Miscellaneous - off the beaten path idea's.

[Cubby]

I have a few idea's to get Anna's information out into the public. Mostly long shots, but various places that people may read online.

One of the places is a site called oceangram. It's a site where people send and recieve messages in a bottle..... I've sent a few and replied to a few including a short message with the searchingforanna.com site, hopefully to get people to take a look at Anna's age progressed photo in the event someone might recognize her, or become interested in the search.

Another is popularfrontsnowdays. http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/ This is a site which allows users to make snowflakes with a small message. The site is relatively slow now, but during the holidays it is quite active with a goal to make several million snowflakes for a donation to the salvation army. I've made about 60 snowflakes thus far and signed the name searchingforanna with a small message with the new site and the following message. www.searchingforanna.com (http://www.searchingforanna.com) "Please take a look, you may recognize Anna's age progressed photo and help reunite her with her family. Thank you. " misterx.ca ( or something similiar ) gives tips and trix on making cool snowflakes. Yes, a long shot but who knows...... It's also relaxing and for a good cause.

The last idea I have involves personalized stamps. I haven't used them myself, but have family who do. I was hoping we could come up with a design with Anna's age progressed photo and www.searchingforanna.com (http://www.searchingforanna.com) . I've done a little reading on sites which you can use to send your jpg picture, order the stamps and make them available for sale. I think it would be cool if we decided on a single site and made it public allowing anyone who chooses to purchase these stamps. The one site I did a little more reading on allows the user to make the design available for sale and the owner makes a 17% profit on all sales. I'd like to see Annasmom or Doogie become the owner and use the profits to help offset their costs. I'll look further into this, unless someone else has a site they have already used and are happy with. Myself, I wouldn't mind spending a little extra and sending Anna's pic and info on my stamps. I believe the one site also has area's for users to purchase postcards, t-shirts and other personalized items.

I'm looking for some feedback and any other off the beaten path idea's anyone else may have.

[Cubby]

This is the postage site I was thinking of......
http://www.******.com/custom/stamps

Having never used them, or never used any photo stamps I was wondering if anyone has used a site or has any idea's?

Also, I don't have the ability to create the artwork and send a jpg pic for the stamps. Anyone able to do this? I could ask family, but it would take some time.....

tia.......

[Cubby]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34/cubfanmommy/annastamp2.jpg

Wow, this picture is much bigger than I expected.

This is the "stamp" I designed. Feel free to save it and use it, or design your own if you choose to order stamps from the site I posted previously, or a different stamp site.

[iNTERESTEDWOMAN]

Cubby, those are all great ideas. The stamp is cool too. I have another idea that may or may not be so great, but I'll go ahead and throw it out there in case any one might agree.

Having done research on several psychological disorders of the brain, I have met a few parents with paranoid schizophrenia who also had an adult child with the disease. Though most resources list the hereditary factor of around a 10% chance, I feel it's a slightly higher percentage. If alive today there is a good chance that Anna would also have the disease her father had. Depending on the quality of her adoptive family life would probably increase or decrease her chances of also developing drug/alcohol or suicidal problems that are very prevalent in PS.

I think we need to send age enhanced pictures of Anna to all state mental facilities. although the new age enhanced picture of Anna is very beautiful, I feel she would only look that way in the best case scenario. She probably would only look like that, (nice hair, perfect teeth, makeup) if the Georges gave her to a family that took excellent care of her. It would be nice to have an age enhanced picture of someone who was less "cared for". I don't know how to say it without sounding offensive..but more like a "druggie".

Anyway, I would be happy to start working on that if there is no resistance from Anna's family.

[Annasmom]

Cubby, those are all great ideas. The stamp is cool too. I have another idea that may or may not be so great, but I'll go ahead and throw it out there in case any one might agree.

I think we need to send age enhanced pictures of Anna to all state mental facilities. although the new age enhanced picture of Anna is very beautiful, I feel she would only look that way in the best case scenario. She probably would only look like that, (nice hair, perfect teeth, makeup) if the Georges gave her to a family that took excellent care of her. It would be nice to have an age enhanced picture of someone who was less "cared for". I don't know how to say it without sounding offensive..but more like a "druggie".

Anyway, I would be happy to start working on that if there is no resistance from Anna's family.

Certainly it wouldn’t hurt to circulate the picture as widely as possible. It occurred to me also after reading this post that it might be good to send George Brody’s picture to area hospitals where we know he was treated in his last days...and it would be OK to alter the pictures we have on the Forum to reflect the ravages of his final illness. As regards altering the NCMEC image of Anna, however, I would rather it not be changed in any way. It was created by a senior forensic artist very familiar with Anna’s case, using family photographs and feedback from relatives. More than 800 missing children have been identified through the NCMEC's age-progressed images since they began creating them 17 years ago. The artist who did Anna's picture is a retired police officer who has been with the center for ten years. He did an age progression of a baby only 47 days old when he disappeared, and the person was identified 21 years later through the age-progressed image. That image and the photograph of the young man when he was found are virtually identical. I very much like the suggested image with the reference to www.searchingforanna and would prefer that we go with that one for a stamp. Also, of the many possible scenarios for Anna, we would prefer to accent the positive and keep our hopes up. The various negative outcomes which have been suggested over the years hardly motivate us to keep on looking. The family has been heartened by this current age-progressed image, even though it might seem overly idealized to you.

[Cubby]

iW I like the idea of sending the picture to all state mental health facilities as you suggested. (plus those doctors, health care workers etc. may have associates or may have also worked in the private sector ......) The thought did occur to me as well that Anna may have inhertited her fathers disease. While this may be disheartening, it does not necessarily mean she wasn't able to get succesful treatment etc.

I do agree with using the current age progressed photo. I went to HS with someone who, went through extreme stress and as a result she looked aged. However, even 12-15 years after we graduated it was still easy to see a strong resemblence with her younger pictures.

[RobinH]

Cubby, those are all great ideas. The stamp is cool too. I have another idea that may or may not be so great, but I'll go ahead and throw it out there in case any one might agree.

Having done research on several psychological disorders of the brain, I have met a few parents with paranoid schizophrenia who also had an adult child with the disease. Though most resources list the hereditary factor of around a 10% chance, I feel it's a slightly higher percentage. If alive today there is a good chance that Anna would also have the disease her father had. Depending on the quality of her adoptive family life would probably increase or decrease her chances of also developing drug/alcohol or suicidal problems that are very prevalent in PS.

I think we need to send age enhanced pictures of Anna to all state mental facilities. although the new age enhanced picture of Anna is very beautiful, I feel she would only look that way in the best case scenario. She probably would only look like that, (nice hair, perfect teeth, makeup) if the Georges gave her to a family that took excellent care of her. It would be nice to have an age enhanced picture of someone who was less "cared for". I don't know how to say it without sounding offensive..but more like a "druggie".

