family

  • family, family historian

    Beggars’ Night

    On October 30, 1926, my Grandma was born on Beggars’ night. She was the first child of Raymond F. Durbin and Ula Mae Akin Durbin.  She told me that Beggars Night was the “treat” portion of Trick or Treat years ago. From the research I have done, it is mainly a midwest tradition. My Great Grandfather Raymond F. Durbin was originally from Illinois.  The children would dress in their costumes and make evening rounds to homes and sometimes businesses. Gathering treats and sometimes they would receive things like buttons, and old jewelry. She collected these two jars for decades, full of little treasures and gave them to me years ago.

     

    She would joke about not knowing exactly was in there, she had collected these as a child and young adult and maybe there might be a $20.00 in one. Tonight I dusted off these old jars and just took out a couple things from the top. Found a beautiful beaded ribbon with the letters BS on it, two fabric cats and a gold broach with red dangling beads in great condition. I placed all these lovely memories back in the jars. Things she had collected from Beggars’ night, her birthday, her own little time capsule.

    Grandma as a young girl in a Clown Costume

    I always find family traditions fascinating, we went Trunk and Treat with our 4 kids this last weekend. It was something completely new for us. Where people gathered on Base and decorated their cars, passing out candy for the kids. What are some traditions you share with your family?

  • family, jewelry

    Upcoming Giveaway

    It is getting cooler, we are spending more time indoors with loved ones. The Holiday season is approaching fast. I am hosting a Giveaway for Chunky Bling on November 1, through November 14, 2011. You design your own watches, rings, necklaces with the stones and pearls that you want. Want something unique to the birthstones of your family-done. I just ordered the pink pearl Swarovski ring.

    Chunky Bling isn’t only a jewelry store but also a place where you can host a jewelry party with friends and family to earn FREE Jewelry. What a lovely opportunity to spend more time with your family.

    Mothers Bracelets

  • family, Las Vegas

    Meeting Distant Relatives

    I have written about how I love Facebook. Not because of Farmville, or CafeWorld, but for all the re-connections, and discoveries I have found. My Grandparents had divorced before my mother was born, so the most I knew about Grandpa’s family was just names and dates. Other than pictures the people behind those photos were a mystery to me. Well as soon as I got up the courage to get on Facebook the first person I searched for was my Grandma’s sister in law. I knew that my mother had been in contact with her in the past. Why not see if she was also on Facebook. Well she was and we have had a very nice friendship. This summer during our Las Vegas Trip, my family was able to visit with her Daughter, Sandra. My family really enjoyed sharing our vacation in Las Vegas with her. 

    Recently she started a blog of her own, highlighting her business. Her blog is Hard Times Auctions, much better than Storage Wars. I wish her the best on her blog and hope others will check it out.