A love of art has enriched my life in countless and unexpected directions. When I remember those long, slow, frequently wet days spent at galleries, it's with a sense of peace and quietude that is missing from my normal life. Greg's work reminds me of all of it - from gallery to street - and underneath all of that, to my family.
Category: Photo History
Uncovering the story behind a mysterious 1930s photo
Catherine and I were successful in unravelling the mystery (and it was also great fun). The photo was taken by C.B. Wand to capture the nomination of the candidates for Jubilee Queen. Using a combination of curiosity, expertise, an original photo, and published sources, we were able to answer almost every question.
Fashioning the Decades: my interview with Violet Tang
In this gorgeous virtual exhibition, artist, creator, and curator Violet Tang created an online look at the twin topics of fashion and the Chinese diaspora. It's truly breathtaking what she's done, recreating the full museum experience online. I encourage you to visit as you would in real life: slowly, savouring each piece.
Last thoughts: Planning a genealogy legacy
This post is about letting your family and friends know what you most value, why it's valuable, and to whom you'd like to leave it. I'm going to talk about a subject that we genealogists both love and hate: passing on family history.
Women’s History Month – Lily’s War
For Womens History Month, I look at the hidden story of Lily's time in WWII.
Reader’s choice – the top 10 list for 2019
I look at my top 10 best read blog posts and reflect on what made them the best.
Travels in China – the tech
I can hardly remember now what it was like to travel without tech. A journal and a pen! Post restante mail! It's like the Dark Ages - listen up kids, let me tell you about the time I had to line up for my mail... For this trip I spent a lot of time and money choosing, buying,… Continue reading Travels in China – the tech
The uncle I didn’t know I had – finding Yim
I uncover the story of my unknown uncle Yim, through a variety of sources from original documents to the BC archives
Force 136 like you’ve never seen them – in living colour
I'm super excited to share today's post with you. Last week, I told you there would be a big surprise. HERE IT IS. Val Erde chose this photo to bring to life. Her research, talent and artistry literally brought tears to my eyes. It felt like the next best thing to actually being there behind… Continue reading Force 136 like you’ve never seen them – in living colour
Force 136 goes to London and takes some holiday snaps – a pictorial story of WWII
In March, 1945, a group of Chinese men travelled to London, England. It was the penultimate stop on their way to Poona, India. They had enlisted in the top-secret South East Asia Command (SEAC), known in India as "Force 136," and had completed basic training at Shilo, Manitoba. From Manitoba they boarded trains for the eastern… Continue reading Force 136 goes to London and takes some holiday snaps – a pictorial story of WWII