Casper, Wyoming July 28

As I sip my coffee in my hotel room, I reflect on yesterday and anticipate today. I ate great oriental chicken salad at Saffords Grub & Pub. I discovered the pub during my walk through downtown Casper.

I love to photograph the older architecture with so much character. The builders created such beauty without the sophisticated tools we have today. It certainly demonstrates a labor of love.

I also discovered some wonderful sculpture during my walk. Artistic talent abounds in Casper. In particular, I liked one of the smaller sculptures entitled Empty Saddle by George Walbye. My father loved cowboys and the West and I know he would love Chris's work. Empty Saddle appropriately epitomizes why so many of the German Russian descendents gather in Casper this week. For details on George's work, visit any of the links below:

http://walbyeartstudio.com/

http://www.toh-atin.com/artist/walbye-george

http://www.galleryeast.com/george.htm

Much more to come on my visits over the next few days. Today I need to register for the conference, and attend a meeting or two. Also, need to look for a few internet friends who may well be distant relatives. Much more to come this week from Casper.

I've arrived promptly in Casper Wyoming...

I arrived promptly on schedule in Casper, Wyoming after two quick flights on Delta airlines. My trip flight included great views of the Grand Canyon and the Great Salt Lake. Bob Asay, shuttle driver for the The Parkway Plaza Hotel , was right on time to drive me from the airport to the hotel.

The Parkway Plaza will be a wonderful site for the AHSGR/GRHS combined convention. Anticipation fills the air as some early arrivals like myself check in. Display tables and conference rooms are primed for set up. And, while I prepare myself for the week ahead, I explored the fitness center and sauna. Alas, as I unpack I realize I left behind the precious cord which connects my laptop to my digital camera.

Again, shuttle driver Bob comes to my rescue. By 1 p.m. he was ready to drive me to the local OfficeMax. He gave me the quick downtown tour on our way there so I located the Wonder Bar and the Nicolaysen Art Museum. When we arrived at OfficeMax, one of the employees jumped into service to help me find the right cable. And, within minutes, Bob and I were back on our way to the hotel.

I love the efficiency one discovers in small towns. This promptness thing could be contagious.

Almost on my way to Casper....

The AHSGR and GRHS historical conferences meet in Casper, Wyoming next week. That mean I have one more work day before I begin to pack and prepare in earnest for historical research, meetings with friends, and perhaps a bit of solitude to work on my writing and editing. I have a full week planned and will keep you up to date on my experiences from Sunday through Sunday.

If you are anywhere near Casper, you need to visit the Parkway Plaza and learn about family history. It just may spark a whole new adventure for you.

The family history of love...

I mentioned Friday I planned to read The History of Love by Nicole Krauss this weekend. I recommend the book to everyone. Krauss is a fabulous writer and I can't believe I didn't know about her before last week. About half way through the book, I realized how much family history played into the story line. And since there is a rain delay before Federer and Nadal take the court, I must share this tidbit.

At a certain point in the story, one of the characters, Alma Singer, befriends a Russian. Her mother responds, "Just Russian?" Alma doesn't understand until her mother explains.

"It's just that you for example, are one-quarter Russian, one-quarter Hungarian, one-quarter Polish and one-quarter German."

Fairly clean isn't it? Just wait. The story continues.

"Actually," she said, "you could say you're three quarters Polish and one-quarter Hungarian, since Bubbe's parents were from Poland before they moved to Nuremberg, and Grandma Sasha's town was originally in Belarus, or White Russia, before it become part of Poland."

In a few moments, her mother realizes something else. "I suppose you could also say you're three-quarters Polish and one-quarter Czech, because the town Zeyde came from was in Hungary before 1918, and in Czechoslovakia after, although the Hungarian continued to consider themselves Hungarian, and briefly even became Hungarian again during World War II. Of course, you could always say you're half Polish, one-quarter Hungarian, and one-quarter English, since Grandpa Simon left Poland and move to London when he was nine."

Her mother goes on to create 16 different pie charts which accurately reflects their ancestry. Alma reviews the charts and answers "I'M AMERICAN!" To which her brother responds, "No, you're not. You're Jewish." (pg. 85-87).

Ancestry and religion can be confusing. Perspective is everything. My own background is 100% German Russian, yet people I meet struggle to understand how my family lived in Russia for over 200 years and could not be Russian.

Then, the religious aspect affects ancestry, too. My father's side was Catholic, my mother's side Lutheran. With all of the religious issues in the world today, this difference seems minimal. However, religious concerns are part of what prompted my ancestors to move from the Germanic states in the 1760's. And, where did they move from? Now the land is part of Luxembourg and Germany, near the Moselle Lorraine region. From my limited study of the region, I can easily remember four major transitions in power and that does include the two World Wars.

Perspective is everything when understanding family history. It is a tangled maze of information to understand. It still behooves us to try to understand, because as I stated in earlier blogs, it is the story of how you became you. And, that is extremely worthwhile to discover.

This book offers inspiration for more things than family history. Check it out for yourself at

http://www.wwnorton.com/rgguides/historyoflovergg.htm

Happy Fourth of July! And...on being cognizant...

OK, before 7:10 a.m I used the word "cognizant" and my children laughed at me. I love using words like "cognizant" although my favorite all time word is "incognito." More on this later.

So, happy 4th of July to all! I love this weekend because of the history and the wonderful family memories I associate with it. The fun of this holiday is not to simply experience it, but to be cognizant of the deepest meanings. I reflect on the following as I plan to celebrate on the 4th:

-David McCullough is one of my all time favorite authors. I recently read "The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal 1870-1914." In the past, I have enjoyed "The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge. To savor early America, his books 1776 and John Adams are the best. Check out his site at http://www.simonsays.com/content/destination.cfm?tab=1&pid=328883 if you need inspiration.

