Tuesday, March 30, 2010
52 Weeks to Better Genealogy - Challenge #13: Cyndi's List
Here’s your weekly reminder:
View a complete explanation of this week’s challenge, by using my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner link.
Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the Geneabloggers website. You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other Genea-Bloggers. Both sites have been voted among Family Tree Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
TALK ABOUT IT TUESDAY
Living Into Loneliness
Paramedics drove off with my almost-78-year-old neighbor in their vehicle this morning. I found my self ill-prepared. How do I get in touch with her daughter who lives many miles away? Scouring the minds of friends and neighbors, I finally obtained the phone number, made contact with the daughter and found out my neighbor had recently seen the doctor, who had given her a glowing bill of health. He said, however, my neighbor was depressed.
I live in a “neighborly” neighborhood. People wave and say hello and sometimes have conversations if we catch eachother outside for a few minutes—usually as we are going someplace or returning home. My jovial neighbor, now hospitalized, always provided a kind word, encouraging thoughts and taught us through her hard work which was continually evidenced by her perfectly groomed yard.
The event this morning, however, has caused me to think about two things that may be helpful to you as well.
1) Are we ready for emergencies?
Preparing confidently for the future is part of my http://www.familytreequest.com/ goals. Knowing that I have an over 80-year-old neighbor. I could have foreseen the possibility of needing to contact her family members who live out-of-town in case of a health crisis for her. I needed to follow through earlier on the thought to have her daughter’s phone number in my planner.
2) Are we really “connected” to others in a manner that is meaningful?
Since I love her and care about her so much, why was I not aware of her depression? In my case, I now see I was relying on HER to be outside and ready to talk. I will learn from what is now the past, and will make plans to be more mindfully connected and plan a visit or two just because I love her.
Just last night, I listened to the words of Thomas S. Monson, who was speaking about doing something good and helpful for others: He said, “You may lament: I can barely make it through each day, doing all that I need to do. How can I provide service for others? What can I possibly do?” Then he told the story of an eleven-year-old boy who had taken the challenge of finding someone who was having a hard time or was ill or lonely, and then do something for him or her. The little boy said, “I went to a lady’s house and asked her questions and sang her a song. It felt good to visit her. She was happy because she never gets visitors.”
Monson continued, “Reading this particular note reminded me of words penned long ago by Richard L. Evans . . .. Said he: “It is difficult for those who are young to understand the loneliness that comes when life changes from a time of preparation and performance to a time of putting things away. . . . To be so long the center of a home, so much sought after, and then, almost suddenly to be on the sidelines watching the procession pass by—this is living into loneliness. . . . We have to live a long time to learn how empty a room can be that is filled only with furniture. It takes someone . . . beyond mere hired service, beyond institutional care or professional duty, to thaw out the memories of the past and keep them warmly living in the present. . . . We cannot bring them back the morning hours of youth. But we can help them live in the warm glow of a sunset made more beautiful by our thoughtfulness . . . and unfeigned love.” (Richard L. Evans, “Living into Loneliness,” Improvement Era, July 1948, 445.)
Often our “busy”ness gets in the way of our true neighborliness. We cannot be all things to all people—even if it’s our heart’s desire. For this moment, however, we can pause and evaluate what we can do to slow down and take a little time for the lonely and downhearted. Sometimes a smile and kind word is just what someone older and lonely may need. Sometimes WE need to make the first move—consciously, intentionally and with love.
Comments?
* * * * * * * * *
Note: “Unfeigned love” (as spoken of in the quote by Richard L. Evans) is love that cares for another’s welfare despite any wrongdoing on their part.
Paramedics drove off with my almost-78-year-old neighbor in their vehicle this morning. I found my self ill-prepared. How do I get in touch with her daughter who lives many miles away? Scouring the minds of friends and neighbors, I finally obtained the phone number, made contact with the daughter and found out my neighbor had recently seen the doctor, who had given her a glowing bill of health. He said, however, my neighbor was depressed.
I live in a “neighborly” neighborhood. People wave and say hello and sometimes have conversations if we catch eachother outside for a few minutes—usually as we are going someplace or returning home. My jovial neighbor, now hospitalized, always provided a kind word, encouraging thoughts and taught us through her hard work which was continually evidenced by her perfectly groomed yard.
The event this morning, however, has caused me to think about two things that may be helpful to you as well.
1) Are we ready for emergencies?
Preparing confidently for the future is part of my http://www.familytreequest.com/ goals. Knowing that I have an over 80-year-old neighbor. I could have foreseen the possibility of needing to contact her family members who live out-of-town in case of a health crisis for her. I needed to follow through earlier on the thought to have her daughter’s phone number in my planner.
2) Are we really “connected” to others in a manner that is meaningful?
Since I love her and care about her so much, why was I not aware of her depression? In my case, I now see I was relying on HER to be outside and ready to talk. I will learn from what is now the past, and will make plans to be more mindfully connected and plan a visit or two just because I love her.
