National Flashlight Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Can you believe there is actually an entire day dedicated to the flashlight? Today, December 21, 2015, is National Flashlight Day. From my research, I have found out the flashlight has actually been around since 1898 or 1899. David Misell had the flashlight patented on January 10, 1899. I guess, I didn’t realize the flashlight was that old.

The reason for the name “flashlight” was due to the fact the light stick’s batteries would produce a sudden “flash” as they died. The batteries did not last very long. Over the years, the flashlight has definitely improved.

In my childhood, flashlights were used as part of playing. I can remember being outdoors after dark with my cousins and neighbor kids. We would use flashlights to see during hide-n-seek or to tell ghost stories. I also slept with a flashlight by my bed. I would use the light to read by after everyone in the house was asleep.

I think one of my favorite memories is when the electricity went out. My mother hung a sheet. We used the flashlights as a way to make “hand puppets”. The simple ways my mother found to entertain us when we were bored.

Of course, I now use flashlights as a way to peer out into my yard at night. I always have some critter on my porch. Tonight was a very small opossum.

Until next time…peace

Winter Solstice 2015

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, December 21, 2015, at 11:48 pm ET is the Winter Solstice officially marking the astronomical start of winter for my area here in mid-Michigan. The Winter Solstice brings the longest night and the shortest day of the year. The good aspect of the Winter Solstice is the days will slowly start getting longer again.

Earlier as I looked out my front window, the view could look less wintery. In fact, the entire day has been nothing but rain. Between the rain and the sun setting early, I can see why everyone is grumpy. Of course, add the extra stress of the Christmas season. Oh, I was really hoping for a white Christmas but I do not see that happening.  I do see my yard starting to resemble a small lake. At least, the birds seem to be enjoying themselves.

I have always wanted to see a Solstice celebration at Stonehenge. I actually have that one down on my bucket list.

Until next time…peace

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Don’t worry; I have no intentions of putting any spoilers in my blog. Even though, I am sure the Internet is full of them by now. My only opinion of the movie: Epic! I actually think the entire show exceeded my original expectations.

I originally wasn’t going to see Star Wars until later in the week. But my sister messaged me, “If we get tickets, do you want to go?” Seriously was that really a question. I was absolutely certain they would be sold out. But she managed to get tickets for the 12:55 pm showing for yesterday.

We arrived early. In fact, we were about the third group in line. As we sat on the floor of the NCG Cinemas, others began to join us. The conversations between complete strangers made the entire Star Wars movie experience better. We discussed everything from X-Men to Dr. Who. Theories were analyzed. Yes, I felt right at home. I have to say, 2016 is going to be a great year for new movie releases.

Even though all of us came from different backgrounds, we had one common thread: our love for good, quality movies. Here we were all total strangers, enjoying deep conversations about various movies. I find the entire concept inspiring.

“May the Force Be With You”

Until next time….peace

Old Negatives

Posted on by Rebecca C.

As I work through some of these recent negatives, I am completely intrigued by the people who are in each frame. The outer envelope reads the photos belonged to “Lois Oakman” from “No. Quincy, Mass.” I absolutely love this photo that I am sharing. I do not know the story of the photo. Noticing the door is ajar, I would like to think she is going on a vacation or perhaps her honeymoon.

I admit I get lost in these old negatives. I find the photos to be inspiring. I use them to as a stepping stone for my writing. Perhaps, some day I will actually be able to speak to someone who knows the real stories of the photos.

Until next time….peace….

Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, December 8, 2015, is “Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day”.  Who has not thought about living in a different time, either past or future? I think, this is why I love old photos so much. I get a glimpse of time forgotten. Times not recorded in history books. Just everyday life being experienced by everyday people.

On a Train?
I have always loved this picture, I imagine him asking her to marry. I know, I am a hopeless romantic.
Working on a Plane
Working a plane?
Nurses
Nurses on vacation.
Military
Boarding a ship.
Hotel Federal
A hotel in a warm climate. Maybe someone went on their honeymoon.
x1
Just enjoying the outdoors
x5
Playing at a park

 

 

x4
Just relaxing

 

So if you had a chance to time travel, where would you go?