-Flags displayed at the entrance of my subdivision always spark a wonderful patriotic pride that nothing else can. One of these days I promise to take a picture for my blog.

-Tennis is also part of my holiday indulgence. Growing up in Wisconsin, you could count on a rainy holiday weekend to spend indoors watching Wimbledon. This tradition continues in Arizona as the afternoon sun keeps one indoors. The history of Wimbledon combined with the memory of meeting Boris Becker at the Waldorf Astoria during his pre-poker prime all flood back to me each year. I love to reflect on Borg, Graf and all of the players as I build a new history with my children. And, of course, I will venture out on the court myself before the sun blazes the hardcourt.

-After tennis, family movie time will include my latest Disney DVD addition of The Sword and the Stone. I remember when the movie first hit the big screen. I cherish the original board game. I love it. Camelot, Arthur and Merlin. My good friend Mitzi Kleidon would enjoy it, too. Visit http://www.bookfinder.com/author/mitzi-kleidon/ for Mitzi's take on the wonderful Rexcalibur.

-Three days to catch up on reading, editing and drawing...for all of my projects. My two latest books are The History of Love by Nicole Krauss and Physics of the Impossible by Michio Kaku. These are two unusual books for me the first lent to me by my good friend Steve White, and the second being a challenge to myself to try to understand the latest in science. As an editor, I continue to work on my friend Andy Kroneberger's book A Man called Andreas. And, last but not least, the sequel to Maggie Visits Grandpa beckons me to draw at least a couple more pictures.

-And, in between it all, some laughter. Perhaps tears, as a good friend plans to replace my garbage disposal. The promise of chili and a few beers was the attraction to solve my sink problem.

-However, the best quote of the day in my house, the now famous words of my daughter, Ashley who said, "I google my name every day." Just to keep up with who you are and to be cognizant of how you are perceived is a full time endeavor. Of course, if you want to be incognito this holiday weekend....go for it.

Bittersweet Day...

My mother who has visited with us since mid May departs today for her home in Klamath Falls. She has traveled since last December when she came here for the start of her winter southern tour. After two months in Arizona, she flew to Los Angeles for her second stop of her snowbird journey She was back here for Memorial Day weekend and has basked in the heat of the Sun Devil sun for over a month.

My goal is to continue my "Conversations with my mother" book as much as possible without overtaxing her memory. We will enjoy our time this morning, head to Tempe to pick up my oldest daughter and then eat a late lunch at Buca di Beppo in Scottsdale before going to the airport. It is a day to be savored.
Lingered over as much as is possible. And, yes, bittersweet is the best word to describe it.

Father's day may be past...

however I used the day to celebrate my time with my mother. Since my father's death, it's challenge to get too excited about Father's day. There also was not a great deal of enthusiasm from the fathers I know. The best part of my day was the homily at church. Deacon Ernie Garcia hit the nail on the head. It was his best talk ever.

I did celebrate the day continuing the conversations with Mother using the book I recently purchased. I discovered a number of items of which I was unaware. Did you know there were over 5 theaters in Sheboygan, Wisconsin at one time? Or, that my grandfather walked my mother to school every day during the winter months? My mother reminded me of things I used to know, but have forgotten over the years.

If you have not taken the time to formally document your conversations, start now. Time is short, life and memories are too easily forgotten. There's no time like the present.

While I may have been one of the first to complain...

about the current political climate in our country, there is something resounding glorious about Flag Day. Definitely a quiet holiday, it subtly sneaks up on me and I revel in its history.

June 14 is not an average day. As a conservative spender, I left my house early this morning before the Arizona sun blazed the temperature above 100 degrees. I wanted to fill up my half full tank of gas, pumped slowly of course, to maximize my investment. As I drove through the subdivision entrance, most of the flags already stood at attention, and the volunteers diligently grounded the few remaining poles. The sight comforts me and instills a great sense of pride.

I imagine a number of people do not have any idea why the flags are displayed today. Despite Flag Day being proclaimed a holiday by President Harry S Truman in 1949, it is not the kind of family picnic/day off holiday such as the 4th of July or Labor day.

Or, perhaps, it is part of my own personal history which helps me to remember. My sister Joan's wedding anniversary is so close to Flag Day but on June 12 and this week she celebrated for the 27th year. Happy anniversary Joan and John and here's to another twenty plus years!

Perhaps my Wisconsin roots offer an explanation of why I remember this day. My father always ensured we stopped at every historical marker and on numerous occasions, we passed the marker for Flag Day in Fredonia, Wisconsin. According to http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html:

...the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.

So celebrate the day knowing exactly why the flags burst onto the scene. Happy Flag Day!

Multi-tasking part II

I love the weekends. I accomplished so much on Saturday and if I get half as much done today, I will be pleased.

My links to Moselle Lorraine gives a greater appreciation of the French culture and the close links to the Germanic states of my ancestors. Yesterday was a warm up for all things French. So, I played tennis, shopped, went to the library. shopped, swam and in celebration of Ana Ivanovic's victory at the French Open...made french onion soup followed by the movie French Kiss.

So, as a continuation of the French theme, the first item on the agenda for today is the men's French Open final. Nadal and Federer make history for the 3rd straight year. So I check email, update blogs and enjoy the two best tennis players in the world duke it out. Then, I will cook wild rice cranberry pancakes, vegetable stew, clean windows, edit two books, organize my day job work, and then, interview my mother for at least a few hours.

I bought the AARP book Conversations with my mother, A keepsake journal for celebrating a lifetime of stories. I have always asked a lot of questions, and today I'll use this resource. I know there are stories I may have missed or forgotten. Today I will use the time with her to explore unchartered territories. Today I will record it.