Just last night, I listened to the words of Thomas S. Monson, who was speaking about doing something good and helpful for others: He said, “You may lament: I can barely make it through each day, doing all that I need to do. How can I provide service for others? What can I possibly do?” Then he told the story of an eleven-year-old boy who had taken the challenge of finding someone who was having a hard time or was ill or lonely, and then do something for him or her. The little boy said, “I went to a lady’s house and asked her questions and sang her a song. It felt good to visit her. She was happy because she never gets visitors.”
Monson continued, “Reading this particular note reminded me of words penned long ago by Richard L. Evans . . .. Said he: “It is difficult for those who are young to understand the loneliness that comes when life changes from a time of preparation and performance to a time of putting things away. . . . To be so long the center of a home, so much sought after, and then, almost suddenly to be on the sidelines watching the procession pass by—this is living into loneliness. . . . We have to live a long time to learn how empty a room can be that is filled only with furniture. It takes someone . . . beyond mere hired service, beyond institutional care or professional duty, to thaw out the memories of the past and keep them warmly living in the present. . . . We cannot bring them back the morning hours of youth. But we can help them live in the warm glow of a sunset made more beautiful by our thoughtfulness . . . and unfeigned love.” (Richard L. Evans, “Living into Loneliness,” Improvement Era, July 1948, 445.)
Often our “busy”ness gets in the way of our true neighborliness. We cannot be all things to all people—even if it’s our heart’s desire. For this moment, however, we can pause and evaluate what we can do to slow down and take a little time for the lonely and downhearted. Sometimes a smile and kind word is just what someone older and lonely may need. Sometimes WE need to make the first move—consciously, intentionally and with love.
Comments?
* * * * * * * * *
Note: “Unfeigned love” (as spoken of in the quote by Richard L. Evans) is love that cares for another’s welfare despite any wrongdoing on their part.
Monday, March 22, 2010
52 Weeks to Better Genealogy - Challenge #12
Here’s your weekly reminder: Archive and Library Sites
Check out the web sites for the Society of American Archivists, ARMA International, and the American Library Association.
This challenge runs from Saturday, 20 March 2010 through Friday, 26 March 2010.
View details of this week’s challenge, by using my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner link.
Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the GeneaBloggers website. You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other Genea-Bloggers. Both sites have been voted among Family Tree Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.
Check out the web sites for the Society of American Archivists, ARMA International, and the American Library Association.
This challenge runs from Saturday, 20 March 2010 through Friday, 26 March 2010.
View details of this week’s challenge, by using my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner link.
Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the GeneaBloggers website. You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other Genea-Bloggers. Both sites have been voted among Family Tree Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Saturday, March 13, 2010
52 Weeks to Better Genealogy - Challenge 10
Due to an oversight on my part, here’s your weekly reminder—one week late (so sorry):
Investigate Family Search Pilot, which is part of FamilySearch.org.
This challenge runs from Saturday, 6 March 2010 through Friday, 12 March 2010.
View an entire explanation of this week’s challenge, by visiting my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner page.
Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog www.wetree.blogspot.com has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the Geneabloggers website www.geneabloggers.com You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other Genea-Bloggers. Both sites have been voted among Family Tree Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Investigate Family Search Pilot, which is part of FamilySearch.org.
This challenge runs from Saturday, 6 March 2010 through Friday, 12 March 2010.
View an entire explanation of this week’s challenge, by visiting my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner page.
Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog www.wetree.blogspot.com has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the Geneabloggers website www.geneabloggers.com You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other Genea-Bloggers. Both sites have been voted among Family Tree Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
52 Weeks to Better Genealogy - Challenge #11
Here’s your weekly reminder:
Read the back posts from the Transitional Genealogists Forum.
View an entire explanation of this week’s challenge, by visiting my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner page.
Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the Geneabloggers website. You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other Genea-Bloggers. Both sites have been voted among Family Tree Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Read the back posts from the Transitional Genealogists Forum.
View an entire explanation of this week’s challenge, by visiting my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner page.
Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the Geneabloggers website. You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other Genea-Bloggers. Both sites have been voted among Family Tree Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Catching Up
Just a quick note.
If you'd like to see what some local Arizona folk have to say about the Sarah Jessica Parker episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?", I've written about it here.
Also, I'm so pleased that Family ChArtist has been released. It's impressive. What a great service.
See what I've written about it here.
Have a great day!
Family Tree Gal, Carolyn
If you'd like to see what some local Arizona folk have to say about the Sarah Jessica Parker episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?", I've written about it here.
Also, I'm so pleased that Family ChArtist has been released. It's impressive. What a great service.
See what I've written about it here.
Have a great day!
Family Tree Gal, Carolyn
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Profile Update
Today I updated my Blogger Profile to state, "I am a happy woman who loves her family and enjoys helping others to learn and grow. I try to remember that "Love is for giving, and Love is forgiving." I am the owner of www.familytreequest.com
I hope you have taken some time to visit my website. It has been a labor of love beginning with the tedious learning of how to build a website to deciding the text and content to display. Family Tree Quest is a personal quest that produces life-changing, meaningful results which impacts generations to come. I hope you'll take a tour of the site and hope it will benefit you in your own family tree journey.
