BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- WEBINARS GIVE GREAT IDEAS

Since retiring, one of the luxuries has been the webinars online.

I have learnt so much from the many I have watched in the last year. I will confess the ones on DNA often have my head spinning. I also wonder what does one do with all the extra connections.

In my family history binders, I have so many family branches and lines completed so with DNA links it just expands them.

I am glad that many still use paper along with digital.

I am trying to put so many documents to Evernote.
I try the advice of having more than one place for the information. Thus the reason I forward as much information as possible to others.

So many of the webinars gave that advice.

I am writing those family history stories. I gave up the idea of a family history book. New information comes along so can be added to the stories.

I try to watch one webinar a week. So if the topic is really of interest, I try to print the handout. Otherwise I just take notes. I have always found that I retain more if I write as I go.

The links are so useful. I have found other databases in the talks that I did not know existed. I have used Early Canadiana Online but there are others that have digital references that can be used.

The family stories need some meat. The basic data is there but the story behind the data is so useful.

Heritage Legacy Series are amazing. There are many free webinars. If you purchase the subscription then the whole library can be accessed.

The webinars are always archived so can be accessed again or as often as needed.

Genealogy sure has developed over the years. I love webinars and databases. Most of all I like the idea I can do it from my home computer.

Accessing archives and libraries let's me list what I need from them before I venture to the physical location. Like the Toronto Archives. I am making a nice file of information I want before I head downtown at some point. My local library up the street has a Canadiana room so my file for there has all the references I want to see.

For the new, avid or experienced genealogist, webinars can only enrich your life.
#webinars#watchingwebinarsformewideas#writingthosefamilystories#HeritageLegacyseriesaregreat#earlycanadianaonline#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER WHEN YOU FEEL LIFE IS FALLING TO PIECES

Stressed. Overwhelmed. Life out of control. There can be minutes, hours or even days like this.

Start with one piece. Deal with it or put it aside.

Go to the next piece.

Can you go it alone. Or do you need help. Then ask for help. Call a friend.

If the situation is painful and sad, you are not supposed to feel okay. It is supposed to suck.

So admitting it allows you to feel it.

Well less is more. Can you take something off your plate? Like ordering in instead of cooking.

Leave the laundry.

Order your groceries online instead of racing to the stores.

Have a cry. A really good out loud wail for as long as you need it. Get it out.

If something sad it is the right thing to do.

Tell people that tell you to be strong to piss off.
 You are strong but allowed to feel all the feelings you are feeling.

Just get through the day the best way you can.

If the situation seems unbearable, do not look too far down the road. Just be present.

#puttingthepiecestogetherwhenyoufeellifeisfallingtopieces#onestepatatime#don'tlooktoofardowntheroad#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#howtogetthroughtheday

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE IN CANADA

Despite warnings of rain, the little ones are excited about Halloween. Parties at school, home and going out door to door are the deals of the day.
I posted some memories of Halloween on Facebook. Couldn't help myself!!
I don't get many children anymore as my street has aged. So I make larger bags of goodies for the few who come. Really large bags for my grandchildren- why not??
I miss seeing all the children little and big. I usually try to wear something to be fun. This year it will be a witch's hat. I know boring!!
So what are you doing for Halloween??
#Halloween#trickortreating#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#memoriesofHalloween

HALLOWEEN WEEK AND PREPARATION

I put out one little sign. Have some pumpkins on the front porch area.
I love the enthusiasts who put on major displays for all the little ones.
My street has changes so I get very few children. One year- 5 and last year- 8.
So the bags of candies have more in them as I feel the few children that come can get more.
I am putting out a sign for being accessible. I don't get any children who have issues but the message needs to get out there.
I have a nephew who loves Halloween so he and his daughter go all out for it.
I do love seeing the little children at the door. I try to wear something. This year it will be my witch's hat. I try to make it fun for them.