Is there a better way to celebrate our lives? If you have found it, let me know.

Queen of Multi-Tasking...Photos...Kucher...Pollack to Pollack...Me

I believe in the past I have nominated myself to be Queen of the Multi-Taskers. Today I reign supreme.

I tackled the mountain of stuff which stood resolutely at the front of my desk. I grabbed loose photos, photo albums, boxes and other treasures from the heap. I sat on my couch and worked through it. Photos erupt into memories, memories charge creativity, and I am ready to explode into my next project.

Of course, that is only one task. At the same time, I watched A lot like love with Ashton Kucher which I borrowed from the library. Next up, Pollack. I picked up this DVD because I thought it might be a documentary about Sydney Pollack who passed away this week. I loved his movies and thought my mother would enjoy it.

The movie has nothing to do with Sydney, but everything to do with Jackson, Jackson Pollack that is. Ed Harris is the genius behind it supported by Marcia Gay Harden and Amy Madigan. Amy Madigan? Yes, the same Amy I saw on Broadway as Stella to Alec Baldwin's Stanley Kowalski and Jessica Lange's Blanche.

So, as I watch Pollack's creativity and growth, I am enthused to

continue all of my efforts. I am inspired to color, edit and record

more, even if I need to break away from my priorities and finish a certified payroll report. Even if I want to document this wonderful day with a blog update. Even if I can take a spare moment and review my favorite photos from my trips to Oregon in 2002 and 2004. Do you agree?

I am the Queen. Now onto the French Open.

Relatively speaking...relationships to be determined

The more people you meet, the closer you come to people to whom you might be related. In particular, I have two new leads.

First, I learned of a site for Germans from Russians who moved to Argentina. It provides a list of descendants who live around the globe who may have ties to this group.

Second. my friend Andy has a distant relative who is a descendant of Herrmanns from Mariental, Russia. I sent an email to her today and will keep you posted on the results.

On a disappointing note, the research on Margaretha Bach has come to a dead end, no genealogical pun intended. It appears the Margaretha who was found actually married Jean Behr not my ancestor Johann Nickolaus Herrmann. So, the search continues....

But between all of the books I need to read, all of the classes I may attend, and all of the other potential connections, I know my journey has a long way to go.

Memorial Day again

How quickly the year passed since last Memorial Day! The flags line the entryway to Cooper Commons dutifully on guard again. The wind tosses and flicks the colorful stripes until the stars stand straight out at attention. Memorial Day encourages memories of all kinds so my historical research figures prominently today.

Another year passes and what have I accomplished on my genealogical journey? I have accomplished much but the more I learn, the further I have to go.

For example, I completed my first course from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. The Institute partners with the Professional Learning Centre, Faculty of Information Studies, University of Toronto. I won the certificate for the class when I attended the Milwaukee Genealogical Society's event in April 2007. Courses can be reviewed at http://www.genealogicalstudies.com/

I opted for the class German: Introduction to German Research for North Americans. The resource list alone from this course is immense. I need to add these books to my "to read" list at http://www.goodreads.com/. This course inspired me to investigate the Margaretha Bach connection to my family which lead me to the Bettviller/Bitche/Luxembourg connection. It also led me to read two books; Luxembourg Enchantment of the world and The Grand duchy of Luxembourg, The evolution of nationhood 963 A.D. to 1983. Excellent books which help me to realistically understand exactly why my ancestors chose Russia instead of Moselle. I need to reflect more to determine if I should pursue my certificate in German Genealogy from the Institute and how I can build it into my already crammed schedule.

My latest editing project is A Man Called Andreas. Andy Kroneberger conducted an enormous amount of research and compiled it into a book. My task is to edit the book to make it ready to publish. As I edit Chapter One I continue to learn from what he has written. He has connected with many relatives and one of them may well be a Herrmann relative who descended from the Herrmann's in Mariental. Another valuable contact which merits my follow-up.

My second coloring book Maggie Visits Casper is next on my list of priorities. After completing my first edit of Andreas I want to devote time to the Maggie project. I hope to draw at least half of the book before I travel to Casper in July.

The more you accomplish, the more you find to do. Memorial Day is a good day to remember it.

Vous parlez français? Nein,nur ein bischen Deutsch

Amazement. Actually, amazement tinged with synchronicity. Amazement and synchronicity best describe my research status at the moment.

Recent discoveries have re-affirmed my belief that my ancestors in the 1750's lived in the area now known as Luxembourg. I found one link for an ancestor, Margaretha Bach, on familysearch.org. I sent two possibilities to three fingered frank for his take on it.

Then he turned around and checked with his European sources. He was able to track back a few more generations.

Margaretha was born in Bitche, Moselle, Lorraine and she married Johann Nickolaus Herrmann of Luxembourg. Margaretha's parents likely lived in Bettviller. Historians familiar with Moselle Lorraine know this area transitioned back and forth from Germanic to French rule numerous times over the centuries. Further research shows the city of Bettviller lies only a few minutes from Bitsche according to Google maps. Check out this link to see how close these cities are to Germany and Luxembourg. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=bitsche&daddr=bettviller+france&mra=pe&mrcr=0&sll=48.966962,7.684169&sspn=0.824,2.559814&ie=UTF8&ll=49.066219,7.444611&spn=0.102798,0.432587&z=12

So, this small area of roughly 30-50 miles near the current borders of Luxembourg, France, and Germany, was critical to my family history. The border wars and religious shifts no doubt altered my family's lives. I also discovered yesterday the surname Herrmann means Army Man. Coincidence?

My research continues and I gain a whole new respect for the small details and subsequent effects which ripple down through generation to generation. Right now, I am a sponge soaking up all of the information I can find on Luxembourg, Moselle and Lorraine. Somehow, learning French is right around the corner.