Anyway, I would be happy to start working on that if there is no resistance from Anna's family.

My deceased husband was diagnosed paranoid schitzophrenic back in 1978, at the time of his suicide, and when our daughter grew up, she became ill as well, however, not with the same diagnosis as her father. I believe that back in the 70's and 80's, the term paranoid schitzophrenia was a title given to almost anyone with a mental illness, and many were misdiagnosed by today's standards. My daughter has become very successful, and works in the mental health field. I asked if it would be possible to put a picture of a missing person in her center, and her reply was "no, because of the various types of people that she is dealing with and their disabilities." Something like that could frighten them and would not be healthy. I also discussed sending photos to clinics, which she felt would be considered junk mail by most. Also, even if a Dr. or other professional recognised Anna, would they be able to share their find with her? This is an avenue that I would certainly help to research with you, however, the illness is one blocker for us, and the priviacy laws are another.

[Dr. Doogie]

Hi, Robin. Good to see that you are still with us! Thanks for sharing your daughter's story.

[RobinH]

Hi, Robin. Good to see that you are still with us! Thanks for sharing your daughter's story.

Thanks!! I guess my point is that I do not believe that GW was diagnosed correctly. I have had to deal with paranoid schitzophrenia more than once. Far too often, when these people have an episode, they are non functional or extremely combative. I am of the opinion that the chances of Anna really being in a mental facility are very slim. If she suffers from a mental disability, I believe that it is one that does not necessairly require hospitalization.

[iNTERESTEDWOMAN]

.... Also, even if a Dr. or other professional recognised Anna, would they be able to share their find with her? This is an avenue that I would certainly help to research with you, however, the illness is one blocker for us, and the priviacy laws are another.

You know,that's a really good point that I totally didn't think of. I was thinking of sending them to the facility for the staff to view, but with the Doctor/Patient confidentiality, even if someone did recognize her they probably wouldn't be able to report it unless she was admitted as a Doe. I've seen a few such cases listed on Doenetwork where the patient could never be identified, thats where I got the idea.

[Dr. Doogie]

...Far too often, when these people have an episode, they are non functional or extremely combative...

George Waters, as his disease (whatever it was) progressed, did become more combative in his workplaces. He was fired from at least one for insubordination and creating disturbances at staff meetings. These disturbances were more along the lines of inappropriate comments such as "The administrators here are idiots", etc. However, he was able to remain functioning at a high enough level to continue as a doctor. Joe Ford has commented that the nature of his places of employment allowed him minimal interaction with patients which may have protected him from exposure as mentally ill. But, in my layman's opinion, he never seemed to rise to the level of mental illness where he was ranting about the Queen of England was stealing his underwear or other such delusions that I have seen in true paranoid schizophrenics.

...I am of the opinion that the chances of Anna really being in a mental facility are very slim. If she suffers from a mental disability, I believe that it is one that does not necessairly require hospitalization.

I may be idealizing my vision of Anna today, but I agree with your assessment.

[iNTERESTEDWOMAN]

.... But, in my layman's opinion, he never seemed to rise to the level of mental illness where he was ranting about the Queen of England was stealing his underwear or other such delusions that I have seen in true paranoid schizophrenics....

However he did commit suicide by drinking poison.

[SherlockJr]

At times, bold statements are made about particular individuals here. I think it's best to keep some opinions to ourselves. I'm sure there are members of those families who read these forums. I certainly would not want to be reading what is written here about my brother or uncle, etc. If you were GW's sister and you read this forum, would you want to assist if you received a call from Anna's family?

[RobinH]

However he did commit suicide by drinking poison. You can't get much more mentally ill than that. In my humble oppenion.

I very much agree that he had a mental illness, I just believe that it was not quite to the extent that he was diagnosed. I also believe that Anna probably has some mental issues, but probably more with an identity crisis or abandoment issue, maybe a panic disorder, or something like that. Something much less than schitzophrenia. I feel that the only way to find her through any mental disability would be to find a way to get her picture out to private clinics, not institutions or hospitals, but some type of private practice. Any ideas on how we might do this?

[Gina_M]

I have a few idea's to get Anna's information out into the public. Mostly long shots, but various places that people may read online.

One of the places is a site called oceangram. It's a site where people send and recieve messages in a bottle..... I've sent a few and replied to a few including a short message with the searchingforanna.com site, hopefully to get people to take a look at Anna's age progressed photo in the event someone might recognize her, or become interested in the search.

Another is popularfrontsnowdays. http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/ This is a site which allows users to make snowflakes with a small message. The site is relatively slow now, but during the holidays it is quite active with a goal to make several million snowflakes for a donation to the salvation army. I've made about 60 snowflakes thus far and signed the name searchingforanna with a small message with the new site and the following message. www.searchingforanna.com (http://www.searchingforanna.com) "Please take a look, you may recognize Anna's age progressed photo and help reunite her with her family. Thank you. " misterx.ca ( or something similiar ) gives tips and trix on making cool snowflakes. Yes, a long shot but who knows...... It's also relaxing and for a good cause.

The last idea I have involves personalized stamps. I haven't used them myself, but have family who do. I was hoping we could come up with a design with Anna's age progressed photo and www.searchingforanna.com (http://www.searchingforanna.com) . I've done a little reading on sites which you can use to send your jpg picture, order the stamps and make them available for sale. I think it would be cool if we decided on a single site and made it public allowing anyone who chooses to purchase these stamps. The one site I did a little more reading on allows the user to make the design available for sale and the owner makes a 17% profit on all sales. I'd like to see Annasmom or Doogie become the owner and use the profits to help offset their costs. I'll look further into this, unless someone else has a site they have already used and are happy with. Myself, I wouldn't mind spending a little extra and sending Anna's pic and info on my stamps. I believe the one site also has area's for users to purchase postcards, t-shirts and other personalized items.

I'm looking for some feedback and any other off the beaten path idea's anyone else may have.

Cubby, I think these are all great ideas. I'm looking at the oceangram site - how cool, a virtual "message in a bottle"! The snowflake one would be great to do during the holidays. The personalized stamps and T-shirts would be up to Anna's family - if those were made, I would definitely purchase a bunch.

I found another message in a bottle site - http://www.islandgram.com/

[Gina_M]

Also, even if a Dr. or other professional recognised Anna, would they be able to share their find with her? This is an avenue that I would certainly help to research with you, however, the illness is one blocker for us, and the priviacy laws are another.

Hi Robin,

From what I understand about privacy laws, a doctor could mention to his patient that she resembled Anna's age progressed photo if he had reason to believe that his patient was Anna. He just could not come forward to Anna's family or LE and say, "My patient ____ resembles Anna's age progression" because that would identify her as his patient. I could be wrong but that's the way I understand it.

