The Return of the Sandhill Cranes

Posted on by Rebecca C.

For most people here in mid-Michigan the return of the Robin is usually the first sign of Spring. In fact, I witnessed a Robin down by the river beds just the other day.

For me, the first sign of Spring comes with the return of the Sandhill Cranes. I absolutely love these elegant creatures.

I hear their low throttling call echoing from the river flats. I could listen to them all day. With the rising water due to the melting snow, I have not been able to get down to the flats to photograph these magnificent birds up close.

I was happy to find a pair foraging for food out in the back field. The water levels are high and the fields have numerous areas with standing water.  The Sandhill Cranes were definitely enjoying themselves as they searched for a meal.

Until next time….peace…..

Old Stuff Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I just found out that March 2nd is Old Stuff Day. I love old stuff which you can tell by my obsession with vintage photographs and history. My mother blames it all on her father, my grandfather. She said I spent too much time with the “old fool”.  I can’t help it, I loved being with him. When I was a child, he and his girlfriend, Florence would go to every garage sale, estate sale, and church sale in the county. I felt like the luckiest

When I was a child, he and his girlfriend, Florence would go to every garage sale, estate sale, and church sale in the county. I felt like the luckiest girl, because I occasionally got to go along. I would come across the most wonderful treasures. My grandfather always seemed to have the best stories to go along with what I found. Oh, how I would love to spend 25 cents and hear one of his stories now. I guess that goes along with my obsession for listening to people’s stories, observing people and writing.

Now, I pick up used stuff to try and make new. I love the creative process. I thought I would share a couple recent upcycle’s or redos.

I took my old lamps that I picked up at a church sale and updated them with fresh paint.
I took my old lamps that I picked up at a church sale and updated them with fresh paint.
I am always picking up lawn ornaments and redoing them.
I am always picking up lawn ornaments and redoing them.

Until next time…peace

 

March is Women’s History Month

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The month of March is dedicated to women in history. I am thankful for all the women who have come before me to provide the rights that I have today. From Amelia Earhart to the women of the suffrage movement, I could go into great detail about the women I admire. But I like to share photos of women, I have come across through a variety of sources. Some of the women are related to me, others I have just found while sifting through stacks of old negatives. These are just everyday women who I believe deserve recognition. I wish I knew more of their stories.

These are just everyday women—–mothers, daughters, sisters and friends who I believe deserve recognition. For the ones I never met, I wish I knew more of their stories.

Flossie was a surgical nurse. She was trained after witnessing my grandfather getting hurt. The doctor thought she handled herself well and suggested the medical field. She was born in 1899.
Flossie was a surgical nurse. She was trained after witnessing my grandfather getting hurt. The doctor thought she handled herself well and suggested the medical field. She was born in 1899.
The Ladies in the Band
I wonder if they traveled with the band or if it was a once in a lifetime gathering?
Driving Cars
Her first car? First drive?
Happiness should always be shared.
Happiness should always be shared.
Searching
Searching–I wonder if she ever found Dottie Deweese. Was she waiting outside a bus or train station?

 

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