my HERITAGE HAPPENS

Those Places Thursday ~ Great Swedish Adventure ~ Part 17

2012-01-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

Those Places Thursday ~ It's all about Sweden, again!

I heard a couple weeks ago that the time was coming for The Great Swedish Adventure's Season 2's auditions. My initial reaction was that I wasn't sure I wanted to go through the process again. It was an amazing experience for sure, but very emotional also. I never expected to get as far as I did last year. When I made it through to the last phase (being flown to Burbank for a face to face interview) I began really feeling I had a chance to make the final cut. The feedback from the producer after the interview was very positive also, and unexpected, so my hopes at that point were set very high!

When I was informed I didn't make the final cut, it was a blow. I needed to process that I actually didn't make the cut. It was very disappointing. Looking back now, I can still feel the disappointment, although I never had hopes of even getting as far as I did. My, how my emotions changed!

So now, here I am again. I was informed by someone that the time was coming, but I couldn't even think about it. I wanted to go so bad to Sweden last year, for a variety of reasons, but it didn't happen. I am ok with it now, as I am, again, trying to plan a trip to Sweden later this year. Kind of similar to how last year started though...

I was surprised though, when about a week ago I received an email from one of the casting directors I interviewed with, asking me to re-apply! I told myself, it was just a formality because I heard from others who applied for the show last year and made it to the final cut, that they too were invited back. Of course they wanted to know if I received the invite also and what was I going to do.

One of these people decided not to try again and I replied I was going to throw this out to my friends on Facebook and see what kind of response I received before I made up my mind, but I doubted I would try again. I subsequently learned that someone I thought should have been invited to try out again, was not. So now I am not sure what the criteria was in sending out the reapply e-mails. The Facebook responses I received along with someone not receiving an invitation to reapply led me to think differently about applying.

Let me just say that I can not explain everything here, experiences since the try out for the show, emotions, etc. Yes, there were lots of emotions beyond the application period. Yes, the show's first season was a hugh success. Yes, I am proud that I was a part of the initial process, and had the opportunity to have a one on one interview with the directors.

I can tell you though, that I have changed my mind about the application. I decided to send it in, and apply for the second season. Again, I do not plan on making it to the finals, nor the show. I have had lots of time to reflect on my experience last year and I have realized a couple of things that may have hurt me in that final interview. One of those things I can do something about, but the other I can't change.

Bottom line is, like many other things, I won't know unless I try. I do not want to look back at this as a should have, would have, could have kind of situation. My thoughts and ideas about some things are different this year. I have a different outlook on the situation than I did last year. Right now I felt the need to apply.

Trivia ~ Do you know the name of the actual show in Sweden? Do you know what that title means?

I would like to thank Anonymous for sending me the link to the "Casting Search for Americans with Swedish Roots." I did not let the comment through on the page you sent it as I prefer to share the link here, in an appropriate place, to share with anyone else who has Swedish roots and would like to apply! I would love to know who you are anonymous, please don't be shy!

Trivia answer ~ The name of the show is ~

Allt för Sverige which translated means All for Sweden

Final comment for this post ~ I noticed I did not link up all of the posts for the series Part 1-16 of last year. I can not do it at this moment, but I will try very soon to put them together in one post. For now if you are interested in reading the posts and my experiences from last year you can find them listed to the right under "Blog Archive" in March and April of 2011.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2012 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

Wordless Wednesday ~ Mediterranean Cruise ~ Monte Carlo Casino ~ Part 7

2012-01-25T05:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Monaco ~ Monte Carlo ~ Part 6

2012-01-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

When I left off last, we were headed on the train to Monaco, specifically to see Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo belongs to Monaco, but is governed independently and is only 6 miles from Villefranche. Monte Carlo is known as the playground of the rich, it is famous for it's wealth.

The cruise ship offered ten different tours you in Villefranche. The prices ranged from $56.00-$189.00 per person. We learned there was the train, from someone on the ship. Very reasonably priced and we could go everywhere on our own. It sure beat the price of the tours the ship was offering, only about five dollars each!

We arrived in Monaco and started walking. It was only a few blocks to walk to see the Monte Carlo Casino. The picture below shows that it was a cloudy overcast day? I remember it being warm though, and perfect weather to walk in. When we came to this spot I just had to take a picture, and I love it! A bit of the mountains, city, a tree and a two level street!

We walked to about the construction zone and found a sign directing us to "le casino." It is the bottom arrow, bottom description. Do I even need to say, we turned right and kept walking?

I took many pictures as we walked down the street. I have chosen to share just a few of the closer shots. This picture is of a friend we met on the ship, Gerald. He and his wife decided to take the train and venture out with us for the day.

This walk was absolutely beautiful! The picture above is actually on the block and grounds of the casino. The picture below is a close up of a section of the amazing casino. It is kind of a teaser, as I will post the view of the whole casino for tomorrow's Wordless Wednesday post. Be sure to come back for the full picture!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Villefranche, France ~ Part Five

2012-01-14T15:42:00.000-08:00

Were does the time go? It has been 4 months since our cruise and I haven't finished posting about it! How does one get so busy that their plate is so full, you need a platter? Guess it doesn't really matter. What matters is that I am here ready to add a post! I can actually relive this cruise now...

If you missed the previous posts, here are the links ~

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 1

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 2

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 3

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 4

Saturday, September 17, 2011, we are docked in the bay of Villefranche (Nice), France. We are tendered to shore and begin walking the cobblestone streets, admiring the city, just as it was. Clothes are hanging over banisters,

drying in the very pleasant, 74 degree weather. Architecture and the local beach, filled with many sunbathers and beach bums, added to the pleasantries of the morning.

