DNA Discoveries & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #63

March 13, 2018 / 77 Comments

As I am preparing to head into New York City tomorrow for The Forever Fierce Meet Up, I am writing this post on Monday afternoon sitting at my best friend, Jane’s, dining room table.  She lives in my home state of Pennsylvania and has very generously allowed me stay in her spare room while I have been cruising around the tri-state area for the past 3 days reconnecting with some old friends.  Today, I decided to just hang at her house and catch up on some blogging work. She is in the other room on her computer working on genealogy projects.

*This is not a sponsored post.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A few years ago, Jane began doing some genetic research as a hobby in an attempt to build her personal family tree and discover more about her Hungarian ancestry (and to find a family connection with my own Hungarian roots). Throughout the process, she has become quite adept at all things to do with genealogy and DNA matches and ancestry, navigating her way effortlessly through foreign birth, marriage, and death records from 100 or more years ago. She has taught herself to read and speak Hungarian during her research. But more importantly, she has learned a very valuable trade in that she has successfully connected adoptees to their birth parents as well as helped them to fill in gaps in their personal stories.

*Sweater: The Bon-Ton (Unable to find a direct link).

Jane is so passionate about her work and helping people uncover the secrets and mysteries of their ancestry that you cannot help but be drawn to her enthusiasm. She thinks she is boring me as she weaves a story for me of a tavern owner who fell to his death off the back of a truck just weeks after Prohibition was enacted. I hang on her words with interest as I create a black and white image in my head of how this all played out. Then she tells the story of a Wisconsin doctor who had his medical license revoked in the 1930’s for one year due to a conviction of manslaughter. Boring? I think not.

*Jeans: Vigoss Jeans from Maurice’s (Old).

And even more interesting is when Jane filled in the gaps about how my maternal grandmother’s father died. All I ever knew was that he died when my grandmother was merely months old and she was raised by her grandmother after her mother remarried a violent alcoholic. It turns out that my great-grandfather died at the age of 26 from tuberculosis. He left behind 3 children (my grandmother and her 2 older brothers) and a young wife. His wife remarried an Austrian widower who brought 4 children of his own the union. Together, they produced 6 more children for a total of 13 children in this blended family.

*Boots: Denny Booties from Shoe Dazzle.

Just last night, we were investigating my father’s side of the family. Italian immigrants who settled in Easton, Pennsylvania, my father’s father was 1 of 13 children and my father was 1 of 6 children. Most of this large family still live in the area. But we could see their temporary move to Chicago in the 1920’s for just a year or two and then they returned to Easton, Pennsylvania. We are still trying to figure out the reason for this.

And even more interesting is the story that my own DNA is telling. I have always been told that my father was 100% Italian and my mother 25% Welsh, Swedish, Hungarian, and Slovak. While the basic DNA test done through 23 and Me has shown that approximately 98% of my ancestry is Northern European, it takes someone with expert knowledge to read a little deeper. What we discovered last night was that much of my DNA very closely matches the DNA of the Ashkenazi Jews. My DNA is still pointing to Northern Europe and very dominantly in the area of Italy, but is closely matched to a population of Jewish people who migrated there. Who knew?

I have to say I am so fascinated by all of this information that Jane is discovering about me and about people I don’t even know! If ancestry and DNA and genealogy research intrigues you at all, I encourage you to visit her website, Jane’s Genes, and check out her latest discoveries.

Have you ever investigated your own DNA or genetic history? What have you discovered?

And now your favorite posts from last week.

Suzy of Suzy Turner: Pixie Chick in Portugal shared her post, Easy dressing: an outfit I threw together. Sometimes, the thrown together outfits are the best outfits…as Suzy has so perfectly proven! She looks amazing!

Suzy of Suzy Turner: Pixie Chick in Portugal

And Roxanne of Glass of Glam shared her post, My Favorite Burgundy Blazer. I absolutely love this combination of burgundy and leopard. Roxanne always inspires me with her style choices!

