Hometown: Cemeteries

I love to visit cemeteries. I always have.  As a little girl, I always helped my Dad plant geraniums at grave sites on Memorial Day.  It was our way to remember.

As an adult, I attended a few Feng Shui classes and vaguely recall that our ancestor's burial ground has links to our lives.  When I googled this topic, I found this interpretation:

Death is just a transition point. If the human remains are interred at a good location at the correct time (time being the heavenly component of the Heaven-Earth-Man trinity), then a chain reaction will be set off in which the earth’s productive capacity is modulated by the human qi interred, and a ‘signal’ of sorts is generated. The deceased person’s descendant's have an affinity, or linkage, with this ‘signal’. We can think of it as a ‘DNA signature’ of sorts. Only the descendants having the same ‘DNA signature’ will be able to pick up this ‘signal’, in much the same way that only a specific tuning of the radio will be able to receive a specific broadcast frequency.
If the burial site is good, the ‘signal’ generated will be positive and the descendants picking up this ‘signal’ will be blessed with good health and good fortune. Conversely if the burial site is bad, a negative ‘signal’ is generated and the descendants will be impacted negatively. http://www.absolutelyfengshui.com/library/yin-house-feng-shui-intro-1.php

I realize my ancestors never studied feng shui.  And, they may not put any value in this assessment.  But they did respect and care for the burial sites.  Despite that I live in Arizona, I respect and want to care for the burial sites, too. Especially since the last of the Dalhaimer family recently moved to Illinois.  I felt this pang of regret last Memorial Day when I realized for the first time since the 1940's there was no Dalhaimer relative in town to tend to the sites. I committed on that day that when I visit, I would continue the care.

Why is this so important? Perhaps it is due to "feng shui" or maybe it is simply my upbringing. My ancestors who stayed in Russia more than likely did not receive a proper burial.  My grandmother made my father promise to always tend his brother John's grave. My Dad and I visited and cared for the site every Memorial Day.  After my grandmother was buried next to John, we tended to both graves for years.  When I moved my Mom and Dad followed this pattern for years. When my Dad moved to Oregon, he asked his brother Fred to tend the sites.  Fred immediately understood and did so every year until this past May.

On Saturday, August 19, my daughter Ashley and I made the trek to Calvary Cemetery. We stopped at the cemetery to check the stones, then headed to Shopko for plants.  It was a bit too late in the season for geraniums but we found good substitutes. We came back to the cemetery, washed, cleaned and planted our selections...hosta and pink begonias, pink because it was my grandmother's favorite color. We did our best.

Our next stop was the Lutheran Cemetery.  Stay tuned.

Scenes from Calvary Cemetery

Hometown

When I tell people I am from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, some laugh, some sigh and others completely understand how wonderful it was to have grown up in this city.

I go there whenever I can when am in Wisconsin and last August was no exception. My daughter and I headed out of Milwaukee around 7:30, caught I-43 north and drove the familiar route along Lake Michigan to exit at Hwy 23 east.  A few of the sights have changed as the old Ponderosa/Sizzler  is now Luigi's Italian Restaurant, but there were no issues finding out way around this quaint lakeside town.

Breakfast was the first stop and we were delighted with our choice of Field to Fork Cafe. Located in the heart of downtown on 8th Street, this restaurant and small grocery store satisfied our hunger.  I chose the biscuits and gravy, while Ashley had the frittata. The biscuits were outstanding and, although the frittata did not look like a typical frittata, the flavor was delectable.

After breakfast, we drove past where my parents attended school. Central High School, I was happy to discover, is now in service as a charter school.  The building looked better than ever and I was pleased the halls were alive again with students.

Next stop, the Lakefront, one of my favorite stops in Wisconsin.  I hope the pictures speak for themselves.  Gorgeous serenity.

We were at the lake shore at approximately 10 a.m. Yet there were extra stops to make including the cemeteries.  Sheboygan, Wisconsin is much more than one imagines when hearing those two words. Stay tuned. Plenty more to come.

Alice is now 90 years and twelve days old

We celebrated Alice Bartkowski's 90th birthday during the five days I visited Milwaukee.

We enjoyed our vacation so much I question if I can adequately describe it to you. It will take a number of posts for me to scratch the surface of how I felt, what I learned and how much I want to return.

For today, let me share a few of the pictures which chronicle the event. I snapped over 425 pictures in Wisconsin. Photographs are a precious part of family history research. If we were part of the festivities, the pictures help us re-live the events. If the pictures are of our ancestors and times past, I look into their eyes and try to imagine their thoughts and feelings when the camera shutter clicked.

I can read much in what I see as I look into the eyes of these photographs. It makes it quite easy for me to continue to celebrate this event in my heart.

