Ronald G. Levi Jr.'s Blog

The audiobook version of Spitting Image is finally available on Audible and Amazon! If you like hands-free listening during your commute or when you're getting your workout in, the wait is over. If you don't already have an Audible account with Amazon, just follow this link and we'll have you up and running with Spitting Image in minutes. Get your audio on now, and buy a couple of printed copies for Christmas gifts. You won't want to put it down (or turn it off).

One year after Spitting Image was first published in ebook, paperback, and hardcover versions, the audiobook is now available just in time for National Adoption Month! Search for Spitting Image Levi on Apple Books, Google Books, Scribd, or even your local library. Audible is not far behind. You'll be able to find it there in a few days as well.

If you feel like you can't fit another thing into your day, this is great news! Listen while you drive and spend your daily commute with me. We'll go deep into family dynamics, genetic genealogy, multi-racial and blended families, as well as child abandonment and the intricacies of making contact for the first time with long lost generations and miraculous discoveries along the way. Every chapter draws you closer to a universal truth that is as plain as it is elusive.

National Adoption Month Promotion

In recognition of November as National Adoption Month, the launch price is $9.99 for retail and $19.95 for libraries. Beginning December 1st, the retail price will be $12.95 and the library price will be $26.95. Get yours now and buy a paperback or hardcover for everyone on your Christmas list. A list of links to the sources for ordering is below. If your preferred provider is not listed, just ask them for the title by name or tell them that the ISBN number for the audiobook is 9781735880549.

Retail and Library Availability 11/09/2022

3Leaf Group / Axiell / Baker & Taylor / Bibliotheca / Bidi / EBSCO / Follett / hoopla / MLOL / Odilo / Overdrive / Perma-Bound / Ulverscroft / Wheelers / 24symbols / Anyplay / Apple / Audiobooks.com / AudiobooksNow / AudiobooksNZ / BajaLibros / Beek / BingeBooks / Bokus Play / Bookmate / Chirp / Cliq / Downpour / eStories / Google Play / Hummingbird / Instaread / Kobo, Walmart / Leamos / Libro.FM / Milkbox / Nextory / NOOK Audiobooks / Scribd / Storytel / Ubook

I'd been planning my visit to Georgia for several months following the publication of Spitting Image last November. I expected to do it much sooner, but I wanted enjoy our new granddaughters for a while and see how much could be done to make travel as safe as possible before flying out again. Last week, I am thrilled to report, I enjoyed a memorable, productive and very relaxing trip back to our ancestral homes of Bulloch and Laurens Counties.

In 2015 with an incredible cadre of helpers, loving friends and family I was able to identify my biological parents, cousins and ancestors. In 2017 I visited Laurens County, Georgia, the birthplace of my father where I attended our Louisa Harvard Family Reunion (my 2nd great grandmother). In the ensuing years through DNA analysis and obsessive research building on a trove of treasures established by my cousin Frances Stephens, I began to reveal even older secrets - the white owners and progenitors of our black ancestors. DNA results corrected and clarified our Lowther branch proving that the father of my great grandfather William Lowther was John Lowther (originally of Bulloch County) who was the son of John Lowther Sr. and Mary Hagan. On my first trip to Dublin (in Laurens County), I was not aware of this connection. I had since seen pictures of John's headstone at the Old Dublin cemetery, but I had not visited it personally. This time, my mission was to experience the culture and climes of Statesboro (Bulloch County) before heading to Dublin to pay respects to our departed ancestors there as well. I also wanted to share my version of our story, Spitting Image with libraries, friends and extended family members. I achieved all that and more than I expected.

This time, I began my trip by flying into Savannah and driving about 1 hour to Statesboro. My biggest regret of this trip is not being able to spend more time in beautiful Savannah. Next time, I'll be sure to add a couple of nights just for that purpose. It was cotton-harvesting time as I drove past the expansive fields of thorny white puffs conflicted by images of a past which belied the present beauty and tranquility. The mist rising from large ponds and fragrant crops accompanied me the last few miles until I arrived in Statesboro about 20 minutes later than planned. The historic Hamilton Place was already filled with smiles and warmth of many who assembled to welcome me. Ms. Lillian Wingate and Ms. Lynda Hamilton arranged a meet and greet with book signing, and it was an unforgettable evening. When one imagines southern hospitality and genteel company, with a generous sprinkle of dry humor and quit wit, one pictures Ms. Lynda and her historic home. Beautifully appointed with antique furnishings, everything about the home set on quiet acres with a nanny goat, roosters, bunnies and assorted cuddly critters transported me quite unexpectedly to a place of comfort and clarity not possible by reading or hearing. Only by being there in person can one truly appreciate the cumulative effect of the experience.

