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Donna Flood
Golden Notes


All my life it has been my pleasure to have someone hand me something of theirs that was rare and valuable to them. From the time I was a child sometimes a stranger would share with me some treasure of a memory. Why this has happened, cannot be explained. At the age of around fifty it was clear to me something had to be done as to preserving some of the many notes. They were only saved bits and pieces of  paper with something scratched down on it. Having had only a high school journalism course and part of one in college there was only a smattering of writing ability.

By the grace of God after being tutored in a loose sort of way as to how to use the computer the journey began.  The gentleman, Alastair McIntyre, of Scotland was my first contact with a total stranger via the internet. That was a little scary. However, he was so encouraging and such a reserved gentleman it became apparent he would be a great help to me.  He never criticized my clumsy writing skills but always encouraged me to keep working.

Now, after a number of years there are probably around three hundred short stories contributed to his Electric Scotland Web Page. It has been a wonderful journey for me with the bonus of my having learned a great deal about Scotland, her history, and something of the beauty of the people. His copyright has been beneficial also.

Today, my writing is still not perfect by any means. I do believe, though, it is better. The old adage, practice makes perfect,  is true in this instance also, I've found. Having taken this short writing course has been an eye opener for me.  Not so much as to a technical side but in another, better, way. I've received a rare gift and that as to one like a feast. A great banquet of golden memories shared and read by others who have lived through a life of untold pleasures and some great sorrows too.

At this age, even, I have become more tolerant and able to see that although we may think we know a person we really do not. We don't have any idea of the sadness in their life. Their joys may be written in the laugh lines around their eyes but possibly we just didn't see that.

The writing of my memoirs has been a wonderful hobby. For whatever happens to these notes I cannot say.  If some of my descendants can look back to the history of their ancestors with interest and inspiration this will be a great reward for my loved ones, and any others, too. There is much more to be done and I pray I will be able to finish. The putting on the web of  the pictures from the Chilocco Annuals handed to me over the years have brought me many notes from people all over the country. They are thankful for having seen for the first time a photograph of an Uncle, Aunt, Cousin, Grandfather and even in one case a picture of their mother when she was young.

Alastair will be on a short visa in the United States and I want so badly to get the rest of these annuals on a CD so many more can have a truly lovely photograph of one of their ancestors.


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