A blogger profile is only a tidbit about who I really am and why I grew to love family trees. If you'd like to know more, click here.
Have a great day!
Family Tree Gal, Carolyn
Disclosure: Obviously, I am the owner of www. familytreequest.com
I hope you have taken some time to visit my website. It has been a labor of love beginning with the tedious learning of how to build a website to deciding the text and content to display. Family Tree Quest is a personal quest that produces life-changing, meaningful results which impacts generations to come. I hope you'll take a tour of the site and hope it will benefit you in your own family tree journey.
A blogger profile is only a tidbit about who I really am and why I grew to love family trees. If you'd like to know more, click here.
Have a great day!
Family Tree Gal, Carolyn
Disclosure: Obviously, I am the owner of www. familytreequest.com
Monday, March 1, 2010
52 Weeks to Better Genealogy - Challenge 9
I'm happy to announce that I have been selected to be the Phoenix Genealogy Examiner for Examiner.com I thought you might like to read the story about Challenge #9 that I will be releasing to Examiner.com
Speaking of Genealogy Blogs . . .
Exploring the world of Genealogy Blogs can be an eye-opening, educational experience. GeneaBloggers is THE place to go to get a secure foothold while exploring this new world. Listed as one of Family Tree Magazines 40 Best Genealogy blogs, you’ll find a treasure-trove of remarkable information there. There’s a blog roll listing over 900 genealogy and family history related blogs, blog resources, daily blog prompts, and posts from other genealogy bloggers.
Amy Coffin, GeneaBlogger, Blogger of Honor at the Family History Expo held in Mesa, AZ earlier this year, and blogger at We Tree has put together a fantastic series of weekly blog prompts titled the 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy. These prompts are posted every Saturday on the GeneaBlogger site. Here what GeneaBlogger has to say about them.
"52 Weeks To Better Genealogy is a series of weekly blogging prompts that are a bit more challenging and are geared towards those new to the field of genealogy and family history as well as those who want to brush up on some skills which might be a bit rusty."
There seems to be something for everyone to glean from these power-packed tidbits. Join in this week’s challenge. It’s the perfect introduction to genealogy and family history blogs, and GeneaBloggers is the perfect place to find which types of blogs interest you.
52 Weeks To Better Genealogy – Challenge 9
Pick five genealogy blogs and read them every day. Meet new people, and networking within the online genealogy community is a great way to expand your own research and experience. Reading the blogs of others will help you get to know others. Try to find some blogs that are out of your area of expertise. Lists of genealogy blogs can be found at Geneabloggers.com and Genealogue’s Genealogy Blog Finder. If you already subscribe to many genealogy blogs, find five new ones that are “outside the box,” perhaps in history or archives. If you have a genealogy blog, write about the blogs you discover and introduce others to them.
This challenge runs from Saturday, 27 February 2010 through Friday, 5 March 2010.
Hats off to Amy Coffin for this outstanding series of prompts.
Happy blog-finding.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource.
Speaking of Genealogy Blogs . . .
Exploring the world of Genealogy Blogs can be an eye-opening, educational experience. GeneaBloggers is THE place to go to get a secure foothold while exploring this new world. Listed as one of Family Tree Magazines 40 Best Genealogy blogs, you’ll find a treasure-trove of remarkable information there. There’s a blog roll listing over 900 genealogy and family history related blogs, blog resources, daily blog prompts, and posts from other genealogy bloggers.
Amy Coffin, GeneaBlogger, Blogger of Honor at the Family History Expo held in Mesa, AZ earlier this year, and blogger at We Tree has put together a fantastic series of weekly blog prompts titled the 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy. These prompts are posted every Saturday on the GeneaBlogger site. Here what GeneaBlogger has to say about them.
"52 Weeks To Better Genealogy is a series of weekly blogging prompts that are a bit more challenging and are geared towards those new to the field of genealogy and family history as well as those who want to brush up on some skills which might be a bit rusty."
There seems to be something for everyone to glean from these power-packed tidbits. Join in this week’s challenge. It’s the perfect introduction to genealogy and family history blogs, and GeneaBloggers is the perfect place to find which types of blogs interest you.
52 Weeks To Better Genealogy – Challenge 9
Pick five genealogy blogs and read them every day. Meet new people, and networking within the online genealogy community is a great way to expand your own research and experience. Reading the blogs of others will help you get to know others. Try to find some blogs that are out of your area of expertise. Lists of genealogy blogs can be found at Geneabloggers.com and Genealogue’s Genealogy Blog Finder. If you already subscribe to many genealogy blogs, find five new ones that are “outside the box,” perhaps in history or archives. If you have a genealogy blog, write about the blogs you discover and introduce others to them.
This challenge runs from Saturday, 27 February 2010 through Friday, 5 March 2010.
Hats off to Amy Coffin for this outstanding series of prompts.
Happy blog-finding.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource.
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