M.A. Lossl's Blog, page 3
May 6, 2015
Getting to know the amazing, wonderful you
How can we find out more, about ourselves? There has been a long dialogue about nature, versus nurture. Are we a blank canvass, that our upbringing and education, paints upon?
Well, recent research has revealed that we inherit knowledge and skills from our forebears.
Scientists have shown that memories and traits can pass through the generations via our genes. They call it genetic memory. Is this the mechanism for inheriting skills and talents?
Last autumn I watched my toddler grandson pick blackberries. He avoided the thorns and looked at the fruit before eating it, without me telling him: a throw back to our hunter gatherer roots?
Genetic memory helps explain why some people, after a trauma, all at once, have skills they have never learned. Why families often share phobias and talents.
My research into my family tree has given me a huge insight and understanding of my ancestors. My parents lived through two world wars. I know now in detail what the family went through during these tumultuous times. I have a sense of the many gifts I have inherited from them. This knowledge has made me a more insightful and self-aware individual. I understand where I am coming from.
Find out more about you and the talents you have inherited, by finding the story of your ancestors. If you need any tips on how to get started, let me know.
For more information about genetic memory see this article.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/blo...
Well, recent research has revealed that we inherit knowledge and skills from our forebears.
Scientists have shown that memories and traits can pass through the generations via our genes. They call it genetic memory. Is this the mechanism for inheriting skills and talents?
Last autumn I watched my toddler grandson pick blackberries. He avoided the thorns and looked at the fruit before eating it, without me telling him: a throw back to our hunter gatherer roots?
Genetic memory helps explain why some people, after a trauma, all at once, have skills they have never learned. Why families often share phobias and talents.
My research into my family tree has given me a huge insight and understanding of my ancestors. My parents lived through two world wars. I know now in detail what the family went through during these tumultuous times. I have a sense of the many gifts I have inherited from them. This knowledge has made me a more insightful and self-aware individual. I understand where I am coming from.
Find out more about you and the talents you have inherited, by finding the story of your ancestors. If you need any tips on how to get started, let me know.
For more information about genetic memory see this article.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/blo...
April 29, 2015
Book research assistance from Linkedin.com
My last post highlighted an intriguing MI5 conundrum. When the question was posted on Linkedin.com, I received the following useful reply. Genealogist Julie Goucher:-
'Have you looked at the MI5 webpage? - https://www.mi5.gov.uk/home/about-us/... Whilst that might not give you the specifics of their interest in your father it might enable you to research from another angle. Have you called for your father's second world war record? These are sealed & available to the service personnel themselves or their next of kin. I successfully obtained my Grandfathers record in 2008 by sending the completed form, the death certificates for both my Grandparents & the next of kin form which my late Mum signed. I also sent a copy of the page from his military pay book with his service number & the cheque for £30. I received the acknowledgment letter advising of a potential 6 month delay, but received the record in two months. Obtaining that record might enable you to see where he was physically serving at the time MI5 called for his file. A few thought - 1. Was the unit to be deployed & did he being part of that unit raise concerns? 2. Was the calling of the file routine during a period of war? 3. Was there a possibility of tasking him with something that was outside of the remit of his usual role? 4. Did he speak any foreign languages, fluently (useful in a time of war)? It could be worth writing to the MI5 office & asking general questions rather than specifically about your father, building an historical case of information in very broad terms. I would especially ask about the closure of MI5 dates 2043 is a long time. Was the last time they looked at his record 1943 & the date 2043 is simply 100 years hence? Armed with hopefully some general answers you could perhaps write enclosing any copies of certificates & ask that you be granted access to his file for historical purposes.'
The site Linkedin.com is proving a useful research tool. Many thanks to Julie Goucher.
