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Childhood Memoir Challenge - from Bill Holland
Responding to the Childhood Memoir Challenge, this article first defines Childhood for the author, then proceeds to share the few memories he has of the early years and a few specifics from the later years.
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Further Education For Senior Citizens 2 - Obstacles You Face
At or about age 50 many of us realize it may be valuable to our personal lives to further our eduction. How do we do that? This is the second of a series of articles here to help you answer those questions. Dr. Bill has helped thousands of folks explore and find the right solutions for themselves.
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Further Education For Senior Citizens 1 - Where Do I Start?
At or about age 50 many of us realize it may be valuable to our personal lives to further our eduction. How do we do that? This is the first of a series of articles here to help you answer those questions. Dr. Bill has helped thousands of folks explore and find the right solutions for themselves.
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2049 on Mars, Episode 2 - Dispute Resolution Unit 2
Steve talked to the new arrival Keith both to get to know him better and to make him feel part of the team in the unit where they would be working together. Steve invited Keith to meet his sister.
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2049 on Mars, Episode 1 - Getting to Know You
Thus begins the saga of Steve and Sharon and their life in their 'new world' on the planet Mars. They are participating in extending humanity beyond Earth carrying out the Elon Musk vision.
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Innocence takes many forms!
Review of the J.A. Jance novel "Remains of Innocence" along with her novella ebook, "The Old Blue Line" that was provided as a lead-in to the novel, along with a couple of other book recommendations.
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Nebraska - a "don't miss" film!
I loved the movie Nebraska for what it is and the story it tells. If you are looking for something negative, you'll have to look elsewhere. We enjoyed August: Osage County - we watched them together.
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My Favorite Game on Wii, or anywhere...
The was whimsical look at my favorite game on my Wii - I'm a senior citizen and I think strongly it has been very good for my mental health. What do you think?
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Full of meaning for today as well as 200 years ago...
This is a brief review of this book that so clearly reminded me that history can repeat itself when watching the current news and reading a non-fiction history book.
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Like Golf? Cover me boys... is for you!
My brief review of a book by a Golf Channel pioneer, Keith Hirshland, "Cover Me Boys, I'm Going In." Thoughts and comments. I enjoyed the inside stories of producing sports television shows.
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Location: Old Man River
This is a review of the book, "Old Man River," which is, of course, a reference to the Mississippi River. This book is an incredibly detailed resource on the river and its entire watershed area.
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Personal Archiving; Start Today
Each of us should take the responsibility of Personal Archiving of our family history including our photos and family stories. Three books are recommended here for your consideration.
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Holiday Inn - White Christmas - Bing Crosby
A very brief discussion of two Bing Crosby movies - related - Holiday Inn, where White Christmas first appeared, then, the movie White Christmas, itself.
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About me! Creator of "The Homeplace Saga"
Learn more about the "The Homeplace Saga" series of family saga historical fiction stories created by author William Leverne Smith including novels, novellas, short stories, collections, videos.
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"The Bully Pulpit," for Sure!
This is a straight forward book review of "The Bully Pulpit" by Doris Kearns Goodwin, chronicling the lives of Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft as well as sharing stories of the muckrakers.
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Will you leave earth? When Worlds Collide
This is a brief review of the 1951 film that won an Academy Award for Special Effects. It was one of my all-time favorites in the sic-fi genre. Perhaps I was just impressionable when I first saw it.
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"The Thunderbird Conspiracy" - Was Robert Kaye involved?
This review of the new book by author R.K. Price raises new questions surrounding the Kennedy assassination for a fascinating point of view. It is a fictional account, but does cause one to wonder!
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"W is for Wasted" - latest Kinsey Millhone story
This is a brief review of the latest in the Sue Grafton alphabet mystery series starring Kinsey Millhone, W is for Wasted, with video book trailer. Also included is more information on the author.
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Will they be home for "Christmas at the Homeplace?"
This is a brief review of the book "Christmas at the Homeplace" shortly after it was published. The story of the book revolves around the theme of "home for Christmas" for several community members.
