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January 2012

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The Lives of You

January 26, 2012

I know the title above - the Lives of You - is not grammatically correct. But I list it because of an interesting email thread I've been following with fellow APH members.

The thread started because of an article in the NY Times. It was a book review  of The Lives of Margaret Fuller by John Matteson. The "lives" - not just the "life". This is interesting because each of us has many experiences over a lifetime and we often have phases where we go through career,  lifestyle and personal changes. Life can be full and varied so why not consider your many lives when you preserve your life story?

Some great memoir titles have been shared on the thread. A German immigrant titled her story, From Lederhosen to Jeans: A Sweet & Sour Kraut's Journey to America. Another personal historian is working on a banker's memoir with the working title The Banker Who Never Lost Interest. And I really like the car salesman who titled his book, Through the Rearview Mirror.


The Pilot Who Soared on Eagle's Wings

January 20, 2012

(In memory of my father, Thomas M. Gilbert, Jr.)

Tom Gilbert, beloved father and grandfather My dad served 26 years in the United States Air Force. He loved to fly! He often remarked that he couldn't believe his good fortune at being paid to do it for so many years.

Dad also had a strong faith, but it came after many years of seeking and as a result of some significant spiritual experiences. One of his favorite Bible verses comes from Isaiah 40:31, "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles". That verse really spoke to him. I can only imagine what it must have been like to soar through the clouds at twice the speed of sound in a big bomber jet.

Dad passed away a few days ago on January 14, 2012. He'd been sick and in and out of the hospital the past few months. It became clearer to family that his time on earth was nearing an end. My sister, Leslie, lives in Kansas City and so was able to keep tabs on Dad and let us know how things were going. Brother Doug in Virginia and I in Albuquerque made the wise decision in November to book a flight to visit. We chose the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend. It would give us a three day weekend and seemed like good timing. We had no idea just how good the timing would be!

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New Mexico - Looking Good for a Hundred!

January 5, 2011

New Mexico Centennial Logo4Tomorrow we get a new Centenarian as New Mexico celebrates 100 years of statehood. The state became a US Territory in 1848, but it didn't get statehood until 1912. There is a lot of history behind that. New Mexico is known as the "Land of Enchantment" and it certainly has been that for me. I first moved to Albuquerque in 1979 and left 8 years later. I returned in 1997 and this has been my home ever since.

New Mexico is rich in culture (Hispanic, Native American, Mexican and early Americans) with colorful stories about conquistadors, pueblo Indians, wild west outlaws (remember Billy the Kid?) and many artists (Georgia O'Keeffe among them). The state has a beautiful and varied geography and amazing skies. Plus, we have chile - red and green flow through our veins!

The official website for all things related to New Mexico's Centennial is www.nmcentennial.org. It's interesting to explore. Just today I was sharing with my 7th grade social studies class the story of the 47 stars American Flag. Find out why it was an unofficial official stars and stripes - here.


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