[Cubby]

Cubby, I think these are all great ideas. I'm looking at the oceangram site - how cool, a virtual "message in a bottle"! The snowflake one would be great to do during the holidays. The personalized stamps and T-shirts would be up to Anna's family - if those were made, I would definitely purchase a bunch.

I found another message in a bottle site - http://www.islandgram.com/


Thanks Gina. I hadn't seen the islandgram site before. I do "flake" year round. They still get some activity daily with regulars. I'll make a note to post it again around the holidays when the contest starts.

Regarding the stamps we have two choices. Annas family could set up an acccount and provide us the link to order allowing them to make whatever small profit is available. ****** allows users to create their own designs and make them available for sale to the public. I misread the first site- ******, it looks like it is a 5% profit, and the 17% has something to do with referals...... The second site allows the user to print stamps from home. -or- we can simply use the photo I posted above and print them or order them ourselves. Either way is fine with me...... Whichever Anna's family prefers.

The two sites I found were
http://www.******.com/custom/stamps

& http://www.stamps.com/welcome/

[Annasmom]

Regarding the stamps we have two choices. Annas family could set up an acccount and provide us the link to order allowing them to make whatever small profit is available. ****** allows users to create their own designs and make them available for sale to the public. I misread the first site- ******, it looks like it is a 5% profit, and the 17% has something to do with referals...... The second site allows the user to print stamps from home. -or- we can simply use the photo I posted above and print them or order them ourselves. Either way is fine with me...... Whichever Anna's family prefers.

The two sites I found were
http://www.******.com/custom/stamps

& http://www.stamps.com/welcome/ I'd rather you use the photo you posted and order them as you like. Great idea. Thank you.

[InterestedNHelping]

I have hesitated for some time in commenting on this subject, but it is important. In the interest of Anna's family, the mental illness idea is not something anyone wants to discuss, and we don't like facing it, so addressing it and all of you being tactful is wonderful, and moving ahead is best... in fact, I have become somewhat of an expert in schizophrenia, the missing, and the misdiagnosis, and the fact that a high percentage are actual severe bipolar, and/or epileptic, due to the genetics. I can tell you factually, from first hand knowledge, that there are no facilities or doctors in them, that will help you. If a person is an adult, the privacy laws prevail. I do have a new resource for locating people, but I believe the statement is correct that it is most unlikely that she would be so ill as to be institutionalized, again, I say this from first hand knowledge, related to me, but not me. I understand exactly the genetics of these diseases, and the ratio commit rates that are involved, and this direction probably would end up being fruitless, and also painful for family, with no results...Just my opinion.
If, in the future, this avenue becomes viable for some reason, I can help in it and cover ANYTHING that would be necessary to facilitate it, I know the innerworkings of how to get information and help legally and responsibly, and I can be contacted by Anna's family if this is needed in the future.
I have been offline for some time, and busy these days, but I will check in as time allows and help wherever I can! Miss you all!

[Annasmom]

I have hesitated for some time in commenting on this subject, but it is important. In the interest of Anna's family, the mental illness idea is not something anyone wants to discuss, and we don't like facing it, so addressing it and all of you being tactful is wonderful, and moving ahead is best... in fact, I have become somewhat of an expert in schizophrenia, the missing, and the misdiagnosis, and the fact that a high percentage are actual severe bipolar, and/or epileptic, due to the genetics. I can tell you factually, from first hand knowledge, that there are no facilities or doctors in them, that will help you. If a person is an adult, the privacy laws prevail. I do have a new resource for locating people, but I believe the statement is correct that it is most unlikely that she would be so ill as to be institutionalized, again, I say this from first hand knowledge, related to me, but not me. I understand exactly the genetics of these diseases, and the ratio commit rates that are involved, and this direction probably would end up being fruitless, and also painful for family, with no results...Just my opinion.
If, in the future, this avenue becomes viable for some reason, I can help in it and cover ANYTHING that would be necessary to facilitate it, I know the innerworkings of how to get information and help legally and responsibly, and I can be contacted by Anna's family if this is needed in the future.
I have been offline for some time, and busy these days, but I will check in as time allows and help wherever I can! Miss you all!
Welcome back! I was wondering where you were. And thanks for your input on institutions.

[iNTERESTEDWOMAN]

......in fact, I have become somewhat of an expert in schizophrenia, the missing, and the misdiagnosis, and the fact that a high percentage are actual severe bipolar, and/or epileptic, due to the genetics. I can tell you factually, from first hand knowledge, that there are no facilities or doctors in them, that will help you...!


I contacted 3 mental facilities this morning. One in Kansas City, MO one in Lincoln, NE and one in Omaha, NE. I spoke with the social services department to ask their policies. Omaha is going to call me back with their policy. Lincoln, and KC both told me that when they have residents, (usually homeless) admitted into their facility that have conditions such as dementia, autism, or other severe mind altering disorders, they search missing files to find a next of kin. Lincoln Regional Center does not receive many patients like this, but she said they are just starting to enter patients they do into CODIS. They both said they often receive posters of missing persons and circulate them within the staff. Just thought I'd let you know that 2 out of 2 facilities I spoke with will help.

[laini]

One of my parents has paranoid schizophrenia and I do not. There is a very good chance that Anna could be living very happy with career, family, and just unaware of who she was. Just wanted to offer that thought. I hope we don't go too far down that path in assuming that Anna must be mentally ill just because her father was. Look at Annasmom. Anna has her mom's genes, also. JMO

[annemc2]

A few of my humble thoughts regarding this recent discussion:

1. I agree that Schizophrenia was a "catch-all" diagnosis used in the 1970s of any mental illness involving delusional behavior. If GW was actually schizophrenic, he would not have been able to function in any capacity as a physician. It's quite likely he suffered from bipolar disorder.

2. The possibility of Anna being a UID in a psychiatric hospital is extremely slim. First, if she were to suffer from a severe mental illness, it's likely that she would have received some type of effective treatment and would be functional member of society. If briefly hospitalized, she would likely have immediate family (ie husband, children) and/or close friends who would be participating in her treatment.

3. Average length of stay in a psychiatric hospital is 3-7 days. People with intractable mental illnesses are often sent to the state hospital for extended stays. Institutionalization is virtually nonexistent at the present time.

4. UIDs with mental illness are very unlikely to show up at small community mental health centers. Urban areas are more likely to receive these patients, but it's still a very rare event to encounter someone who has no close family/friends or is unknown to the mental health system.

5. The large urban mental health centers, who are more likely to receive UID patients, are also the most overburdened. A poster or flyer that would likely be received with interest and curiosity at a smaller hospital would probably be buried under a mountain of paperwork at a larger facility. Sad but true.

