Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Wordless Wednesday - the Jones Family


From the collection of Mavis Jones

Believe or not, at the point in time that this picture was taken, abt. 1973, this is almost all of the descendants of my grandparents. The only ones missing are three of my first cousins, and of course my oldest uncle, who was already deceased. When talking descendants, daddy's side of the family (6 grandchildren) stands in stark contrast to my mother's side of the family (26 grandchildren).

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Sentimental Sunday - Reel-to-Reel Tape Recordings


Picture obtained from devicepedia.com

In today’s digital world the reel to reel tape recorder is considered an antiquated piece of technology. But back in the day, that was the way we Joneses kept in touch. More specifically, tape recordings were the way daddy and Aunt Martha stayed in contact with their brother, Uncle Claudius, who lived in Florida.


When I think about all the recordings going back and forth between North Carolina and Florida, the thought of them brings a smile to my face and warms my heart. It always felt like we were right there with Uncle Claudius and my cousins. However, as a shy and sometimes withdrawn child, those reel to reel recordings were pure torture for me, also. Daddy and Aunt Martha always had me talking on them. I can still hear it today, “Come talk to your Uncle.” I never said much, usually only saying “Hi Uncle Claudius. This is Mavis.” Of course daddy and Aunt Martha were always standing there telling me to tell him about this or that (my good grades, playing the piano, whatever else was going on in my young life.) Whatever I said definitely had to be pulled out of me.

Like so many things that would be a treasured piece of the past, I’m afraid that none of those old recordings are left. As we moved from reel-to-reel to cassette tapes, the tapings became less and less frequent. The cassette tapes just weren’t the same and right now, I don’t ever remember us sending any of those back and forth. In addition, we never did keep the recording that was received. It was always taped over when doing the return tape. But wouldn’t it be fun if my cousin LaFrieda and I could figure out who sent the last recording and better yet, discover that it didn’t get taped over.



Until Next Time!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Yele Haiti

Earlier this week when discussing the tragedy in Haiti, I pointed out that donations could be made through Wyclef Jean's orginazation, Yele. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that since that time, there has been information that has come out with regard to Yele's accounting and financial practices. Like others, I do find the timing of the release of this information questionable given that Yele has been around for 12 years. I will also state that wrong is wrong.

So, as in everything else in life, investigate any organization that you plan to make a donation to and through.

Until Next Time!

The Will and Spirit of a People - Haiti Continued






Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Another Not So Wordless Wednesday - Haiti


Picture from REUTERS
Earthquake, 7.0 on Rector Scale
January 12, 2010


Ever since discovering the significance of my Uncle Toussaint L'Ouverture's name, I've always felt this connection to Haiti. Toussaint L'Ouverture, was the great Haitian revolutionary leader who lead the successful slave revolt, which lead to Haiti becoming a nation. I've often wondered how grandmomma Jones knew about Toussaint L'Ouverture. I've always had this romanticized view that grandmom's line of the family came through Haiti.

As Iyanla Vanzant stated on today's Michael Baisden Show, Haiti has always been treated like the bastard child. I know we are in a recession but I would like to challenge my readers to help in anyway they can, whether prayer, monetarily, or traveling to Haiti to help the victims of this horrific disaster.

For those interested in helping monetarily, you can make contributions through http://www.yele.org/, Yelehaiti, Wyclef Jean's organization. You can also get information by following Wyclef on Twitter.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

A Happy 101 Award


We are already a week into 2010, and I definitely needed a push to shake me out of the winter doldrums and post holiday let down. I had been contemplating what I was going to write on in the year when along came a push I needed to get back on track.

The push that I needed came from fellow bloggers and Geneafriends Sandra, I Never Knew My Father, and Renate, Into the Light, who gifted me with the Happy 101 Award. Sandra gifted me not once be twice for both of my blogs. Both ladies have been the greatest of geneafriends and both write terrific blogs that come from the heart and touch one's soul. If you have not had a chance to read either of their blogs, please take the time to check them out. You won't be disappointed.

As a receipient I have to reveal ten things that make me happy, then select ten other bloggers to receive the award.

Ten Things that make me Happy

  1. Watching sunrises on early spring mornings when there is still a bit of crispness in the morning air.
  2. The smell of honeysuckle
  3. Hearing my dad play Rachmaninoff''s Prelude in C Sharp minor
  4. A good book
  5. Hot showers
  6. My momma's rolls.
  7. My furbaby, Shelby
  8. Birds chirping
  9. The occasional splurge of a massage
  10. Making things for my family (mom, dad, the aunts, cousins, etc.) and for others (Secret Santa, etc.)
Now to pass the baton. I would like to recognize:

 Taneya's Genealogy Blog
But Now I'm Found
Reclaiming Kin
My NOLA Heritage: Robertson, Robinson, Bryan, Amos, Ancestors of Webster Parrish, Louisiana!!
Find Your Folks
We Tree
Tangled Trees
TJLGenes: Preserving Our Family History
Begin with Craft
Heritage Happens



 Until Next Time!

Friday, January 1, 2010