New Rage Phrase

You need to check out the latest wit and wisdom from three fingered frank. His blog made its debut this week after I nagged him for nearly a year. I have been the recipient of his repertoire for years and he is at his best in a quick easy to read blog format.

His humor is legendary among his friends and he is an avid historian. This is the same guy who spent over five hours at the family history center with me reviewing filmstrips of Luxembourg census information from 1675 to 1798. Who else do I know who is fluent in French and would help me review an entire century of village listings? (BTW, we found a Nicolaus Herrmann in the census who is more than likely a distant ancestor of mine!). I call him the ultimate Renaissance man. Check it out today at http://www.mysmallhand.blogspot.com/ and enjoy!

Miller Park and Memories

My favorite Brewer fan, Lorie, treated me to an outing at Miller Park on Wednesday, April 23 and again on Saturday, April 26. The first time was for a victory in which Derek Turnbow saved the day (in near heart attack fashion) against the Phillies. The park is one of the best for baseball. The music, the setting and lights are fabulous. If you walk in as a lukewarm fan, you will leave as a true fanatic.




Of course, the retired player numbers of Yount 19 and Molitor 4 arouse memories of my entire life. But one of my favorites is still Aaron 44 who played at the first MLB game I attended in Milwaukee before the Braves moved to Atlanta. Baseball and softball are so closely knitted to my family history, both in attending games and spending great times with family. I can see highlights of Dennis Eckersley and Kirk Gibson and I know exactly what was going on in my life.


The Saturday visit to Miller Park was for Lorie to collect a signed baseball. The posted pictures reflect that day and was my first time on the Miller Field diamond. Kevin Weeks, second baseman, was in the dugout where Lorie collected her Carlos Villanueva autographed baseball.

Despite Turnbow's subsequent departure from the Brewers and their loss again today, the game goes on and the memories continue to grow. Thanks, Lorie.

Return to Milwaukee Roots

My last blog comment was well over a month ago and I have missed my updates. When I write about my searches and activities, my memories are cemented in my mind. The act of reflecting on my activities adds credibility and progress to my journey. So, just where did April go? My quick snapshot of the April 2008 blur includes:

• Finalizing plans to edit/rewrite a remarkable story about family history research.
• Celebrating another year of life on this earth
• Joining with fellow Germans from Russia to hear Geri Harris of the Family History Library of Mesa to share with us her expertise on researching families from Eastern Europe
• Turning a business trip to Milwaukee for business into a family reunion with emphasis on good old-fashioned conversation, vegetarian food and baseball.

More details to come over the weekend. Right now, I need to ring in the month of May with a glass of Barefoot Merlot. Be back soon.

Happy Saint Joseph's Day!

My family history is definitely unique. Most people celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Irish gusto, whether there is a drop of Irish blood in them or not. To the best of my knowledge, I am not Irish. There have been times I have rooted for the Fighting Irish, and, when they play against my Marquette Golden Eagles (still tough to say it, they will always be my Warriors) I rooted against them. I admire St. Patrick and the Irish. But, St. Joseph Day will always be in my heart because my family has always celebrated this special day.

Many people around the world celebrate St. Joseph's day. In many places, it is more revered feast day than St. Patrick's day. Italians and Poles honor some of the best traditions of the day. Check out the following sites for full details on St. Joseph's Day customs:

• http://www.bulin.com/stjoe/
• http://members.aol.com/nonstopny/italiano/march19.htm
• http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4
• http://acweb.colum.edu/users/agunkel/homepage/easter/swjozef.html

My family celebrated St. Joseph's day partly because Joseph is my father's name. His favorite hobby (outside of sports) was carpentry. We always enjoyed remembering this day during his life, I always wanted to be the first one to wish him "Happy St. Joseph's Day." We continue to remember the day and him although he has been gone for nearly six years.

I don't know if others remember, but today is also the day the swallows come back to Capistrano. I can still hear my father playing the Gene Autry record of that song. When I was a young girl, we visited San Juan Capistrano. I don't know if the swallows actually leave the mission at Capistrano. There were many swallows there the last time I visited. It doesn't matter. It is a peaceful and beautiful memory which lingers.

My father's goal was to visit all of the missions in the southwest. I was with him at a few of these visits and distinctly remember the visit to Santa Barbara. He loved these ventures. Perhaps in a past life he helped to build these missions. Who knows? Answers to these questions will come at the right time.

While I cannot call him directly on the phone to wish him a happy day, I did call my mother and we shared our memories. All I know is although my father did not have the time to visit all of the missions while he walked on the earth, his spirit certainly traveled to each and every one. His spirit and determination lives on in all of his family.

Happy St. Joseph's Day, Dad.

Mission: Accomplished

My mission to relax and rejuvenate was successful. I played tennis on plexi and clay surface tennis courts followed by the certified purification ritual at the Golden Door spa. I hiked the nature trails, indulged in chef Wendy Little's culinary delights at Bogey's and LaTilla.
Truly, an exquisite weekend even if I didn't meet Rafael Nadal. These courts, the food and the companionship of my family made history.

Mission: Retreat, relax and rejuvenate....