6. A possible UID match within the mental health system would (should) be reported to LE. I don't think any well-meaning mental health professional would let a UID go "unmatched" because of concerns related to medical confidentiality.



Anyway, just my couple of cents here. In a nutshell, I don't think Anna is lost within the bowels of the mental health system, and time spent distributing her flyers there would probably be better spent pursuing other avenues.

just so you know where I'm coming from on this, I am a psychiatric/mental-health nurse practitioner with extensive experience working in a large urban county mental health system. I also did psych consults for multiple emergency rooms and medical centers, so I kinda know what I'm talkin' bout here :blushing:

[InterestedNHelping]

They both said they often receive posters of missing persons and circulate them within the staff. Just thought I'd let you know that 2 out of 2 facilities I spoke with will help.

Well, umm...good luck with that...they say alot of nice things, but action is often not the same.

In California, a recent panel was formed by the governor, to help the mentally ill, and I have spoken with members of this panel. You won't get them to open doors for you, believe me. However, I know the secrets to getting the info you need, but its hard, I know I am living it.

." A possible UID match within the mental health system would (should) be reported to LE. I don't think any well-meaning mental health professional would let a UID go "unmatched" because of concerns related to medical confidentiality. "
Actually, this is the current issue I am circumventing, because my missing person has been missing as long as Anna has....she is in a hospital somewhere, and no one is talking...and she has no family...that she knows of. SHe is too dilussional to know her own name too. Hmmm....

I have spoken to so many institutions etc...but I can now find ways around the policies of well meaning politicians, in order to find the staggering numbers of missing persons in institutions, you might be surprised, and I have worked in them once too, I now know it from all angles...

The only relevance I can see here, is that IF she has ANY mental illness, and just happens to be on state assistance, regardless her name, I can find her.

[InterestedNHelping]

Thanks Annasmom,

I am still here, just a full personal schedule and more cases! Glad to be back and to talk to all of you, I love the ideas being put out, the stamp is great! The Doenetwork update is really good, loved seeing all the pics of Anna there...catchin' back up to speed here, you all certainly have been busy! Smiles!

[Gina_M]

One of my parents has paranoid schizophrenia and I do not. There is a very good chance that Anna could be living very happy with career, family, and just unaware of who she was. Just wanted to offer that thought. I hope we don't go too far down that path in assuming that Anna must be mentally ill just because her father was. Look at Annasmom. Anna has her mom's genes, also. JMO

That is an excellent point. My grandma and her brother were both diagnosed schizophrenic. Grandma had 4 kids, my mom being one of them. My mom has no hint of the disease. One of my aunts is bipolar though. So, these kinds of things are really hard to predict.

[SherlockJr]

I like the stamp idea but sitting at the computer waiting for a bottle to wash up to the shore drove me bonkers! How about creating Christmas cards with Anna on them? I know last year some have placed inserts inside their Christmas cards to get the word out. I would guess it would probably be cheaper for the pocket book to have cards printed. (hint, hint Dr. Doogie) Also now would be the time to start designing to have enough time to print and order the cards. I just thought to myself that this would be the first time since I left Gibson Greetings that I would be mailing Christmas cards!

[Cubby]

I like the stamp idea but sitting at the computer waiting for a bottle to wash up to the shore drove me bonkers! How about creating Christmas cards with Anna on them? I know last year some have placed inserts inside their Christmas cards to get the word out. I would guess it would probably be cheaper for the pocket book to have cards printed. (hint, hint Dr. Doogie) Also now would be the time to start designing to have enough time to print and order the cards. I just thought to myself that this would be the first time since I left Gibson Greetings that I would be mailing Christmas cards!


Yes, that bottle is a pita....... The snowflakes don't take that long...

The stamp site has an option for ordering postcards and envelopes which include the picture. I like the idea of having the picture outside for all to see, a card would be hidden within an envelope.

I also liked the idea of the age progressed photo to HS and the thoughts of having it on classmates. A story about Anna in a major magazine such as Readers Digest, People.... or something similiar would be fantastic, but how to? Even in conjuction with a story about various missing children from decades ago.

[Rhett]

I looked up Readers Digest and on the far lefthand side it has an option to e-mail the editors. There are often stories in Readers Digest along the lines of Anna's story. I think if Doogie, Annasmom, Sherlock, etc., would e-mail them a small sampling of Anna's story they may actually take an interest. They say Readers Digest is written on a 5th grade reading level and it is therefore read by millions. If it could get into just the one right set of hands it could end the search. What do you say Doogie?

[SherlockJr]

I looked up Readers Digest and on the far lefthand side it has an option to e-mail the editors. There are often stories in Readers Digest along the lines of Anna's story. I think if Doogie, Annasmom, Sherlock, etc., would e-mail them a small sampling of Anna's story they may actually take an interest. They say Readers Digest is written on a 5th grade reading level and it is therefore read by millions. If it could get into just the one right set of hands it could end the search. What do you say Doogie?

Thanks Rhett! I'll leave this job for the journalists to follow up!

[Dr. Doogie]

...They say Readers Digest is written on a 5th grade reading level and it is therefore read by millions...What do you say Doogie?

At the fifth grade level? Jeez, I shoulda stayed in school.

We are holding off currently seeking any additional media, waiting for the book to be completed. Once the book is in place, then we will try and hit the media hard and RD would certainly be a good possible resource. Thanks for researching this.

[InterestedNHelping]

Rd is a good idea because people my parent's age are subscribers...(I am Anna's exact age), and so their children went to school with those our age, and also, every doctor's office in America has a copy of it! LOL...excellent exposure, and I firmly firmly believe that is should not be featured with other missing, because it will help to elevate her story as a sole identifier, if at all possible. This is not to be callous, but rather that a story on one girl, will have name impact, as opposed to many missing names....

[Rhett]

I agree with all. I think Anna's story is unique because of the two George's, mental illness, the lifestyle at the time, the beautiful area where she lived, the search for her and the disappointments, etc. I truly think it will make a great story for them thus helping us. However, I agree Doogie that waiting for the manuscript is the right way to go but please don't forget about this idea.

[Annasmom]

I looked up Readers Digest and on the far lefthand side it has an option to e-mail the editors. There are often stories in Readers Digest along the lines of Anna's story. I think if Doogie, Annasmom, Sherlock, etc., would e-mail them a small sampling of Anna's story they may actually take an interest. They say Readers Digest is written on a 5th grade reading level and it is therefore read by millions. If it could get into just the one right set of hands it could end the search. What do you say Doogie?
Rhett, it's the Readers Digest policy to print only things which have been published elsewhere (that's where the "Digest" part comes in), so we need to keep them in mind after we get a story in somewhere. Hm. I wonder about the HMB Review story...

