Walking With the Ancestors Through My Eyes

One of my most favorite things to do besides crafting is genealogy. Over the course of the last several years, I have been scouring through old photographs, scanning them, and documenting them in different methods to preserve the history of my ancestors on my Family Tree. This includes not only those that have lived and died before my time but those who are living today and sadly, dying. Young and old alike. I'm reminded of a quote I saw the other day. 

In day's past, I have shared many of my journeys of 'walking with my ancestors". It's a new year, a new day. The organization project of binders that I started early last year is still waiting to be finished. Will they ever be finished? The reason I say that is every day, daily, I learn new things about my great grandparents and their people. The list could go on and on and on. I am between crafting projects, so I plan on working on the binders again. I look at them daily...they aren't going anywhere. They are sitting on my bookcase right next to my desk. It's not easy to overlook them at all. 

Here's the temporary cover of the first binder I started. It's very raw in its current state. Once I fill the 3" binder with the information I want to be included in this binder, I will redo the cover. 

This binder will be different than the other binders I'm making. For purposes of this blog, I will call this binder the main one. Many people have set up Organizational Binders for their genealogy showing the pedigree of the unions, Birth, and Death records, Census records, and Military records. I suppose it's up to the individual what type of information they want to record in a hands-on binder.

I'm setting my binders up so that they coincide with the ones before them. In other words, each set of binders will have the exact same checklist. There will be overlap most likely as well. I mean,  how can there not be? This is where another set of Grandparents will come from. Their children! The kicker will be IF I have records to coincide with the checklist. Here is an example of what I'm talking about...

Have you ever gone into a retail store that is considered a 'chain' store? If you frequent this store day in and day out, you know where everything is in most instances. In the event you visit another 'chain' store with the same name, are they laid out the same as the one you are used to? Or are they flipped around causing you to feel lost? This is one of my biggest pet peeves with stores. This happened to me a week or so back. I went into a store that I shop frequently, only this time - I was in a different store with the same name not far from where we live. As I moseyed around the store, I needed to pick up a particular item. I went to where it was in the store, I frequent all the time, only to find that the said item wasn't in the same area. I was lost...I went up and down the next several aisles trying to find the item. Looking at the overhead signs above the aisles, I was becoming a bit flustered...my energy levels were low that day and I didn't feel like going through the entire store trying to find something so simple as Cornbread. I finally saw a store employee and asked, 'what aisle is the cornbread on"? She was kind enough to point in a direction that still baffles me today. Tell me why cornbread was located on the baby aisle? Doesn't make sense to me in any way, shape, or form...I learned a long time ago while working in Corporate America that 'consistency' is key. I still live by that philosophy today. To me, it is common sense for the most part...but then again, common sense seems to be out the window by the standards we live with today. Conformity is what this is called...how many of you are conforming to a new way of living? Aren't we all in one way or the other...?

That's why each of my binders will be set up in the same manner as the next. I don't want people flipping back and forth trying to find this document or that document. I want them to be able to look at the Index in the front of each binder and immediately go to that section. This is how I'm setting up my binders. Order and easily accessible. 

I have file folders readily available, sheet protectors, tabs, and labels waiting to be utilized. Pictures have been sorted and other records have been copied and separated. I just need to sit down and begin working on these binders again. 

My main binder will include my personal Six Generation Chart showing both the paternal lines and the maternal lines. In other words, my father’s, and mother's lines. I'm sure once I work on each binder, there will be a Six Generation Chart in each of them as well. Using the records I have for the Grandparent's pedigree. 

My paternal side won't be as full as my maternal side as I haven't been able to find much about my paternal grandparents and great grandparents. They came to America from Italy. I'm hoping one day, I can find someone who speaks the language that I can work with to fill in the missing pieces. That's for another day...

Also included in each of the binders will be copies of Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, and other important documents such as Marriage Licenses and Divorce records. There will be Census Records in each Grandparent binder, but not the main binder. 