Roxanne of Glass of Glam


Discovering myself on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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77 Comments

  • jacqui

    March 13, 2018 at 8:44 am Reply

    Love the look, and I wish I could be at the gathering! Hope you have a swell time, i’m sure it will be wonderful. Thank you for hosting the linkup. Jacqui
    mummabstylish

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 2:16 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Pam! You definitely should do it. It is so fun to make these discoveries. Watch around the holidays for deals on the kits…they may offer discounts for St. Patrick’s Day or Mother’s Day.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann

    March 13, 2018 at 10:22 am Reply

    Jane’s Genes is such a cute name! Her work sounds so interesting, like solving a great mystery – I’d love that! For years we thought my grandfather was Polish but recently learned he was in fact Russian! Ha! So crazy.
    Lookin’ great as always Shelbee!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 2:12 pm Reply

      Kellyann, thanks so much for reading! Isn’t that so interesting how we are told about our ancestry and then learn that it is incorrect? I think it happens quite often because stories get all switched around as they get passed down through the generations.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laura

    March 13, 2018 at 11:02 am Reply

    How fascinating! I’ve always wanted to get my DNA tested. I know a lot about my ancestry, but I’d be curious what my genes have to say! You look fabulous as always!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 2:06 pm Reply

      Laura, thanks so much for reading! You should totally do a DNA test! It is extraordinarily fascinating the things you can learn! 23 and Me also lets you know when you have DNA matches to discover distant relatives which is really cool.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nancy Baten

    March 13, 2018 at 11:14 am Reply

    I think it’s very interesting. We have a Dutch programme on tv that search for your herritage. I love to watch that! Fabulous shoes love and I have said it before, but your hair is really stunning looking!

  • Suzy

    March 13, 2018 at 12:41 pm Reply

    Shelbee, you are totally rocking this outfit! I LOVE the black and white stripes and those red boots are awesome!! Not to mention those fab jeans. GORGEOUS!
    I absolutely love the subject of this post – I am always fascinated to read about people’s family history. Do you ever watch Who Do You Think You Are? It’s a great show. I loved the episode about JK Rowling!
    My uncle did look into out family history and discovered one of our ancestors was a highwayman called Sammy Morton! I actually used this name for a character in my Raven books 🙂
    Hope you’re having a great week, Shelbee. I mentioned you in my latest blog post by the way <3
    Thank you SO MUCH for featuring me!!
    HUGE hugs
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 2:01 pm Reply

      Suzy, thank you so much! I love that show Who Do You Think You Are? So many great episodes! But I haven’t watched in a while. Maybe I need to find where it is streaming. And I love that used an ancestor of yours as a character in your books. That is so fun. Thanks so much for stopping by and for the lovely comment! You rock, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elizabeth Ramsey

    March 13, 2018 at 1:27 pm Reply

    Super interesting post! My mom is our family genealogist and my husband just got his 23 and me done. The surprise that he received was 1% Native American! Haven’t done my own yet but may in the future. It’s so wonderful to have these resources aggregated (like on Ancestry) so that the next generation can continue to know and learn more about their roots. Have fun in NYC!

    Elizabeth | https://nattygal.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 12:59 pm Reply

      Elizabeth, thanks so much for sharing your story with me! How fun that your husband discovered Native American roots! That is a culture that has always fascinated me! You should totally have yours done, too. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Cheryl Tucker

    March 13, 2018 at 1:30 pm Reply

    Love your look today! Your pictures are so vibrant and pretty! I am into ancestry and genealogy too. I have worked on my family history for years. My paternal grandmother also died at the young age of 23 when my dad was only two years old of tuberculosis. I never got to know her nor did he. In pictures I look a lot like her. I just find that stuff interesting. Great post!
    Cheryl
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 12:55 pm Reply

      Cheryl, thank you so much for sharing your story with me. It is all so fascinating to learn the details of our family histories. And the genetic traits that we inherit in our appearances always intrigue me. Have a wonderful day, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Maggie

    March 13, 2018 at 1:44 pm Reply

    I’ve also been digging into my family tree — it’s a rabbit hole I could happily disappear into! A few years ago, while driving through Pennsylvania to a wedding, we passed by The Old Goshenhoppen Church, and the name stuck with me. This year, through my genealogy research, I found that my 3rd great grandfather was one of several generations of ministers there. It’s all so fascinating to me. Love your outfit on this post, by the way!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 11:57 am Reply

      Maggie, thank you so much for stoping by and for the lovely compliment. But really…thank you for sharing a little bit of your story! It is so fascinating about that church. And what I find even more interesting is that The Old Goshenhoppen Church is only 30 miles from my home town (I did it look it up to see where it is located in Pennsylvania)! And now I want to go visit it!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Roxanne

    March 13, 2018 at 1:50 pm Reply

    Thank you for the feature, Shelbee! Wow, Jane is a smart chick! Hungarian is NOT an easy language. The background of your huge family is fascinating! I know that I am Hungarian and Polish on my mother’s side, but I really want to take the 23 and me test to see my heritage on my father’s side. I know my grandparents came from Iraq, but that’s as far back as I know.

