O nce in a while I come across a social media post where someone shares a childhood memory.  Its heartwarming to know that with all of this technology around us people allow themselves to sit and think without needing entertainment.  Don't get me wrong, I think there are many positive things about technology however I wonder... Are people craving a change?   Its interesting to observe as well that everywhere I go I see references to vintage and retro.  Stores have opened up specifically to sell collectable clothing, furniture, glassware, and vinyl from the 50s to 70s.  Not unusual with each passing generation, but I am aware that these items certainly provoke feelings and memories and we buy into it because of that connection.  There's that word again...connection.  I love how 'items' create feelings, jog a memory or bring you back to a moment that you experienced.  Whether they are considered negative or positive they are still memories....

Since the pandemic I have really been trying to balance life, and at the same time practice mindfulness. I  always prided myself in making sure I was "ok" no matter what, but I see now that life pre-pandemic was too busy, and at times overwhelming trying to put enough time aside for people I cared about. It was amazing to me as well the impact of not having a physical connection with others.  Technology was helpful for a time to somewhat satisfy this craving, however seeing and hearing a person on a screen was just not enough.  It was the physical presence of another that really completed the connection, and when safer to do so a hug, fist tap or handshake really let me breathe again; everything came full circle.   It was amazing how people became creative and had lawn visits, drive by birthdays and graduations.  People had their patio chairs brought to the front of the house, curtains on homes were never closed, and yes people did put Christmas lights on t...

Barrie Examiner Sept 1916, photo by CJ Scott Private Emerson Watson Armstrong, 20th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Forces, born in Allandale, Ontario December 21, 1896 to William  Armstrong and Johanna Reynolds (Archives of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Series Registration of Births and Stillbirths 1869-1913, reel 134; Record Group: RG 80-2).     According to his military records acquired from Library and Archives Canada, he enlisted with the 20th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force in Toronto, Ontario November 29, 1914; just a few weeks prior to his 19th birthday.   War Diaries from LAC further confirm that the 20th battalion left in May 1915 on the SS Megantic , however the first letter received by his mother Johanna was dated October 4, 1914 with a note of "In Belgium" .  Based on the contents of the letter it could be as simple as him loosing all track of time and maybe wishing he was somewhere else.  Or was he living in a nightmare?...

Emerson Armstrong, Photo by CJ Scott Spring is definitely here in Canada.  Longer days, warmer temperatures, flowers popping up in the garden, windows opened to let the fresh air in, and some serious spring cleaning.   I don't know about you but when I start a thorough spring cleaning, I start tackling the bookshelves, and I seem to find myself going through family albums, and a pile of records that I have not yet been able to input into my research log.   This year the pile is larger than ever as I had to sort through my Mom's belongings in preparation for Long Term Care.  Its amazing to go through another family historian's pile of stuff! daunting but very necessary!   It was a year of bitter sweet findings in that I found some old photos of family that I had never seen before like this photo of my Dad as a young teenager, and I found several documents including a few certificates from the Royal Conservatory of Music for piano.  My Mom alwa...