#halloween#childrenarefunatHalloween#givingoutlotsofcandy#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

GETTING ORGANIZED FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Shopping and thinking about the season is a normal occurrence for most women.
There are so many layers to the preparation.
Actually I always have a Christmas work binder started in August.
Listing the people that need gifts.
Potential social events.
Starting to buy some gifts.
Pulling out all the wrap, cards and tags. Some years I did not do this activity so missed on all the stuff I had.
So this year a goal is to use all my resources at hand. Not buy new stuff as there is so much to use.
Sales occur throughout the season so I do wait for those good ones.
Gift with purchase is always fun.
Needing to determine what dates little packages need to be sent.
Cards are done systematically. Overseas. America. Then Canada. So sending early cuts down on the expense. Always finding the smallest boxes to fit the goodies. Since the Post Office measures the items which adds to the expense.
The hardest activity is keeping the items hidden. The grandchildren visit often enough so I can not leave a room full of stuff. It reminds me of the times when my children were little and having to keep thing hidden.
Doing thing slowly and methodically keeps the stress from the event.
So do you organize early or do you do everything at the last minute?
#christmasplanningandorganizing#gettingreadyforthebigday#christmasseason#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#likingtheseason

FINDING PEACE IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION

Crisis. Conflict. Heartache. Grief.
They find all of us at some time in our lives.
Not postponing our feelings for a better day is the best advice I can give.
Breathe.
Sleep.
Eat well.
Do some exercise. Like dancing to a song on the radio.
Hug your loved ones. Support your loved one.

Pray even if you are not religious. God is always listening.
Watch for signs from your Guardian Angel. Feathers?? Penny?? Dime?? Cardinal??
Even the most stressful moment can give us a chance to find some peace.
Someone once said look for the helpers.

Are you facing something difficult today? Can I help?
#peaceinadifficultsituation#findingpeace#lookforthehelpers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#breathe#sleep#eatwell

FALL AND ITS ARRAY OF COLOURS IN CANADA

Okay I love Spring the best with the flowers that emerge from the ground and bring the brown of winter to a wonderful pallet of colour.
However the Fall is so beautiful too.
So while walking last Saturday to an event I captured these photos.

The tree is so beautiful!

 I love the contrast of one leaf against the green

 Pointing my camera at the tree to see the light behind it

 This tree by The Wave Pool up the street was so vibrant with orange.

 A line of trees.

The Library property is always a photo op.
I would love to go on some country jaunt and take copious pictures. But the bird in the hand of seeing what is close to home works too.
#fallphotos#takingpicturesclosetohome#Fallatitsbest#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#orangeisabeautifulfallcolour

WOW- SUCH TALENT IN THE RICHMOND HILL ART AND STUDIO TOUR 2019

Last weekend was a whirlwind of visits to so many amazing artists in the Richmond Hill area.
Such a variety of works displayed. What can I say about the talent? It would not be enough.


SATURDAY OCTOBER 19, 2019

For me this was a walking tour. I live down from the Centre of the City of Richmond Hill.
So I started with the artists displaying at the RH Centre for the Performing Arts ( RHCPA)

Trudy Maresch was my first stop. I wanted to buy some jewelry from her. Three pairs of beautiful ear rings.

Trudy Maresch

Some artists were busy so I did not chat with them but did view their works.

Josephine Sherman- Visual Artist & Teacher.
Josephine Sherman

Wonderful array of delightful work by Wendy Cho.
Wendy Cho

Vera Samarakina was receptive to my interest in her knitting that kept her busy during the show. her water colour, ink and acrylic art work was very beautiful.
vera.samarkina@gmail.com

Shoshana Lock was showing her fine art work in oil, acrylic, ink and mixed media. I love that picture in blue at the top right corner. The colours!!
Shoshana lock

So needing to see so many artists, not much time to chat.

  On to the Heritage House display.

Always interested in Heritage sites, I snapped a photo of Dr. Langstaff's home. Since I am a graduate of Langstaff Secondary School it seemed a fitting thing to do.

Caterina Liberatore does her art form in pastel, oil and acrylic.
Caterina Liberatore

Rubina Panjwani was busy selling some jewelry to a satisfied customer.
Rubina Panjwani

At the back of the Heritage Centre was some interesting wood items. Firstly I needed to see the antique piece in one of the rooms.

I love antiques!

Kade Bolger is a  Woodturner. He lives and works in Whitby.

Kade Bolger

 I love wood so I could not resist a little purchase.

An unique bowl for my home.

So a stroll along Church back to Yonge Street to visit the United Church site.

  Mary Espinosa showcasing a piece of her art.
Mary Espinosa Art

Christine Chin-Fook a virtual artist beside her work.
Christine Chin-Fook

Sylva Sroujian was all smiles showing her art.
Sylva Sroujian

Danica Tanaskovic who does fused glass was busy with a visitor.
Danica Tanaskovic

So more of a stroll along Church to the Elgin Barrow Arena. Although an active hockey morning, the community room was busy with Art.