The next day was spent entirely at the Statesboro Bulloch County Library where Ms. Wingate showed me a phenomenal collection of historic loose papers by family name and a couple of indexes that listed so many related family names, I will have to buy a copy to continue connecting the dots. The organization and flow of the Family Heritage section is nothing short of genius.

The third day of my journey began with a quick breakfast and an hour's drive west to the city of Dublin in neighboring Laurens County. My 2nd great grandfather John Lowther who was born in Bulloch County resettled in Laurens and is buried at the Old Dublin City Cemetery where many early settlers including colonial army veterans are laid to rest. The oldest known cemetery in Dublin dates as far back as 1811, and some of the huge trees standing may be at least that old. I walked the banks of Rocky Creek off Highway 26 where my ancestor and owner of my 2nd great grandmother Louisa built the first Laurens Hill Baptist Church. Pastor Greg Jones and I speculated on the exact location of the baptismal which precipitated the location of that site for the church. I also visited the the Harvard Family Cemetery which is completely obscured from view by dense foliage as is the Laurens Hill Church Cemetery where enslaved ancestors and some of their descendants are buried. I'll save some very exciting news on that front for another post.

The highlights of this year's Dublin trip were surely the Family Heritage Room and help from Ms. Christina Trotter, Ms. Cindy Wells, and my newly-discovered cousin Ms. Shan Blackshear! The Knowledge Information Center (KIC) scanning system they have combined with the extensive collection of loose historical papers (original wills, letters, receipts, etc.) is incredible! They had things I though could only be found by driving all over town, climbing stairs, digging through boxes and standing in line at court houses. Ms. Wells did so much research on my behalf before I arrived and everyone was so helpful in showing me how to use the scanner. I learned more than I ever though possible in a relatively short visit. I thought my 2nd great grandfather only had about 10-15 slaves as that's all I've ever found in the schedules of 1850, however, the estate of his wife Mary proved that they owned over 1,000 acres. There must have been many more than 10 slaves managing that much farm land. I also read an entire account of the disputed disposition of Mary's estate by her children - her daughter suing her brothers to stop them from squandering her inheritance as well as theirs. I really got to know these people a little better as a result of this trip and that could not have happened any other way. I have so much more to share later, but I'll wrap this post up with a very positive recommendation for a great restaurant - the Company Supply Rotisserie Bistro. I was really famished for something great after a very long day of research and scanning at the library. Ms. Trotter recommended the restaurant where I ordered the étouffée, and I almost cried it was so good! I had to go back the next day for the shrimp and grits which was also fantastic 'though Huck Finn's of New Orleans still takes top honors for that dish in my book. I look forward to coming back home many times in the future. I offer heartfelt thanks to everyone I met on this trip. They say you can never go home again....unless you keep home within you. I take it everywhere I go.

As the great Ray Charles sang so memorably, "Other arms reach out to me. Other eyes smile tenderly. Still in peaceful dreams I see. The road leads back to you." And so the genetic road has led me back to Georgia also. Yesterday, I enjoyed the privilege of celebrating Family History Month by presenting an introduction to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy via zoom to members of the Laurens County Library in Dublin, GA and visitors as far away as New Zealand. It was jam-packed, fast-paced, and I hope very helpful to all who were able to attend. Thanks to Ms. Christina Trotter for arranging the sponsorship and giving me the opportunity to come home virtually!

If you would like to arrange a presentation for your genealogy society, book club, family history or other event, please use my contact form. This one was customized for Laurens and Bulloch Counties in Georgia.

As an only child reading biblical and other stories about first-borns, I appreciated that onlies are firsts, but I did not fully appreciate what all the fuss was about. I was first and last simultaneously, or so I thought. But as a father and now as a grandfather, it has come into focus more clearly than ever before.

The magic of firsts is the humility of admitting that you are not prepared at all. No matter how well-educated or how wealthy you are, there's nothing like a first newborn to put you in your place. No matter how many cousins you've helped raise or how many double-shifts you've put in on the line, there's nothing like that first baby to give you some much needed perspective.

The other precious thing about firsts for me is how fleeting they are. Before you barely have a chance to understand the immensity of change they bring to your life - first job, first degree, first love, first loss.... they are tremendously memorable and so quickly joined and shared by the second, third and subsequent iterations. I'm still far from over the wonder and magic of my first granddaughter when I am suddenly blessed with a second.