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Road to Avonlea: A Classic Family Saga
A brief review and commentary on "Road to Avonlea" - a family saga in book form, made into a long-running television series - that spawned more books than the original series.
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Murphy's Romance: Oldie but Goodie!
A review of one my, and my wife's, favorite films… of all times. Just love the chemistry between James Garner and Sally Field, as well as among the rest of the cast. Just a really pleasant experience!
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Robert D. Ray: An Iowa Treasure - Keep Iowa Beautiful
This article promotes a book about an Iowa Treasure, a former governor and so much more to the State of Iowa. If you have not heard of him, please read on, and buy the book, if it is still available.
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"Murder by the Homeplace" A Novella in "The Homeplace Saga" Series of Stories
This novella is set immediately following the story in the novel "Back to the Homeplace" with minor characters there taking primary roles in this "murder mystery" tale in the fall of 1987.
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First Day of Spring 2013: Great; Snow on 2nd Day
This article is a whimsical look at a unique first couple of days of spring in a new year. It was was springlike one day and snowed the next. What would come next?
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How To Start Your Family Story - Get Started Today
The time to start compiling your family story is NOW. Start with yourself, write down your highlights, to date, and add as life is lived. Do the same with each family member. Best wishes!
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Easter Picture Perfect - Through the Years
We each have Easter memories. These are a few selected memories in my family over the years. We always had Easter Baskets of one sort or another, so that is our focus here.
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John Quincy Adams: Much more than just a US President
I just finished the Unger biography of John Quincy Adams, my third specific biography on him... in addition to several other readings on the Adams family. I find JQA especially fascinating because he continued to act and live his principles is spite...
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Raccoons: Loved or hated - hard to ignore
Raccoons are wild animals. They exhibit the characteristics of wild animals. They are not good pets. Their image, however, makes them good subjects for collectibles. I have an extensive collection.
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Vintage Card Games: Collectibles, Bought and Sold
This article shares information about a variety of Vintage Card Games - a true collectible that we have enjoyed collecting and possessing. Do you collect Vintage Card Games, as well??
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Family Saga genre in books - Read one today
Family sagas are my favorite genre of books in literature. Many of the best are not often mentioned as being family sagas, as you will see, below. You may be surprised. What is your favorite?
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Seward: Lincolns' Indispensable Man; Secretary of State
This brief review of the book about Seward is intended to highlight the work he did as Secretary of State. I very fascinating man. Controversial, in his time. Mostly forgotten in the ensuing 150 years
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Tennessee Heritage Tourism - Many many facets
Tennessee is full of historical, cultural and natural assets which qualified the entire state as a National Heritage Area authorized by Congress following the request by local involved entities.
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Whole-Grain Banana Bread: It tastes like cake, to me!
A recipe for banana bread that I can both make and eat... and enjoy! How do you like your banana bread?
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Illinois Heritage Tourism: The Land of Lincoln and more
This is my recommendation for a National Heritage Area to visit when your are in the vicinity of the State of Illinois - The Land of Lincoln. There are many sights to see and things to learn here.
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American Lion: Andrew Jackson, Man of the People
This Jon Meacham biography is a fascinating portrayal of Jackson in the context of both his political battles and his family - both contentious sets of relationships. As I write this, I'm still reading the book on my Kindle. I had waited a long time...
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Cranberry-Apple Pilgrim Pie: Yum, for sure!
I don't do a lot of recipes, but this one was too good pass up - and pass along. Hope you will try it and enjoy as much as we all did!! ;-)
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Chipeta: Ute Peacemaker - A 'Now You Know' Bio
This book is dedicated to: "The children of Colorado. May you learn to love history and the people who lived it." The silver sticker on the book notes that it, Cynthia S. Becker and her book for children, "Chipeta: Ute Peacemaker," was a Finalist...