 Olena Lopatina does a variety of subjects in Oil. The water Lily picture is so vibrant.

Olena Lopatina

 Spouse Vladimir had many interesting pieces as well.

Vladimir Lopatin

 Brooke Friendly shows off some work.

Brooke Friendly

A friend was showing the work of Terri Mittelmann. Fused Glass Art. Love the Judaica images.

Terri Mittelman

Manizhe was so proud of her work.

Manizhe Sabet Sarvestany

Karen was invited from Orangeville to be at the show.
Beautiful jewelry but also a quilter belonging to the Dufferin Piecemakers Quilting Guild.

Dufferin Piece Makers.

Karen's work can be found at the following link.

Karen Hunter

Naghmeh Armada was busy wrapping up a sale of her beautiful art cushions.

Naghmeh Ahmadi

Two other artists being showcased were.

Manuela Moldovan with her jewelry and oils.
Manuela Moldovan


Andrej Krystoforski had his oil works.

Andrej Krystoforski

What wonderful work and talent observed in my day.
So walking back home inspired by all the beautiful displays, I stopped in at The Knitter's Attic a
Wool,yarn and craft supplies store on Yonge Street. I bought a bag of a variety of blue, purple, orange and fun yarn to use with my ongoing projects.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 20 2019

No more walking. Time to drive to several locations.

Started the day with Andrea End at her home.

 Andrea demonstrating the technique of linocut printing.

 An enthusiastic mother and son were very interested in her teaching. As can be seen behind her there are several prints from the one design. I stood and watched her at work.

Meanwhile her gouache landscape art work was Divine. This painting almost seems alive and flowing doesn't it?

Andrea End

She is also on Face book. facebook@Andrea.End Artist.

Next door to Andrea was Valentine loppe. He does work in oil and acrylic.

Studying as an architect in Russia, art was a core subject.

Valentine loppe

Lots of colour and interesting subjects.

I had a good chat with his wife who is a writer. She published a book on Canada in Russian. Since she translates, she hopes to have an English version some day. They love their home in Canada.

Driving up Bathurst I visited a location with three artists.

Sharon Kirsh opened her home to two other participants.

Beautiful Cold Wax Abstracts. Fine Art.

Sharon was a super cooperative model. Positioned between two of her beautiful works.

Sharon Kirsh

Mary Jane Klausz a wonderful potter showing her work. Appealing pottery for any room.

Mary Jane Klausz

Karen Pasieka of Subtle Details. Using polymer clay Karen creates some of the most whimsical and unique designs. I loved her work.

 A fun Christmas tree.

This alphabet work is not done justice by this photo. The amount of work and ideas presented is so joyful. She usually does a name not the whole alphabet. So anyone looking for a different way to showcase your child's name then Karen is the artist for you.

Karen Pasieka

My last stop was to Wendy Emery's house. A glass artist, she had a variety of pieces.

Wendy Emery

I bought some items from her.

I would have visited more but had to return home.Seeing 28 of 43 artists over two days was good.
Some artists I missed I had seen their work at the Centre for the Performing Arts Open House September 15th and the Culture Days at the Richmond Hill Library September 28th.

As a member of the Richmond Hill Arts Council, I found it so important to meet as many artists at this event as possible.

What was my take away?? There is so much artistic talent in our community. I will gladly promote these artists as often as possible.
#richmondhillartandstudiotour#impenitence#claywork#wendyemery#andreaend#valentineloppe#trudymaresch#wendycho#shoshanalock#verasamarkina#jsephinesherman#sharonkirsh#karenpasieka#maryjaneklausz#sylvasroujian#maryespinosa#christinechin-fook#danicatanaskovic#kadebolger#rubinapanjwani#caterinaliveratore#manizhesabetsarvestany#brookefriendly/#olenalopatina#valdimirlopatin#terrimittelmann#naghmehahmadi#andrejkrystoforski#karenhunter#amazinglocalart#supportingourlocalartists#richmondhillartscouncil#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