[InterestedNHelping]

Just a side note for "OFF the beaten Path"...as pointed out earlier, Anna and ANdrew Carnegie Whitfield had the same coincidental initials...but something else caught my eye, that for us flying buffs,

ACE, means something too...

[diamondgirl]

In my opinion the stamp idea sounds awesome!!. Also, even thought the message in a bottle is a PITA it may be worth it. Who knows?

[Gina_M]

I kind of enjoy the Message in a Bottle...but then again I tend to enjoy tedious things that others consider "boring" ;) What I usually do is multitask...I have several windows open at once, and every once in a while I pop over and check the bottles. I've sent out some of the messages in a bottle and can send out more.

[Mischa]

Did you ever hear of Cynthia Lynn Sumpter? She vanished about 14 months after Anna from San Jose, CA. She was also 5 years old and had blonde hair. Perhaps there is a connection?

http://www.charleyproject.org/cases/s/sumpter_cynthia.html

[Dr. Doogie]

Thanks for the info. I am familiar with the Cindy Sumpter case. If Anna was taken in a true "stanger abduction", then the Sumpter case may well be related. The fact that both girls were five and abducted from their yards make the two cases eerily similar. Right now, since most of the evidence in Anna's case points toward involvment by Anna's birth father (at least, in my opinion), we have focused on that possiblity. If we do look further into the stanger abduction angle, then the Sumpter case is definitely something that we will want to examine closely.

A side note: Sumpter's parents were involved in a nasty divorce and each parent accused the other of involvment in her disappearance. This case may have been a stranger abduction, but it also could have been a custody dispute / parental abduction.

[Gina_M]

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm sending out some messages in a bottle as we speak. I just realized that Anna will be turning 40 in less than a week from now.

[Cubby]

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm sending out some messages in a bottle as we speak. I just realized that Anna will be turning 40 in less than a week from now.

I did a bunch of snowflakes and have seen a half dozen responses or so, so at least people are looking at the site. Anna's birthday has been on my mind all month.

[Cubby]

I finally got a face! Flake #4906810 ( Link to popularfront snow days in post#1) Getting lots more feedback, prayers etc. So people are in fact looking.

[SherlockJr]

Yesterday I received a letter from NCMEC thanking me for my payroll deduction for the past year. This letter has some meaning to me because it is dated September 25, 2007.

It's that time of year again. Please consider a payroll deduction to help NCMEC or any other foundation for missing children. The NCMEC has sent a picture of Anna to the IRS last month. I am watching for which form or instruction she will be featured on.

[SherlockJr]

I have been brainstorming different ideas for advertising the official www.searchingforanna (http://www.searchingforanna) website. I contacted a billboard company in California and they quoted the regular price for a billboard in the "innercity" (meaning off the main highways) runs from $1200-$1500/month. They offered to put up a billboard in San Mateo for cost which is about $500. Still pretty steep for only 30 days of advertising.

I mentioned earlier about getting buttons made with Anna's pic and the website. I looked into the cost of button machines with parts. The cost is very cheap. Does anyone think anyone else besides me would wear a button or stick it on their purse?

Then I started looking into the prices of bumper stickers. They are in a price range of $1-$3 each. I like the bumper sticker idea especially for the guys who would probably never put a button on their shirt, or purse for that matter. Does anyone know someone in the bumper sticker business who can help us out?

[SherlockJr]

I found a company to do bumper stickers for far less then originally quoted from original company. Waiting for a response from the boss.

[smile22]

i know kelly from project jason has the button program they have various missing children. you send away for as many buttons as you want and they come with a paper on the missing child. we could send her Anna's info for the buttons if we wanted to go down that rute

[mfmangel1]

Has anything been decided on the stamps? I thought this was an excellent idea for those who wanted to participate to use on their general mail, if that was acceptable to Anna's family.




Sorry I haven't been here for a while. In and out of hospital again and then caring for my Grandmother and court hearings for her guardianship. Also, several in the family have passed on in a matter of just a few months time. It has been surreal. We are trying to stay in the spiritual light and do what is right.

[Cubby]

Has anything been decided on the stamps? I thought this was an excellent idea for those who wanted to participate to use on their general mail, if that was acceptable to Anna's family.




Sorry I haven't been here for a while. In and out of hospital again and then caring for my Grandmother and court hearings for her guardianship. Also, several in the family have passed on in a matter of just a few months time. It has been surreal. We are trying to stay in the spiritual light and do what is right.

I'm sorry to hear about everything you and your family have been experiencing. Prayers and hugs....

In post #18 within this thread, Annasmom ok'd the photo I posted and suggested anyone interested go ahead and order on their own. I have not yet needed stamps so have yet to see what they look like printed. I'd try a small quantity first and see if we need to adjust the www.searchingforanna.com (http://www.searchingforanna.com) to large enough to read.

[Gina_M]

There is also http://www.cafepress.com/ where you can submit a photo and have it placed on T-shirts, cards, mugs, etc.

[Cubby]

Way off the beaten path.

I found this site:
http://artpad.art.com/gallery/

which allows users to paint and submit to the sites gallery. I have no idea how to search for particular artwork or how long they remain part of the site, however, I did a lame attempt at an impressionist style sun thinking of the song from one of the videos and added searchingforanna.com

If anyone likes drawing or painting, this place is kind of fun and maybe another place to attract traffic to the searchingforanna site.

Some of the paintings in the gallery are quite beautiful and some very talented artists.

[Joe Ford]

Good "outside the box" idea, Cubby.

[Dr. Doogie]

In the past, it was suggested that an email campaign be started with details about Anna's disappearance along with the age-progressed photo. By using the viral nature of the internet, it was thought that we could spread the word and reach a large audience. The idea was nixed because of the tendency of people to modify these type of emails to "spice" them up. The result is something that we would lose control of as it travelled through the internet universe. (Think of the "Ashley Flores" hoax email that has gained a life of its own trough email forwarding.)

One way that we may be able to use email without losing control of the message is to include only "bare bones" info about the case (such as Anna's name and the date she went missing), but include a link to the searchingforanna.com website where the correct details are available. We would still run a risk that someone could change the link to something that we do not want, but it may be an effective way of spreading the message while controlling the content.

Any thoughts about this?

[Joe Ford]

In the past, it was suggested that an email campaign be started with details about Anna's disappearance along with the age-progressed photo. By using the viral nature of the internet, it was thought that we could spread the word and reach a large audience. The idea was nixed because of the tendency of people to modify these type of emails to "spice" them up. The result is something that we would lose control of as it travelled through the internet universe. (Think of the "Ashley Flores" hoax email that has gained a life of its own trough email forwarding.)