Full speed ahead has been my motto for the last eight months. I plunged into numerous projects which I love, however the pace has been dizzying. I mention this only to explain to you how exhausted I feel and how I need a break before I transition (read as leap) into my next endeavor. Here is a short list:

• I wrote, edited and illustrated a coloring book.
• I organized, edited and published the commemorative anniversary book Thirty Years in the Desert for our local historical society and led the chapter celebration event.
• I promoted a coloring contest to celebrate the publication of Maggie Visits Grandpa.
• I assisted many friends and historians with their projects.
• And, did exceptionally well at my day job

Now, I need a little bit of time for just me. And, my two wonderful daughters. This weekend, courtesy of a marvelous award from my company, we will enjoy an unpredecented getaway. The unlimited tennis weekend at The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa in Carefree, Arizona has a reservation in our name. Isn't Carefree the perfect name of the spot to experience this? Family memories will be made and cherished for a lifetime this weekend. Here are simply a few of the highlights:

• Luxurious casita accommodations.
• Unlimited tennis on the five premier cushions and three classic clay courts.
• Complimentary access to the award-winning Golden Door Spa, including fitness facility, adult pool, steam rooms and Niwa pool.
• Click on the title of this blog entry and you will disocver more.

So, I will be away from computers, cell phones, lan lines and demands on my time. Only the urgency of a walk through a labyrinth maze, a meal of organic, Arizona grown food, and perhaps a massage of choice at the spa will beckon me. Retreat, relax and rejuvenate. That is my mission this weekend. Did I mention the clay tennis courts? If I meet up to Rafael Nadal, I may never come back.

Anniversaries are so worth celebrating....

Anniversaries. Whatever your opinion of the event, anniversaries are life's milestones...an opportunity to pause, ponder and revel in the essence of our life.

I experienced such an opportunity with seventy Germans from Russia yesterday. The Arizona Sun Chapter celebrated its 30 year anniversary at the Black Forest Mill Inn in Phoenix, Arizona. Sauerbraten, Jaeger schnitzel and black forest torte abundantly dressed our tables as did the new publication Thirty Years in the Desert, a compilation of our member's family stories.

The celebration was sparked with comraderie and joy in our common heritage. The Arizona Sun Chapter's second President, Lewis R. Marquardt, Ph.D., and his wife, Dona Reeves-Marquardt graced us with their wit and wisdom.

Lew was born and raised in North Dakota, the eldest son of a German-Russian father and an Irish mother; his paternal grandparents migrated to the Dakota Territories in 1888. Lew grew up among Black Sea Germans and spent his early years teaching instrumental music in South Dakota, and Interdisciplinary Arts and Humanities at Arizona State University at Tempe. After the death of his first wife in 1984, he married Dona. Lew and Dona have traveled extensively in Germany, France and Europe seeking ancestral villages, art museums and the phenomenon of foreign culture. Lewis a Charter member and a Life member of AHSGR, as well as a Life Member of GRHS.

Dona Reeves-Marquardt, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, is Professor Emerita at Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, where she taught German language and literature many years. Primarily of Volga-German ancestry, she has published articles on the language, history and culture of Germans from Russia. Dona has translated major works in that area, including Peter Sinner’s Germans in the Land of the Volga and Gottlieb Beratz’ The German Colonies on the Lower Volga with LaVern Ripley and Leona Pfeifer. Her grandparents immigrated in 1876 from Volga villages to Russell county, KS. She was a Fulbright scholar at Johannes Gutenberg Universität in Mainz, Germany and has studied and traveled extensively in Germany, to her ancestral villages.

Lew reminisced about the early beginnings of the Arizona Sun Chapter. While only a few founding members like Joe Schwan are with us, we honored their memory and their service to the chapter. Then, he and Dona compared the differences between Black Seas Germans and Volga Germans. To the uninitiated, it may seem odd to have subsets exist within the unique Germans from Russia, however Lew and Dona compared, contrasted and demonstrated clearly that despite the differences, there are many more similarities.

Bonding, learning and sharing. Lew and Dona inspired the next generation at our anniversary event. And, isn't that what tracking our family history is all about?

Now that my football season is over....

I am ready get back to researching and documenting my family history. That is, if I can put the Packer loss to the Giants out of my mind. It may take a couple more days... perhaps even the Super Bowl will have to pass. It will be difficult this year since the Super Bowl will be played in my own back yard in Glendale, Arizona. Let the media frenzy begin without me.

OK, not exactly my back yard, but as close as someone in Arizona gets to the Super Bowl. And, I should be happy for the Manning family history. How many Dads have a son on different teams in two consecutive Super Bowls? But, enough about the Mannings. This year, I am nearly as disappointed as the Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys NFC championship game where my cousin Steve, as quarterback, just missed the Super Bowl. At least Brett Favre had two Super Bowl appearances.

Alas, I did certainly have some great memories as I watched yesterday's game. I remembered the picture in Lombardi's Run to Daylight book of my Dad and Uncle Fred freezing in the Lambeau field stands during the 1967 Ice Bowl. Or, how about seeing Bart Starr as the honorary captain yesterday? My Dad took my sister and I to the training camps for the Packers in the 1960s. To this day I remember how patient and kind and good looking Bart Starr was to all of the kids who wanted his autograph. I waited in line twice and am proud of the two signatures. My red autograph book is filled with names like Ray Nitschke, Forrest Gregg, Paul Hornung, Max McGee, Lionel Aldridge, and Jim Taylor. I was always jealous of my sister who managed to get Vince Lombardi's signature. I missed him, probably while I chased Bart Starr.

Ok, I guess with memories like these and of the friends and family with whom I have enjoyed Super Bowl Sunday, I suppose I can watch one more football game this season. I may have more memories tied to sports than any other event. What is your favorite sports memory with your family? Please share with me as we prepare for the Super Bowl and....let the media frenzy begin..

Sympathetic symptoms....Part II

Listened to disc 9 of The Worst Hard Time today. Just out of curiosity, have you ever read or listened to a book where you felt so transported in time, you actually experienced sympathetic symptoms? Or, did you ever have a situation like I did last Saturday, when I watched the Packer-Seahawks game, and when I walked outside afterwards, I couldn't believe it wasn't snowing? I would like to hear your stories. The mind is powerful and what we put into it comes out in many different ways.