    Your outfit is amazing – I love black and white! Adding a pop of red bootie was the perfect choice.
    –Roxanne
    http://glassofglam.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 11:49 am Reply

      Roxanne, thanks so much! It was pleasure to feature you. And what an interesting background you have, too! You should totally do the DNA test to find out more. It is such a fascinating process, for sure. Have a fabulous day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    March 13, 2018 at 2:40 pm Reply

    I would love to take some time out (when I have some time) to look up my family. Very interesting stuff! I love these bold stripes, especially with the pop of red from your boots! Have a very lovely time in NYC!!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

  • Lisa Richardson

    March 13, 2018 at 3:38 pm Reply

    Well first of all that sweater is totally my jam. I love all things black and white and the style is perfect. I have an aunt who is really into genealogy and she was a huge help to us years ago when my son had a big family tree project that had to go back several generations. Have fun at the Forever Fierce Meet Up!! XOXO

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 11:40 am Reply

      Lisa, thanks so much for reading and for the wonderful compliment! I am a huge fan of black and white, too. It is such a great basis for throwing in splashes of any other color. I have always been fascinated with genealogy as well, so Jane’s work is totally my jam. There was a period of time in high school when I thought I wanted to be a geneticist, but then I hated Biology class and every other science course that was required! Ha.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick Weseman

    March 13, 2018 at 5:23 pm Reply

    That so interesting and amazing. I need to do that. I am adopted and my stuff is so locked up that I can’t get to it (I have tried). I know I will not find anything on my birth parents or anything like that but I would like to know what my ancestry is using one of those test.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 11:38 am Reply

      Patrick, thanks so much for reading! And thank you for sharing that personal information about yourself. I think 23 and Me runs sales on the DNA tests for like nearly every holiday, so they may have one for St. Patrick’s Day or something. I think they are normally $79, but sometimes will offer them for around $50. It really is an interesting process! And maybe Jane can help you find some information, too. She is quite the genetic sleuth and has helped adoptees find information that was essentially locked up, too!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • Jane Horvath

      March 18, 2018 at 7:05 pm Reply

      Hi Patrick,

      Did you know that many states have been overturning the laws and granting open access to adoptees? Just this year, Missouri and Pennsylvania, previously “sealed records” states, began granting adoptees access to their original birth documents. I suggest looking up your state’s laws and taking DNA tests with all the major testing companies if you seek answers. It will set you back about $200 (Ancestry, 23andme, and FamilyTreeDNA* all go on sale for less than $70), but it’s a whole lot cheaper than it was years ago.

      *FamilyTreeDNA used to accept uploaded data from 23andme and Ancestry, but as of this post, new test results are not compatible.

  • Elsie

    March 13, 2018 at 6:32 pm Reply

    What fascinating discoveries about your ancestry Shelbee! And your friend Jane sounds amazing to have taught herself so much and to be helping so many people! I’ve never looked into it, but have always wanted to. Being Armenian, my family on both sides lost quite a few relatives during the Armenian Genocide (1915). It is painful to hear of how my great grandparents had to leave babies behind on the death march through the desert. I wonder how much of our history can be uncovered given the circumstances of those times. I guess I’ll have to try and find out!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 11:33 am Reply

      Elsie, thanks so much for reading and for sharing your story. That is absolutely painful to read about the tragedies that your great grandparents suffered. I can’t even imagine that. It would be really interesting, I’m sure, to find out more details of their journey, but I am sure it would also wrench your heart into pieces. If you do find out more, though, I would love to hear about it.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Helen C.

    March 13, 2018 at 10:58 pm Reply

    Your family tree history is so interesting! You know you are going to have to travel to Europe to search for the family then, hehe
    Have a nice trip to NY!

