Margot & Boys

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The photo reads Nordhäuser Straße, my German is limited. I do use Google translate for the rest. But I believe this is in reference to a road in Erfurt. If I am wrong, I apologize.

The writing on the back continues to read:

“Hi, this is the town my uncle lives in in E. Germany. He met us at the station July 10. We are all well-seeing many scars of the war years and taking many pictures. All the houses are of stucco-no wooden framed ones. My uncle’s house is very nice—modern and a few bullet holes outside from the war years. Will write again. Margot & Boys.”

I wish I knew more about Margot and her boys. I am enjoying this last bunch of photos and negatives. I find everything interesting with a slight hint of mystery. I am hoping to learn more as I finish this series of photos.

Until next time…peace

The Beauty of Snow

Posted on by Rebecca C.

My social media page was filled with negative comments about the snow storm. Yes, I know the snow is an inconvenience. But the natural occurrence is absolutely beautiful. To be honest, everyone was warned about the snow in advance. The shutdown of offices, businesses, and schools due to inclement weather is for the safety of everyone. I cannot see why people were complaining.

I love how the old barn looks after the snow
I love how the old barn looks after the snow

Personally, I think you should enjoy the extra moments with your family. Go outside, build a snowman, do a project together, etc. Enjoy the official snow day from work and school. But, that’s just my opinion.

The Windwalker
The Windwalker standing tall.

 

Until next time…peace

 

Oh! This Car

Posted on by Rebecca C.

As I work through these photos, there is always one or two items I would love. This beautiful car is one of them. I cannot tell you, the year or the model. I just know I love the old style.

The back of the photo reads “one of Edna’s”. Does that mean she had more than one car? During that time frame, women did not really own too many vehicles. The fact that she may have had more than one makes me wonder if the photos came from a family with wealth. Maybe I will find the answers one day.

Until next time…..peace

Snow Storm

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The biggest news for my area is the snow storm. Mid-Michigan could receive between 6 to 10 inches of snow by tomorrow afternoon. Since I work out of my home, I find the snow beautiful. I was out in the slightly snowy covered roads earlier this morning. But they had not begun to get slippery yet. Now the roads are completely covered, state offices are closed and schools were sent home early. Safe travels to anyone who is still out and about.

The snow has slowly progressed throughout the afternoon.
The snow has slowly progressed throughout the afternoon.

Snow storms remind of childhood when schools were closed. My mother always had extra children at the house on snow days. The day would be filled with sledding, snowmen, warm cocoa and homemade entertainment. Even though some of the snow storms brought no electricity, we still enjoyed ourselves. We haven’t lost power yet. Numerous people in the area are already without power. So we will see what the night brings.

The view from my front porch.
The view from my front porch.

I managed to meet my writing deadline early which gives me time to write for myself and “play” with pictures.

The Old Mill
The snow is heavier now……

 

 

I gave the outdoor birds extra food today. But, I haven't witnessed much movement from their houses since the snow started.
I gave the outdoor birds extra food today. But, I haven’t witnessed much movement from their houses since the snow started.

So, I am currently watching the live stream of the Brit Awards. I am keeping notes on the artists I do not normally hear; I can see a large iTunes bill in my near future. I am always listening to music when I write. I like different genres to fit the mood of my characters. So, if anyone has any music suggestions please pass them my way.

Until next time….peace

 

Cold River

Posted on by Rebecca C.

As I work through these old photos, I wonder about the people’s lives. I can’t help it. I enlarge the photos to find different clues. Even though a year was not provided, the photo was written on with the date July 4th. I would like to think the gathering was to celebrate Independence Day. They are definitely sitting on benches with tables under tents in the background.

The photo is also identified as being taken at Cold River. From research, I can tell you that Cold River runs over 16 miles through western Main and enters into New Hampshire. Currently with the White Mountain National Forest, the area is popular for camping with a picnic pavilion. Since I can only guess the year, I am assuming they are within a picnic area for holiday fun.

Until next time….peace

 

38th Division Band

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I can honestly state, I know little about the 38th Division Band. The Internet provides some information. But I cannot find a site to inform me about names or performances during the 1940’s. I will keep looking, I always do.

The back of this print reads, “This is our 38th Div. Band. 170 men and the drum major. The 37th Div. Band of 100 men is waiting on the sidelines. Picture taken before game, before much of a crowd had come.”