One way that we may be able to use email without losing control of the message is to include only "bare bones" info about the case (such as Anna's name and the date she went missing), but include a link to the searchingforanna.com website where the correct details are available. We would still run a risk that someone could change the link to something that we do not want, but it may be an effective way of spreading the message while controlling the content.

Any thoughts about this?
Sounds like a great idea, Doogie. We have come to learn of the vast power and reaches of the internet in recent years. In the spirit of " leave no stone unturned" I applaud your idea.

[rideforfun]

What about creating a password protected PDF file so we could still have all the critical information and some emotion. I don't think bare bones is going to be as effective although it is certainly still worth doing. A locked PDF file would still allow us to keep control.

[Dr. Doogie]

What about creating a password protected PDF file so we could still have all the critical information and some emotion. I don't think bare bones is going to be as effective although it is certainly still worth doing. A locked PDF file would still allow us to keep control.

This is an interesting idea that I had not considered. I have Acrobrat Pro, but am not familiar with all of its features. RFF, can you send me an email describing how to password protect a pdf file? Thanks!

[rideforfun]

I took this situation to my design team this morning. They told me that a locked PDF can be hacked pretty easy. You can resave the document or import it into photoshop or illustrator and that will override the Password.

They suggested we write the e-mail with a compelling paragraph and show the two photos -- Anna and the age prgression. Then, we link to a website (could be a page on this site) with more information. Not many people are going to the trouble to try to upload/alter content from your website. If we keep the e-mail paragraph -- short, compelling and specific in asking for action we should do well.

Maybe this is what you were saying all along, short e-mail with a live link and I just didn't get the link part of it.

I liked the locked PDF and can give you more information on it if the easy hacking issue is not off putting.

[Annasmom]

What about creating a password protected PDF file so we could still have all the critical information and some emotion. I don't think bare bones is going to be as effective although it is certainly still worth doing. A locked PDF file would still allow us to keep control.

Could someone explain this idea to me (using very small words, please)? I am not in favor of spamming, and we have tried to keep the weeping and wailing at a minimum during all our efforts. Also, exactly what is it that might be hacked?

[Dr. Doogie]

Annasmom:

What I am mulling over is possibly creating an email that says something like: "Anna Christian Waters disappeared from Half Moon Bay, Ca in 1973. Her family continues to look for her. Please come to searchingforanna.com for more details about the case." The email could, as suggested above, include the kindergarten picture and the recent age progression.

This email could be forwarded to people within each of our address books, which is then forwarded by the receipients. This would "virally" spread out this info exponentially. Technically, this would be spam, but would be using the power of spam in the service of good.

The major disadvantage of these type of emails is that people tend to add and elaborate the information in the email. RFF's suggestion of creating a password-protected pdf is an attempt to make the information in the email unalterable to keep it from mutating into something that we don't want. In short, we would make the message a "picture" that can not be altered except by us with a password. However, as RFF explained, this "picture" would still be able to altered, but it would be more difficult than the usual email.

As I originally stated, I was opposed to using this technique because of the potential of losing control of the message. I re-offered the proposal with the idea of using the email only to direct people to the website where we have complete control of the content. It may still be a bad idea. If you are opposed to this, we will certainly defer to your decision.

(I hope that I explained this concisely. It seems that I cannot avoid using large words. ;) )

[Annasmom]

Annasmom:

What I am mulling over is possibly creating an email that says something like: "Anna Christian Waters disappeared from Half Moon Bay, Ca in 1973. Her family continues to look for her. Please come to searchingforanna.com for more details about the case." The email could, as suggested above, include the kindergarten picture and the recent age progression.

This email could be forwarded to people within each of our address books, which is then forwarded by the receipients. This would "virally" spread out this info exponentially. Technically, this would be spam, but would be using the power of spam in the service of good.

The major disadvantage of these type of emails is that people tend to add and elaborate the information in the email. RFF's suggestion of creating a password-protected pdf is an attempt to make the information in the email unalterable to keep it from mutating into something that we don't want. In short, we would make the message a "picture" that can not be altered except by us with a password. However, as RFF explained, this "picture" would still be able to altered, but it would be more difficult than the usual email.

As I originally stated, I was opposed to using this technique because of the potential of losing control of the message. I re-offered the proposal with the idea of using the email only to direct people to the website where we have complete control of the content. It may still be a bad idea. If you are opposed to this, we will certainly defer to your decision.

(I hope that I explained this concisely. It seems that I cannot avoid using large words. ;) )
Thank you, Doogie. I suppose lots of these e-mails would be screened out by people's anti-spam filters. We wouldn't be breaking any laws, would we?
BTW, searchingforanna.com was updated just this morning with a book link and the completion of the 1973-2004 time line. Looks good.

[rideforfun]

The type of viral marketing that we are talking about would pass from a person to friends/family -- we would be asking that people interested in the case spread the e-mail to their friends/family and those people do the same. So, very little would get filtered out because you are set up to receive e-mails from friends/family.

Spam companies buy address lists and send out mass e-mails -- you set up filters to pull out mail that comes from known spam sources or mail that doesn't come from sources you approve. We don't want spam.

Think of it as being passionate and having enough time to write to each of your friends to tell them this interesting case you are working on. That is what this e-mail would do except that we would write the message 1 time rather than over and over. If people choose to pass it on -- great. If they choose not to pass it on that is fine also. But, we will have given them the opportunity.

I think we can play on the idea of 6 degrees of separation and increase awareness and never come close to spam.

Because it is going from person to person and not asking for anything but consideration I don't believe we are at risk for any laws.

[Annasmom]

The type of viral marketing that we are talking about would pass from a person to friends/family -- we would be asking that people interested in the case spread the e-mail to their friends/family and those people do the same. So, very little would get filtered out because you are set up to receive e-mails from friends/family.

Spam companies buy address lists and send out mass e-mails -- you set up filters to pull out mail that comes from known spam sources or mail that doesn't come from sources you approve. We don't want spam.

Think of it as being passionate and having enough time to write to each of your friends to tell them this interesting case you are working on. That is what this e-mail would do except that we would write the message 1 time rather than over and over. If people choose to pass it on -- great. If they choose not to pass it on that is fine also. But, we will have given them the opportunity.

I think we can play on the idea of 6 degrees of separation and increase awareness and never come close to spam.

Because it is going from person to person and not asking for anything but consideration I don't believe we are at risk for any laws.

Thank you for this good explanation. I'll leave this avenue up to you and Doogie. It sounds worthwhile.

[Cubby]

I'm all up for an email campaign. If we do this, will it be posted for people to copy and send out or sent privately off forum?