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National Day of Listening - November 28, 2014
The National Day of Listening on November 28, 2014, is one day set aside to remind us to listen, to record for posterity, something important to us, to our family, to interested others. This of all the Oral History programs going on today, and what...
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Roger Williams Bio: Still relevant today
"The Creation of the American Soul" really sets the stage of this John M. Barry biography of Roger Williams and his positions on "Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty." Roger Williams (1603-1683) is best known to most persons as the founder of...
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Owls on Halloween by Dr. Bill
Owls and Halloween go together. The Snowy Owl, the Long Eared Owl, and the Great Horned Owl are featured in this brief article. Do you feel that owl oriented items make good collectibles? I hope so.
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Fairbanks House, Dedham, Massachusetts
My GeneaBlogger friend, House Historian Marian Pierre-Louis, inspired this lens with her Facebook note earlier today (October 28, 2012): "I took my boys and my nieces to the Fairbanks House today. I decided that I would get firm and not make this...
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7 Step Guide to Family History Study
This is a practical, "how to," 7 step guide to get your study of your family history underway - it is meant for busy, but interested, people. If you are one of these, I look forward to your comments.
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Little Red Trike: A Gift can last forever
A story inspired by a fifty year old gift to a two-year-old… that she still preserves, in great shape, in her new home on Boulder Mountain in Utah. Recommendations are made for similar trikes today.
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Texas Heritage Tourism
Texas does not have a National Heritage Area, but is not lacking in historical, cultural and natural resources. Here are just a few for you to consider on your next visit.
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Fun and Funny Halloween: Must I do this?
There are many ways to have a fun and funny Halloween without being scary and/or creepy. Here are a few of them that I have enjoyed. How will you act on Halloween this year?
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Explore Your Family History - A True Learning Experience
Exploring your own family history can be a real learning experience. Several suggestions are included as well as some resource materials to aid in your own search.
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4 Utah Travel Guides - Great Holiday Gifts
This lens will provide information on four Utah destination travel guides that will be great gifts for family or friends traveling to the State of Utah in the USA. These guides were written by Christine Balaz and include photos taken by the author. ...
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Barn and Farmyard Halloween Decorations
Halloween Decorations commonly adorn yards, but barns can also be decorated for the Halloween season as well. We have some suggestions here for you. Leave your ideas in the comments, please.
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Top 5 Mystery Book Characters: In my view
I have listed my Top 5 Favorite Mystery Book Characters above - over the last 30 or so years, I suppose I could add. I will discuss each in turn, below, an Amazon Spotlight book on each one, and comments on the four authors who created these 5...
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Kentucky Heritage Tourism: There's Only One
Kentucky is part of the upper South but is also closely related to the Midwest just across the Ohio River. Early pioneers entered through the Cumberland Gap in the eastern Appalachian mountains, including Daniel Boone. Kentucky is noted as the Horse...
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Early Fall Colors in the Ozarks
It is always interesting to see when Fall Colors arrive, here in the Ozarks. One year they are early, another they are late. But, they always arrive, and we all enjoy them when they do. Enjoy!
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South Carolina Heritage Tourism: Been to the Palmetto State?
This article suggests some historical, cultural and natural sites that you may want to consider when you visit the Palmetto State - South Carolina! What would be the first site you would visit?
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Wisconsin Heritage Tourism; Visited lately?
This map image, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, shows the diversity of land area of this northern central state of the USA: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisconsin The Frenchman Jacques Marquette was the first European to reach the Wisconsin River in...
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Fresh Pumpkin Pie: 1997 Country Cookbook
A favorite Fresh Pumpkin Pie recipe from a 1997 Country Cookbook.
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Light-Sport Air Craft: Happening Now
This is a brief look at Light-Sport Air Craft. One was flying overhead at my home when I was challenged to write an article about: What is Happening Now! This article is the result.
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The Art of Power: Advance Review
John Meacham has provided us with an excellent modern full biography of our third United States President, Thomas Jefferson. This is a very readable book with the latest research included for all.
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Stir-Fry Chicken: 1997 Country Cookbook
A Stir-Fry Chicken recipe from a 1997 Country Cookbook.
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Doomsday 2012: Revisiting BIFF Film Festival
This was a fun BIFF experience. BIFF is on hiatus, but you can still get the movies and rent them... have your own film festival, for sure!! ;-)
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South Dakota Heritage Tourism
This is an overview of some cultural, historical and natural (heritage) elements you will find in the State of South Dakota should you plan a visit.
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Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones' Team
I love the Dallas Cowboys, and I cannot help it. Others hate them just as much for the same reason, it seems. Some general information is provided for those interested.
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Ozarks Mill Tour, Ozark County, MO; our recent visit
This is a brief review of our experience taking the Ozarks Mill Tour of Ozark County to visit five prominent mills and to enjoy each of the sites as well as the journey along the way.
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Rockbridge Mill, Ozark County, Missouri; Our recent visit
A brief summary of our visit to Rockbridge Mill, in Ozark County, to encourage you to visit the area as well.
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Hodgson Mill, Ozark County, Missouri; our recent visit
This is a brief account of the visit my wife, daughter, and I made to Hodgson Mill, in Ozark County, Missouri. I heartily recommend you stop by if you are in the area.
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Michigan Heritage Tourism, Visit this year!
This lens will highlight a few of the Heritage Tourism destinations you might want to consider when you visit the State of Michigan. For your actual planning purposes, of course, be sure to follow the many links provided here and inside those...
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Old Dawt Mill, Ozark County, MO: Our Recent Visit
The Old Dawt Mill was built on the North Fork of the White River in 1900 by Alva Hodgson, master millwright, a few miles of present day Tecumseh, Missouri. It currently serves as the centerpiece of a fine resort known for its canoeing, kayaking and...
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Halloween Solar Outdoor Décor for your home
Some suggestions for Halloween Solar Outdoor decorations for your home.
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Yard Wagon: What are your needs?
This fun and fanciful article relates to use of a Yard Wagon and how each of us views the need for and use of the wagon differently. What is your view?
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Cook an Egg: What do you need to do that?
A discussion of cooking an egg. There are several ways, and numerous methods for each way. Eggs are a fine food. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
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National Senior Citizens Day: August 21
This lens will celebrate August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day as another Wacky Holiday because, in my opinion, the concept of "Senior Citizen" as a label is somewhat wacky, as well. Is 'senior citizen' a definition or a state of mind? Do you...
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Iowa Heritage Tourism; My Home State
Here we take a closer look at the State of Iowa, the Hawkeye State, and home of the Iowa State University Cyclones, as well. Over a third of the counties are in a National Heritage Area for your use.
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Rain cloud serendipity: Blown Away
This article was written based on a challenge to write about "Something you did yesterday!" Have you ever tried to do that? This is my best effort.
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I dream of Harvest Moon on Wii U
This article was created based on a "My Dream" contest - I chose the theme of a Harvest Moon game for the, at the time, new Wii U console. These still is not one, as far as I know, so I still wait.
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How to Journal your Heritage Tourism trip
Many feel that if you make regular journal entries while on your Heritage Tourism travel you will enjoy the trip more and have a great reference when your trip is over. Tips for journaling are here.
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Arizona Heritage Tourism
This is a brief overview of the State of Arizona providing some areas of interest if you should decide to visit. Also mentioned is the one National Heritage Area in Arizona, at Yuma Crossing.
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Clouds in Motion: But where is the rain?
This is a fun little article regarding our relationship with clouds, rain or shortage thereof, and other affects of weather on our lives.
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'Founding Gardeners' - a Book Review
Andrea Wulf provides a distinctive view of the founding of our nation focusing on the first four United States Presidents and their roles as farmers and nature lovers at the same time as they were providing leadership to the founding of the USA. ...
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Watch a new campus building grow at OTC
Here I chronicle the growth of an educational institution building in the community where I live - the Table Rock Campus of the Ozarks Technical Community College. Are Community Colleges useful?
