R.C. Durkee's Blog
January 15, 2019
A NEW YEAR
It is the beginning of a new year and as of lately, I approach the stoke of midnight on January 1st with cautious optimism.
When I was young, New Year's Eve was a big celebration at my grandparents' home with all the uncles, aunts, cousins and family friends. The home was wall to wall with good chatter, lively games and scrumptious food and desserts. One food, though, baked away in the oven, awaiting the stroke of midnight- a pork roast smothered in homemade sauerkraut.
Before the last streamer and handful of confetti hit the ground, my great- grandmother and grandmother would jump into action. First, they grabbed brooms and "swept " the old year out the front door, and then they broke out the pork roast and ceremoniously metered out kraut, pork and potatoes to all present. It was essential the first meal of the year was pork to "root in" the new year as well as bring luck. Despite a full dinner laden with sauerkraut in the wee hours of a new year, followed by more frivolity before we all returned home to our beds, no one ever complained of indigestion or crazy dreams the following day!
The tradition of sweeping and pork after midnight still continues but how I wish I would have asked my grandmothers if this was a German tradition passed down from their grandmothers.
Mom now makes the pork roast and insists our now smaller gathering has pork and kraut as the first meal of the year even if it means breakfast! The problem is, the pork thing isn't working as good as it did when I was young. Life happens and some of it isn't very good. Perhaps it is the tough stuff that happens to or around me that makes me dip my toe cautiously into the waters of the new year. Will it be tranquil, raging or swift rapids? Will it be all three?
Surely my grandmothers knew each year would have troubled waters, and yet faced the stroke of midnight fearlessly. Since I "walk in faith when I cannot see," I, like them, plunge into the waters of the New Year and swim!
When I was young, New Year's Eve was a big celebration at my grandparents' home with all the uncles, aunts, cousins and family friends. The home was wall to wall with good chatter, lively games and scrumptious food and desserts. One food, though, baked away in the oven, awaiting the stroke of midnight- a pork roast smothered in homemade sauerkraut.
Before the last streamer and handful of confetti hit the ground, my great- grandmother and grandmother would jump into action. First, they grabbed brooms and "swept " the old year out the front door, and then they broke out the pork roast and ceremoniously metered out kraut, pork and potatoes to all present. It was essential the first meal of the year was pork to "root in" the new year as well as bring luck. Despite a full dinner laden with sauerkraut in the wee hours of a new year, followed by more frivolity before we all returned home to our beds, no one ever complained of indigestion or crazy dreams the following day!
The tradition of sweeping and pork after midnight still continues but how I wish I would have asked my grandmothers if this was a German tradition passed down from their grandmothers.
Mom now makes the pork roast and insists our now smaller gathering has pork and kraut as the first meal of the year even if it means breakfast! The problem is, the pork thing isn't working as good as it did when I was young. Life happens and some of it isn't very good. Perhaps it is the tough stuff that happens to or around me that makes me dip my toe cautiously into the waters of the new year. Will it be tranquil, raging or swift rapids? Will it be all three?
Surely my grandmothers knew each year would have troubled waters, and yet faced the stroke of midnight fearlessly. Since I "walk in faith when I cannot see," I, like them, plunge into the waters of the New Year and swim!
July 21, 2018
WRITER AS ARCHAEOLOGIST
I uncovered some information that was both rewarding and disturbing at once. I am a speaker at an annual shipwreck camp hosted by a nearby university, and each year, I add new information to my program because of repeat campers. Because my great-great-great grandfather was drowned during a gale on Lake Erie (campers study and some scuba to shipwrecks in Lake Erie), I decided to dig into researching his wreck to learn more than the basics I knew to pass on to the campers and learned information that generations of my family had not known. I found an eyewitness account from the lone survivor of my grandfather's shipwreck, and it provided detailed information of the storm, the wreck, my grandfather's duty and details of his death. But there is also a mystery tied with the wreck which intrigues me. I am seriously considering writing a novel on this wreck after I finish the present book I am working on. Or maybe I should forego sleep and get right to it! Hmm...
May 13, 2018
THE GIFT OF READING
What better day than Mother's Day to thank the woman who not only gave me the gift of life but the gift of reading which led me down the road to writing.
Before I was old enough to read on my own, she opened the door to a magical world of giant beanstalks, talking bears and a wooden puppet who longed to be a boy.
Before I started kindergarten, she had taught me the ABCs, numbers and how to write my full name.
On summer breaks from elementary school, she took me once a week to the library where I picked out books to read. She insisted on one book a week, but she had wet my appetite for the written word so, that I came out of the library with a stack of books. I can't imagine how I found time to read with farm pond, cricks and woods to explore from the back of my pony! But my mother asked for one hour a day set aside for reading, and I did without complaint.
