cutter packages. My favorite show is when Betty, her father and sister, travel to Mexico. Betty's search for mother's family touched my heart. I love the search for family heritage to be in mainstream entertainment. Check out Ugly Betty when you have a chance.

Family History lives in Prescott

The Prescott Book Festival sponsored by the Professional Writers of Prescott and the Arizona Authors Assocation was a fabulous experience. Thanks to all of the peoople who visited the National Association of Women Writers booth. Many of you expressed an interest in family history, and, in such a historic city as Prescott, who wouldn't?

David Morrell's writing workshop inspired me to continue with my work and research of family history. Morrell wrote a number of best seller thillers yet he is best known for his Rambo series of books. He founded the International Thrillers Writers, Inc. He confided to the group about the commitment and distinctiveness necessary to succeed as an author. One of my favorite anecdotes was Morrell's story about Stephen King. When King was asked, "Why do you write horror?" King asked, "Why do you think I have a choice?" To me, this answer summarizes my passion for writing family history.

I am certain I will return to this outstanding festival next year.

A Beautiful Fall Day in Prescott

Saturdays are wonderful. And, today is extra special as I travel to Prescott, Arizona for their Book Festival. It is always a delight to spend time with books and writers. Join us if you are in the area. I will be at the Scottsdale Chapter of the NAWW booth. I also anticipate an interesting workshop presented by David Morrell, author of a fiction writing book, but most famous for his Rambo book series. No, I am not an avid reader of Rambo books. However, this week I listened to his audio book Creepers. His writing is tight and authentic. Although we write on completely different topics, I hope to learn to attract more readers to my family histories. More to come tomorrow.

Sports translates to time for Family History

The start of football means the end of US Road trip for tennis. My Green Bay Packers ruled over the Philadelphia Eagles so all is well in my home state. As I now watch Roger Federer take on Novak Djokovic (and wonder why Maria Sharapova and Robert Di Niro are in Novak's family and friends box), it helps me to sit in one spot and reflect on what is next for my adventure in family history.

Although I continue to slow down my time as Carl Honore suggests, I know October will be here almost as soon as the Federer-Djokovic match is over. And, October is special to family historians since it is nationally recognized as Family History Month.

Have you created any plans for celebration? Unless plans are formalized now, it is likely the month will pass with schoolwork, housework, job work and Halloween. I invite you to check back on this blog every day in October as I introduce my plan for the month.

"31 Days...31 Ways to make your family history live forever" will debut on bring life to family history. Will you be able to implement all of these ideas in one month? Maybe. Maybe not. However, the ideas are fantastic and you can pick and choose what works for you and your family. The fun begins in just 22 days. Or, in football terms, only 3 more games from now. Stay tuned.

Labor Day: A day to slow our labor

I love my three day weekend. I decided, in honor of In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honore, to plan nothing for this weekend. I would let the days unfold and savor the slowness of no obligations. My only goal was to finish reading the book, but only if that matched my mood of the moment.

The decision has been fruitful. On the third day of the weekend, I am relaxed. I napped right on my couch when I felt like it. I watched a tremendous amount of US Open tennis coverage and still laugh at every IBM commercial and every John McEnroe dispute resolution. I have let my real world evolve without forcing it.

In the process of just being, I experienced a few moments of genuine desire to do a load of laundry, weed, draw, write, read and handle emails. But, it was not forced out of a sense of duty. It was a different style and pace. There are many chores I need to do. But first I took the time to relax. Only when I truly wanted to do any work did I let myself do it. I told myself, yes, there would be time. When the time is right, it will happen. This major step is counter to my German Russian upbringing. Years of overwork produced this breakthrough.

Rest needs to be the focus of Labor Day for the everyday worker. Labor Day has been a national holiday since 1894. Oregon, a forward minded state, was the first state to celebrate it. The Central Credit Union of New York and New Jersey were advocates of the holiday. So, over a century ago, the need to pause from our daily work lives was deemed essential. What would those folks think of our 24/7 work ethic today?

So, slow down. Just sit. Listen to classical music, read a slow paced book, plan a slow cooked meal. Let the relatives and neighbors keep up appearances. Sit back and relax. Silence is golden. That is, unless you have an exciting tennis match like Roddick and Berdych to watch and enjoy. Let the obligations go. There is enough time to relax. There will be time later to do. Labor Day means rest.

