End of the Year 2013 Review

I know I have been very behind in my blog, and I had really wanted to stay on top of things in 2013. But, life got in the way, as they say,and I never stayed committed to writing here at Gtownma’s Genealogy. Which is a little embarrassing as in my last blog I actually challenged others to stay committed. I apologize to those who came here to read and found nothing new this past year. I will rededicate myself to try and do better to visit my blog more often. You can find articles I write at BellaOnline. 

I did stay busy this past year. Here are some of the things I accomplished or participated in during 2013:

• I was the Vice President/Program Director for the Tennessee Genealogical Society. I had a great time doing lectures and field trips. The best part was making so many new friends!  I submitted articles to their quarterly, “Ansearchin’ News” and helped publish their newsletter. Due to family commitments, I did not run for a board position this year, but plan on volunteering as much as I can!
• I was the VP for the Second Life Chapter – Association of Professional Genealogists. Since I do not have a local chapter here in Tennessee, this virtual chapter was a great discovery. I was elected as the 2014 President and look forward to working with a great board. I am also serving on the APG Board as their 3rd District Regional Board member. I am honored to have been selected as part of this organization.
• I also was asked to serve as the Coordinator for the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (ISFHWE), “Excellence in Writing” competition. Although I was not sure if I could do this, with the help of some great Judges, we had a great competition. I am also the coordinator for the 2014 competition and look forward to seeing the entries. We had some excellent writers submit last year and I am sure this year will be just as great. I even suggested we add a new category, Poetry, which was accepted.  My term for their SE Director is about to end, but hopefully will be re-elected in 2014.
• I assist with blogging for the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) and have submitted articles to their newsletter. I am really looking forward to attending their Forensic Institute in March 2014 in Dallas, Texas.
• I participated in the Family History Fair held in Bartlett, TN sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
• I also clean homes part time and I have some great families to work for.
• I became a Judge for BellaOnline’s Literary Review, Mused.
• I was very lucky in getting some wonderful clients to do research for. I enjoy helping others discover their family history.
• My year towards being “on the clock” for my CG certification came and I found  myself not ready to submit, so I filed an extension. I am hoping I can have it submitted before my trip in March, but have until the August deadline.
• I am very excited about helping launch a Genealogy Club at the Germantown High School. The students there are wonderful and excited to learn about their family history. It is just getting started, and I am excited to be a part of it.
• I organized two new groups on Facebook that have become very helpful. One is for genealogical & historical databases and the other for queries. While keeping the spammers under control has been quite the challenge, I have some awesome Admins assisting me now.
• I did  have some minor health issues that set me back at times, but nothing serious and I hope to have a healthier 2014.
• My daughter came home to visit in October; her husband is in the Army stationed in Germany. I was excited to meet my new grandson and see my granddaughter again. They are the sweetest things and I am so grateful for Facetime and texting.
• Our home is for sale, and for the last few months we have been getting it ready by doing some upgrades. Funny, when you start fixing your home up, you rethink if you really want to move!
• Tried to be a good Wife, Mother, & Grandma

Some personal goals for 2014 are:

• Submit my CG portfolio
• Do better in my commitment to regular writing
• Read more
• Work on a new website
• Follow up on some personal goals that I will mention later when the time is right… {smile}

I also want to say how much I appreciate the new friends I made in 2013. They know who they are; I would never been able to accomplish the things I have if it were not for their support and encouragement!

Family History Fair – June 16 in Bartlett, TN

The public is invited to the Family History Fair hosted by the LDS Church on Saturday, June 16, 2012.

Heritage Pie Chart for Saturday Night Fun

Saturday Night Fun Challenge using the Heritage Pie Chart.

July 10, 2011 Thoughts for the Day

This is a blog of thoughts I was having today on July 10, 2011.

What a Day!

Woke up this morning to take my husband for some tests. He has had Ulcerative Colitis since his teens. We arrived at the Dr. figuring we would have a long wait, but they took him back pretty quickly. I had taken my laptop to work on organizing my desktop, but to my surprise the Dr. office had wireless. So, I played on Facebook a while. Then I met a couple from Ripley, TN that was there. The man, Sam, and I started discussing, what else, Genealogy. His wife was called back on tests, and soon I had him sitting next to me looking up his ancestors. He had done a little bit of research in the past. Of course, just went we were really having fun (I had almost forgotten why I was there), they called me to go back to be with my husband. I gave Sam my business card and had his email from where I was emailing him some of the lookups we had previously found. Best time I’ve had in a waiting room! For more about my day, read more…

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun – Genealogy Books

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun with Randy Seaver is to source and transcribe the first paragraph of the last genealogy related book you read. Will be interesting to see everyone’s submissions! Another great challenge from Genea-Musings!

Hepsey Beanna Thorn Cox & Mary Martha Hallmark Shook

Hepsey Beanna Thorn Cox & Mary Martha Hallmark Shook picture and short bio.

Mackenzie Cox Gerber Baby

Mackenzie Cox, my grandbaby, is entered in the Gerber Baby Photo contest. We need your vote. Thank you…

Gtownma’s Follow Friday 1/8/2010

I have never participated in a “Follow Friday” before. It was hard to choose between all the great Genealogy Blogs out there, but here are my picks for today!