One Christmas, she and my father got me an encyclopedia-like set of books with maroon covers and a knight holding a lance on a rearing horse engraved on each cover. There must have been a dozen books in the set and in each book, a collection of short stories and folktales from around the world that were doorways to other times and cultures. Through those stories, I visited 17th century China, European medieval castles and South Sea islands.
There was a book under the tree every Christmas growing up, sometimes classics, sometimes light reads. I still have the complete collection of the Trixie Belden Mysteries which introduced me to cave spelunking in the Ozarks and hoisting jibs off the New England coast.
Through reading, I have learned things I would have never known had I not read, visited places far beyond my reach, time traveled to the past and future and gone on adventures beyond my imagination.
This spark she ignited has led me to write my own short stories, essays, poems and books, and for this, I cannot thank Mom enough for her enduring gift.
Before I was old enough to read on my own, she opened the door to a magical world of giant beanstalks, talking bears and a wooden puppet who longed to be a boy.
Before I started kindergarten, she had taught me the ABCs, numbers and how to write my full name.
On summer breaks from elementary school, she took me once a week to the library where I picked out books to read. She insisted on one book a week, but she had wet my appetite for the written word so, that I came out of the library with a stack of books. I can't imagine how I found time to read with farm pond, cricks and woods to explore from the back of my pony! But my mother asked for one hour a day set aside for reading, and I did without complaint.
One Christmas, she and my father got me an encyclopedia-like set of books with maroon covers and a knight holding a lance on a rearing horse engraved on each cover. There must have been a dozen books in the set and in each book, a collection of short stories and folktales from around the world that were doorways to other times and cultures. Through those stories, I visited 17th century China, European medieval castles and South Sea islands.
There was a book under the tree every Christmas growing up, sometimes classics, sometimes light reads. I still have the complete collection of the Trixie Belden Mysteries which introduced me to cave spelunking in the Ozarks and hoisting jibs off the New England coast.
Through reading, I have learned things I would have never known had I not read, visited places far beyond my reach, time traveled to the past and future and gone on adventures beyond my imagination.
This spark she ignited has led me to write my own short stories, essays, poems and books, and for this, I cannot thank Mom enough for her enduring gift.
February 15, 2018
WRITING
I have not been reading fiction lately because I am busy writing my latest novel. My reading consists of diaries, letters, reports, archived newspapers and nonfiction related to my novel. For a history buff who wanted to be an archaeologist, this is fascinating work.
I have a habit of going off track when researching when I uncover a related interesting tidbit that leads me down another road. What I think will be an hour, turns into hours. Luckily, this tidbit often can be useful and revealing so my time is not wasted, thank goodness!
I do not set a weekly goal in the number of pages I write, but in the number of hours writing. If I write a short time on one day or not at all, I make it up within the week until my goal is met. Making goal is not a problem in cold winter or humid summer, but a real chore to meet (or not) in spring and fall!
My novel is moving right along. No writer's block here.
I have a habit of going off track when researching when I uncover a related interesting tidbit that leads me down another road. What I think will be an hour, turns into hours. Luckily, this tidbit often can be useful and revealing so my time is not wasted, thank goodness!
I do not set a weekly goal in the number of pages I write, but in the number of hours writing. If I write a short time on one day or not at all, I make it up within the week until my goal is met. Making goal is not a problem in cold winter or humid summer, but a real chore to meet (or not) in spring and fall!
My novel is moving right along. No writer's block here.
November 18, 2017
RECENT READS
Perhaps it's because this is a very busy time of year for me or that the last two books I read were so good that I am having trouble getting into my latest read, a historical fiction set in early North American history. The last two books were modern day mysteries that were hard to put down. I admired the way the authors kept the reader engaged and immersed in the settings of their stories. This latest read failed to hook me. Was it a bit dry, a hard act to follow with the recent two exciting reads or just a lack of time to read?
Since fall is the busiest time for me, I will be fair and blame time. When life slows down (does it?), I will retrieve it again through my library and give it a chance. If you are curious about the books I am talking about, you check out my recent reads' ratings and reviews.
Since fall is the busiest time for me, I will be fair and blame time. When life slows down (does it?), I will retrieve it again through my library and give it a chance. If you are curious about the books I am talking about, you check out my recent reads' ratings and reviews.
