I ran across this wonderful YouTube video about life as a pioneer,(it’s posted at the bottom) and it added further to the respect I have for the courage of my forefathers in settling this land.
In the book I’m writing, ”The Dobyns Chronicles,” I follow one branch of my family starting in Virginia. They migrate from Virginia in the 1700′s settling in Ohio and Indiana. My Great-Great Grandfather then migrated with his family to Texas, living in the Sherman/Denison area, on the Red River. (The cover picture is of my great grandfather and his family. The little girl is my grandmother). 
Everyone has stories of their family. Have you ever stopped and thought about how they managed to accomplish what they did. It is mind-boggling when you consider the obstacles they had to overcome in order to settle a new land. The hardships they must have endured day after day. The things we take for
granted today.
I was very fortunate having a mother who loved family history, and wanted to talk about it. I grew up listening to the stories about how life was lived when her Grandfather was a boy, and living through the depression. She taught my sister and I how to survive. I have her Grandmother’s lye soap recipe. I truly hope it never gets to a point I have to make my own soap, but I know how, if I need it. I can live without electricity and running water if I have to. I know how to plant a garden and preserve food. This is where I am very grateful for the life I have today. I don’t have to do what was common place to the pioneering families of yesteryear.
How many people today could make it across the miles and miles of plains, not seeing a soul, or cross a mountain range? I know I couldn’t do it. I use to live in Wyoming many years ago, and looked at the wagon ruts cutting across the country. The canyons, wagons would have to be lowered into with ropes and then lifted up the other side. The small cemeteries, containing loved one’s that could go no further. Between Rawlins and Casper, Wyoming there is a large granite rock. The pioneers who traveled by this rock on the way to California and Oregon would chisel their name and the year into the rock. They wanted it known, they were there. They wanted to be remembered.
I already know I am not pioneer material. I would watch Little House on the Prairie and think, “no way”. I have lots of old pictures of my ancestors. They look like much more hardy stock than me.
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Hi Jill, thanks for the comment. I think I could do it but I sure wouldn’t like it. Let me reword that last statement just a little. I could have done it back when I was 20 years old. Right now that is no way I could walk across a prairie, climb up and down mountains. I’m to old and way to spoiled. I’m glad I don’t have to. I think this is where I count my blessings.
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Shirley, I’m so glad I was not born in “the good old days.” We have inside plumbing, central heat and air conditioning, fancy cars, cell phones, and washing machines… somethings to be thankful for. I can’t imagine life without those luxuries… So glad I don’t have to. 🙂
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Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I am glad I don’t have to even do what my mother had to. Times have changed. Drop by again anytime. Shirley
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I’ve been researching my family for years, I’ve managed to go back to two greats, beyond that I’m still chipping away, trying to discover more. I’m glad to hear your genealogy has led you to publish a book about your family.
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My book, Dobyns Chronicles is fiction based on an actual event. My characters are real. I hope to have it published this fall. I was very fortunate in having a mother that liked family history. She told me many stories about the family and what life was like. My sister and I are both working the genealogy lines on both sides of our family. We have met a whole lot of cousins. We can take my dad’s side of the family back to Moses, according to Ancestry. I find it very enjoyable to do. You don’t know if any of it’s true once you get back several generations. Have a great evening.
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I just want to mention I am beginner to blogs and definitely enjoyed this blog. Most likely I’m planning to bookmark your website . You amazingly have tremendous articles and reviews. Cheers for sharing with us your blog.
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Thank you for dropping by my blog, your welcome anytime. Shirley
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Great article! I loved the insight and advice given. Additionally, your article writing style is very fun to read. If you have time kindly explore my brand new website and tell me what you think.
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Thank you for dropping by, your welcome anytime. Shirley
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Hi, just wanted to tell you, I loved this blog post. It was helpful. Keep on posting!
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Thanks for dropping by and leaving your comment. Your welcome back anytime. Shirley
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