VOTE VOTE VOTE- CANADIANS GO TO THE POLLS

You vote because you can. You vote to have your say. You vote for your civic duty.
Just over 100 years ago women in Canada got the vote. So if a woman show your respect for those before you.
You vote to honour the men and women who fought in all the wars for this country.
You vote because others in the world can not due to political strife, dictatorship, fear.
Canada is a democracy. Practice your right.
#votingdayincanada#canadagoestothepolls#getoutandvote#voteforthosethatgaveusthefreedom#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTISTS

Today in Richmond Hill the Art and Studio Tour is occurring. I hope to spend a few hours today and tomorrow visiting as many as possible.
I will try to buy something small to support them.
Arts in all shapes and sizes is so vital and important to our communities, not only here in Canada but all over the world.
I'll try to take some photos and report back here with my findings.
#localartists#supportinglocalartists#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HELLO TO READERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

One thing that is fun about writing a blog is finding that people from around the world find it.
This week there are readers or maybe just one reader from Russia. I often wonder what posts are of interest to the person or persons.
Some of my Canadian themes bring readers. Flowers are a hit. One post on tulips still gets lots of readers.
I find the task of finding something to write keeps me focused and aware of the world around me. When taking photographs I look for images and ideas. Then keep available for a theme.
So hello Russia.
#readersfromaroundtheworld#writingisfun#postingwhathasmeaningtome#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHECKING YOUR WATCH OR CELL PHONE GIVES YOU AWAY

People live on their cell phones and often check them during any social interaction.
However viewing some historical pictures, I saw people in pictures checking their watches.
Have you ever been in a meeting and people look at the time. Is it boredom? Wanting the meeting to be over?
I even have caught my husband in holiday videos checking his watch. Once at Chizen Itza in Mexico. I was having a fabulous time and he was bored.
Small social gestures can give us away all the time. So beware of those checks at events. Do you really want to know the time?
#socialgestures#checkingyourwatch#beingpresentinthemoment#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

GIVING PEOPLE UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION

In the middle of a crisis is not the time to have to hunt down people's contact information. Today I discovered several email addresses had changed on some family members.
No emergency today but noted the changes for future reference.
When my dad passed away I did not have the current phone number for one niece for example. She had cancelled her landline and only used her cell phone. How was I supposed to know that?
So have you updated your contact information to people?
New phone number. Email address. Facebook account.
When someone is dealing with a crisis, death or needing to get a hold of a person, it is emotional enough without having to track down the information.
Updated emails are the best as the person can send to as many family and friend contacts at once. It saves time but mostly it saves emotional energy.
#contactinformation#updatingyourinformation#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

53 YEARS TOGETHER- YIKES WHERE DID THE TIME GO

October 15th is the anniversary of when my husband and I started dating. High School Sweethearts. I asked him to a Sadie Hawkins dance and he said yes.
So together for 53 years and married for 48 years.
Sometimes it feels like yesterday and sometimes like ancient history.
A lifetime together. We have shared so many events and stories and historical events.
Saw the Leafs win the Cup in 1967, the end of the Viet Nam War, changes of leaders in Parliament, the death of family members, the birth of family members, buying a house, building a house, vacations to fun places, dealing with change over and over again. Seeing the Raptors win.
A life. So today thinking about those 53 years together.
How about you? How long have you been with your partner? How has life treated you?
#53yearstogether#anniversaryofbeingtogether#alifetimetogether#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#rememberingthegoodtimes

POST THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS

Gathering together for the big meal on Sunday was a good family time. Noisy and busy with the energy of 6 grandchildren. Sometimes the thanks we all felt was just being able to be together. Considering other parts of the nation had power outages and maybe could not cook a turkey let alone have heat made me even more grateful.
Leftovers after tons of cooking is very appreciative of this cook. Spending enough time in the kitchen on most days becomes more with the cooking of a big meal. Setting a nice table and organizing the home for company is so much work.

So leftovers for a couple of days gives a wonderful break. Frankly conserving my energy level is a new norm. So the days after lots of work to do less demanding tasks just keeps me well and fit.
Thanksgiving is easier than Christmas. Much less preparation for any other hoopla.
For me though the real blessing is just having everyone together. Then the group photos that one daughter makes happen with her timed camera.
So how was your Thanksgiving? Good I hope.
#postThanksgivingthoughts#Thanksgiving#makingthebigmeal#familytimealltogether#leftoverssaveworkforthecook#lotsworkbringsgoodresults#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro