The Great Influenza Epidemic of 1918
My grandmother’s sister, Ada Margaret, died in the great influenza epidemic of 1918. She was only eleven years old.
A couple years ago I decided I wanted to learn more about the insane disease that claimed the life of my great aunt. I picked up a MONSTER book at B&N called The Great Influenza. It was a really great narrative about modern medicine and the ignorance of the average human about illness at this time. The disease killed over 500,000 Americans and tens of millions around the world. It’s a great read even though it’s pretty dense.
Photo courtesy of Shorpy.com
My dad sent me this photograph of my grandmother and her sisters. Pictured form left to right, Ada Margaret, Ruth (my grandmother and namesake) and Edna. They all look so beautiful. What an amazing time period.
Do you have any historical stories relating to your family history?
My Sentiments Exactly
You can purchase this print on 20×200. Artist: Mike Monteiro
Paramount Polaroids
Along with many photos taken of Keri J on my digital I got one GREAT one on my 4×5 with some old Polaroid leftovers as well as a photo of an old shack.
I love Paramount Ranch. Have I mentioned that before? We had a lot of girl scout events there. I also cleaned up lots of garbage, square danced and picked ticks out of my socks whilst there for a church service project.
You should make a pilgrimage next time you’re in LA. It’s a fun place to explore and hike. But watch out for those ticks!
Do I look like I’m crying?
Everyone says that I look like I am. I’m a fan of my mother’s face in this picture (she would be the one in red). She was wearing a necklace I made for her when I was about ten years old. I thought that was sweet.
But really, who doesn’t loved a scared old lady face?
Out of the Ordinary
My good friend Britta and I were talking last week about how we should be photographing every day and we don’t. Which is sad and bad. You can’t grow without constant care to your craft. So, Britta started a daily blog for us. Each day we are to photograph and post our photos. No words, just photos. Anything and everything around our homes or in our lives that we do.
It’s only been a few days but it’s been a lot of fun. It’s good to feel responsible for something because it helps me feel accountable and thus I photograph everyday. It’s open to participants, so if you’re up for the challenge to shoot everyday join in! Just email Britta at brittaanne (at) gmail (dot) com. She’ll add you to the blog! Or you can check back for daily inspiration.
All of my posts are labeled MegRuth, in case you were wondering. I’m excited to see how this goes. I feel good about it.
As an aside all images of mine from Out of the Ordinary will be for sale on Instaproofs.
Thanks, Christina, for giving me these gorgeous cups a couple years ago. I LOVE them!
Mmm, mmm, Sir Luke
Sir Luke couldn’t be with my on the natal anniversary. I was a little sad about it but I get to be with him almost everyday so it wasn’t too sad.
He is so thoughtful! When I arrived back at my parents house after a day at Disney I was greeted by a beautiful arrangement of Gerbera Daisies. I love Gerbera Daisies. I don’t think there is any happier flower that comes in a wider variety of colors. They are generally pretty resilient flowers, but I think the drive across the desert back to Vegas did them in. Luckily, I can still enjoy ones flower from the arrangement.
I love flowers, but not as much as I love cupcakes. Oh good heavens! Give me a red velvet cupcake and we’re friends for life. I still need to try my hand at making some. I’ve got some rootbeer candies that I’ll be using to make rootbeer cupcakes very soon. So be on the lookout for that.
Anyway, we recently went over to The Cupcakery after a dinner out with some friends and I was so impressed. If you’re ever in town we will need to make a stop. I was delighted when Sir Luke came out of the kitchen with flaming cupcakes atop our red cake plate. They were delish.
I only wish I could share them with you!
Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!