Blog Number Three!

Am I nuts or what? I am now authoring three blogs! My students help with the postings on two of them, but I am continually learning the tricks and trades of blogging. There are so many different kinds of blogs and websites, but I find this to be one of the easiest ways to post to the web. You really should give it a try if you're at all interested in posting something, REALLY. (just click on the orange B above and you'll see all the directions there.)
I procrastinated my day away with various tasks, dishes, recycling, paperwork, phone calls, cooking, TV and I also scanned and added photos to my last ahnentafel post. I had to hunt some down, but I think everyone I have photos of has one posted next to their information. Remember to click on the photo to see an enlarged version.
I have to admit the one of my GG Grandfather Karl August Swanson is questionable. We didn't have any photos labeled with his name. The one I posted is from a tintype we found at Grandpa Charleys. There was another man in the original photo who we could identify, my GGG Uncle Peter Newberg, Karl's wife Carolina's brother. The Swanson's met up with Peter in Lansing, IA after emigrating from Sweden in 1869 and the two homesteaded in Dakota Territory together. The man I think is Karl looks so much like his son, my Great Grandfather C.T. Swanson, that I've chosen to think it's him. There was a lot of damage to the original tintype, I worked today on retouching the photo digitally.
Back to my blogs: 1st came Spreading Seeds, then last fall I started Denver 6-12 Art for my art students to post their artwork to the web and now I've started Digital Intentions. (click on the titles to be directed to the blogs.) The last one is a site just for my Graphic Design class to post on, all 14 of the students in the class are authors on the site too. I post their assignments there so they can log in anytime or anywhere and check things out or post their work from home. Sounds like a good plan,... I'll let you know how it goes.

New Banner Title

As you may have noticed, I made a new title banner for my blog. Identifying the scenes/photos from left to right: Dad on his pony Jack, Ljung church in Sweden where many of my ancestors attended church, Mom in a rocker around the time of her adoption, the clock face is from my wall clock, the Johnson kids in their hooded sweatshirts on the farm, the Johnson family home in rural Larchwood, IA, on top is the Swanson ancestral home - Fallhemmet in Ljung Östergötland, Sweden, and some hollyhocks I watercolored on the right edge. The background is a painting of Yosemite National Park I painted as a gift for my brother Steve. I used Photoshop Elements to combine the shots. My students will be doing a project similar to this so I always need practice. I even made one today as a surprise, for my friend Carol. Her Blog is titled Choose Joy. We graduated from High School together and are both currently art teachers.We were dismissed from school at 11 a.m. this morning due to snow and blizzard warnings, the wind is to come up tonight so who knows what the morning will bring. We've already lost 3 days due to weather, soon we'll be going into June!

Blogging 101

My 100th posting came and went without me noticing. So this is my 101st posting and I should have something profound to say or post but I don't. I've spent the morning searching through blogs on-line and have added a few links of inspiration to my list off to the side, more will follow I'm sure. As the new year begins I'd like to work on decluttering my surroundings but how should I start? I find a use in everything and have a hard time throwing things away. I love the unique and envision projects at every turn, I just procrastinate when it comes to diving into the deep abyss that surrounds me.
I know where to start, my biggest procrastination of all, cleaning; dishes, laundry, organizing. I'll let you know how it goes...

Blog Friends

When I ask myself “why do I do this blog?” I have lots of answers; it’s reflective about the past, sharing genealogy with family members, an easy way to keep in touch with friends and family, sharing art work, asking questions and a journal of my experiences.

Here are some of the faces of the people who log in, I know I’ve missed many of you in this little photo montage but I know you’re out there, I just don’t have your photo handy. Among those in the photos are relatives and friends from Arizona, Iowa, Norway, South Dakota, and Sweden. I’ve heard from cousins I keep in touch with and those I don’t know well, classmates, college friends, fellow art teachers, co-workers, old friends and new who are just passing through. I’m glad you stop by and love the comments and e-mails you send about my postings!

I wish you all a Wonderful Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!