Written in pencil below the explanation of the photo is ” Rec’d. Jan. 7, 1942″.

The back of the photo contains a stamp, Hammond Photo Service, Meridian, MISS. with the date Dece. 30, 1941.

I am assuming a young person from the military attended the performance and game. The photograph was taken and sent back home to a loved one.  If I find anymore in the box relating to this photo, I will post it.

Until next time….peace

Station, Post Office & General Store

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I have been working through a box of old negatives, images and other vintage papers that I recently purchased. I absolutely love doing this type of “work”. I honestly do not see this as work. I enjoy transferring everything into digital format.  I can enlarge pieces of the photo to view the smallest of details.

For example, the sign by the door (on the right of the photo) reads American Express Co., there’s another word underneath that I have not been able to clearly identify. I believe the word is “agency”. But I am not 100% certain.

The sign above the door reads PAR___, but I do not know the rest of the word. Under the sign is International Smokeless______. Hopefully, I will be able to find more photos in the box that will relate back to this one.

The door on the left reads Post Office. The other sign hanging on the side of the building reads, American Express Co. But, I cannot read the words under the sign.

I can see the number 39 above the window.

The back of this photo reads station, post office and general store.

I wish they would have dated the print.

Just another photo mystery for me to try and solve.

Until next time….peace

Sunset Love

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“There’s never one sunrise the same or one sunset the same”

Carlos Santana

For the last couple of days, we have had beautiful weather. The temperature has been above 50 degrees. For Michigan, the warmer temps are out of the ordinary for this time of year. Unfortunately, I have a bad feeling that by next week, we will have a foot of snow. But for now, I will enjoy the sunsets….

Until next time….peace

Borrowed Time

Posted on by Rebecca C.

While visiting a small retail store, I overheard two ladies chatting relatively loudly about their lives in the aisle. The ladies began with the normal idle conversation, bidding each other hello with all the niceties that go along with idle chatting. The one silver-haired lady couldn’t believe that almost two years had passed since their last encounter.

The other woman who was probably in her early 50’s began to unfold her story. At this point, I didn’t want to look too obvious. So, I slowly moved to the next aisle. I can’t help myself, I love listening to stories. I know eavesdropping is rude. But in my defense, they were not using hush voices and I was legitimately shopping.

The younger woman began to explain, she had to have a lung removed due to cancer. The ordeal came as a surprise. But, “you’ve never smoked,” the older woman said with surprise.

“Smoking is only one cause, who knows why these things happen” she continued to explain. She went on to tell the rest of her story. Apparently, a short time after the lung ordeal, she started experiencing bad headaches. Even though, she had gone through a variety of testing, no evidence of anything was detected. Finally, she demanded further extensive testing. She gave a fancy name for the test but I cannot pronounce the word or even begin to spell it out.

Well, the advanced testing revealed a brain tumor. The test was conducted in the morning, by the after she was admitted to the hospital for surgery. At this point, the lady actually laughed over the situation. She continued to explain, the doctor couldn’t believe she actually drove herself to the consultation.

After the brain surgery, radiation began. The medical experts gave her only six months to live. Once again, the woman just laughed. “Well, that was almost two years.” She giggled like a young child discovering something new. “I am living on borrowed time then again we are all living on borrowed time.”

She furthered explained that all her life she did everything right. She never smoked, rarely drank, paid her bills on time, and continuously saved money. She was invited to go on a trip to Hawaii to visit family members. Even though she had a place to stay upon arrival, her first reaction was no. But then she decided to put the plane ticket on her credit card and just go. At the end of the conversation, she revealed she was happy she made the trip. “There’s nothing more spectacular than sitting on a glorious beach and enjoying a Hawaiian sunset.”

In my opinion, we get so caught up in the “right” way to live that we forget to enjoy life. Media tells us what to buy, what to eat, and how to live our lives in the correct manner. I am not suggesting you become irresponsible and not pay any of your bills. But I do think you should take the time to enjoy the simple things in life. Go for a walk, visits friends and family on a regular basis, attend local parades, festivals, and other interesting events. Along the way, take a moment and enjoy a spectacular sunset. Soon, the borrowed time will be over.

 

Until next time…peace