Rabbit Rabbit

Ok, it is only August 31 but I need to plan my strategy ahead of time. And, chances are good this post will not be read until September 1.

As I considered the transition from August to September, summer to fall, work to a 3 day weekend, my curiosity was piqued this week. Why did the tradition of rabbit rabbit start?

For rabbit rabbit rookies, good luck will be yours if you say "rabbit rabbit" to others on the first day of the month. For rabbit rabbit veterans, missing the opportunity to say it first can lead to detailed plots of revenge. At least, that is how I have always understood the tradition. My father used this greeting and consistently remembered to say it each month to my mother's chagrin. That is my family's experience with rabbit rabbit, yet anything which portends to bring good luck has to have some history behind it. So, let's conduct a bit of research and discover what's up with the rabbit. (My apologies, Bugs).

As any good researcher would do, I immediately googled "rabbit rabbit." According to Wikpedia, rabbit rabbit is a common superstition in English speaking countries. It can be traced back to at least 1420 England and perhaps to the 1200's. There are tons of variations. Some traditions say rabbit 2 times, some say it 3 times. Others believe it must be said as your first words of the day. Another superstition states the listener then has bad luck for the month. But like the good fairies in Sleeping Beauty there is a way to reverse it. Simply utter "tibbar, tibbar" before going to bed on the first day of the month. Visit wikpedia.org/wiki/rabbit_rabbit for more details.

When you read this blog on September 1, please know that my rabbit rabbit to you is extended with hopes of good luck for both of us. I like the idea of rabbit rabbit representing "jumping into the future and moving ahead with life and happiness." If you are a rabbit rabbit lover, please add your comments. Maybe you have some interesting variations you have used or special memories of this centuries old tradition.

In the meantime, I have to remember to be quiet in the morning until I can call my mother and say "Rabbit Rabbit" before she has the chance to remember it is September 1.

Passages...a week of transitions

Part of family history is the passage of time, people moving into and out of your life. Memories are precious, yet memories can command your thoughts during a week of transition. One of my former co-workers in Nashville passed away unexpectedly. My boss welcomed a new baby into the world. And, my uncle, John Herzog, passed away last weekend.

Sadly, the last time I saw him was at my Uncle Alex's funeral. While I grew up in Wisconsin, Uncle Johnny, lived in Michigan. I distinctly remember his family's visits to my hometown during the summer months. He always visited in summer and I enjoyed playing with his children, Andy, Laura and Paul.

What strikes me most is that my uncle, who was closest in age to my mother, was someone I did not know as well as my other aunts and uncles. His photo in his obituary certainly showed the same happy and open face, yet was it truly 20 plus years since I saw him? Where did the time go? What memories and stories did he have about our family? Just how fast is 20 years?

Families change and times change. Now my mother is the sole survivor of her immediate family: six brothers, 2 sisters, only one surviving sister-in-law. The next generation has taken its place as the leaders. Can we slow it down? No, but we can choose how we respond to it. We can choose whether we rush to the end of our lives, or we savor each moment.

My weekend plan is to slow down and savor. I will dive into my latest reading material: In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honore. I have read only to page 25, but I have found a comrade in my belief that the corporate speed of money making, multi-tasking and maximizing profits can pound us into an oblivion which is not our true purpose on earth.

Symptomatic of the SPEED expectation is the discussion of meal preparation. Is faster, cheaper food really better? Has the world not recognized the damage of rushing our food? If we eat better now than 40 years ago, why are so many people overweight? I will not find all of the answers this weekend but I am ready to start. We need to reverse this trend otherwise our legacy to our children will be SPEED at any cost.

Certainly we cannot stop the passage of time. However, we can make differences in small somewhat subtle ways. If you want to slow down, learn more about and enjoy the people around you while you have your chance, check out this web site: http://www.inpraiseofslow.com/slow/index.php

Can our society learn to slow down? I, for one, want to give it a try. Joy and gratefulness in the moment can lead the way to ease the transitions, both the births and the losses.

Emerged from the Deathly Hallows

My name is Anna and I am a Potter-aholic. I have just emerged from the latest and final installment of JK Rowlings Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. During my self imposed cocoon of a weekend. I chose not to listen to any news or tidbits because I did not want to spoil any part of the book for me. I wanted to digest it completely on my own.