Summer of Celebrations...Tracking the Years Since 1922

I have been blessed this summer.  I shared the AHSGR convention in Portland, Oregon with my sister and her family.  I celebrated my friend’s 60th birthday in Leader, Saskatchewan.  And, in August I travel to Milwaukee to honor the grandmother of my children on her 90^th birthday.

Alice May Bartkowski was born on August 15, 1922.  She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin before the words “Great Depression” were coined.  Her birth precedes Curly Lambeau and the Green Bay Football Club being granted a license in the NFL which can be difficult for diehard Packer fans to comprehend. This was the era of Babe Ruth, the Yankees playing their last year at the Polo Grounds and Rogers Hornsby’s hitting streak of 33 games.

Alice’s parents were Robert Benjamin Grayson and Clara Emma Elsie Manke. The Manke’s, who emigrated from Germany, served under Kaiser Wilhelm. Through the Grayson side of the family, Alice can trace her lineage back to William Bronaugh of Stafford County, Virginia.  Bronaugh signed the Stamp Act which qualifies him as an American Revolutionary. This entitles Alice and her descendants for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.  I traced her ancestry for my daughters’ sake and find it fascinating, although Alice’s interest lies elsewhere.

Alice loves baseball.  As long as I have known her, baseball has been a part of her life.  Her husband, Stanley Joseph Bartkowski, Sr.,  played Triple A baseball for the Texarkana League after serving his country in World War II.  Baseball is not so much a pastime as a way of life for her.

As I said, it is my honor to return to Milwaukee to visit Alice and the rest of the Bartkowski family.  I will be accompanied by my two daughters, Becky and Ashley, and Becky’s boyfriend, Jason.  The time we spend talking and reminiscing will make this trip more than memorable.  I will savor the family stories, some of which I have heard, and some I will hear for the first time.  I will record more of my experiences on this blog.  What a blessing for me and my daughters  to be in Wisconsin again and to share this time together. 

Images from Day One-AHSGR Portland Convention

Just a few quick comments about a wonderful start to the AHSGR convention.  We began the day at St. Michael's Sanctuary.  This view of the altar was the perfect background to our key note address.

All of the flags are displayed in the Library Lobby...

 

Fabian Zubia Schultheis shared his knowledge of the Volga German colonies in Argentina.

Brent Mai informed the audience of his research on the Volga Relief Society and their remarkable efforts to quickly aid the starving German Russians during 1921-23.

We look forward to another excellent day tomorrow!

Big Day in Portland!

Woke up at 2 a.m. to be alert enough to catch the shuttle when it came to my front door.

As you may already know, I traveled to Portland today to attend the AHSGR convention at Concordia University.  Registration opened at 4 p;m. and my flight arrived at 9:10 a.m. So my sister Joan and her husband John decided to get out and enjoy the day.

First Stop: Multnomah Falls in the Columbia Gorge. Fabulous views, glorious walk.

More to come. Stay tuned.

Heading to Portland...Concordia University

The butterflies awoke in my stomach this morning.  It is the first day of the week I have looked forward to for months. To say I am excited and nervous and ready to roll, is an understatement.

I travel to Portland for the AHSGR convention. Today I highlighted the sites on my Portland map where I will be at later this week...Concordia University, the hotel, the Grotto, Voodoo Donuts and Powell Bookstore.  There will be many more places in Portland that I will be familiar with a week from now.

While I have attended and presented at AHSGR conventions in the past, the one in Portland will be most meaningful since my sister and her family will join me.  There are great sessions planned…cooking demonstrations, scrapbooking, and historical presentations.  My workshop entitled “Grebel & Gemütlichkeit,” is as ready as it can be for its Saturday 1:30 p.m. debut. That won’t stop me from rehearsing it again and again and again.  As I worked on this presentation, I have questioned basic assumptions of my family history.  As a result, I have researched and learned much more about the women in my family tree. I am excited to present these new discoveries which have re-awakened my desire and perseverance.  But, first, I must finish my batch of butterhorns and hope the frozen delights will travel well with me.

I will post here about who I meet and what I learn at the convention.  I hope I will see you there!  And, from butterflies to butterhorns, I know it will be a great event.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the women....

Happy Mother's day!  I am blessed today to have my two daughters plan the day me.  Ashley made breakfast consisting of coffee and an oatmeal smoothie. What a treat! She says she doesn't want me to have to do anything today.  I am all for it!


Of course, I will continue to work on my presentation -- Grebbel & Gemütlichkeit--for the AHGSR Convention in Portland next month. Brent Mai asked me to speak on my experience creating "Value Meals on the Volga" cookbook.  There are great cooking demonstrations scheduled so he thought a presentation on Volga German cooking would be ideal.  I made substantial progress yesterday and hope to complete the final PowerPoint touches this morning. 


It has been five years since I published my cookbook.  My mother was my inspiration so it is quite fitting that I finish this presentation on Mother's Day. I cannot prepare these meals without hearing my Mother words of wisdom about each step.  Each meal adds flavor to and makes up the ingredients of my family history.