The first will always be the first, though. No one can ever take that from them. As with her father, there was a brief moment in time that she was the only one of her kind. It was the blink of an eye when I hung on every movement, every glance, every expression and indecipherable babble. I still hang on them, but the difference now is that they are shared. My first son shared my endless love with his brothers when they were born and now my first granddaughter shares me with her 1st cousin (my 2nd granddaughter) - though she has no idea yet what a grandfather or cousin are. Those brief moments in time, the firsts, are the intensity that inspire us and give us confidence that maybe we can survive the onslaught after all. Maybe love is enough, maybe we can make it together. The firsts give me hope that God isn't done with us yet, and 2nds and 3rds bring their very own unique blessings to prove it.

I am a member of a writers workshop. We meet monthly at The Book Haus, an independent bookseller in New Braunfels, TX. I’m the only male in the group, the only African-American, and I may also be the only grandparent. At our September meeting we agreed to write a blog post about a topic assigned randomly by one of our fellow authors, and I was assigned the topic, “Today’s Modern Woman.” At 25 years of age, I would have naively taken the bait. At 57, I know more than I ever did and I know the mystery of the modern woman is far beyond the reach of my intellect and lifespan. I also know that of all pursuits, it is by far the most interesting, stupefying, humbling, and rewarding. The father of 3 boys, my range of expertise on this matter is certainly dated and somewhat limited. But now that I have a granddaughter and another on the way, I am seeing things in ways I never imagined.

I’m no signer or musician, but I do love music. Great lyrics, melodies and vocal performances that move me emotionally are the one thread that has never been snipped or tied off in the tapestry of my life. The modern woman, I can say after much deliberation and a lifetime of astute devotion and meticulous study, is very much the same as the olden days, antique, archetypal woman….and much more. The qualities that ensured survival of our species for millennia are far from dead. For those who fear modern ways mean the end of civilization, it has been my own observation that the right to vote, teaching life skills, faith, governance of one’s own health, choice of life partners and economic, academic, athletic and political leadership are greatly enhancing our lives, not threatening them. Men who are secure in their own identity welcome, seek out, encourage and support the perspectives and contributions of women. In short, they recognize their dependence and shared interests as a team (family, colleague, nation).

We must be careful no to generalize indiscriminately, however. It should go without saying that there are men and women of all stripes, abilities, and ethos. One thing I feel comfortable asserting is that today’s modern woman is no monolith – not by a long shot. The fundamental qualities that ensure survival of our species remain incredibly strong far beyond the biological procreative possibilities. We’d be wise to treat one another respectfully as individuals without ascribing our own biases, baggage, and beliefs. Today’s woman is binary and non-binary, pro-life and pro-choice, faith-filled and faithless, confident and terrified, capable and dog-tired, nurturing and in desperate need of nurturing. Maybe Billy Joel was close, or maybe that’s just the paternalist baggage I carry everywhere I go – yesterday, today and tomorrow, She’s Always a Woman to Me.

Or maybe Billy and I still need to get out a bit more. Today’s woman cannot be reduced to a blog, quip, post, tweet or anecdote. That much, I know for certain.

Thanks again to everyone who has purchased Spitting Image in any version! eBook, paperback and hardcover versions were all released at the same time, around Thanksgiving of last year. I especially appreciate the great reviews and helpful feedback from friends, family and readers who have taken the time to not only read Spitting Image, but to share their thoughts of the experience with me and others. You are truly amazing people and I'm so thankful to share life with you. As a self-published author, the most challenging part of the process is getting the word out to audiences who are looking for the type of content your title provides. Your help sharing my book and photos on your social media accounts, via email and word of mouth has been so helpful.

Book Tour

I've been invited to speak and read at the Bulloch County Genealogical Society and the Bulloch County Library (Georgia) in October, and I 'm so humbled by their kindness and hospitality. I'm looking forward to meeting many distant cousins and fellow genealogists. I'm also hoping to walk the banks of Rocky Creek in Laurens County to look for traces of the original Laurens County Baptist Church where I also look forward to seeing Pastor first Lady Jones as well as many other cousins and friends I've made on this blessed journey. For now, I only have these visits to Georgia scheduled. I hope to have something in Detroit planned for the Spring of 2022.

Your Audiobook Preferences?

I'm excited to announce that I'm beginning production of an audiobook version which I expect to finish by the end of August. I've heard from many of you who enjoy listening to books what a good medium this would be for my book, so I'm working hard to deliver the best quality, most enjoyable experience possible.