Did you know that Census Records follow the 72-year rule? According to the "72-Year Rule," the National Archives releases census records to the general public 72 years after Census Day. As a result, the 1930 census records were released April 1, 2002, and the 1940 records were released April 2, 2012. The 1950 census records will be released in April 2022. I will be long gone before I ever show up in any Census Record. I guess it would be safe to say, maybe one of my children, but for sure my grandchildren will be able to find me on a Census record in the future. I will never see it in my lifetime. 

My binders will be set up for each of my Grandparents Union. For example, take Jerome Washington Chenault. He married a lady named, Nellie Cordelia Martin. They are my maternal Great Grandparents. Their binder is titled Chenault and Martin Genealogy. Currently, I have twelve Great Grandparent Union Binders started. This number changes every time I add a new set of grandparents to my family tree. 

Let me ask you a question, how many times have you overlooked something or someone in life? Did you ever backtrack and pick up the pieces? Genealogy is like that. We delve into the lives of our ancestors in hopes of learning their way of life, our family heritage, seeing photos of days gone by. I love seeing photos of yesterday. I have many pictures on my family tree, both of yesterday and of the current day. 

I am amazed when I look at other's family trees and see their family photos. Sometimes I oooo and sometimes I awww. In my family tree, I have several great grandparent branches where not even one photo exists. At least none that I have uncovered yet. 

Let's get back to the main binder. I have mentioned before in other blog posts I've written that I was raised by my grandparents until their death. In the main binder, are original greeting cards that my Granny sent to my mom in her absence. In many of them, are outlines of my handprints. I can't imagine the heartache my mother felt when she received these cards from time to time and seeing my little hands. I also have poems that my mother wrote. They are torn and tattered and written in pencil. Some of the words are beginning to fade. (I have scanned these in for safekeeping). Like many twists and turns in genealogy, these conversations were always left as 'unmentionables' even to my mom's last breath in 2020. However, I have the memories preserved for generations to come. (I haven't altered any of the cards or the poems. Today, they are almost sixty years old). I guess I'm considered vintage almost! LOL

My genealogy binders are a work in progress that hopefully will continue to grow. They are the footprints of my lineage (past, present, and future) and are the ancestors for generations to come. I am a descendant of my great-great-grandparents, as my children and grandchildren will be. The only difference is, I will be their ancestor and they will be my descendant. I'm honored to have been given the where with all and desire to leave such a legacy for my family.  

How many of you have family trees or know the family history? Do you find it interesting or not even interested in it? 

What kind of legacy are you leaving for your family and their families? 

Walking with my ancestors...past, present, and future. 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

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Spices and Herbs as Food Enhancements - Day 3, UBC

Time is zipping by already in the February 2021 Ultimate Blog Challenge (UBC). Can you believe we are already on day 3? I can't. Time needs to sit still for a bit and just chill. Are you sitting still today? Are you breathing? I sure hope so...anyway. 

Have you enjoyed the last two days of my UBC blogs? Have you figured out my theme yet? Today's topic might give you another clue. Remember, these were random statements I posted on my Facebook wall a month or so ago to engage others in dialogue and conversation. Not only do these random questions cause a grown person to think and reflect on what they have daily at their disposal, but sometimes we also take the small things we have for granted. What happens if these small things are no longer accessible? Would you survive without them? Could you survive without them? Would you be able to adjust to survive? These adjustments might impact, eating, shelter, transportation, survival, employment, and anything else we humans need to survive this thing we call LIFE. 

The random statements I posted could easily become assignments for people who homeschool their children. After all, they are the future generations. Would they know how to cook in a cast-iron skillet? Pre-season it, clean it, and store it? If not, check out my day one post called, Cast Iron Skillet/Dutch Oven Cooking. What about survival? Would they know how to provide shelter or food in the event they needed to adjust a few things? If not, check out my day two post called, Eating or Having a Roof Over Your Head. 

Without further ado, let's talk about today's random statement.