September 25, 2017
Civil War Event
I was pretty bummed about missing Zoar Village's big Civil War reenactment, but then something better came my way. Two events "popped up" that were focused directly on my book I am writing because they concerned my county's history during the Civil War period, specifically the regiments my Civil War soldier relatives were in that are featured in my book. At one event I met a reenactor whose great-great grandfather was not only in the same regiment as my great-great grandfather but was in the same company! Mind blowing for both of us! We exchanged contact info and will be sharing information. He has a photo of the company with my 2xs great grandfather in it. I can't wait to see it. Check my website blog or facebook page for photograph postings. I also met a Civil War musician who upon hearing my Civil War relative played fiddle, played tunes on his fiddle that my relative most likely played before the war and around the campfire during the war. I was quite moved and very grateful to him for doing this. I am grateful to these "kindred spirits" who were so informative.
August 9, 2017
Fictional World
I was asked a question in "Ask the Author" which I took too long to think about, so I am answering it in my blog. The question was "which fictional book would I like to live in and what would I do in it?" I narrowed it down to four but I still think I am missing THE ONE.
There are stories I love but would not want to be in such as "The Last of the Mohicans"- love the era and setting plus Hawkeye, Chingachgook and Uncas are some of my favorite fictional characters but the danger they continually face would be stressful. I thought about the "Hobbit" as I love the Shire and Hobbit houses, but after some thought, Michael Crichton's "Timeline" won out. I originally wanted to be an archaeologist and I really like the medieval era and his book combined both in a fascinating adventure. I would like to be one of the students (like Kate) that go back in time to rescue the professor.
There are stories I love but would not want to be in such as "The Last of the Mohicans"- love the era and setting plus Hawkeye, Chingachgook and Uncas are some of my favorite fictional characters but the danger they continually face would be stressful. I thought about the "Hobbit" as I love the Shire and Hobbit houses, but after some thought, Michael Crichton's "Timeline" won out. I originally wanted to be an archaeologist and I really like the medieval era and his book combined both in a fascinating adventure. I would like to be one of the students (like Kate) that go back in time to rescue the professor.
July 22, 2017
PROGRAMS
I've been keeping busy doing speaking engagements for my book and local history. I am always honored when invited to speak and grateful for the invitation. The wonderful thing about these talks are meeting so many interesting people. Many have fascinating stories to share as well. One organization that has invited me back is Case Western Reserve University's Shipwreck Camp- a camp for youths 12-15 that teaches them research, scuba diving, and constructing underwater equipment for diving to shipwrecks in Lake Erie as well as local history and environment. I am invited to participate each year and talk about my book and personal story of a Lake Erie shipwreck that involved a family member. I have just as much fun as the kids! It is a wonderful organization with an awesome staff and students. In this day and age, it is great to see interest in history and research.
June 22, 2017
TIME TO WRITE
This spring, it has been a challenge to write on my novel. Gardening and farming is intense in spring, organizations have deadlines and demands (I am not an "on paper only" member) and I have been gut punched by the death of one friend after another from the ravages of disease. As heartbreaking as it is to lose friends, being of the same age makes one reflect on one's own mortality. Time does not stand still, and death's knock can be unexpected. My friends left many unfinished projects.
As it is with human nature, I tend to procrastinate- "there is plenty of time", I tell myself. But my friends showed me otherwise. It's time to slow down and get back to the business at hand- getting the stories out of my head and onto paper (and a flash-drive).
As it is with human nature, I tend to procrastinate- "there is plenty of time", I tell myself. But my friends showed me otherwise. It's time to slow down and get back to the business at hand- getting the stories out of my head and onto paper (and a flash-drive).
March 22, 2017
KINDRED SPIRITS
I have discovered so much in my many years of researching my ancestral relative (who fought in the Civil War) that has made me happy and sad, but one bit of information I just uncovered strikes my place in time.
Thirty plus years ago, I worked closely with a couple of people from Antietam National Battlefield Center and a Maryland Civil War Round Table with my research. A couple of weeks ago, I thought I would find out how they were doing. It was with a heavy heart I learned the volunteer that walked me through the lines at Fox's Gap battle site, accompanied me to the national cemetery and help locate information had passed away years ago. He was only a couple of years older than me! I regret he will never read my book, and I will not be able to see or talk with him again.
Civil War history creates kindred spirits.
Thirty plus years ago, I worked closely with a couple of people from Antietam National Battlefield Center and a Maryland Civil War Round Table with my research. A couple of weeks ago, I thought I would find out how they were doing. It was with a heavy heart I learned the volunteer that walked me through the lines at Fox's Gap battle site, accompanied me to the national cemetery and help locate information had passed away years ago. He was only a couple of years older than me! I regret he will never read my book, and I will not be able to see or talk with him again.
Civil War history creates kindred spirits.
