A Tribute with Love and Honor to My Mom

As the day to honor all Mothers is here I think of and honor my own mother who, I am sad to say is no longer with us.    So, I will sing just a few of her many praises as I join others in honoring their Mothers on this day. 

 The day she passed, I lost my greatest champion, my greatest encourager and a large part of my heart.  I always think of her ever presence along with my father in that great cloud of witnesses cheering me and our family on, through all the trials and joys we walk through.

Maria del Carmen Matos-Trujillo Valuja

                                                                     












Her quiet strength, perseverance and grace was ever so evident throughout her life. Wisdom and grace, always... 

Early on I learned that all things in life do not have to be said or proved.  The importance of having grace for others since we never really know their circumstances... and to always let those you love know your heart.  

My Mom lived through her heart and her graciousness and love for others always came through as she always gave to others even out of her own need.  

I know that my deep love for family and family history came from her and my Dad.  

See, both of my parents came from Cuba to this country, separately from one another.  They met in this country through mutual friends, who would later become my aunts and uncles.  Throughout my life they always shared family stories about their lives in Cuba and how their families originally traveled from Spain and the Canary Islands.... and oh, how I wished I had asked many more questions than I did.  

As many of our ancestors, they both left everything behind and arrived in this country, in a world that was much more disconnected than we know it today.  Technology as we know it was non-existent to speak of and the decision to emigrate from another country was more pronounced and absolute.

All I can say, is that I am deeply appreciative and humbled by their lives, sacrifices and all that they imparted to me and my sister through their love for us.

So today, as Mother’s Day, I honor my Mom, Grandmother to my children and my sister’s children....

  

~ Maria del Carmen Matos Trujillo Valuja 

 ~ Maria del Carmen Valuja y Matos-Trujillo  (the Hispanic version) 

I love you for always, Mom!!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Copyright © 2012 Marilyn Poole /The Genealogy Gap

‘Decisions’ ‘Decisions’ -There is Life After Google Reader

          Hence, the ripple effect begins, in the perpetual project of building a genealogical toolbox. You know the one that Thomas MacEntee has graciously shared and taught us on so many times, and we yearn to develop to facilitate our own research.  

One of the many tools in my toolbox is Google Reader.  

Well, forward motion is temporarily on hold, as we begin the investigation process for another web-based aggregator, since Google made the announcement that it will be shutting down Google Reader on 1 July. 

 I have to say, it has become an essential tool that many of us rely on to help sift and process the enormous amount of daily information...and it has worked well. 

So, back to square one as we search for a Google Reader replacement, lest the dreaded event overtake us in unprepared fashion.

 My goal here, is not to do an exhaustive search of every aggregator available, but simply to find a reasonable and reliable alternative with the least amount of learning curve as a replacement for my laptop and IPad.

I started with a Google Search.  Where would we be without Google. I know there are many other search engines, but Google has been the quick go-to.  My kids frequently hear me say ‘Google it’ if there is something we need to find an answer to. 

Quick, easy and usually always get results, except, of course, for those leads we yearn for to break down those ‘brick walls’. 

I gathered several interesting suggestions from a few articles and was pleasantly surprised to find a number of alternatives. 

Here is a listing of some options I thought stood out and that may be helpful if you are searching for a replacement. 

Cloud-based options:

Feedly

IOS, Android, Web

News aggregator, RSS feed reader, Newspaper feel.                                                                     

• Free
• User-friendly
• Blog subscription Index
• Click and drag to organize’ subscriptions to desired category
• Functions: Latest activity, History, Save for later
• Six View Options: Tiles, Magazine, Timeline Mosaic, Cards, Full Articles                     (Topic categories and mosaics are similar to FlipBoard and Zite, the SmartPhone
• Available for Firefox or Chrome
• Available for Safari:

Can add listings individually by URL, site name or categories. 

 Automatically synched everything on my Google Reader, including all my folders.

*Feedly syncs with Google Reader, which means that any changes you perform on Feedly will also reflect on Google Reader.  Of course, that is only good until 1 July. 