"I am cooking, there are no spices in our cabinets for food enhancements, what could I use"?

 

How many of you cook daily? I'm sure there are a few chefs among us, right? When you are cooking, tasting, and preparing your food - do you keep it bland, or do you throw a pinch of this in there and a pinch of that? What does the pinch of this and the pinch of that consist of? 

The comments and dialog that many were engaged with on this random question were remarkably interesting. One of my friends mentioned, "collecting salt from the rocks and that local plants could be used. Knowing which plants are edible versus poisonous would be vital". 

Have you ever tasted a rock by chance? Did you know salt came from rocks? I vaguely recall as a little girl tasting rocks. I don't know why I tasted rocks, but I do have that memory. We also made mud pies back in the day. Thinking back to those memories grosses me out today, just knowing what happens in our yards and such with the nightly varmints that troll the streets, i.e., skunks, possums, rabbits, dogs peeing, etc. or even the pesticides used to kill the weeds and makes our grass grow. Mud Pies...yum, yum! NOT!!!  I think I will pass on the mud pies today. LOL

I have always wanted to visit a salt mine. Have you ever been to one? One of my friends and cousins (still trying to figure out how we connect with my 3rd great grandfather) posted photos of a trip they took recently. Can you guess where they went? You got it. They visited a Salt Cave. It was called Sol Himalayan Salt Cave and Spa.  When I saw the pictures she shared, I had to check out the website. I always thought salt was just for seasoning and food enhancements. I didn't realize it was therapeutic for our bodies...

I use Himalayan Salt in one of my grinders!  Do you use Himalayan Salt in your cooking? Have you ever been to a salt cave or spa? If you have been following my blogs for any length of time, you will know, I enjoy road trips, weekend adventures, and getaways. I have made note of the Himalayan Salt Cave and Spa for a future trip. 

There are many types of salt products available to use in food preparation, canning, preserving, and now I suppose therapy, according to the previous website I mentioned above. 

When mom and dad made homemade ice cream, they would use rock salt. I used to snag little chunks of that and put it in my mouth. I miss the days of making homemade ice cream.  Rock Salt is not much different than iodized salt. Rock salt has more minerals compared to table salt. That's because, during the refining process of table salt, it loses calcium, potassium, etc. Table Salt comes from Rock Salt. It could also have more iodine in it than Rock Salt. 

There are so many different varieties of Rock Salt. Pink, Himalayan, Sea Salt, Himalayan Black Salt, and, Ice cream Salt, just to name a few. What is your favorite to use? I've used a variety of different salts in the past. Salt is one way to enhance our food. Please use it in moderation though. A lot of salt is not good for our health. Choose wisely...

Do you know which plants are edible versus poisonous out in the timber or walking along the street?

Another memory I have as a little girl is traveling to visit my great grandparents in Mineral Wells, Texas. Down the street from my great grannie's house, was an old Cemetery. There were trees there too. High up in the trees, was Mistletoe. If we ever visited during the holidays, mom would always send dad over to snip her some fresh Mistletoe to take home with us. 

Did you know Mistletoe can cause blurriness, drowsiness, vomiting, and even seizures?  I didn't. I always thought it was poisonous, but not necessarily for humans. To animals, yes. When I see trees that have Mistletoe in them, I always smile and think about the memories of mom taking some home with us from great grannie's house. I did see her and dad kiss under it a few times, too!   What I'm saying here...do not eat Mistletoe. It wouldn't be one of my choices of plants to cook with...

One of my followers asked my friend who posted the statement about collecting salt from rocks and using local plants 'how they would know what to look for'? A suggestion given was to find a book on Herbs and research your yard and the around where you live to see what is available. I thought that was a good idea. My dad used to have all sorts of books. He liked to read. I'm sure he had books on Herbs...now whatever happened to them, I couldn't tell you. I do, however, have his books on Roses. :-)

Some of the dialog and conversations to the prompt I gave brought many chuckles to those who were engaged. Someone said, "be my luck I'd find poison ivy". Another comment made was, "my yard is full of weeds and stickers” which brings me to my next thought. Do you know the difference between Poison Ivy? My husband is a hunter...I cannot tell you the number of times he has come home covered in Poison Ivy. He always says', "if it has leaves of three, let it be...". 

