Sunny!

Venice Beach

Late afternoon

This is nice.  I like it!

Cousin Anna Belle

Anna Belle Burns Lytes Harris

One of the "finds" I came across when going thru a box.  I came across cousin Anna Belle's scrapbook.  I've seen this book many times over the years, but it took on a new significance this time.  As I flipped the pages I saw (for the first time ever) Anna Belle's life unfolding.  Times spent with family and friends, at home and traveling, holidays and special occasions are all right here.  In my hands I held Anna Belle and the family's history.  I have no clue who many of the folks in the scrapbook may be but I recognized known relatives.  Our own "flapper" created a book of photographs that gives a peek into a few of the many years of her full life. I'm grateful to have and share a rediscovered piece of family history.

Anna Belle

Oh Yeah!!

"Paradise is being where you want to be and doing what you enjoy doing."

"Summertime...and the livin' is easy..." Having a few months off in the Summer makes all the difference in the world. Like many people, I used to work a twelve month schedule.  Holidays, personal days and vacation time included.  Pretty nice and financially rewarding.  Life brings about change, people change and nothing ever stays the same. Change is good.  My twelve month schedule became a ten month schedule. This is my fourth year of having a two month summertime vacation.  I will quote myself, "This is nice. I like it."

Father's Day 2013

Anthony, Wendy and son Blake


The slide show in this post was created in 2010. There are some men not included, for they weren't fathers at time. Others were omitted not by choice, but simply because I didn't have pictures of them or their children. To ALL of the fathers/grandfathers and anyone that has assumed the paternal role in a child's life - I extend to you a Happy Father's Day. Your love, strength and support makes a world of difference. Much respect to those mothers that are taking on both roles and single-handedly caring for their families.  Have a good GREAT day everyone!

Grandpa Tony and Miquela

                                                         

                                           
 Press the play button to view the slide show.

I've Known This Wonderful Woman Longer Than Anyone And I Love Her

A YOUNG Timothy Scott

 A few years back I decided I should celebrate my day of arrival with my Mom.  It made very good sense to me. Mom should get something for my birthday.  Yes, she should receive SOMETHING for all her hard work. Recognition for "...a job well done" in giving LIFE to me. 

Me & Mom, Mom & Me 5/2013

I was the one that doctor's said wouldn't make it and forty-seven years later I'm still here.  It proves some doctors don't always know what the hell they're talking about, but I digress.  Mom gave birth to me and I want to show my appreciation.

Me & Mom, Mom & Me 1967

It's not bragging, but Mom does enjoy my cooking.  She'll tell anyone that will listen how much she likes the food I prepare.  So I'm cooking her dinner (still not sure what that will be) and dessert.  I couldn't decide which I wanted more, so I'm baking a 7UP cake and a chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream frosting.  Yep, two cakes.  I'm doing it all for my mother to say, "Thanks Mom, I appreciate all that you've done and you're my favorite Mom because you're my only Mom."  It goes without saying how much I Love My Mom, but I will say, "I Love My Mom very much."  Thanks Mom!!!

Mothers Day - 2013

I don't know when, but I stopped getting caught up in the whole commercialization of Mothers Day.  Let's face it; it's all about spending money.  Money spent in the form of a card, flowers, candy, balloons - something.  Those are fine for those that want to give them as gifts.  I prefer the gift of food and will prepare a meal for Mom.  A few years back I made a slide show of the mothers and their children.  It was my way to honor the women of the family.  We've added new mothers to the family since I made this in 2010.  Much love and respect to all our Moms. Take a moment to enjoy the pics.




press the > button to view the clip

CREEP/JANET MIX

A new sound for an old song...

The Church On The Hill

YIELD

Members of this family have worshiped in homes of various denominations throughout the years.  As for Veltirea and her children, the chosen faith without hesitation or discussion was Baptist, period.  I was never discouraged from asking questions about religions.  There are notable differences but similarities as well.  I will say there wasn't much discussion about Catholicism in my family.  In fact, let's say there was none. My parents and grandparents never took me to the Cathedral of Saint Paul. It was a BIG church we passed on our journeys of the day.  It was a mystery and I wanted to solve it.  I wanted to go inside the church.  My time eventually arrived to walk through the doors. I was studying architectural and engineering technology at Saint Paul Technical Vocational Institute - TVI (what is present day Saint Paul College) and given an assignment to visit this behemoth of a church structure.  I'll say it's big for Midwest standards.  Up close I saw this mysterious place in a different light.  I found the exterior to be dirty and old.  The interior was cold, large and rigid.  Not quite what I envisioned in all the years I saw it from a passing vehicle.

The Cathedral of Saint Paul

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the Cathedral live and in color on a rainy Saturday morning in March. Some years back the entire structure was refurbished.  I must admit the building looks much better now.   Feel free to take a look at the website for the church.  http://www.cathedralsaintpaul.org/

Time To Do This

Iowa Cooley -- 5th Generation

Hey!!  I did take a pause for the cause.  I didn't realize how long it's been since I posted something here.  I may have been inactive for a moment, but this blog is alive and kicking.  Writing posts for Tim's Tales and Stories is the one thing I can say I enjoy doing without hesitation.  Sharing the family history and pictures is of paramount importance to me and there's more to come. The best way to know the history of this family is to tell the tales that have been told to me.  I'm on it.  We've got a big birthday celebration approaching for Mom.  That gathering of family ensures a fun time will be had by all.  There's more coming.  Just wait...you'll see.

Maurice Is Eighteen

Happy 18th birthday to Toyia Lynn's baby, Maurice.  

 It goes without saying, but your family loves you very much.

Photos by Maria E!

Looking out

Photography is something many in this family enjoy and do well.  I saw this picture by Maria Elena and knew it had to be posted to the blog.  That woman has an incredible eye.  I like what she's able to capture in her photographs.  Yep, she another talented member of this family.  

I like her subjects

Great piece of old "current" events

Music never dies

This old house

I'm impressed with all of her pics.  There are many more on her facebook page and I'd really like to post more.  I have a feeling there will be another posting of her pictures in the future.  Keep taking great pictures, Maria.  I'm loving them!

I Laid Down My Burden

Raspberry Island on the Mississippi River

Sunday morning I decided to take a walk around my neighborhood.  One of the places I explored was Raspberry Island.  I've been there many times before, but it's usually to walk around, look at the river and move on.  I did things differently this time.  I actually spent time sitting by and enjoying the views of the river and city from the island.  I'm glad I did.  Being near water is always something I liked to do.  River, lakes or oceans; being near water is something I never grow tired of doing.

Live on stage

It was one of those unplanned events that was a good one.  I will be doing it again before the cold weather sets in.  A fun time was had by me.