There is a statement on their website that when Reader goes down they will have a ‘seamless transition method’ in place.

     

Here are a few transition tips to Feedly:

Tips for Google Reader Users Migrating to Feedly

Transitioning from Google Reader to Feedly

Newsblur

IOS, Android, Web

Similar to Google Reader, A social news reader.

• Free 
• User-friendly 
• Downloads automatically
• Social Sharing of news
• Blurblogs
• Trains your feeds 
• Bullet colors next to stories indicating: Like, don’t like, not yet rated

 Automatically downloads Google Reader subscriptions quickly.  

Workable layout and similar to Google Reader. 

Most all categories and contents transferred correctly, although, I had to reorganize a few listings.

The only drawback I found is the limited number (64) of subscriptions in the free version which is a bit restrictive for my needs. 

This does explain the random empty folders in a few categories that I found.  

If you need more space for more subscriptions, Newsblur does have a Premium service for a small annual fee.

Netvibes

IOS, Android, Web

As stated on their website: Founded in 2005, Netvibes pioneered the first personalized dashboard publishing platform for the web.

  • Free

  • Browser-based RSS reader

  • Very user-friendly

  • Similar to Google Reader

  • Live dashboard 

  •  Real-time monitoring of apps, feeds, Tweets

  • Perfectly Synced

 A few transition tips:

To Switch from the old service to Netvibes

    • You will need to create an account with a username and password.

       I had to export the data from Google Reader to import into Netvibes.  

- To do this, I went to Settings on the Google Reader page and clicked on Import/Export.  

- Go to ‘Export your information’ and click on ‘Download your data through Takeout’. 

- This will take you to another screen listing the estimated files and size.   

Click on ‘Create Archive’ and download your Google Subscriptions into your ‘Downloads’ file in your computer. 

- You are now ready to import in the ‘+ Add Content’ screen.  

Go to ‘Add a feed’ and click ‘Import’ and ‘Choose File’. 

At this point you will need to locate the file in your computer that you downloaded from Google Reader and click enter and done.

You may have to rearrange some of the category contents.  

A Few Others:

• Taptu

OS, Android, Web

Visual browsing of news feeds

Looks very similar to Netvibes

• Pulse

 (free) IOS, Android, Webb

Intuitive interface for touch screens

Similar to Flipboard

• Fipboard

IOS, Android

Layout of social networks. Flips like a magazine. 

• Zite

IOS, Android

•  Google Currents

 IOS, Android, (free) -

As you can see there are many alternatives to Google Reader and many more than I can possibly cover here.  I am relieved, at this point,  that I have found a suitable replacement that will achieve my objective.  That is, unless, I find another solution from another source.  

What do you think?  Are there other options that you have come 

across? I am interested in hearing about what you uncover.

Each person holds a piece to the network puzzle.  We all can learn from each other as long as we share what we find and not discount our findings. 

Remember, Someone, somewhere may need the information you have and it could be the very piece they need to solve their problem or save them time in the process.

For Further Reading:

• CNet: Google Reader is Dying but We Have Five Worthy Alternatives

• Lifehcker: Goolge Reader Alternative

• Desktop and Laptop Alternatives

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

I have several prayers and blessings that are my favorites.
This Old Irish Blessing is one I posted last year and it is fitting for today and every day.


~  Old Irish Blessing ~

~May the good Lord protect you,And bless you today.
And may troubles ignore you,
Each step of the way.

May God hold you in the palm of His hand

~May God be with you and bless you.

May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness.
From this day forward.

~May you have love that never ends,

lots of money, and lots of friends.

Health be yours, whatever you do,

and may God send many blessings to you!

~ May your troubles be less,

And your blessing be more.
And nothing but happiness,
Come through your door. 