If you are going to venture out into the wilderness or the timber, one needs to know what they are looking at and what to look for. Here is a picture of Poison Ivy. 

I don't want any Poison Ivy to cook with...and I'm sure you don't either. That's why it is important to know your plants and Herbs. Many are extremely useful and have many wonderful attributes, but many are harmful. There are many wonderful books available to learn about the different plants and Herbs. 

Thinking about the leaves, the plants, and such, we need to also keep in mind the textures of each one we see. Some might be very hairy. Some may be bitter and like I mentioned before, some might even be poisonous. Know your plants...

This brings me to my next thought...how many of you have bought a bunch of Cilantro only to get home and realize it's Parsley? I cannot tell you how many times I have sent my husband to the store to purchase ingredients for homemade salsa, only to find instead of Cilantro he has mistakingly brought home a bunch of Parsley. 

I did this very same thing on Tuesday when I went to the store for a few items. I saw the sign, I reached for the container, dropped it in my basket, and went on my merry way.  When I began preparing the egg omelets for breakfast later in the day, I reached for the container I had picked up earlier in the day...oh my gosh! Fresh Oregano instead of Basil....guess what, I used it anyway in our omelets and it actually tasted pretty good. Although I still wanted the basil, I had to adjust my thinking and my taste buds. Anyway, I'm sure none of you have had any little snafus like this, have you? If you have, tell me about them...I'd love to hear your stories. 

One Herb I enjoy cooking with is Rosemary. My husband always calls them sticks. I like to grind my own, use it in the original form, and the powder form as well. He doesn't like me using Rosemary much, especially in the stick form as he calls it! 

Have you ever seen a Rosemary bush? If you have, did you rub your hand across it? The aroma it lets off is tantalizing. When I worked at Terrell State Hospital here in Texas, just outside of the main door to the building I worked in, were two exceptionally large Rosemary bushes. They smelled so good, especially when I would stroke my hand through the tops of them on my way in the door. Did you know that Rosemary is also used to repel insects? Just another little tidbit I have learned through the years. That's why these two large Rosemary bushes were planted outside of the entryway...to help deter insects. 

I always have a Rosemary bush at our house throughout the summer. I have thought about planting a large one like the ones I walked past every day for eight years straight...maybe I will this year. 

Rosemary in any form is another great Herb to enhance food. 

Getting back to our yards...how many of you have Dandelions growing? You know, those little yellow flowers we see from time to time in our yards. Did you know that these weeds as I call them are edible? They can be used to make herbs and tea.  The entire plant is edible, but you would want to avoid the stem if possible as there is latex in it. This could result in having a 'laxative' effect on you. I have read that Dandelions resemble a spicey Arugula. I love eating Spring mix greens. I'm sure at one time or another I have eaten a Dandelion. 

If you like drinking tea, here is a recipe for you to try using Dandelions. 

1. place about two cups of clean dandelion in a saucepan.
2. cover with 4 cups of water.
3. bring water to a boil.
4. strain out the dandelion and reserve the liquid for your tea.
5. dilute the tea with water if the flavor is too strong.

You can add honey, lemons, limes, etc. if you need to enhance the flavor of your tea. 

Another comment I received with regards to food enhancements was, "I grew wild garlic". When Ronnie and I lived in Illinois, we also had wild garlic. The aroma they put out was strong at times. I always had him cut me a few stalks (if that's what it is called) everyone few days. 

Today, where we live, our neighbor has wild garlic growing in the back of his place. From time to time if the wind is blowing right, I get a whiff of it blowing across my face. I smile...