I did not attend the festivities at any of the bookstores at midnight on July 21. I simply went out early Saturday morning, returned to my home book in hand, and headed straight for my couch. I read for hours yesterday finishing at page 362. This morning before 7:30 a.m. I sat at my kitchen table and started at page 363. I cried at least three times. It was awesome, wonderful and trying as my eyes inhaled the words. My emotions ranged from frantic, exhuberant, and fearful...torn between the expected and unexpected.

I know how I felt before I reached the final page at 2:37 p.m. today. I will not disclose anything about the book until I find someone else who has already finished it. Then I will be delighted to share my thoughts and tears.

Order of the Phoenix Dazzles and Delights

My name is Anna and I am a Harry Potter-aholic. I admit it. It started simply in the green and pastoral land of Tennessee. Many mothers in the land of the Bible Belt spewed sayings that children should not be allowed to read Harry Potter books because it was not Christian. What better advertising was there? It was all the temptation I needed.

Curious about such ramblings, I had to discover the story of Harry myself. My oldest daughter promptly bought me the second book for my birthday. I was delighted. However, I did not want to start with number two. I had to know the story from the very beginning. I bought the first book at a Scholastic Book Fair at Grassland Middle School. I read through it like lightning coursing to the ground. I loved it. Christianity at question? Hardly, every hero needs a villain. I had read more horrors in the Bible itself. Had these people truly read the story of Jezebel? Or, how Abraham offered Sarah as entertainment for camp visitors? Didn't Jesus say everything I can do so can you? Harry Potter and religion are two separate worlds. One is fiction. The other is a choice individuals make regarding their beliefs. I do not have to become a wizard or a dark lord to enjoy Harry's company. Harry Potter is a great children's story. And, I am a Potter-aholic.

Harry Potter was the impetus to get my youngest daughter to read. Only when she had finished the book could she see the corresponding movie. I read The Sorcerer's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets aloud to her. The Prisoner of Azkaban was half read aloud and half read on her own. My daughter read the Goblet of Fire and the Order of the Phoenix by herself. This is an outstanding accomplishment I attribute to JK Rowling. If kids can relate to the story and, in particular, Harry's journey, they learn to love to read. Needless to say, my daughters have grown up with these characters and the actors who portray them.

This morning I awoke and hurried to the theatre to see the latest offering "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." I knew I would cry, but there was no way I could not see this movie.

David Yates has brought a great new vision to the film world of Harry. His camera angles show majestic views without recreating each setting. Yates has enhanced the world of the first four films. The cast members sparkled. The only regret is 138 minutes is not enough time to let them all shine. Consider all of the fabulous actors who are part of this series: Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson, Julie Christie and many more. We can only hope for many deleted scenes on the DVD.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have matured magically into their roles. This is the first movie without Richard Harris where I enjoyed Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. I thoroughly enjoyed Harry Melling as Dudley Dursley tormented by dementors. And, Neville Longbottom, played by Matthew Lewis, has only barely revealed the strength of his character. Fred and George Weasley, played by James and Oliver Phelps, shared their talents to undo the hideous Professor Umbridge. Gorgeous, well executed filmmaking. And, why do I still believe Professor Snape will be the hero? Perhaps it is because Alan Rickman can overpower a scene with just his eyes.

Yes, I cried because I already knew the outcome for my favorite character, Sirius Black. Gary Oldman makes tatoos look good on Sirius Black and I am not a fan of this artwork. The emotional link and love Sirius gives to Harry is unmatched. I cried before the critical moment because Yates captured beauty and force of movement in the battle scene. When Sirius mistakenly calls Harry by his father's name, it tangles the heartstrings more. Yates then expanded from the tragedy of Black to unfold the intensity of the Dumbledore-Voldemort power struggle. From this scene, we are awestruck to witness just how difficult it is to battle evil.

Exquisite film. Outstanding characters and actors. I hope the Bible Belt ramblers can stir away from their Biblical readings to learn how a modern day hero can be loyal, honest, courageous and caring in times of turmoil. Perhaps I will need to start a Potter-aholic Anonymous group there.