  • Maureen

    March 13, 2018 at 11:30 pm Reply

    Wow, what an interesting read! Your friend Jane definitely has a talent and skill that is truly helpful and amazing especially for people who want to dig deeper into their family history. A lot of the times we only hear what our parents or immediate family tell us regarding information about our families and the unfortunate part about that is when that person is gone away, the history also goes away with them. It’s quite spectacular at how far we have come in uncovering things and information. What a powerful tool! I hope your day is going great so far. Happy Tuesday!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 11:24 am Reply

      Maureen, thanks so much for reading! One thing that I find so interesting is how the stories get passed down from generation to generation and little details get skewed and twisted. Then when you discover the true story, you can see where these details got twisted along the way. And just filling in the missing pieces and blank gaps is always fun, too. Have a wonderful day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marilee Gramith

    March 14, 2018 at 2:41 am Reply

    I can see why Jane is such a good friend!! Her passion for helping people discover their uniqueness by investigating family roots reveals great humanity.
    You look wonderful in that beret, black and white vertical stripe sweater and those kick ass red boots. Your hair, eyes and complexion all just pop!
    I can’t wait to hear your New York meet-up tales!!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 11:10 am Reply

      Jude, thank you so much! I was really happy with the way this outfit came together! I will be working on a post soon about the Forever Fierce meet up. And yes, Jane, is really quite amazing. And she is a genetic research genius, in my humble opinion!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Cheryl Shops

    March 14, 2018 at 4:20 am Reply

    I’ve always wanted to take one of those DNA tests, if only to selfishly prove my theory that I have Mediterranean blood because my skin tans so well! 😉 My friend discovered she had a long-lost illegitimate uncle after taking 23 & Me, too—fascinating stuff!
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 11:03 am Reply

      Miri, thanks so much for stopping by! I am finding all the genetic information so fascinating! It really is an interesting journey to discovering more about my roots. And the meet up was even more amazing than I could have hoped for! Have a fabulous day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Gigi Kiersten

    March 14, 2018 at 10:33 pm Reply

    Hey, Shelbee! It feels like it’s been a minute since I last visited your blog. Anyway, I love this look. I love the play on textures and pops of colors. I think my favorite part of this outfit is those BOOT! Tho’s boots are everything, and I know if I would get a pair I would literally be falling on my boot. Like always, you were them with grace! Thanks for sharing another awsome post!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 11:00 am Reply

      Gigi, thanks so much! I only started wearing heels again in the past year or two and the more I wear them, the more comfortable I am with them. I appreciate the compliment so much, my friend! Have a wonderful day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • debra barretta

    March 15, 2018 at 10:54 pm Reply

    Wow Shelbee! This was such an interesting post. Your friend Jane has a very intriquing job. How exciting discovering the past history of someone. I can’t wait to hear what else she discovers about your ancestors! And oh my goodness!! I didn’t know you live in PA!!! 😊Me too!! Pittsburgh to be exact. Please have a safe & blessed time visiting.

    Debra
    stylewisebydebra.net

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 16, 2018 at 10:35 am Reply

      Debra, thanks so much for stopping by! I am so fascinated by Jane’s work, I could listen to her stories of discovery all day! Especially when they involve my own ancestors! Pittsburgh is one of my favorite cities ever, by the way. I need to visit there again soon. I am from Bethlehem, but have lived in northern New York for the past 5 years. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Melissa

    March 16, 2018 at 5:23 pm Reply

    Your friend will not bored me at all, I like knowing all those things. I have yet to do the DNA test, but I’ve always been interested to know more than what my parents told me.

    xo
    Mel

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 17, 2018 at 12:15 pm Reply

      Mel, thanks so much for this comment! I am so intrigued by all of this as well. You should definitely watch 23 and Me for sales on the DNA kits! I know they offer some pretty decent discounts around holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jess jannenga

    March 17, 2018 at 3:01 pm Reply

    Shelbee, first , love your red boots and outfit. your beret is another perfect hat on you! Love the jeans on you too, they look great. i have wanted to do ancestry.com or something like that. I like the sound of your friends company too.. sounds very interesting. i have been told i am Irish, Ukranian and English, but it would be cool to find out more.
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 17, 2018 at 3:29 pm Reply

      Jess, thanks so much! If you check out 23 and Me or the other sites, I know that often offer deals on the DNA kits around holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. I am so fascinated by the stuff turning up from my DNA test!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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Shelbee on the Edge