Something else I use to enhance the flavor of food is lemons and limes. I also use jalapeno's, sweet peppers, and other Herbs such as garlic cloves, oregano, basil, and mint. Did you know you can make a tea out of mint, too? In fact, one of my dad's sister had a mint bush in front of her yard...when I would visit her, she would always pinch off a piece and stick it in her mouth. She would tell me it was good for the soul. This same aunt always had clove in her mouth too. I remember as a small girl, her breath smelling so good. I guess it was from the mint and cloves she would swish around in her mouth. 

Here's a quick recipe for Mint Tea - the mint can be crumbled by hand or through a screen when it's dry. The leaves can also be left whole, too. Steep about one tsp of dried mint leaves in hot water for three minutes to make a soothing mug of Mint tea. Enjoy! 

Something else I do is keep the peels of oranges after I eat the insides. I make tea out of them, too. Have you ever made yourself a cup of Orange tea? If not, try the same steps as making the Mint tea, only there won't be any leaves, but peels instead. Bring your water to a boil, add the peels and let them seep for a few minutes. Once you have seeped them to your liking, add a splash of milk, or honey and enjoy. Be careful though, as it will be hot!

I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of the different things we can use for spices to enhance our foods. What are some of the items you use? 

Until tomorrow, 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

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Friendship - 365 Day Photo Challenge - Day 9

From time to time, I have the opportunity of hanging out with my friend, Glenda. She is also a Blogger. Her blog is called "The Mommies Review".

The Mommies Review focuses on many wonderful things from cooking, sharing recipes, events, facts, education, reviews, and adventures.

Glenda's top priority though for the blog is focusing on Homeschooling. One never knows what she might share for the day. I enjoy following her blog and seeing the amazing adventures she and her family have taken as a Homeschool parent, not to mention all of the educational values she shares with her audience (young and old alike, seasoned Homeschoolers and the new ones just getting started).

From time to time, I have also been able to contribute art and craft projects for her blog that Homeschoolers can do, as well as introducing genealogy to her younger audiences. It definitely has been an amazing journey to be able to share my own personal passions with others.

I met Glenda several years ago when I used to participate in Craft Shows. We have been friends ever since. Her son, Charlie, and I have become very good friends over the years...almost like an adopted son!

On our way back to end our day, I remembered that another friend had told me about this place called, "The Hang Out". It was near where Glenda and Charlie live, so we stopped by there for a quick visit. (I'll share more about that in the upcoming days on my blog).

Today's 365 photo of the day is a shout out to my friend, Glenda Cates...thank you for being a friend! You are beautiful my friend...you are!

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

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Glenda Cates

Hello 2021 - - Glad YOU have arrived!

Hello, 2021!!!! Another year has started...can you believe it? Seems like yesterday I was looking at the year 2000. Where have 20 years gone?

Anyway, it's a new year and I am anticipating great things to take place this year from A - Z.

For starters, my Blog, Heart to Heart Soul Creations (H2hsc2020) will continue to grow with my Crafty Creations, In the Kitchen with Recipes, Life Experiences, Hope and Inspiration, Thinking Out Loud moments, Walking with My Ancestors (Genealogy), Weekend Adventures, Reviews, GiveAways, Gift Guides, and many more wonderful things that might interest you.

I also am going to be doing a personal Junk Journal Giveaway sometime in the near future. Be sure to like and follow my Heart to Heart Soul Creations page on Facebook if you would like an opportunity to get in on this giveaway and any other giveaways I might post.

You can also find me on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram, too @H2hsc2020 or Heart to Heart Soul Creations.

It's time to get back to finishing up the current Junk Journal I've been working on for about 3 weeks or so now...it's almost ready to head out the door to its new home. Here is a glimpse of this creation...it is massive! 200 pages plus...

Until next time...have a wonderful and creative day!

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

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Baby Einstein Journey of Discovery Jumper Review

My grandson is now four months old now. When he comes to Nonnie's house (that is me), he is more active than the time before. We were needing to pick up a few more things to keep him entertained when he is here. Even though Nonnie and G'Pa love holding him, it is impossible to hold him the entire time he is visiting with us. 