[Gina_M]

I think it sounds like a good idea, and it's not really spam if we just send to friends and family. It's in the same vein as those jokes and inspirational emails that everyone forwards to their friends...but much more important :)

[Cubby]

Any updates on the email campaign? Was a decision made?

[Dr. Doogie]

We are going to do it. I have been tardy in creating the email (and password protecting it, as suggested), but we should be able to start spreading it in around a week.

[Cubby]

I love post secret. I wouldn't open it up around young kids though,
sometimes there are postcards which are not child appropriate. I'd give
it a pg13 rating.

Last week I so wanted to respond to the lady who thought about
kidnapping a child and how much pain that causes a parent and family.

I wish I could think of a way to send Anna Waters pic in....
(searchingforanna.com) I so wish whoever took her would give up their
secret.


Someone on another forum wrote:

don't miss this week's post secrets
http://postsecret.blogspot.com/ (http://postsecret.blogspot.com/)


The above was my response. Postsecret has quite the following.

[SherlockJr]

:HappyBday:HappyBday:HappyBday to Annasmom!!!! Hope your day is filled with happiness.

[InterestedNHelping]

Wonderful! Happy Birthday from me as well!

Last night, I was sitting in an outdoor bistro, in Grass Valley, with my son, and we were enjoying a quiet dinner on a beautiful Italian patio. There was a guitar player and he was singing softly, and as soon as I sat down and was comfortable, he sang "Here comes the Sun"...I was literally moved to tears, as I was thinking of Anna at the time, and how special the moment was. I looked around in my silly sleuthing way, convinced that she could be near me right now! LOL...The hope of Anna, and the joy that Annasmom brings to us all, is a daily reminder that we are all connected, and that in the simplest of moments, others are truly in our hearts.

[Annasmom]

Wonderful! Happy Birthday from me as well!

Last night, I was sitting in an outdoor bistro, in Grass Valley, with my son, and we were enjoying a quiet dinner on a beautiful Italian patio. There was a guitar player and he was singing softly, and as soon as I sat down and was comfortable, he sang "Here comes the Sun"...I was literally moved to tears, as I was thinking of Anna at the time, and how special the moment was. I looked around in my silly sleuthing way, convinced that she could be near me right now! LOL...The hope of Anna, and the joy that Annasmom brings to us all, is a daily reminder that we are all connected, and that in the simplest of moments, others are truly in our hearts.

The kids and I have always waited excitedly to see what surprise the universe would bring us for our birthdays. Thank you, SherlockJr, and thank you, INH, for making me glad to be alive.
:blowkiss:

[Cubby]

Happy Belated Birthday Annasmom!
:HappyBday:HappyBday:HappyBday

[Gina_M]

I saw this mentioned for another case here on Websleuths and thought it was a good idea for Anna as well. We could have pens made up with the Searching For Anna website address printed on them. You know how people are always leaving a pen on someone else's desk or accidentally walking off with someone else's pen? It could be a great way to spread the word about the website.

[Cubby]

I saw this mentioned for another case here on Websleuths and thought it was a good idea for Anna as well. We could have pens made up with the Searching For Anna website address printed on them. You know how people are always leaving a pen on someone else's desk or accidentally walking off with someone else's pen? It could be a great way to spread the word about the website.

I keep seeing everyone at my sons Catholic school with bumper stickers for pro life with an 800 number. I've noticed them all over town... now that I have my searchingforanna bumper sticker. I'm so proud to 'stand out' in the crowd with a bumper sticker for Anna. I hope they notice, as I notice theirs.....

If Annasmom still has some, and people don't have theirs, please contact her to get one for yourself!

I was a little concerned about having one myself.... and how I might remove it if I sell my car. Goo-gone and the hot sun... makes them easy to remove if nec. Just like village stickers in the window if your city requires one.

[Cubby]

Dear Lord,

For just over 50 years my family has been aching for a Cubs win in the World Series. We've been bleeding hearts, and felt the heart ache year after year after year, always thinking next year. It started in 53' with mom in the hospital for almost a year with Rheumatic Fever.... La Rabida, what a beautiful place along the lake. Not so well known, but that place on the South side. It hurt in 84. It hurt again in 89. It was even worse in 2003, six outs away and that horrible play.

Lord, I have something else in my heart now, Anna. I don't care about goats, curses, the 69 Mets, that foul ball between Durhams legs. Heck, I don't even care if the Red Sox or White Sox win a second or even third World Series before my beloved Cubbies do. Nor do I mind if Tampa wins it this year, being their first time in the play offs.... as a new team.

Lord, I would gladly trade ALL of that... if it meant finding Anna. I've said it before and will say it again. I will trade another century..... some things are just more important.

Hope you hear this Lord. Thanks, and hope to find Anna soon! during the playoffs would be great... but soon, please. Annasmom, Nonda, Eddie, Joe Ford and the rest of the family need an answer. They are in so many of our prayers.

Love, Cubby.

[Cubby]

Someone from WS had made up some t-shirts and sweatshirts in memory of Tawni Mazzone- former Maricopa Jane Doe after she was identified. She let me know her local Walmart has a machine in the sewing section to make iron on's. They turned out well, and have washed well.

I would like to have some made up, with Annasmoms permission. I would like to use the picture which is on the cover of searchingforanna, and add searchingforanna.com beneath the photo. I can not afford to have them put on t-shirts or sweatshirts, but I would be willing to have some made if my local Walmart has the same machine.

If Annasmom gives the ok... maybe some others can print that pic and have some made themselves as well.

Annasmom, let me know what you think.

[Annasmom]

Someone from WS had made up some t-shirts and sweatshirts in memory of Tawni Mazzone- former Maricopa Jane Doe after she was identified. She let me know her local Walmart has a machine in the sewing section to make iron on's. They turned out well, and have washed well.

I would like to have some made up, with Annasmoms permission. I would like to use the picture which is on the cover of searchingforanna, and add searchingforanna.com beneath the photo. I can not afford to have them put on t-shirts or sweatshirts, but I would be willing to have some made if my local Walmart has the same machine.

If Annasmom gives the ok... maybe some others can print that pic and have some made themselves as well.

Annasmom, let me know what you think.
I think it's a great idea. You know, you can get tee-shirt transfer paper at most drug stores and just follow the instructions to put any picture on any white tee shirt. I've done it myself several times. (You do need a scanner and printer, or need to borrow one.) The book cover or the age-advanced picture would make a good tee-shirt, especially if the web page, www.searchingforanna.com, were included.

[Cubby]

From what I have seen searching some WS posts and threads come up on google search using the 'tag' feature here. I am trying to think of various combinations of two words, or single words Anna might recognize if she were searching. I would love it if we could ALL utilize the tag feature and add different words, memories as we members can only add two per thread.