Victoria = Herzog

June 13, 2007 (Recap of the Day)

Awoke at 8:20 a.m. We obviously needed sleep. Our hotel room has a window on the hallway but not to the outdoors so we could not gauge the time by sunrise. Got ready and was surprised that clouds covered the sky and it had rained earlier today. Headed across the street to McDonalds for large coffees. Good stuff, just want I needed

We drove a few feet to I-70 and headed east. Rain dripped on the windshield. Ashley asked, “Is this ok?” as we passed the Oz Museum billboard. Yes, we are in Kansas, and I said, “It is ok.”

Three or so exits later we were on Hwy 255 south to Victoria. The entire drive totaled about 10-15 minutes. Victoria is actually the combination of two towns. It started as Herzog, Kansas founded by Germans from Russia. Victoria, which was south of 10th Street, was started by George Grant, an Englishman. Ultimately the two towns combined into one Victoria, Kansas. Herzog was a name I could not pass up and Ashley and I had to visit.

We drove past the St. Fidelis cemetery and headed south to the Cathedral of the Plains. The church was built in 1903 and was absolutely gorgeous. Not the scale of Holy Name Church in my hometown, but a wonderfully intimate beauty for a smaller, farming community. We were mesmerized by the joy of the place. We lit candles. My prayer was for all of my ancestors. I hope I can do them justice with the stories I tell, that I can authentically tell their stories. Ashley lit a candle, too, and we took pictures of each other.

We photographed the outside and the downpour started. We made it into the car before being soaked. We drove down the street to the St. Fidelis gift shop. We listened to the end of Second Summer of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants while we waited for the rain to let up. Once inside the gift shop, we met two women who were very helpful. I told them my Herzog tale and they were very welcoming. The gift shop was small but we found wonderful gifts for everyone. I was so happy to have tangible memories from Herzog.

As we drove to the business district, we saw the statue of the Germans from Russia that was duplicated for the AHSGR headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska. I see this statue daily on my home web page and almost drove past it! Ashley braved the rain and photographed it since she had the best view.

The rain pours down faster and faster as we head off to Main Street. The town has beautiful old sandstone buildings, but is fairly desolate. I spot the post office as we drive the remainder of Main Street, then turn around to go to the post office. The rain truly pounds the car as we drive up to the mailbox outside the building. We wait for a few minutes, and then I decided I should write the new postcards to Mom and Joan. Once written, I scurry out of the car and into the post office.

Two men were chatting at the desk. One was the postmaster; the other was Ken of an excavating company. It was his pickup truck parked outside. I bought the postcard stamps and accepted the postmaster’s suggestion of buying some forever stamps. The postmaster answered many of my questions about Herzog. He told me about Grant and the founding of Herzog. He grew up on a farm and did not have electricity until the 60’s. His father sold his horse team in the early 60’s to buy a washing machine for the family.

He discussed wind power. I asked how people made a living now. Many farm but they also commute to Hays for jobs. Even as a young boy, many people farmed and went to Topeka for work. They would walk, hitch rides or get there however they could. Then on weekends, they worked in the fields.

I talked with them for at least fifteen minutes. I love the pace of this town. While Ashley was waiting in the car, she had written a postcard to Becky while she waited. We headed north on Hwy 255 and stopped to photograph the St. Fidelis Cemetery entrance. It was raining too hard to venture outside now. So, onto I-70 west and back to Hays. The rain pounded the windshield but it was a comforting drive.

Asher, we aren't in Kansas Anymore

I have just returned home from a delightful trip to Hays, Kansas where I attended the AHSGR (American Historial Society of Germans from Russia) Annual Convention. Most people would not consider this trip a vacation, however it was to me. Now as I reflect back on my week, I will add updates to my blog over the next few day so I can share this great experience. When I return to work tomorrow, I know many will ask me about my time away, but how do I describe watching the multi-colored grasses of Kansas bend and lift as the wind surrounds it? The beautiful hues of the fields and meadows? How can I explain that the villages around Hays and the entire geography transported me back over 200 years to the German Russian villages where my ancestors lived on the Volga River? How can I convey the demeanor, courtesies and politeness of everyone in Hays? I was so impressed with workers at McDonalds who handled their jobs with pride and a true sense or purpose. Their desire to serve and their happiness with their jobs should be cloned for everyone. I believe the industriousness, the willingness to work, and sense of happiness without climbing the corporate ladder can be directly attributed to German Russian heritage. To be valuable in whatever way possible and enjoy life without every whim of material pleasure has lasting appeal.