'Have you looked at the MI5 webpage? - https://www.mi5.gov.uk/home/about-us/... Whilst that might not give you the specifics of their interest in your father it might enable you to research from another angle. Have you called for your father's second world war record? These are sealed & available to the service personnel themselves or their next of kin. I successfully obtained my Grandfathers record in 2008 by sending the completed form, the death certificates for both my Grandparents & the next of kin form which my late Mum signed. I also sent a copy of the page from his military pay book with his service number & the cheque for £30. I received the acknowledgment letter advising of a potential 6 month delay, but received the record in two months. Obtaining that record might enable you to see where he was physically serving at the time MI5 called for his file. A few thought - 1. Was the unit to be deployed & did he being part of that unit raise concerns? 2. Was the calling of the file routine during a period of war? 3. Was there a possibility of tasking him with something that was outside of the remit of his usual role? 4. Did he speak any foreign languages, fluently (useful in a time of war)? It could be worth writing to the MI5 office & asking general questions rather than specifically about your father, building an historical case of information in very broad terms. I would especially ask about the closure of MI5 dates 2043 is a long time. Was the last time they looked at his record 1943 & the date 2043 is simply 100 years hence? Armed with hopefully some general answers you could perhaps write enclosing any copies of certificates & ask that you be granted access to his file for historical purposes.'
The site Linkedin.com is proving a useful research tool. Many thanks to Julie Goucher.
April 27, 2015
Why were MI5 interested in my father during WW2?
My father, William Charles Loessl, as a man of no nationality,applied for British citizenship in 1935. Having discovered his naturalization document in the UK National Archive, I found them closed until 2043.
I eventually obtained them, by asking the Secretary of State to release them early, under the UK Freedom of Information Act. Their contents confirmed my fathers terrible plight as a child, during WW1 (as told in my book Mizpah Cousins: Life, love and perilous predicaments during the Great War era).
Some pages provide evidence that his naturalization documents have been seen by MI5. The MI5 stamps show my fathers papers requested out, then returned to the Aliens Department, on several occasions during WW2. Pa was serving in the Royal Army Catering Corps during this time.
I have discovered that MI5 are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act, so I am seeking a way to research this further.
If you have any advice on how I might investigate MI5's interest in my father, please let me know.
To view a picture of this document click
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Betwee...
I eventually obtained them, by asking the Secretary of State to release them early, under the UK Freedom of Information Act. Their contents confirmed my fathers terrible plight as a child, during WW1 (as told in my book Mizpah Cousins: Life, love and perilous predicaments during the Great War era).
Some pages provide evidence that his naturalization documents have been seen by MI5. The MI5 stamps show my fathers papers requested out, then returned to the Aliens Department, on several occasions during WW2. Pa was serving in the Royal Army Catering Corps during this time.
I have discovered that MI5 are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act, so I am seeking a way to research this further.
If you have any advice on how I might investigate MI5's interest in my father, please let me know.
To view a picture of this document click
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Betwee...
April 17, 2015
Remembering Zena Emma Lossl
Please click this link to view her picture.
https://www.facebook.com/486176524819...
Zena Emma Lossl (Heitmann)April 17th 1911 - 2008.
Amazing mother, grandmother, business woman and friend. The most influential person in my life, who gave me the tenacity to contemplate a successful career in I.T. As a dress designer, she had a long business career starting with a shop at Galleries Lafayette in London in the 1930's. She beat Hardy Amies for a contract to design the nurses uniforms for the John Radcliffe in Oxford in the 1970's. Positive, clever and beautiful, RIP.
Read about her early years in Mizpah Cousins: life, love and perilous predicaments during the Great War era.
https://www.facebook.com/486176524819...
Zena Emma Lossl (Heitmann)April 17th 1911 - 2008.
Amazing mother, grandmother, business woman and friend. The most influential person in my life, who gave me the tenacity to contemplate a successful career in I.T. As a dress designer, she had a long business career starting with a shop at Galleries Lafayette in London in the 1930's. She beat Hardy Amies for a contract to design the nurses uniforms for the John Radcliffe in Oxford in the 1970's. Positive, clever and beautiful, RIP.
Read about her early years in Mizpah Cousins: life, love and perilous predicaments during the Great War era.