Until next time….peace

Santa’s List Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Did you know there’s an official day for making out Santa’s list? Today, December 4, 2015, is Santa’s List Day. The interpretation of the unofficial holiday varies from site to site.

Santa’s Naughty or Nice List

One way to view, Santa’s List Day is to imagine him sitting at his large, old oak desk at the North Pole. Do you the image in mind, yet? Picture the newly fallen snow blanketing the entire area around Santa’s workshop and the reindeer stables. Better image? Now, imagine him picking up a magical white feathered quill to makes his list of who has been naughty and nice. As he writes out a name, the ink will glow Christmas green for nice or a candy cane red for naughty. Most years, the Christmas green is overpowering the red. Where will you name be?

Your Personal Christmas List

Another way to view Santa’s List Day is to make your own Christmas wish list. If you could get any wish this Christmas, what would you ask Santa for? Mine….peace for all mankind. I think the world needs a little Santa magic.

Did you make out Christmas lists as a child? I did. To this day, I believe in the wonderful magic on the holiday season. My childhood Santa list usually consisted of toys, a horse and a goat. I know what a combination to ask from Santa. Well, I usually did get a couple of toys from the list. We would also receive new clothes. I never did get the pony or the goat. Of course as an adult, I can understand why that wish was never fulfilled.

If you have children, I think Santa’s List Day could be a fun addition to your holiday season. Prepare the lists together. Of course if you are anything like my mom, she started her Christmas shopping months in advance. (She still does, well we both do now). I think making Christmas list could be a family fun project. You could be as simple as using a piece of paper and pen. Or you could make an entire art project out of the day. I think the most important part is the time spent interacting with your family.

Until next time….peace.

Old Slides

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I have been working on some old slides that I recently bought. When I picked up the boxes, they read: “my European trip”. I am really interested in these photos. I am hoping to find out more information as I continue to turn them into images. But I thought I would share a few to see if anyone can recognize the sites or provide other information.

I would assume this is a private airport or small air strip.
I would assume this is a private airport or small airport.

Another set of the slides focused on a tennis match. Now from the names on the back of the billboard sign I am able to read some of the names. I cannot tell which court, they were playing on. But from the names, I was able to figure out the slides were probably from the late 50’s or early 60’s.

a3
Outside the tennis stadium? Does anyone know the recognize the building? I do not have any knowledge about tennis.

 

 

a4
Tennis Match

 

 

I will share more as soon I finish turning them into prints.

Until next time….peace

 

 

 

 

Red Apple Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, December 1, 2015, is “Eat a Red Apple Day” or “Red Apple Day”. I absolutely love applies. I found the fat that whole day is dedicated to these delicious fruits is amazing. The apple comes in numerous sizes, flavors and shades of color which add to their wonder.

I actually have a few apple trees out in my yard. During prime harvest time, I use the apples to make homemade jelly and pie fillings. I love experiencing the delicious fruit in the middle of the winter.

When I was younger apple trees were climbing trees in my parents’ yard. My cousins, neighbor kids and I would spend summer afternoons playing in trees. We would even eat apples that were not quite ripe. To this day, I am surprised we never got sick. I also amazed at the fact, none of us got hurt. I mean would race to see who could reach the highest branch the quickest. And, have apple throwing wars. But for the most part, we would only end up with a few bumps and bruises. I did get hit in the nose once…yes….that hurt. But I survived.

Until next time…peace…

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.

If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.

Oprah Winfrey

 

From my house to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. If celebrating today, I hope it was filled with good food, family and friends. I will be celebrating tomorrow with my family. We had to delay a day to ensure everyone could be there.

I know I have been behind on my days of thanks challenge. I must confess, I have been ill with a cold and cough. But my days of counting my blessings were never gone. I have so much to be thankful for, life is pretty amazing right now.

Until next time….peace….

 

Here Comes the Snow Storm

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I was outdoors for a little while this evening.  Well, the time was before 5:30 pm because I was grumbling how dark everything was.

I could definitely feel the cold and dampness in the air. The snow storm is suppose to hit the mid-Michigan area around 5.a.m. Depending on the new report, we could get about 6-10 inches of snow. This snow storm is the first one for the season. I will just have to wait and see how much the system brings.

At least the snow makes the area look beautiful and new.

Until next time….peace