I sent my daughter to the store for me the other day to pick up a few things. She needed some alone time as she has been with Caiden 24/7 since the day he was born. Life was going along smoothly until I became sick and the Coronavirus Pandemic hit. This left everyone scrambling. She has had no interaction with anyone but the little guy, her husband, and a few times with me and my husband now that I am no longer contagious. She jumped on the request to make a store run for me. 

I gave her a list of things to pick up as I wanted to get a few more toys for the little guy. I also wanted to get a Walker for him too. 

When she returned, she had all kinds of goodies. Among them was the Baby Einstein Journey of Discovery Jumper Activity Center with Lights and Melodies. 

AMAZON, WALMART, BABY EINSTEIN

Product description

Style: Journey of Discovery

Put the whole world in perspective with this activity jumper. Each of the 12 activities takes your baby on a Global Expedition. Play with the North pole's friendly snowman and ice cube bead chaser or discover the deep seas with baby Neptune and his submarine. See more of the world with every spin of the multi-color globe, which plays internationally inspired music and introduces instrument sounds and phrases in three languages. Your baby will love exploring every tactile sensation of the multi-sensory postcards - a soft souvenir from his adventure "travel." This Baby Einstein standing jumper is made for growing babies, so the four height positions are easy to adjust. Its bouncy seat rotates 360 degrees while supporting the baby with a comfy, machine-washable seat pad and high seatback. It is easy to move this activity center from room to room as your baby jets off on his journey of discovery.

While I tended to Caiden, my daughter began putting all the new goodies together. She began putting the pieces together for the Jumper while Caiden and I watched from the recliner. I am glad she can get on the floor to do all this stuff. I would never get up if I got down there! 

She worked for about two hours putting all the things together she bought. It looked like Christmas in June in Nonnie and G'pa's house! 

When she was finished, I sat Caiden down in it. He loved it right away. 

The Jumper has an Around the World Globe that plays music when he touches the extra-large buttons. There are crunchy toys that he can put in his mouth. There is a Brown Dog with a mirror on it along with some different sized blocks that he can move up and down. (He was fixated on this yesterday afternoon!). There is also another crunchie, soft toy that has a teething ring on the end of it. The Turtle pushes up and down and it triggers a wheel that has movable pieces in it as it spins. There is also a Baby Einstein in an airplane that moves back and forth that sits up high. 

The Baby Einstein Journey of Discovery Jumper is going to offer many fun moments for Caiden as he grows. The legs can be moved into three different positions. This will ensure Caiden's feet and legs are not scrunched up on the floor and will stretch with his growth.  When he moves, the Jumper will also move with Caiden - thus the name "jumper". I forgot to mention the seat even rotates around the Jumper. Caiden got excited with each new toy we introduced to him on Wednesday as I rotated the seat. 

The Journey of Discovery Jumper Activity Center with Lights and Melodies can be purchased at Walmart, Amazon, Baby Einstein, and other retail establishments. 

The Journey of Discovery Jumper was a huge success with Caiden because when I took him out, he got a little attitude with Nonnie. He was NOT through playing yet! For now, he can only sit and play in the Jumper for about fifteen minutes a day until he is six months old. We do not want him sitting too long where it affects the growth of his hips! 

So far, I am pleased with the Baby Einstein Journey of Discovery Jumper and I think Caiden is too! 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

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REFLECTION

20 Apr 2020
The Ultimate Blog Challenge

R E F L E C T I O N 

As I sit here and think about the last year or so my mind goes to many different scenarios I've encountered in life. In fact, I can't just sit here and reflect on only the last year. There have been many life lessons learned. Many failures and many accomplishments.

One of those accomplishments was starting my blog in January. I had been approached several years ago to think about starting a blog on crafting, but I didn't feel like the timing was right so I set it on the back burner. In August of 2019, I was approached again and I begin to put serious thought to it. I had been having conversations with my son in law about the ins and outs of setting something up like a website, the traffic, the how to's, and so on. I begin researching a few things and November I put things in motion. 