April 15, 2015
Reviews and discount news
I am delighted to share Mizpah Cousins: Life, love and perilous predicaments during the Great War era latest Amazon review:
Powerful read of a family history, 14 April 2015
By Angie Watts
What a powerful book, gripping to the very last page. I had to keep reminding myself that these were true events, the history of one extended family which was frightfully sad. Maybe some of the incidental historical facts needn't have been included for example the comet experience and previous train crash however this didn't deflect from my overall enjoyment of the book. We will never be free from aggression between different beliefs or countries we just need to remember the human victims and the hundreds of thousands this amounts to. Well done M A Lossl you did your family proud girl.
If this has whetted your appetite to read more, check out the Amazon Kindle discount currently running in the USA and UK for Mizpah Cousins: Life, love and perilous predicaments during the Great War era
Powerful read of a family history, 14 April 2015
By Angie Watts
What a powerful book, gripping to the very last page. I had to keep reminding myself that these were true events, the history of one extended family which was frightfully sad. Maybe some of the incidental historical facts needn't have been included for example the comet experience and previous train crash however this didn't deflect from my overall enjoyment of the book. We will never be free from aggression between different beliefs or countries we just need to remember the human victims and the hundreds of thousands this amounts to. Well done M A Lossl you did your family proud girl.
If this has whetted your appetite to read more, check out the Amazon Kindle discount currently running in the USA and UK for Mizpah Cousins: Life, love and perilous predicaments during the Great War era
April 9, 2015
Book of the month award
I have returned from a wonderful month in the USA, Caribbean and Europe. My mission was to take a holiday and publicize my book. While I have been away, Mizpah Cousins has earned the book-of-the-month award in a Wiltshire magazine. A delightful accolade, received with thanks.
See the Mizpah Cousins Facebook page to view the magazine article.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mizpah...
To celebrate, check out the Kindle countdown deal on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk, starting Sunday 12th April 2015
See the Mizpah Cousins Facebook page to view the magazine article.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mizpah...
To celebrate, check out the Kindle countdown deal on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk, starting Sunday 12th April 2015
February 16, 2015
Research help found in unexpected places.
This year is the 100th anniversary of my grandfather's death in 1915. I wish to pay my respects this Autumn but I am unsure of the whereabouts of his grave. He died of his wounds in transport in the Champagne region of France. A recent LinkedIn.com connection kindly offered to help me in my quest. Furbished with a URL for the German War Grave Commission and an email address, I have commenced my search. I will let you know how I get on.
It goes to show that LinkedIn.com as is Goodreads.com, are both helpful, generous communities, and I thank all my friends and connections for their support.
You can read about my grandfathers life story in Mizpah Cousins: Life, love and perilous predicaments during the Great War era
It goes to show that LinkedIn.com as is Goodreads.com, are both helpful, generous communities, and I thank all my friends and connections for their support.
You can read about my grandfathers life story in Mizpah Cousins: Life, love and perilous predicaments during the Great War era
February 9, 2015
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who bought or had interest in the book
Mizpah Cousins, during the recent Amazon Countdown deal. This true WW1 epic was inspirational to write. May my readers also be inspired.
Mizpah Cousins, during the recent Amazon Countdown deal. This true WW1 epic was inspirational to write. May my readers also be inspired.
February 8, 2015
Last chance to grab a bargain
On 8th Feb. 12 midday GMT, there is just over 12 hours to procure Mizpah Cousins on an Amazon Countdown Discount deal. Don't miss out on getting a bargain!
Discount available on Kindle at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
Discount available on Kindle at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
February 1, 2015
Kindle book sale
Grab a bargain tomorrow: the Kindle version of Mizpah Cousins is on sale.
The discount will run from the 2nd of February to the 8th of February, on amazon.com and amazon.co.uk.
Hurry, as the price increases during the week. The starting sale price is 99p/c.
Happy reading.
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Mizpah-Cousins-...
Amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mizpah-Cousin...
The discount will run from the 2nd of February to the 8th of February, on amazon.com and amazon.co.uk.
Hurry, as the price increases during the week. The starting sale price is 99p/c.
Happy reading.
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Mizpah-Cousins-...
Amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mizpah-Cousin...