Sympathetic symptoms....

I started to cough today. But, I don't think I am really sick. I believe I have sympathetic symptoms.

Let me explain. The latest audio book I am listening to during my commute is The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan. There are 10 discs and I am up to disc 8.

Before listening to this book, I thought I had an idea what the Dust Bowl was. However, I was mistaken. I knew the drought caused problems for farmers, but I had no idea of the scope of the dilemma. Dust pneumonia, death, and anxiety were a way of life in the 1930's in the southern plains. Loss of breath and blindness occurred. There was constant cough through the entire region. Dust infiltrated fields, houses, livestock and people.

A friend recommended this book because some settlers of the Dust Bowl shared my German Russian ancestry. I know my ancestors suffered in Russia. Unfortunately, those who moved to the Oklahoma and Texas experienced the horror of drought and dust.

This book is an outstanding collection of in-depth research which invokes gratitude for every breath you take whether your ancestry revolves around the Dust Bowl or not. My little cough is merely my sympathetic reaction to wanting to clear my lungs as I hear more and more of the dramatic struggle for survival. I will be just fine when I finish disc 10.

Have you turned in your coloring contest entry?

As mentioned last month, Maggie's Adventure Coloring Contest is underway! You can win a $25 gift card for art supplies from Michael's Art and Craft Store and a copy of Maggie Visits Grandpa, A coloring adventure.

By popular demand, new age brackets were added to ensure artists of every age would be included. Age brackets are:

• Ages 2-5
• Ages 6-9
• Ages 10-14
• Ages 15-18
• Ages 18-25
• Over 25

Gather the entire family together for coloring night. It's been proven that coloring spurs creativity and generates the benefits of a meditative state. It's cheaper than therapy and a lot more fun.

Coloring is the ideal vehicle to spark interest in family history and art for kids of all ages. It is a common denominator of all cultures. Have you seen the latest crayola crayons? Not only is color listed in English, but the same word is also labeled in French and Spanish.

And, who couldn't find a fun way to spend $25 at Michael's? Your artistic efforts may just boomerang into more fun and imaginative projects. For full rules and entry form, visit http://maggiesadventure.blogspot.com/

Rabbit Rabbit...Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I hope 2008 finds you happy and healthy. If you haven’t already made (or broken) some New Year’s resolutions, I have five ideas to recommend to family historians.

1) Make plans to find a way to learn more about your ancestry. For me, it means attending the annual German from Russian conference. Make your reservations today! I plan to attend the AHSGR/GRHS conference in Casper, Wyoming from July 28 to August 3. This is destined to be a historic event as the two organizations join together for one fabulous event. For more details, visit http://ahsgr.org/convention.htm or http://www.germansfromrussia.net/2008_Convention/2008%20Convention.htm.

2) Celebrate your ancestry locally! I plan to attend the Arizona Sun Chapter 30 year anniversary meeting. Guest speakers, Lewis R. Marquardt and Dona Reeves-Marquardt, will present “Reminiscences,” highlighting the early years of the chapter as Lew remembers it, and a comparison of the Volga and Black Sea Germans. The meeting is at the Black Forest Mill German Restaurant, 4900 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018 at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 9. All attendees will receive a complementary copy of our 30 year anniversary book entitled Thirty Years in the Desert. Our meal includes the following:
· Beverage including soft drinks, iced tea or coffee
· Caesar Salad or German Potato Soup,
· A choice of entree
o Smothered Chicken
o Jaeger Schnitzel (pork)
o Smoked Pork Chop
· Apple Strudel with Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream.

Cost for the luncheon is $25 which includes tax and gratuity. Please send your paid reservation to Ed Bischoff before January 12th.

3) Resolve to travel to experience more of our world and to learn about our ancestors. For me this means to plan for a trip to Argentina this fall with the AHSGR. The 13 day trip is still in the planning stages. A tentative itinerary was in the latest AHSGR newsletter.

4) In preparation for future travel, resolve to spend an hour or two per week learning or brushing up on a foreign languager. For me, German, Spanish or Russian are natural choices. My plan is to refresh my Spanish skills. Language skills are a wonderful asset as we can help to translate documents and build bridges around the globe for our research efforts.

5) And, last but not least, resolve to track back one more generation of your family history. Retrace your previous steps and look for clues and hints which may not have been obvious the first time around. Recheck entire passenger lists, attend genealogical meetings for additional information, and talk to your fellow researchers. Links can come from any sources and let’s be open to all of the opportunities.

So, as we enter 2008, let’s make this year one of the very best for you. Ich wunsche euchgluckseeliges neujahr, langes leben und gesundkeit, frieden und einigkeit. Happy New Year!

Reading, writing and coloring....just what the doctor ordered

What a wonderful day! Finally, my day to do what I want. My goal, as I mentioned yesterday, was to color.

I started my day quietly avoiding my laptop. I rejoiced at my reserve. I sipped my coffee and read one of my Christmas gifts, the new Shirley MacLaine book, Sage-ing while Age-ing. http://www.shirleymaclaine.com/. As the proud owner of all of Shirley's previous books, I was delighted to sit back and start her latest venture. Her insight on the interconnectedness and synchronicity of life mirror my unexpressed thoughts. More on the book another day.

As a break from my book, I succumbed to check my email. This quote by Joan Hiatt Harlow was my daily quote from NAWW.

"Talent is one thing, the drive to express it another."

The quote certainly spoke to me. How many people say they could do so and so, but can't find the time? Don't we all have 24 hours in a day? Why do some people accomplish it, while others shrug it off? The drive and the choice to express is the key.