I already had a crafting page set up on Facebook that only a few people were following as it was where I posted my crafts that I had made versus showering my main Facebook page with them. I'm sure many folks don't have an interest in what I make or the whys even. I began tweaking this page and brought to life my Heart to Heart Soul Creations page to encompass my vision of Crafting, Blogging, Family Genealogist and Influencer. I added the H2hsc2020 so it would be easy to find. 

As I reflect on previous blogs I've written and the why's behind them, I'm reminded of the many triumphs in life that I've had. Yet, at the same time, I'm glad there were also stumbling blocks to navigate. Like anything else, there are always lessons to learn. That's where we find our strength, our resilience, our inner fight, and our will to survive. It's also where we learn what works and what doesn't. We are people and we are all different. I'm thankful that we aren't the cookie-cutter effect. That would be very boring and mundane, to say the least. 

I am sure my writing skills aren't perfected like many in the blogging world and that's okay. We are all unique. We all have strengths and we all have weaknesses. For me, it's in those weaknesses that I become strong and where I thrive. 

At times I get frustrated with myself...not for messing up or doing the wrong things but setting the bar very high for myself. I recall as a young girl when I was told I 'couldn't' - I'd set out to prove them wrong. It was always about the choices...those life lessons, the failures, the accomplishments, the accolades. They all go hand in hand. The good, the bad, the ugly, the indifferent, it didn't matter. Experiences are where we learn how to turn those stumbling blocks into the stepping stones. If everything came easy, when would we learn? 

I find it funny that simple things are difficult, while the more challenging things come easy for me. It doesn't make sense. I always want to think outside of the box, asking the questions when others go silent on. I didn't want to do just what the job description said, I always wanted to go above and beyond. Be a team player, excel and grow. At times, this is a wonderful thing and at other times - it doesn't hurt to put self on autopilot and hold steady. Both are important and very much needed in order to be successful. There's always a learning curve. The squeezing. The uncomfortable feeling of criticism and failure. It's in those feelings though I find resolve. I press in and continue moving forward regardless of how uncomfortable things are. 

Blogging is no different. I've written from my heart. Shared crafting stories. I've talked about my journey with the ancestors through genealogy and have written about many other things, too. I've read several times that blogging can be a place of venting, inspiration, education, sharing life experiences, making others laugh and so much more. 

Taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, I have had the opportunity of commenting on many other blogs and receiving comments on mine. When I read the comments left from other bloggers, I gain insight. It empowers me to continue on the journey I've set out to accomplish and at the same time, they teach me where I need to grow.

There's still many things I need to learn about blogging and in time, those things will be in place. For now, I'm going to reflect on some of the comments that have been left on my posts. 

Talking about genealogy seems to be a big hit with many people. Especially when I share vintage photos or other memories. It's interesting to me when I've said something that will jar a memory for someone else. Those are valuable lessons for a blogger. They are like the bait and hook...

Many of my crafting posts have received many positive comments. I enjoy it when I share something and someone comments that they would like to try what I've shared. That's what crafting is about - - to inspire another human being. I enjoy seeing other's creativity and if they were to try something I have shared, I'd love to be tagged in that!

Talking about life lessons is a topic that is near and dear to my heart as well. It's through those lessons that I have learned how to be who I am today. I learned a long time ago, I'm the evidence that recovery happens. I'm living it daily! I walk it, talk it, live it, 24/7. However, one must remember not to become proud. I remain humble on a daily basis. When I share my life journey with others I do so from a place of strength, hope, acceptance,  transformation, honesty, rejection, failure, learning, abandonment, my truth, loss, empowerment, inspiration, peace, brokenness, humility, and grace. It takes all of these to BECOME...

Reflection...looking at the person in the mirror staring back at me, am I happy with who I see? YES, I am! 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

H2hsc2020

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