*Interesting links with information on Saint Patrick:

The Real Saint Patrick- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCJpf71spQM

History of St. Patrick's Day ~The History Channel

The Season of Advent ~ A Family Tradition

 ~ The Promise of Hope ~ 

The celebration of Advent has always been a favorite family activity since it brings the element of unity and the ever-present promise of hope for the future in such a significant way. 

We live in such a fast-paced, electronic world, today,  the traditions that generate a fusion of generational relationships become more precious, especially in such a mobile society complicated by vast geographical distances. So, yes, I am grateful for all opportunities to spend special times together.

Everyone in our family loves all holidays but Christmas in particular seems to exceed all others.  In earlier years, when our children were very young, I was quite impressed with the importance of establishing our own family traditions along with those of my husband’s and my family, growing up.

Always ready to welcome the opportunity for family time and share family history, it was a privilege, as well, to impart the spiritual importance of the holiday to our children, as well as create lasting memories of warmth and love and fun that are a part of our own family holiday customs.

My impression has always been that family is one of the most important and inspiring gifts that one is blessed with, despite any challenges along the road. 

At this point of our lives, we have many traditions that each member of our family remembers and are quite vocal as they insist on these events every year with absolutely no risk of it becoming tedious.  The expected array of comforting food choices on the menu, the music selections and style of decor is embraced with fervent anticipation early in the season.
These significant occasions throughout the years have brought many memories of joy that are absolutely priceless.

One of these traditions includes the Advent Wreath and Advent Calendar.

~ Here is a brief overview of Advent and how we celebrate Advent in our home.  

The important thought is to make it your own where it complements your family and above all make it a fun learning experience, enjoyable for everyone. 

As the Advent ceremony begins we start with the family meal at the dinner table at sunset by candlelight, including special readings and songs.  

What is Advent  ~

The meaning of Advent is ‘to come’ or ‘arrival'.  

Pre-Christianity ~
Although we recognize Advent as a Christian tradition, the Advent wreath was actually a symbol in northern Europe prior to Christianity.  The circle represents the perpetual cycle of the four seasons as the evergreens and candles represent life in the midst of winter.

Christianity ~ 

Since Christmas is all about the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in His First Advent and the anticipation of the return of Christ in His Second Advent, it is fitting that the 

Advent wreath and calendar is used to keep track of how many days until Jesus Birthday.

Advent often symbolizes a time of deep reflection taking us on a spiritual journey as we encounter a renewed spirit of hope and expectation in our lives throughout the season. 

Traditionally, the Lighting of the Advent Candles has been observed in Churches around the world during the season of Advent for hundreds of years.  

Likewise, it can be honored at home, as well as provide an enjoyable occasion to teach children the spiritual observance as well as establishing a new tradition.

When is Advent ~

 As the Christmas season approaches around the time of Thanksgiving we begin preparations for the Advent Season typically beginning the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  

Advent is a period beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (30 November) and embracing four Sundays.

This year, the First Sunday of Advent is December 2, as we are fortunate to have an extra week due to an early Thanksgiving.  

Second Sunday of Advent ~ December 9

Third Sunday of Advent ~ December 16

Fourth Sunday of Advent ~ December 23

The Colors of Advent  ~

Although the colors of the candles can vary depending on varying Church traditions, the primary sanctuary color of Advent is Purple, which signifies penitence and fasting, as well as the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King.  The purple is used the first two weeks of Advent. 

The third week marks a shift to pink, which indicates the celebration of the season.

In Protestant churches blue is used to distinguish the Season of Advent from Lent.  
Royal Blue often symbolizes royalty. 

Red and Green are associated with secular Christmas colors which derives from older European customs using evergreens and holly to symbolize life and hope.

There are several ways of observing Advent at home, the Advent Wreath, the Advent Calendar or the Candy Cane Calendar.

The Advent Wreath ~

The Advent wreath is symbolic and recounts the Christmas Story. It is made from evergreen branches symbolizing hope and eternal life, shaped in a circle which 

represents everlasting life. 

*In England an Advent Yule Log was used which is simply a log that held 4 candles evenly spaced.

~ The Candles

The Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son.