Most of America get their audiobooks from Audible (Amazon), Audiobooks.com, Apple, Google, Scribd, and Kobo. How about you? Do you use more than one service? Which do you prefer and why? Some charge a monthly subscription fee. Others charge ala carte. How about libraries? Do you ever borrow audiobooks? Please take a few minutes and reply to this post sharing your thoughts, preferences and experiences with books on audio. I'd like to use your feedback to make the best choices in distributing Spitting Image.

Free Thank You Gift

I created bookmarks to complement the cover art of Spitting Image and I'm very pleased with how the finished product turned out. The premium ice pearl stock is printed on the front with the cover of my Spitting Image and features two inspirational scriptures chosen prayerfully and personally to bless those who have adopted children, have been adopted themselves, foundlings, parents, families and anyone searching for truth.

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows - This is God, whose dwelling is Holy. God places the lonely in families. He sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. - Psalm 68:5-6

John 1:12: But to all who did receive him, who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. - John 1:12

At the bottom of the front, there is a serene peaceful image of a basket floating near flags with a rising sun in the distance. On the reverse side, I was led to include a passage from Paul's letter to the Romans.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God., and, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. - Romans 8:14/17

If you have written a review on any retail website or Goodreads, I would like to thank you by sending you a free bookmark. To get yours, just send me a link to the review and your mailing address. You can use the contact form here on my site, or if you are a personal contact, you have my email or other methods to reach me.

Thank you for your support and encouragement. Please remember that when publishing costs are covered, I will be donating a portion of the profits the National Safe Haven Alliance which provides resources for mothers and families in need of safe options for unborn and newly born infants. The more you support Spitting Image by sharing posts, requesting your favorite booksellers to stock it, and writing reviews on commercial and social media pages, the sooner I'll be able to make good on my promise to help the NSHA, moms, and babies. I can't do it alone. You really are key to the success, happiness and safety of real people by helping my cause. This has never been about profit for myself. It's always been about helping others find their way, sort out the noise, and find closure and some measure of peace whatever that may mean to them.

Boys from every side of the tracks converge in privileged sports history

One's experience growing up in Detroit tracks largely with the events of each decade. The adversarial love/hate decade of the 60's birthed the me generation of the 70's which inexorably spawned the dystopian 80's.

In the midst of every struggle and tragedy were small delights....jewels of humanity and tokens of hope. In Spitting Image, I include many chapters of my formative years in Detroit to give the reader some idea of how my worldview as an adoptee, a foundling abandoned at birth was formed. It was not at all filled with pity and heartbreak. To the contrary, I was extremely fortunate. One such example is my work with the Detroit Pistons as a Ball Boy in 1977 and 1978 at Cobo Arena before they relocated to the Pontiac Silverdome. The resentment I experienced as an African-American male growing up in "the most segregated city in the North" was confounded by many kindnesses and opportunities that did not fully inform my consciousness until years later when I was afforded a much broader perspective of America and the world.

Check out my interview with former Pistons Ball Boys Andy Doctoroff, Kevin Swanson, and Peter Skorich as we remember those very special times and share what they meant to us and some of the names that contributed to our development as young men in Detroit. Equally fascinating are their own stories of family genealogy and genetic heritage.

Share Your Story

Have you solved a DNA mystery of your own? Do you have a story of triumph or tragedy that you can share with others who may be following in your footsteps? Have you written or are you writing a book about your experience? My weekly Zoom Live on Facebook is beginning ro build an audience interested in these and related topics.

Sometimes we go through trying circumstances so that we may learn a lesson for our own personal growth and benefit. Many times, however, the greater benefit may be for those we never even meet. By bravely sharing our challenges honestly, others need not suffer in silence. They can gain strength, encouragement and peace through your words, your pain, and your victory.

If you’d like to share your story or experience to help others, please send a message on my contact page. The Zoom Live is every Saturday at 4pm central, and I'd be honored to have you on as my guest. If you haven't seen any episodes, please take a look at my YouTube channel and Facebook Page. You'll see it's very casual, mostly fun, but we try not to shy away from the tough topics, either. This is not a solicitation or promotion. No fees are involved - strictly voluntary on all sides.

Strange Fruit

Yesterday's SIZL with Norma Johnson was a treat from start to finish! Although I solved the audio delay problem form last week's episode, a different technical problem caused our Facebook Live stream to begin almost 30 minute after we had been speaking. The good news is that the entire session was recorded, and has been archived on YouTube. Here's a link - next week, I'm hoping all of the bugs will have been completely worked out. Thanks for sticking with me through the growing pains. Please share within your networks!