Pivotal Moment

Since my return from Sheboygan, Wisconsin in April, German Russian research has dominated my free time. Genealogy is much like a mystery which individual researchers attempt to solve one clue at a time. Now book research has flowed into oral research since my mother returned a week ago from California. I was delighted when she finally opened her Mother's day gift of three photos of her mother and grandparents. These were the photos I received from my cousin, Charlotte, and my mother never knew these photos existed. The framed memories inspired more talk about our family. Our conversation continued where it left off three months ago regarding many of the unanswered questions we have, in particular, the Herzog and Reimer family stories. As the youngest daughter of Sophie and Fred Herzog, my mother is the last link to their legacy and to my grandmother Dina Herrmann Thalheimer Bauer. So, conversation now outweighs written historical research.

In Wisconsin, I learned how Oshkosh played an important role in many German Russian voyages to America. The Paine Lumber company offered immigrants free housing when they worked in the lumber mill. The lumber mill needed willing workers to replace strikers in the 1890's. Research on passenger lists for my grandparents Johannes and Klimentina Thalheimer indicate their final destination as Oshkosh, Wisconsin where Johannes's brother Nicol Thalheimer lived on High Street. I believe my grandparents arrived in Oshkosh, but we also know that one son was born in Maywood, Illinois, another in Racine, Wisconsin and they also worked on farms in California. Despite searching Oshkosh City Directory lists from 1910 through 1918, I could not find a match for Nicol Thalheimer on High Street or any other Oshkosh address.

Yet, in our basic every day routines we encounter the most fascinating and pivotal moments. The moment erupts into our lives and slowly we understand its impact. While reading my email, I discovered the subject line "Thalheimer Family." My curiosity was peaked. I opened the email despite not recognizing the email address. After years of trying to figure out what happened to Johannes and his family in Marienthal, this email changed everything.

The woman who sent this email wrote, "My grandparents are Nicolas and Pauline Thalheimer from Marienthal. Is there any possibility that we are related?"

I immediately replied and in subsequent emails, I have uncovered that her great-grandparents' names match the my great-grandparents' names. Her mother was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Unless records prove otherwise, I believe I have found a cousin.
Our schedules are busy this week, however next week we will completely compare our genealogies.

Does this potential second cousin know anything about my grandfather's disappearance over 80 years ago? Did my grandfather return to Russia or move in with his brother somewhere in America? A pertetual mystery may well be resolved in the next few weeks.

Memorial Day and Family Visits

I admire the two rows of American flags erected along the entrances to my subdivision today. As a young girl, today was the day my family visited Calvary Cemetery to plant geraniums on my uncle's and later my grandmother's grave. My uncle was killed in Saipan during the Second World War Marine invasion of the South Pacific. I visited his grave on April 20 so that will have to count for this Memorial visit.

My research led me to find out more about the history of Memorial Day and I discovered this web site http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html . A return to the roots and original observance of the day is needed. Unfortunately, in our corporate driven, dividend driving, give it all for the bottom line lifestyle, the brief 3 day reprieve from work becomes almost a day of relaxation, but in practice a day of playing catch up on household chores and conversation. My mother, who turned 80 years young earlier this month, has been the impetus for me to re-ignite memories with the 100 year Centennial Celebration of the birth of John Wayne. How all American can one get?

Yet, with all of the relocations across the country, it is unlikely many families are able to visit the sites of their relatives who have been lost in service. I cannot be at all of the gravesites today. However, the idea of the National Moment of Rememberance at 3 pm rings true to me.

When I lived in Tennessee, I had the opportunity to visit the Grotto at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis twice on Memorial Day weekends. It is the creation of Dionico Rodriguez who used cement and crystals to artistically build dioramas of Biblical scenes. The peaceful entryway with Abraham's Oak is a welcome repreive. The pictures on this website give you an idea but cannot do justice to the beauty of the place. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/tn.html. My father loved this place and I loved to be with him there. Today I remember my father, a Navy veteran of WWII, and his brother. That is my Memorial Day tribute.

Do You Want to Know the Secret?

When traveling home from Denver, I completed reading my latest book on Catherine the Great and desperately needed more reading material. I stopped at Hudson Bookseller at the Denver airport and searched for another historical book. Alas, nothing in particular sparked my interest. So, against my initial instincts, I bought "The Secret."

I have believed in affirmations and positive thinking for years. I devoured books like "The Power of Intention" by Wayne Dyer, anything by Louise Hay, and more books on this topic than I could possibly recite in this blog. What could this book offer?

"The Secret" started slow and I felt pretty much repeated information that Louise Hay and others have pioneered for years. Yet, I kept reading. By the third chapter, I realized it was a great refresher for those of us who get so carried away with their lives that they forget what they learned years ago. Also, the marketing created by this publisher certainly merits our attention. More to come on this topic when I finish reading the book.

Research pays off with Invaluable Information

As part of my family history research, I traveled to my hometown of Sheboygan, Wisconsin in late April. My cousin Charlotte Lamb and I trace our family history to Reinwald, Russia. We visited both the Lutheran Cemetery and the Catholic Calvary Cemetery to pay our respect to our grandparents and great-grandparents. Charlotte is the first grandchild of Philip and Anna Maria Reimer. I am the youngest grandchild. Our age difference spans 25 years. Charlotte remembers our grandparents and I was not born until after their deaths. Spending time with her opened was extremely valuable. She answered many family questions for me. When I asked, “Do you have any pictures of our Philip Reimer?” I was stunned to hear her answer, “Yes.” Three pictures later, and I have copies of my great-grandparents and my grandparents. I had never seen a photo of my grandmother as a young woman and it brought tears to my eyes. I am so grateful to Charlotte for her time and generosity.

I also met with Sheboygan Assistant City Historian, Scott Lewandowske. Scott has conducted research on German Russians from Reinwald who settled in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Scott’s research will culminate in a book on these settlers in the near future. Scott and I attended North High School together. It was a wonderful reunion. Scott has been a valuable contributor to the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center. He has also created detailed maps of the following cemeteries: Oostburg Cemetery in Oostburg, Wisconsin, Union Cemetery in Holland, Wisconsin, the Hartman Cemetery, First Reformed Church Cemetery, and the Presbyterian Cemetery in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin.

During the same visit, I attended two genealogical meetings in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Genealogical Society’s Biennial Workshop featuring Cyndi Howells of www.cyndislist.com was a huge event at the Serb Hall in Milwaukee. The other meeting was the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia monthly meeting. President Jim Philbert and his wife Helen were outstanding hosts. Their meeting included a noodle making demonstration and a chapter fund raising auction. I also met Roman Schmalz, author of the newly published book, “My Life in Stalin’s Russia.” Schmalz was an eyewitness to history as he saw his grandfather, father and uncles taken away, never to return. Schmalz says, “Our history does not explain this disaster in full truth and leaves it to the people to find out. My book descries it as it really was. It is kept compact and concise, in order not to dilute the seriousness of the tragedies.” At this point, I have not completed reading the book, but his personal experience provides us with valuable insight.

Russia: Land of the Tsars

I spent today immersed in the History Channel's DVD, Russia: Land of the Tsars. Two of the leaders have been central to my research of Russia. These two leaders are Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. I have read numerous books of each of them, but the Land of the Tsars helps to pull all of these generations together. Two points in particular stand out to me. Peter the Great's lack of designating an heir mars a remarkable life and incredible achievement. Yet, it is understandable that one always thinks there will be time to handle the matter of inheritance. My fascination of Catherine the Great expands with each book and movie I encounter. Without her, I would have been the direct descendent of Luxembourgh and Germany without the unique history of the Germans from Russia. Her attempts at reform were outstanding by any standard.

Understanding the Tsars and Russia is tantamount to understanding how my ancestors survived during their 2 and half centuries living in the Volga River basin. Sweeping cinematography offers gorgeous views Russia's land and architecture. The artwork and portraits are exquisite and gives one a sense of the family's regal stance. Of course, the voice of Edward Herrmann phenomenally enhances the program. His strong voice heralds the beginning and the demise of each Romanov generation. I find it oddly comforting that my grandmother's maiden name was Herrmann.

Reinwald 1798 Census

The Reinwald census of 1798 shows Herzogs, Kerbers and Reimers as the original settlers of this small village. This verifies the hometown for my maternal ancestors as far as I am concerned. The oral history, death notice documentation, and ship manifests all match back to Reinwald. Now I need to fill the gap from my grandfather and great grandfather back to the orignal settlers. Again, I am in awe of the names and how each generation repeats the names. I am extremely impressed how in the United States, some of the names have survived despite 3 generations.

You Can Go Home Again

I have just returned from a 4 day weekend trip to my hometown of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Returning there after six year absence was an awesome experience. I could hardly imagine how the place would be since my parents no longer lived there, yet it was a marvelous trip of memories and reconnections.

There are so many stories to share. I hope to convey the essence of the journey over the next few days as I catch up on sleep and work. Now I know I can go home again.

Ancestry Tracked to 1744

Over the last weekend, I was able to track my paternal ancestry to 1744. With the help of the Volga Germans.net and their access to the census lists for Mariental, I was able to tie back my ancestry through eight generations to the founding members of the German-Russian village.

The vast amount of data compiled from the Mariental 1798 Colony Census, the 1850 Mariental Russia Census List and the 1895 Register die Gemeinde von Mariental, Russia provided the detailed information. Special thanks to Kevin Rupp for sharing such helpful information with me.

My next task is to track my maternal ancestors back to the founders of Reinwald. I will soon have the Reinwald census list from 1798.

Many may wonder what is so fascinating about old family names, dates and individuals I never met. It is difficult to put a finger on it, but history is such a fascinating topic for me. And, to find such personalized details after years is remarkable. When I began my research, receiving these details out of Russia was unthinkable. I only wish my father could see what I have discovered. Yet, I realize, he already knows it.

Mariental - Gross Family

Mariental - Gross Family

Book Signing Enlivens Family History in My Hometown

Here is the official news on my book signing in my hometown, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I am delighted to return there after five years.

NEWS--A book signing event for Value Meals on the Volga will be held on Friday, April 20 at 4 p.m. at Book World. Value Meals on the Volga traces Bartkowski’s heritage to the founding fathers of the German-Russian village of Mariental, Russia on the Volga River. By sharing original family recipes passed from generations dating back to the 1700’s, Bartkowski helps you to enjoy the food your grandmother used to make and ensures family stories live forever in the hearts of loved ones.“

"Unless we take the time now to share these recipes and stories, our German-Russian family histories will be lost forever.” said Bartkowski.

Book World is located at 537 S. Taylor Drive in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. For additional information, contact Book World at 920-694-0011 or email valuevolga@cox.net.

Special Thanks to T'Z Marketplace

Tonya Grubb, the fabulous and eclectic owner of T'Z Marketplace in downtown Chandler, has graciously offered to sell my book in her enchanting store. How thrilling to have a food service expert recognize the history and family appeal of the recipes offered in my book.

Tonya offers an array of enticing foods including wine, cheese and relishes from around the world. I am delighted to be a very small part of her store. Check out the wine tastings at T'Z and you will be back for more.

In my efforts to spread the word on how to keep our children and grandchildren involved in our ethnic heritage, I have completed an interview with Arizona web tv. The interview will be broadcast over the internet during the next few weeks. Once the interview is available online, I will attach a link to the site.

Also I am scheduled to speak to the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia meeting held at the Glendale Library on Feb. 10. More information is available at http://www.russianaz.org/GCCRussianClub/index.html#Feb and http://www.ahsgr.org/arizona_sun_chapter.htm.

Santan Sun News & Web TV

The December 16th issue of the Santan Sun News featured a photo of guests at the book launch and follow-up information. And, last week I taped a session for Arizona Web TV at the Painted Horse Cafe in Scottsdale. The interview will be available online starting in January. I will provide a link to the interview site in early January!

Thanks to AHSGR Sun Chapter

Thanks to the Sun Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia who elected me as their President this past Saturday. My term as President starts immediately and I am delighted to be able to serve and learn from this outstanding organization. I have also been invited as a guest speaker for the February meeting to share the story of my book, Value Meals on the Volga. I look forward to an outstanding year of learning more about my ancestry

Book Launch Party a Success!

Thanks to everyone who joined me at the book launch party on Nov. 11 at 98 South Wine Bar & Kitchen. The party was an outstanding success! Many attendees finished their Christmas shopping with a few book purchases. Be sure to watch the Santan Sun News on Dec. 2 for followup story and photos.
Special thanks also to the Klamath Falls Herald & News for their coverage of an interview with my mother which published on November 21.