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3 The Lone Ranger films - Know them?
This is a comparison of the 3 movies of The Lone Ranger made over the years. Which do you like best? Have you seen them all? Have you been a particular fan of one or the other, over the years?
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Fast Summer English Muffin Pizza and More
My wife has hit on a really neat little meal that we have had several times now this summer - a summer menu anyone can enjoy. We use the basic recipe from allrecipes.com - but you can easily modify it with ingredients and other variations to fit...
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Heritage Tourism in Mississippi
The State of Mississippi is full of historical, cultural and natural elements to make it an excellent heritage tourism destination. I was fortunate enough to live there for a few months in 1961 and we visited again just a few years ago. Perhaps best...
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Heritage Tourism "Home Base" for Hubs from Dr. Bill
This article serves as a Table of Contents or "Home Base" for the Group of Hubs related to Heritage Tourism, one of my top passions in my writing efforts. I've divided them by region, for your use.
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5-Gen Family History Photo Scrapbook Plan
We have a wide variety of photos for at least 5 generations of our family - making a scrapbook for each of our two grandkids, a boy and a girl, seems like a great plan. Follow along and see if this will work for you, as well. We start by going...
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Rhode Island, a heritage tourism delight
Here you will learn more about the State of Rhode Island in terms of its historical, cultural and natural attributes along with interesting sites to see if you should visit this state in your travels.
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5 Founding Father Bios for Summer Reading
This article recommends 5 biographies of Founding Fathers for your summer reading pleasure. I've read each of them and heartily recommend them to gain a better understand of the founding of the USA.
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"Lions of the West" - A Summer Reading Recommendation
It took both heroes and villains for the westward movement of the United States to succeed in the first half of the 19th century. Morgan has woven this set of nine biographies, some familiar, some not, into an intricate pattern that tells the story...
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Be weird! Wood art collection - D.W.Graham
This is my response to the Giant Squid challenge to "Be Weird!" - to share a unusual hobby or some such - and this is as weird as I could manage to be! I'm also incorporating the new "Wood" theme - since this is 'wood art!' Is that weird, or what?...
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Mary Kaye: Singer, Song-writer, Live Performer
I attended the Mary Kaye live performance last night at Entrada Institute's Torrey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival in Torrey, UT. She is an outstanding live performer - storyteller - singer. If you are involved in a similar western performance venue,...
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Kabobs for Father's Day Summer Menu
Consider Kabobs for your Father's Day celebration this summer. Here is a recipe and some succulent photos to prompt you!
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How To Repurpose Content and Research
This is a brief article suggesting that you can repurpose your writing content and research to your advantage. Each publishing platform has different requirements. Simply adjust your content to rules.
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Veggie Kabobs from Boulder Mountain
A very popular recipe for Veggie Kabobs from my son-in-law Larry Johnson. He prepared them for us on our visit to their home on Boulder Mountain, in Wayne County, Utah, near Capital Reef National Park
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Heritage Tourism in Southern Utah
My wife and I are on a two-week vacation near Capital Reef National Park in south central Utah. Our daughter and her husband have a home on Boulder Mountain, near Teasdale, UT, that is our home base for this visit. As final activities planned have...
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Top Five Western Deep South National Heritage Areas
These are my recommendations for National Heritage Areas to visit if you are in the Deep South. Each tells a nationally relevant story based on historical, cultural and natural assets of the area.
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Heritage Tourism in Wyoming
Wyoming is a state that does not have a National Heritage Area. However, it does have many historical, cultural and natural attributes. We share a few of them with you here.
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Pete Smith, Iowa Farmer
He thought of himself as "just an Iowa farmer" but he was much more than that. He died far too young. Come along on this little journey to look back on an interesting and productive life in this tribute lens for this Father's Day. I took this photo...
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Books from the Heartland of America
Brief reviews are provided here of books from the Heartland of America written by authors who all live in the Heartland. I highly recommend each to you - have read them - and enjoyed them.