Now I was ready to color. (If you are not familiar with the health benefits of coloring, please be sure to review Stop! And smell the crayons at http://members.cox.net/infiniteadventure/STOP.htm)


I choose to color Catherine the Great. I selected my colors carefully from my daughter's new 64 count Crayola box. As I checked the label for the skin tone color I used, I wondered why the color name was so long. It wasn't until I picked out the blue, that I realized why. The crayon was labeled blue, azul and bleu. Not only were the Crayola people wise enough to write the color in English, they included the Spanish and French colors on every crayon.

From a marketing perspective, this is a stroke of genius. Children around the world can learn the basics of a foreign language when they color. Crayola only needs one label to cover three major languages. Crayons manufactured here can be used globally. What a fabulous way to demonstrate international diversity and build interconnectedness. So, as I color my picture of a famous world leader born in Germany, ruled in Russia, I used these colors:

• Hair--Chestnut, Castana, Marron
• Skin--Peach, Durazno, Peche
• Lips-Carnation Pink, Rosado Clavel, Rose Ceillet
• Sash--Pacific Blue, Azula Pacifico, Bleu Pacifique
• Bodice--Purple Mountain Majesty, Montanas purpuras Majestuosas, Majestueuses Montagnes pour pres
• Background-Mauvelous, Malvavilloso, Mauveilleux

If that does not give one a sense of interconnectedness, what does? Something as simple as a crayon expresses what we often forget. It is a small, interconnected world.

One more check on the email. My other quote for the day has arrived.

The purpose in life, then, is not the gratifying of appetites nor of any selfish desires, but it is that the entity, the soul, may make the earth, where the entity finds its consciousness, a better place in which to live. Edgar Cayce Reading 4047-2

Nothing the doctor prescribes could ever be as good as this day.

Creativity in progress....

Christmas Day passed quickly. My week was filled with family, however a good portion of my time was devoted to following through on a prior commitment. I committed to edit and publish the 30 year anniversary book for the Arizona Sun Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia. While I enjoyed the process and value the end result, I really wanted to goof off and do whatever I wanted during this break from my day job. I really wanted to color and draw.

So, I was a bit of a grump after the excitement of Christmas Day. I tried to enjoy the days, but instead I focused on section breaks, page numbers and photo captions. I barely took the time away from my laptop to visit the Jim Henson Fantastic World exhibit at the Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa, but I was glad I did.

What an awe inspiring exhibit. I loved the drawings and doodles Jim did all of his life. He used legal lined paper or napkins to make some of his creations. Did you know he ran a poster service during his college years? The exhibit was outstanding and a hit with kids and adults. My oldest daughter is a fanatic Muppet fan from Sesame Street to the Muppets Take Manhattan to the the Muppets Christmas Carol (which we watched on Dec. 26th). Jim died when she was only four years old, however to this day I remember how I shared the news with her. The exhibit sparked memories, family history and respect for the wonderful process of creativity. Jim's life is a beautiful example of how one's creations, small or large, move you to the next phase of your life.

Tonight, I finished the book and now await my proof copy. Thank goodness! My creativity on this project is complete and I am ready to move on to the next project. Now I have 3 days which I can devote to my new choices....playing tennis, cleaning my room, coloring and drawing.

Christmas and Coloring

The two C's of December converge as we get closer and closer to Christmas break. I am almost ready to leave my work life behind, only one more day left (or so I hope...I should be on vacation starting tomorrow, but the demands of corporate life beckon me for one more day).

I bask in the glow of the holiday lights and visions of holiday time filled with wrapping the presents, finalizing food preparation to be followed by the wonderful relaxation. I will imbibe in a glass or two of holiday cheer, get to some of those "I've been meaning to's" on my list, and set aside some time for drawing and coloring, the ultimate relaxation. What could be better than looking forward to it?

Plus, I was thrilled to find my latest Maggie Visits Grandpa coloring book on the North Dakota Library site. Thanks to Michael Miller who has been such an advocate for research and information on Germans from Russia. To check out the site yourself, please visit http://www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu/grhc/order/general/maggievisitsgrandpa.html. There is such thorough information here, you could be caught until Christmas, so set the timer so you still have time to relax and color.

Private caller....

So, I was checking my email last night and the phone rang. It said private caller, so I almost didn't answer. Maybe it was exhaustion after a long work week, but I decided to answer.

Someone asked for me by name and I asked who was calling? He started to talk about Germans from Russia so I knew he had the right person.

After a few minutes, I discovered my new friend grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin (just like me) and knew my grandmother. His mother was her good friend and knew her pre-1925 when my grandfather lived in Sheboygan.

I learned that Sheboygan was the ideal place for Germans from Russia to settle because in the spring and summer they would grow and harvest the beets, then in the winter they would work at Kohler. In those days, Kohler would stock up on inventory in the winter months and needed winter workers. I know when my grandmother came to the United States she traveled to Fresno, Flint, and many other areas to work the fields so the story made sense to me.

Kohler is a small village outside of Sheboygan. My father, uncles and aunt worked there for many years so again the story is very realistic since both the Dalhaimers and the Herzogs worked there. Kohler was a small, company-owned village which has evolved into a beautiful, picturesque corporate town. I loved it as a young child so much that when I visited Sheboygan last April, I ate dinner at the Horse and Plow. restaurant in the heart of the American Club. For more information, visit http://kohler.com/ and http://www.akohlerexperience.com/. The gorgeous web sites are exquisitely done which gives you true insight into the Kohler family. The history of the village merits another story on another day.

My new contact, Ray, was a friend of my Uncle Freddy and they played basketball in the alley behind the house. Ray said he remembered my Uncle John, who he called Johnny, as the best looking of the athletic Dalhaimer boys. John was well known for his "horrible temper." (I could probably write a book on the Dalhaimer temper at some point, with most of the evidence coming from my Uncle Zeaman, Uncle Fred and myself, not necessarily in that order).

If the kids were playing basketball and they saw John coming, they left the area until John was done with whatever John was doing. My friend knew John was killed in World War II, as was another good friend named Klunk. I know I have a picture of of Klunk with my Dad in their military uniforms, but I had assumed Klunk was a nickname. John hung out with Huntzie Klunk and Kaiser, both of whom were killed in the war.

Ray described German Russian weddings at the 99 Hall, ties with Reimers, Ruppels, Bruder Reimer and how he knew the Knaubs (Jacob, John, Gottlieb known as Ace, Emily and Gubby).

His mother and my grandmother were members of the Volga Aid Society group. As a young girl, I remember my grandmother quilting in her living room with these women. I remember how important those meetings were to her and I could not disturb her during those times. Ray said this group was a focal point of their lives. They had coffee together, met often and marched in 4th of July parades in uniforms with zorro style capes and tams. Apparently my grandmother knew how to have a good time with some of the stunts she did with this group.

His mother also knew why my grandmother married Gottlieb Bauer, her second husband, who was Lutheran. Many of the German Russians who settled in Sheboygan were from Reinwald, which was a Lutheran village. My grandmother was from Mariental, which was Catholic, and Catholics were the German Russian minority in Sheboygan. Unfortunately, there was not another German Russian Catholic in the entire town, so my grandmother married Gottlieb.

Ray also knew Herman Schneider who was the brother of my mother's best friend, Lydia. There were many more anecdotes we shared during our hour on the telephone. Some of the best news was that Ray attended the AHSGR conference in Hays, Kansas, as I did, and will attend the next conference in Casper, Wyoming. For updates on the convention, visit http://www.germansfromrussia-casper.blogspot.com/. I look forward to meeting him. When I answered the phone last night, little did I know what private information this caller would bring. Private and fascinating.

Grab your crayons and join Maggie's Coloring Contest

Too much holiday stress? Countdown to the holiday coming too quickly?

Stop! And smell the crayons. What can compare to a new crayon box…the aroma, the freshly sharpened points of each crayon, the aligned organization of the brand new colors. Your unique coloring talent can bring you wonderful rewards when you join Maggie's Coloring Contest.

As part of the celebration of my latest book, Maggie Visits Grandpa, I am sponsoring a coloring contest for kids from age 2 to 102. It’s proven that coloring reduces stress, so it makes sense to have a coloring contest overlap with one of the more stressful times of year. And, part of Maggie's adventure is hearing about her family history.

Here are some of the details:

Entry Procedure

1. Each artist may submit one entry

2. Each entry form must be filled in completely and include the parent’s name and signature for entrants under age 18.

3. Entry form needs to include:

• Name of artist
• Address
• City, State, Zip,
• Telephone number
• E-mail address (optional for contest updates)
• Age of artist (on Feb. 9, 2008)
• If under age 18, Parent’s Name and Signature

4. Drawings will be returned if a self-addressed, stamped envelope for first class mail is included.

5. Incomplete submissions will be disqualified.

6. Entry forms are available at the following locations in Chandler, Arizona
· Way 2 Play Café, 940 E. Riggs Road, Chandler, Chandler, AZ 85249, NE corner of Riggs and McQueen, way2playcafe.com.

· Java Spot, 1915 E Chandler Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85225.

· Mind over Splatter, Historic Downtown Chandler, 64 South San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ, mindoversplatter.com.

· T’z Marketplace, Historic Downtown Chandler, 58 San Marcos Pl. Chandler, AZ 85225, tzmarketplace.com· Michaels, The Arts & Crafts Store, 3771 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296, michaels.com.

*Signs by Tomorrow, 1929 E. Ray Rd. - Suite 4, Chandler, AZ 85225.
www.signsbytomorrow.com/chandler

7. Also, the entry form can be downloaded from this site.

Prizes

Six first-place awards will be given for entries in the following age brackets:

Ages 2-5, Ages 6-9, Ages 10-14, Ages 15-18, Ages 18-25, over 25

First place winners will receive a $25 Michael’s gift card and a copy of the new coloring book, Maggie Visits Grandpa by Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski. One runner-up in each age bracket will receive a copy of Maggie Visits Grandpa. Winning artwork will be posted on members.cox.net/infiniteadventure. The judges’ decisions are final.

Winners will be notified by telephone.

Deadline

The deadline for receipt of entries is 5 p.m. February 9, 2008. Entries received after this time and date will not be entered in the contest. Send all entries to: Infinite Adventure, 6043 S. Danielson Way, Chandler, AZ 85249 or scan and email drawing and entry form to maggies_adventure@cox.net. No purchase necessary to enter or to win.

More information on Maggie Visits Grandpa to come. Or, visit the Web site at http:members.cox.net/infininteadventure.

December 1st...only 24 days til Christmas!*@!!

Rabbit, Rabbit! Ok, I had to say that first. Now onto our real topic of the day.

I like to think I am in control of my life. So, how did I let it get to be December 1st? I really do plan and have many things done for the holidays, but I have no idea how December 1st came so quickly.

November 1 was on a Thursday which made Thanksgiving on the earliest possible date it can be. So I actually had more time than usual between turkey and the first. I fear the countdown of days will continue to pass quickly.

Perhaps the time has flown past because I have just finished my second book. I am doing all of the things a writer needs to do to get the word out about it. One of my fun ways of sharing the publishing news will be introduced on this blog tomorrow so stay tuned. With that and all of the other holiday plans, I may have entered a time warp and sped forward by accident.

Since my Seven Habits training and Sacramento trip in November, I plan better, I prioritize better, and I have eliminated all Quadrant IV activities. So, I am in control of my life. However, I still cannot control the date on the calendar.