Six Generations of Sad Endings

On my father's side of the family, I have discovered one line with at least six generations in a row of family catastrophes. Men in this family just kept dying in all kinds of ways for 100 years. This is the Zealand line. Death at an early age is not uncommon in most families, especially … Continue reading Six Generations of Sad Endings →

Life Lessons: Guidance for All Ages

I am publishing a second book on Amazon on July 5th titled Life Lessons: Guidance for All Ages. This is an anthology of 35 true stories from 12 native English-speaking authors sharing experiences that happened to them and concluding with what each author learned. Each touching story begins with a quote related to the subject, … Continue reading Life Lessons: Guidance for All Ages →

Saints Alive! These Women Are My Relatives

One of the fun things about genealogy is you may discover you are related to important figures of politics, history, literature or religion. Recently, I blogged about famous American writers I was related to such as Henry David Thoreau and Harriet Beecher Stowe. They are both cousins. I am also related to some people designated … Continue reading Saints Alive! These Women Are My Relatives →

Life Lesson 19: Famous Ancestors Can Inspire You

I have been a fan of genealogy for many years now, especially since my mother and father passed away. Studying my ancestry was a way I could feel more connected to them and to their histories. One of the interesting things I discovered while tracing my family line is that I am a fifth cousin … Continue reading Life Lesson 19: Famous Ancestors Can Inspire You →

Finding Comfort in Times of Turmoil

The United States is unraveling right now: riots, fires, violence, police brutality and unemployment levels unequaled since the Great Depression, along with an out-of-control pandemic. And on top of that, a president who relishes the violence and disruption. Reading the news about my country takes nerves of steel these days. At the same time, I … Continue reading Finding Comfort in Times of Turmoil →

Covid-19 Economic Catastrophe

Almost 10 million people have filled claims for unemployment compensation in the last two weeks in the United States. As reported by the New York Times today, "the speed and scale of the job losses is without precedent. Until last month, the worst week for unemployment filings was 695,000 in 1982." First people fell ill with covid-19 … Continue reading Covid-19 Economic Catastrophe →

Lesson Nine: Explore your roots to understand who you are

“Behind every appearance of diversity there is an interdependent unity of all things.” —George de Benneville. Are you interested in genealogy? If so, dear reader, I have an amazing story to tell you that might seem unbelievable. But it’s true and it affirms the adage that we are all connected. Once there were two sisters, … Continue reading Lesson Nine: Explore your roots to understand who you are →