There are four outer candles on the wreath that represent the interval of time during the four Sundays of Advent.  The four Sundays of Advent symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.  

Each candle represents the name relating the specific themes for biblical readings for each week in Advent.  

Although the colors of the candles can vary dependent on varying traditions.  In many instances the colors used are two purple, two pink with the white in the center.  

On the first Sunday of Advent, one of the candles is lit, a Scripture is read, a short devotional or reading is given, and a prayer offered. 

On subsequent Sundays, previous candles are relit in addition to the current candle.  
 The pink candle is usually lit on the third Sunday of Advent.
Based on the tradition of a particular Church, the pink candle is lit on different Sundays based on their symbolism. 

* I often use red candles for each week and a white candle in the center for the Christ Candle.

The Ceremony: 

Traditionally, the Advent wreath is placed on a kitchen or dining room table to be lit during meals and continue with the devotions. 

 It may also be displayed in a central location where it can serve as a Christmas decoration.

The Scripture Readings are all about the prophecies about the coming of Jesus.

The First Week ~

At the beginning of the ceremony, we light the First Candle, The Prophecy Candle to mark the beginning of Advent.  

The Scripture reading is Isaiah 11:1-6.  Hymn: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

The Second Week ~ 

We light the First candle and Second Candle- The Bethlehem Candle. 

The Scripture reading is Luke 1:26-38.  Hymn: “O, Little Town of Bethlehem”

The Third Week ~

We light the First, Second and Third Candle- The Shepherds’ Candle, which represents the sharing of the good news of Christ’s coming.

Traditionally the third candle is Pink or Rose and symbolizes Joy.  

The Scripture read is Luke 2:8-20.  Hymn: “Go, Tell it on the Mountain”

The 4th Week ~
We light the First, Second, Third and Fourth Candle- The Angel Candle (the Candle of Christmas Remembering) which symbolizes God’s love for the world and a reminder to share God’s love.  

The Scripture reading is Acts: 1:1, 2, 4-11. Hymn: “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”

Christmas Eve ~

We light all four of the Candles, except the Center Candle.

The Scripture reading is Matthew 1:18-2:12. Hymn: “Silent Night”

Christmas Day ~

Today we will light all the candles on our Advent Wreath including the Fifth Candle-in the center - The Christ Candle.  

The Scripture reading is Luke 2:1-20.  Hymn: “Joy to the World”

*After Christmas Day, all five candles may continue to be lighted on Sundays through Epiphany (Jan 6).

~ Advent Calendar:

The Advent Calendar is a fun way to help count the days until Christmas. 

 It also provides a nice Christmas decoration with a hidden surprise behind every window that one opens for each day. 

~ Candy Cane Calendar:

This particular type is the easiest to add in your daily schedule by simply using store bough Candy Canes in a container. You will need about 25 candy canes, to hang one for each day of Advent until Christmas Day. 


The kids really have fun with this one, as they try to sneak some of the candy canes. 




There are many variations on this ceremony, for example there is a lighting of the candles and a scripture reading for every night of the week throughout the season.
However, due to the size of our family and schedule restrictions, we opted to celebrate together on the four Sundays of Advent and include weekdays accordingly.  

The focus is to include the traditions that work for your family and enjoy the season and especially enjoy and appreciate your family.... and of course, share those family histories.



Merry Christmas!! and Happy Holidays!!

*Sources for further reading: 

-'Family Activities for the Christmas Season' ~ by Karen Spies

-'The Advent Instructor: Reflections on Christmas Symbolism' ~ by Kenneth A. Mortonson

- Catholic Online - The Advent Wreath
- About.com- Seasons and Holidays
- The Voice- Biblical and Theological Resources...

Photo credit: Traditional Home magazine: 

Photographer; Eric Roth, 

Interior designer: Richard Bradshaw and Matt Overstreet

 "May your footprints today, leave a treasured legacy tomorrow"

Copyright © 2012 Marilyn Poole /The Genealogy Gap