Researching Humans...

I just completed the newsletter interview with my 80 year old 1st cousin 2 times removed. She is the grandchild of my 2nd great grandparents, William and Harriet Lowry.

My cuz, Tina, is usually responsible for this, but she tried on several occasions get it done. However, this cousin was not available when she called. So I told her I’d try. BINGO – she was available.

She gave me some insight in to who my 2nd great grandparents were as people. She said that William was a fun man. He played with all his grandchildren and she remembers him having a garden that she would play in. He was short ‘about 5’ somethin’ and dark skinned. Harriet was a ‘big fat light skinned’ woman. She was also somewhat taller than her husband. She had long hair down her back. She enjoyed when this cousin would come over and cook for her. She also said that they both were very nice people.

Now, this cousin was only about 8 or 9 when her grandparents passed. So imagine…cooking at that age.

It was nice getting to hear what type of people they were and it helps put more humanity to the names. Hearing for the umpteenth time that Harriet had long hair down her back (from someone that actually saw here), is something. In African American genealogy research, it is often assumed that if an ancestor was noted having long hair or long dark/black hair, they must be Native American. Of course, this is just and assumption and we all know…you should never ass-u-me.

Wordless Wednesdays - Follow up

This is a picture of my mother showing me the Ethiopian Coffee ceremony. Why is she showing me this? Well, she’s Ethiopian..duh..lol For Mother’s Day, while I gave her a gift card to her favorite store, she gave me culture as a present. Although I focus most of my ancestry researching on my paternal line (mainly because it’s easy access), my maternal line is equally as important. You can read more on the details here.

I have always been proud of the fact that my mother is Ethiopian. I remember when I was younger, telling people that because I thought it was the coolest thing! But, growing up wasn’t much different than any other household. We didn’t speak any foreign languages. She didn’t teach us her language of Tigrinya because she was focused on learning English. In addition, Jacksonville doesn’t really have a strong Ethiopian presence to help people reinforce their culture on their children. I’m sure if we lived in Washington D.C. we would be fluent in Tigrinya.

As I’m going thru this journey, I realize there are a lot of things that I need to focus on. I want to take the time out to learn Tigrinya (I have Tigrinya the EZ-Way CD). I’m also going natural. I’ve had a relaxer for as long as I can remember and I want to see what my hair looks like without the chemicals. For so long, you think that you NEED to have a relaxer. But, I’m tired of that NEED and ready for this WANT…

*pictures will be updated later...having computer issues.*

Wordless Wednesday

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony on Mothers Day

Help I've fallen...

...and I can't get my genealogy butt up!!!!

Life has been so busy I hadn't had the time to focus on my research in a while. I don't 'feel' my ancestors pointing me in the directions they once were or they're pointing me in the direction I'm currently going. Hopefully, I'll get bit again and the urge will return.

Meanwhile, I was award with the One Lovely Blog Award by Kathryn Doyle at CGS. THANKS!!!!

Genea-bloggers use awards to support each other and to spread the word about new blogs with a family history focus. The honor comes with the stipulation that it be passed on to seven more "lovely" blogs.

Here are my picks....sorry if you're duplicated..I'm selecting the top 7 genea blogs that I stalk that have updated lately...

Heritage Happens

Find Your Folks

But Now I'm Found

All My Branches Genealogy

Roots Reading

Our Georgia Roots

BackTrack

In other news, I'm going to Elizabeth City on the 25th to spend more time with family and doing more research. I hope to take pictures of more cemeteries in the area as well as interviewing some of the older family members.

But, before I go, I have to scan the 2 photo albums I got from my grandma and pictures I received from my grand-aunt. I've been slacking on my scanning. But, since this is my daughter's birthday weekend and I'm torturing myself with allowing a slumber party, I figure I can lock myself in my room and get it done. My grandmother's only requirement was that she get a new photo album for her pictures. I got the new album, now I need to start scanning.

Just wanted to let anyone out there that reads this, I haven't disappeared, just busy.