My gratitude extends to my mother, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and all of the women who have kept our food and family traditions intact for centuries. I am humbled to walk in your footsteps.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

The Jakob Heinle Family of Johannestal by Ray Heinle

I have known Ray Heinle for the past eight years as a member and First Vice President of the AHSGR Arizona Sun Chapter.

While Ray has been an asset to our local chapter, his work and research has extended to many others within AHSGR and GRHS. Ray, who serves as the village coordinator for Johannestal, Beresan, Odessa, Russia, has compiled his family history into a full color hard cover book. This book is a must for all Johannestal descendants.

Ray writes that “While I have attempted to make this document as accurate as possible, there are most certainly mistakes in these pages.” Any of us who have tried to write our family histories understand his perspective. Our family histories are fluid, filled with stories and information that change as we research and learn more every year.

Ray is also generous with sharing his research. He tells readers to feel free to copy his book.
All of the pictures and documents printed in his book are of exceptional quality. The full color pictures of the Warenburg church on page 28 demonstrate the ravages of time. The baptismal and confirmation certificates in Appendix N are superbly preserved family heirlooms.

Ray’s research has sparked a link on the GRHS home page to “Ray Heinle’s Korner.” In his Korner, Ray displays his family genealogy and photos. You can visit the web site at http://www.grhs.org/korners/heinle/heinle.html.

The title page of Ray’s book introduces his story with the old Russian proverb, “You live as long as you are remembered.” What an eloquent and appropriate sentiment. He has embraced that proverb and, with this book, Ray will be remembered for a long, long time.
Ray’s book is available for download or print copy at http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=the+jakob+heinle+family .

Addition to the family

As many of you are aware, my extended family includes my chihuahua mix shorthair dog, Harrison aka Harry.

Last Saturday we added a member to our household. Ashley christened him Huck named after her favorite Mark Twain character.

We had our share of hiccups as we brought him home. Harry met Huck outside and we went for a walk before the first steps into the house. Harry's territory which was now going to be transformed forever into a two dog home.

There were a lot of getting to know you squabbles, but Harry is definitely the alpha dog. From Saturday to Tuesday we were a bit on edge as we ironed out the kinks of living with two dogs.

When I came home Wednesday night, things were not going according to plan. Huck breathed with great effort and it stuck me as more serious than kennel cough. He hadn't eaten for a day and a half. I immediately called the veterinarian despite having an appointment on Saturday. I caught them at closing and they listened to his breathing over the phone. They recommended that he be brought to the office at 8 a.m. the next day.

Ashley took him and the doctor made three recommendations. Perhaps naively, we accepted the most expensive. However we made the right decision. After radiograms and an IV to build up his fluids, he was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. Antibiotics and fluids were given the rest of the day. I picked him up at 5 p.m., talked with the doctor, found out Huck also has microphthalmia. All of these things would probably have turned off dog o dog adopters. And, yes, it is a bit scary that he already has pneumonia and could be susceptible to more.

But Huck, after only a few days, is already part of the family. And we accept family as is. There is no "turning them back in."

My instincts to get another dog were correct, despite the rocky road we traveled this last week. As Huck continues his recovery, he is slowly regaining his health. For a little one-year old dog who was found on Highway 60 and Dobson, he has grown into our pal and companion for life.

What Holiday Legacy do we leave behind?

I just saw my umpteenth commercial for greedy holiday shopping. You know what I mean.

The one where someone asks "Can you read my list?" and the man says it is all crossed off and the woman makes what I guess is a victory noise. Or, the other where the woman sits smugly in the chair eating Santa's cookies and drinking Santa's milk. Really? Is shopping now portrayed as a competition? A competition with Santa? It's the only commercial I've seen with Santa, excluding the man who looks like him and sells cars. Is nothing sacred?

Just for the record, I love to give and receive gifts. Gifts given with the right spirit and intention are a blessing for us all. I am all for the dollars flowing through and building our economy. Unfortunately, every commercial I see features competition, crying and images that a phone and 4G are gifts. This disturbs me.

I know, I should turn off the TV. I normally watch PBS and multitask through show after show. However Sunday I wanted the background distraction of football, which is part of my family history, to catch updates of the Green Bay Packer score. But I digress.

Which brings me back to my original thought. What legacy are we leaving for our families for the holidays? Are we stressed with over-shopping and overindulgence? Will our children remember our exhausted faces or will they remember how family came first? Or will the competition to out do Santa Claus overtake us? Can we as a nation honestly answer this question?

This makes me revert back to the Stephen Covey principle...Begin with the end in mind. How do you want to look back at the holidays in January? Relief that you made it through? Or delight that you spent the best time with your family in years. I vote for the later.

Choose now to reduce the stress, maybe do a few less things than you intend. Sit. Talk. Reminisce.
Share your family stories of when you were a child. Share the stories your parents told you years ago. Ask questions such as what was the best book you read this year? What is the best Christmas song of all time? What was your favorite song of the year? You might be surprised by some of the answers and learn more about your family and friends just because you asked.

Share your family history and build the right traditions which will create a legacy of the true holiday spirit for your family. You can't stop your family from seeing these commercials but you can live the holidays in a simple, relaxed and celebratory fashion.

So, turn off the television and talk. At least when the Green Bay Packer game is over.

Happy 5 Year Anniversary! The Making of Value Meals on the Volga.

RECAP OF MY PRESENTATION OF "The Making of Value Meals on the Volga" on November 2, 2011 at Barnes & Noble, Pima & Shea, Scottsdale Fiesta Shopping Center.

Good evening everyone. And thank you for joining us tonight at Barnes & Noble.
Our theme this evening is historical fiction and family history. These are two of my passions. I write both and dabble in fictionalized versions of true events. I also write two blogs. One “Value Meals on the Volga” focuses on family history research and tips. The other blog is Write to the Heart of the Matter, which features updates on writing, analysis of writing techniques and book reviews. However tonight I will discuss my first published book Value Meals on the Volga.

This book celebrates its five year anniversary this month. But the making of this book started when I was about eight years old.

During my childhood, other kids in school, and in my neighborhood, told me about the things they did with their grandparents; traveling, visiting relatives, celebrations and so forth. I only had one grandmother and I didn’t understand genealogy at that point, so I asked my Dad, why do I only have one grandmother?

He told me I had another grandmother and two grandfathers, but they had died before I was born. Of course, I then had a million other questions about who they were, where they lived, when they died….suddenly I was fascinated with my genealogy and a family historian was born.

Among the many questions I asked was prompted by a homework assignment. Every student in my class had to go home that weekend and find out where their families came from.
Again, I went to my Dad and asked, “Where did our family live before we came to the United States?” He immediately answered “Germany,” then paused and said, “But they lived in Russia.”

I was stunned. Russia? When I was 8 years old there was a COLD WAR with Russia. The Berlin Wall was firmly in place. How could we be Germans from Russia? My dad saw the look on my face and said, “Let’s ask your grandmother.” On our regular Sunday visit, my dad asked my grandmother about “where we came from.” She explained the story which begins with a German princess named Sophia.

Sophia Augusta Frederica was born in Stettin, Pomerania in 1729. You may recognize her by the name she used when she ruled as empress of Russia, Catherine II or Catherine the Great.
Pomerania in Prussia was one of the many Germanic states that existed in the 1700s. The actual country of Germany was not formed until the 1860s. Instead there were Hapsburgs and Hohenzollern and many different lords and princes in charge of each state. These states were fiefdoms and provinces which often battled with each other for land and serfs. Whoever won the latest skirmishes often dictated religion, language and culture of the province. Some years the official language of the province was German, a year later it could be French. Sometimes the province was Lutheran and if a Catholic prince won the land, everyone would convert to Catholicism. After the Seven Years war ended in 1760, the German people were tired of famine, death, mandatory military service and cultural shifts.

Catherine was a wise woman and a survivor. She knew the people of the Germanic states were strong industrious individuals who could help settle her vast expanse of land. She made an offer that was difficult for these people to refuse. In 1763 Catherine issued her second manifesto inviting foreigners to settle in Russia. She offered free land, freedom of religion, language, culture and exemption from military service. Many of these Germans were intrigued with her offer to farm the land. My ancestors accepted and ultimately moved to the villages of Reinwald and Mariental along the Volga River.

There are many more stories I have learned over the years about Germans from Russia…how they maintained their language, religion and culture for over 200 years. And, a big part of their culture was FOOD. It has been said that Germans from Russia do not dine, they eat! They were simple farmers, who ate simple food. The women passed down recipes from generation to generation teaching the skills and techniques via demonstration.

Value Meals on the Volga chronicles how my mother learned these recipes and how she, in turn, taught these recipes to me. I grew up with this food. I helped my mother as a child and she helped me as an adult to remember and fine tune these recipes for the next generation. Many traditions revolve around meals. There is nothing like gathering the family together around a hot oven to spur memories and conversation.

Value Meals on the Volga not only describes my unique ancestry, but it gathers together German Russian recipes so we can re-create and savor the food our grandmothers used to make. With step-by-step instructions and full color photographs, you can create delicious meals whether you are a novice or gourmet cook. The soups, entrees, and desserts will help you to re-connect with your own past by relaxing and taking time to enjoy a great meal.

Take back time with your family. Find a way to talk with your loved ones by sharing stories of your own family history. The first sentence of this book is “How will your grandchildren remember you?” Let Value Meals on the Volga help you find the answer.
Happy Fifth Anniversary!