What We Do …
the story of us
Stories, posts and photo collections relating to my family, including the Hile, Bousman, Penrose, Korhonen/Johnson, Baugh, and Dudymott families and their related branches. Come along, enjoy the ride, and know that somewhere along the way you’re likely to find yourself, for at the end of the day, the story of me is the story of us.
the truth
It has been said, “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” Indeed, sometimes truth hurts. But it’s still truth. Many of the posts here will challenge you — societal norms that need challenging, and the so-called alternative facts and realities that need to be called out and unmasked.
But there’s also the need for affirmation — the proclaiming of things that are good, things that are fun and harmless, things that add meaning and context to our human existence. At The World According to Greg, we aim to do both.
Why We Do It …
it’s who we are
As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one who plays a prominent role in our family history, once observed:
“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”
it’s for who comes next
Between the shared stories of our past and the realities of the world we live in today, we must continually remind ourselves that our children, and our children’s children, will be looking back and judging how we lived our lives.
it’s for the politics of it all
“Why waste your time looking up your family tree?” Mark Twain once asked. “Just go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.” Most folks don’t go into politics. That’s where we come in.
How We Do It ….
we tell stories
Anyone who knows me, knows I love to share stories. Hopefully, they’re not the same ones told over and over. Stories set context and that is how we remember.
we use social media
Social media has changed the world in so many ways. We use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and other media to keep you and us informed.
we get the receipts
We encourage those who disagree with us to engage, we document and do our homework in advance so that we humbly know just what the hell we’re talking about.
What’s New …
The Latest Posts
There Will Be More …
My DNA testing has conclusively proven that I am not as Korean as I once thought I was.
Committing Justice
After 42 years, I fulfilled a bucket list item. But was justice actually committed?
Westward Bound — Heading South
It was hard to leave the Bay Area but Ella had another destination down the road she had also longed to see….
Catching Up …
All of a sudden, things got extremely busy for me …
Westward Bound — Such is the Inconsistency of Women
Ella and family finally see the Pacific Ocean and it seemed to meet her expectations
Westward Bound — I Left My Heart …
“Wandering in a garden of dreams,” she said, “and it also convinced me that after seeing such a wonderland of beauty that there was surely a mistake about there being an ugly sordid side of life.”
New Pages and Features
Genealogy facts and features
One day while visiting family, which included an array of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins he had never met, we told our very young grandson we were on our way back to grandma’s. Rather than asking which one, our budding genealogist asked, ”which kind?” Ever wonder what the difference is between a first cousin and a first cousin once removed? Now that he’s old enough to read, here’s a handy little guide to explain it all, along with some other resources that helps in the search for our ancestors. This is for you, Joe!
westward bound
In April, 1919, Hannibal, Missouri residents Ella and Oscar Hile, along with their four children, Wilbur, Ralph, Dallas, and Lois, departed by train to California and the West Coast. Along the way, Ella created a 95-page diary of their journey. The ostensible purpose of the trip was to visit family but it turned out to be much more than that, all captured in the hopes and dreams expressed in Ella’s diary.
A first installment of the series appeared in November, 2021 as we celebrated Ella’s birthday. Stay tuned as the remainder of this powerful and gripping story unfolds shortly.
What’s Next …
Maps and Charts …
Genealogists and family historians are nothing without maps, charts, and tree diagrams in all of their various forms. Coming soon will be a lot of them …
puhutko suomea? No, I don’t speak Finnish, but since a third of my ancestors are of Finnish ethnicity, I think it only right that I try to become a bit more fluent …
The Rest of Me … Scenes from The Gallery