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Heritage tourism in Alaska
A brief overview of a visit to Alaska, photos from my visit, information on the National Heritage Area in Alaska, a couple of reading recommendations.
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Rivers aren't what they used to be!
The use of rivers and their role in our society have changed dramatically over the past 150 years. They used to be our transportation systems, now we have bridges over all of them.
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Old barns are heritage icons - where is your favorite?
I've looked at some of the 'old barn' lenses already posted, but will take a different tack to provide some new information. I've Featured a couple of my favorite 'old barn' lens, below, but the remainder of this lens is my viewpoint of 'old barns'...
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Heritage Tourism: One of my passions
I love to write about and promote Heritage Tourism - personal or business travel seeking historical, cultural and natural aspects of the tourism destination. I would love to hear about your interests.
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Heritage Tourism, in my view
This is the first of a number of presentations I expect to make in my Heritage Tourism in the USA series. As I add additional presentations, they will be added here via links. Stop back regularly to enjoy the new presentations as well as those...
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"Back to the Homeplace"
This lens presents detailed information about the novel "Back to the Homeplace" - a family saga novel by William Leverne Smith. It is Smith's debut novel and has received positive critical reviews from a number of sources and had good initial sales...
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Top 7 Flowers for my Raised-Bed Flower Garden
I prepared this article when I was seriously working toward creating a Raised-Bed Flower Garden off of my back deck here at my cabin in the woods.
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Scrapbooking your Family History for your Descendants
Do you combine an interest with scrapbooking with your interest in family history? They do go well together as we discuss in this article.
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Family History and Genealogy as a Hobby
Family history and genealogy study and research is a great hobby as well as being useful for family medical and general knowledge reasons. We need to know where we came from and got to be who we are.
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Come Experience the Kansas Flint Hills - Not what you think!
I had the pleasure of living in the Kansas Flint Hills for fifteen years and working with the tourism community there. These are some of the highlights you may enjoy on your visit one day.
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6 Top Chickens to explore
This whimsical article came from a reminder about "my chickens" when I was very young. Chickens do play such an important role in our lives, in many ways. Hope this helps you think about it, a bit!
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Top Six Northeast USA National Heritage Areas
The six National Heritage Areas shared here are each members of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas and offer you a variety of subjects of interest to those of us seeking heritage travel opportunities in this region of the USA. Photo is of my...
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Top Five Sites at the Silos and Smokestacks NHA and more
This article focuses on 5 of the top sites to visit when you are at the Silos and Smokestakes National Heritage Area in northeast Iowa. There are many more, but in this year, these were rated highest.
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7 Fast Food Favorites - and oh so many more...
Sharing information on 7 of my favorite Fast Food Favorites and requesting your comments on each of them. Also, which would you have included on your list. Please leave a comment with your suggestions
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The Top Ten National Heritage Areas you might visit - one is close to you!
I love to write about the 49 National Heritage Areas across the United States of America. Here are my nominations for a Top Ten, scattered across the country for your review. Visit one soon.
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My American Idol Discussion Site - You can play too
This is a tribute article based on the 2012 and 2013 seasons of the television series American Idol. Who were your favorites in these two seasons?
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How to choose your next National Heritage Area to visit!
Here it is my purpose to introduce you to the concept of the National Heritage Area and use a small selection of the 49 across the country as examples to draw your interest.
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FHISO: One Community, One Standard - Come join us!
This is an information article sharing the founding of FHISO as a genealogy standards group, supported by some of the leading family history entities in the industry.
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Crash Course in Genealogy/Family History: Read GeneaBloggers
This lens will lead you to the GeneaBloggers community site, created by Thomas MacEntee, with over 2000 genealogy related bloggers talking about interesting and useful activities EVERY DAY. You can focus on WHAT you want to know, HOW to do it, and...
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The Branson Beat - What's New, What's Old
Information on the tourist destination of Branson, Missouri, in the southern Missouri Ozark mountains, on the White River as well as Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. Suggestions requested.