It is not FRIDAY BUT follow over to Mountaingenealogy anyways!!

Mountaingenealogy
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sentimental Sunday - Documenting the Silliness
Documenting The Silliness!


What a wonderful way to wake up this Sunday Morning!!!!

Documenting the silliness, documenting the sentimental. When I read Cyndi Beane Henry's post this morning, I immediately went to reminisce about my own grandfather and his quirky sayings and stories.

Which brings me to a recent conversation I had with someone about the value placed on presentations, seminars, and resources.

Facts versus Memories;

Teaching people to find, cite and record facts versus reminding people to write their memories of time past.


Even the true genealogist will say it is the "dash" that matters.

We are going to have to start documenting the originators of some of these sayings. I heard the "dash" theory long ago but then heard it again recently and the audience assumed it originated with the present speaker.

Some think the dash means, occupations, family moves, awards, hobbies, etc.

So maybe it is not the dash but the spaces around the dash that is of interest to so many that sometimes the purest of genealogist misses.

It is when I read inspiring blogs like Cindi's above, or stare out a window, or in that quiet moment just before I awake. That special moment between sweet dreams and the stretch and yawn, when I have to remind myself again that I can not just get on the phone and call grandpa. I can not ask him about his garden, or the weather in LA, who has been by for a visit, or what he ate for dinner.

It is that space around the dash, that memory of how grandpa always finished the story of Jack and the Bean Stalk. The way he finished it for me, my cousins, my children and my grandchildren. That place where that last picture in Cindi's blog belongs.

I attended, A presentation recently that encouraged the audience to relax and reach back in their mind of memories. OBTW A statement like that would put my husband to scratching his head and say WTF???? The presenter was trying to allow people to get in touch with their "known ancestors", to open themselves up to memories there but had been buried under raising children, life, clutter in our minds. WOW WOW although many newbies really liked the presentation --- some hardcore genealogist indicated the presentation was ridiculous.

I met with an attendee just after this presentation and she was excited!!! A little unrealistic as to what she thought I could accomplish in four hours but enthused nevertheless. She anxiously made a new appointment with me.

Then I took my newbie to a recent presentation intended for newbies. The problem with the presenter was he assumed everyone in the room had at least 6 months experience on the computer, knew what a pedigree chart was, and quickly explained the benefits of visiting a Family History Library. Some experienced genealogy teachers indicted the presentation was ridiculous.

Here I want to share the experience I had with a newbie after the later presentation. We went to the Family History Library. A trained qualified counselor approached us. I was very pleased to release the newbie as the counselor stepped her through the steps of the FHL. My newbie was not happy and wanted me to help her. So I approached her and stepped her through the sections, resources, procedures of the library. Then we went to the Internet computers. It became very obvious that my newbie needed practice using a mouse before we could get much further along. She kept raising the mouse off the table and pointing it to the monitor. It was not a wireless mouse.


I think there is enough appreciation to encourage and praise everyone for good works. Give respect and courtesy to those trying.

It is not a contest; it is an individual sport; every one's goals are not the same.
And for me ---- I am so very very proud of everyone.

I am always a winner when I communicate a little more data to my family, I find a new relative (dead or alive), or I make a new friend via genealogy.

I appreciate recognition, comments, suggestions from the genealogy community. And I know most genealogist do also. It is darn hard work, hours of dedication, and well deserved recognition. I am aware that not everyone agrees as to what is worthy genealogy work. But Cindi's Sentimental Sunday today is also genealogy work of the best kind!!!!! IMHO