I would like Annasmom and family, Joeford and others to suggest here what we might add, Lolo letters, Joepoke, vague memories, come to mind.... Everyone be creative and help think of more! This is pretty simple to do and just add to the threads which already exist.

I think the more we add, if Anna uses the internet, the greater the possibility she might find us.

thanks! :blowkiss:
Cubby

[Annasmom]

From what I have seen searching some WS posts and threads come up on google search using the 'tag' feature here. I am trying to think of various combinations of two words, or single words Anna might recognize if she were searching. I would love it if we could ALL utilize the tag feature and add different words, memories as we members can only add two per thread.

I would like Annasmom and family, Joeford and others to suggest here what we might add, Lolo letters, Joepoke, vague memories, come to mind.... Everyone be creative and help think of more! This is pretty simple to do and just add to the threads which already exist.

I think the more we add, if Anna uses the internet, the greater the possibility she might find us.

thanks! :blowkiss:
Cubby
Great idea, Cubby. Here are some suggestions (not Joepoke, since she'd never look for that, but rather JOKA--family names, Saturn (the dog), Suzy, Hatch School, Patches, Melon, Chickens, Captain Crunch, Ogre the Hill, Kaview (the Half Moon Bay Review)...:clap:

[SideKick]

Great idea, Cubby. Here are some suggestions (not Joepoke, since she'd never look for that, but rather JOKA--family names, Saturn (the dog), Suzy, Hatch School, Patches, Melon, Chickens, Captain Crunch, Ogre the Hill, Kaview (the Half Moon Bay Review)...:clap:

Cubby,

This is a great idea. I always try to think of words to google while searching for Anna. Here is a few more:
Outhouse
School Bus
Pumpkins
Record Player
Horses
Farm
Here Comes The Sun

[Cubby]

Thanks guys! I should probably add how to add tags to threads here at WS if anyone is not familiar. When viewing a thread if you scroll to the bottom, two sections beneath the area listing pages you will see 'edit tags' on the far right, click on that to open the tag area and add your keywords. Single words of course come up with thousands if not millions of hits at times, so if we have a few key words in combination Anna, or someone who knows Anna might have better success at finding us here.

[Annasmom]

Thanks guys! I should probably add how to add tags to threads here at WS if anyone is not familiar. When viewing a thread if you scroll to the bottom, two sections beneath the area listing pages you will see 'edit tags' on the far right, click on that to open the tag area and add your keywords. Single words of course come up with thousands if not millions of hits at times, so if we have a few key words in combination Anna, or someone who knows Anna might have better success at finding us here.

I should have been able to figure it out after this good explanation, but itjust didn't work for me. Maybe someone will put "bus trip" on their tags, since part of the reason I'm reprinting the 1971 bus trip on my blog (http://writeritewrightright.blogspot.com) is that I think Anna might remember parts of it, the pictures, her writing, etc. So far, however, as far as I can tell, only one person is reading it! Not exactly a best-seller.

[Cubby]

I should have been able to figure it out after this good explanation, but itjust didn't work for me. Maybe someone will put "bus trip" on their tags, since part of the reason I'm reprinting the 1971 bus trip on my blog (http://writeritewrightright.blogspot.com) is that I think Anna might remember parts of it, the pictures, her writing, etc. So far, however, as far as I can tell, only one person is reading it! Not exactly a best-seller.


It's there in the tags, I see it 'bus trip', it worked. :blowkiss:

I added one too.

[Cubby]

Cubby,

This is a great idea. I always try to think of words to google while searching for Anna. Here is a few more:
Outhouse
School Bus
Pumpkins
Record Player
Horses
Farm
Here Comes The Sun


What comes to mind for me is Looking Glass's Brandy too. When Annasmom said she wanted to be called Brandy. Although a bit older than Anna was, I can remember three of us girls fighting over which Charlies Angel we were going to play and there were many times we played with made up names from songs or TV shows.

[Joe Ford]

It's there in the tags, I see it 'bus trip', it worked. :blowkiss:

I added one too.

joepoke said... Mikie, Thanks for publishing The Bus Log. I am certain that if Anna were to see it there would be no doubt she would remember that magical mystery tour. Nor the one-and-a-half gainer she so scarily performed from out one of the bus windows.

jf

ps. I'm sending your blog site far and wide.
November 9, 2008 7:02 AM

[SherlockJr]

joepoke said... Mikie, Thanks for publishing The Bus Log. I am certain that if Anna were to see it there would be no doubt she would remember that magical mystery tour. Nor the one-and-a-half gainer she so scarily performed from out one of the bus windows.

jf

ps. I'm sending your blog site far and wide.
November 9, 2008 7:02 AM

Wow, this sounds interesting! Tell us the story! This memory could still be with Anna.

[Annasmom]

Wow, this sounds interesting! Tell us the story! This memory could still be with Anna.

It's rather a long story, which is why it is on the blog instead of the forum, but it is a journal the whole family--including Anna--made from May to November 1971, and can be read at http://writeritewrightright.blogspot.com. There are other entries as well, and the log reads backward in time, so look for topics which say Bus Log. Lots of drawings and pictures. I'm trying to enter a few pages every day.

[SideKick]

It's rather a long story, which is why it is on the blog instead of the forum, but it is a journal the whole family--including Anna--made from May to November 1971, and can be read at http://writeritewrightright.blogspot.com. There are other entries as well, and the log reads backward in time, so look for topics which say Bus Log. Lots of drawings and pictures. I'm trying to enter a few pages every day.

I would think if there is one thing Anna would recall it would be the bus and the tour. As a child, a trip is something that really sticks. I was talking to my daughter on the weekend about various trips we took to the States from Canada, tho some details were vague, she recalled going on those trips and told me incidences I almost forgot, I reminded her of my memories of the trips and THEN she remembered those I recalled. She was 7 years old but she said she remembered alot of other children in the campground, a dark colored cabin we rented, the JBean store and slippers she wanted to buy but didn't get. LOL. This bus was pretty special and I wouldn't be surprised at all if Anna had memories of it plus the motorcycle riding with Joka.

[suzapalooza]

I can't find the doohickey to 'edit tags' so will list a few here that come to mind, maybe someone can add them in the proper spot for memory triggers...

King Worm (he was so big we gave him his own box)
Vanilla the Cat
Iggy the iguana
Rocky Road Raccoon Flower (my goat that Anna named)
chicken plucking day and bees
de-headed roosters running in circles
Patchouli the cat
Saturn the dog
big white barn owl
Captain Crunch and Hugh Hefner (the roosters in the coop)
huge water tank
liver and onions and bacon (Anna loved this supper on Thursdays at my cottage)
ground bees chased the kids when they put the hose in the hole
kittens

~suzapalooza