Another shot of the shoreline shares the "Welcome" hotel and a clock, on the left side of the photo, which states the time is almost 10:10 a.m., which is about right as we docked at 10:00 a.m.

Back to the photo of the beach, you can see a concrete wall in the background. This is approximately where we walked to in order to catch the train (BART, The "EL") to Monaco/Monte Carlo. There were many tours we could have booked on the ship, which were very expensive if you added up several tours for each stop.

Somewhere in the wind, we caught the drift that you could board the train, pay one fee, and ride the thing all day long, back and forth and back and forth if you so choose. Sounded like a plan to us. The train was only 5 euros apiece!

Here is a better view of the tunnel where the train goes headed towards Monoco.

Here is the sign at the train station showing us where we needed to be to board.

Watch out Monaco, and Monte Carlo here we come!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

My Memory Library

2012-01-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

Today is the eleventh anniversary of my mother's passing. This post is in honor of my mother...

My Memory Library

Imagine if I was given one moment,

just a single slice of my past.

I could hold it close forever,

and that moment would always last.

I'd put the moment in a safe,

within my hearts abode.

I could open it when I wanted,

and only I would know the code.

I could choose a time of laughing,

a time of happiness and fun.

I could choose a time that tried me,

through everything I've done.

I sat and thought about what moment,

would always make me smile.

One that would always push me,

to walk that extra mile.

If I'm feeling sad and low,

if I'm struggling with what to do.

I can go and open my little safe,

and watch my moment through.

There are moments I can think of,

that would lift my spirits everytime.

The moments when you picked me up,

when the road was hard to climb.

For me to only pick one moment,

to cherish, save and keep,

Is proving really difficult,

as I've gathered up a heap!

I've dug deep inside my heart,

found the safe and looked inside,

there was room for lots of moments,

in fact hundreds if I tried.

I'm building my own little library,

embedded in my heart,

for all the moments spent with you,

before you had to part.

I can open it up whenever I like,

pick a moment and watch it through,

My little library acts as a promise,

I'll never ever forget you!

We all love and miss you Mom!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Photo by ~ themouser

Poem written by ~ © Sarah Blackstone

Source: My Memory Library, In Memory Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/my-memory-library#ixzz1ikNFEifZ
Family Friend Poems

Happy Birthday James Hal Fleming!

2012-01-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

On this day, in 1904, James Hal Fleming was born in Yale, Payne, Oklahoma. He passed away on August 29, 1993, at age 89.

Today would be his 108th Birthday!

Keeping in the spirit of my grandpa Hal, as he was better known, and his sense of humor, he would really enjoy this!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

21COFH - The 21st Century Organized Family Historian - Week 1- Holiday Greeting Cards

2012-01-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

Michelle Goodman is hosting the 21COFH and I am going to try to post to as many of these as possible. You can see her post here. This week~

This week, tell us what you do with your annual collection of holiday cards now that the holidays are over.

These days we need to start thinking about digital greeting cards as well. What is your plan to preserve them?

Last year Michelle came up with this plan~

Her criteria for becoming part of the Goodrum Greeting Card Archives:

It's from family.
There is a photo.
There is a note or holiday letter.
It's from close family friends (especially those my children know).
If it meets more than one of the above criteria, the item has a far better chance of being retained

I like her set up. I would agree that I would keep these for my family also, the Palmer's. More than likely though, I would save only pictures, letters, and the family cards. I have an extra archival safe box now that I can dedicate for this, so that is perfect! I have all of my Christmas Cards from last year and the year before saved to go through, maybe with the grandchildren here today we can go through the cards together!

Photo courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

I actually save all of my cards. Those that I don't necessarily need to archive, I plan to cut up and make new cards for next year! (Note to self, will need to make 6.82 a month in order to be ready for next Christmas!) My grandson says he also wants to stamp on some of the envelopes. :-) So far this is a plan and he likes it!

The electronic cards I haven't actually saved. Most of those that I receive are from different clubs and friends that my children wouldn't even care about. If and when I start receiving them from family I will save them in the family file online for now. Will think more how I can transfer them to family history files or my tree when it actually starts happening.

So, I am off to feed the grandchildren, again, and to organize the two years of cards I have. Should be fun!

(*I just noticed, Tracy from the Pieces of my Past blog has a great suggestion! She posted in the comments section on Michelle's page ~ Make a Christmas card book! I love that idea and think I will implement it!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Just a Quick Note

2012-01-02T13:16:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this blog, my Heritage Happens, made Randy Seaver's list?

Best of the Genea-Blogs - for the year 2011

You can click this box to go see for yourself...

I am in utter shock.

Look at the others I am surrounded by...

Whatever will I do THIS year to compete with that?????

Nothing, I don't compete.

I am so honored!

Thank you "cousin" Randy! I guess I will keep blogging awhile longer!

(Maybe, one day, my blog will be good enough to be added to his side bar of Genealogy Blogs....could THAT be my goal for this year???????) ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Recipe for a Happy New Year

2011-12-31T12:55:00.000-08:00

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Take twelve whole months.

Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness,

hate, and jealousy.

Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or

thirty-one different parts,

but don’t make up the whole batch at once.

Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith,

one part of patience, one part of courage,

and one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope,

faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.

Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation,

and one good deed.

Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,

a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,

and a cupful of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.

Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,

garnish with a smile,

and serve with quietness, unselfishness,

and cheerfulness.

You’re bound to have a happy new year!

~Author Unknown~

Wishing you and yours a blessed, healthy, and fabulous New Year!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Challenges Not Resolutions 2011 Recap

2011-12-29T23:24:00.000-08:00

On January 4, 2011 I wrote a lengthy post regarding my "challenges" for 2011. That post can be found here.

This is how I fared on this list ~

1. Did not accomplish.
2. Accomplished half of the year
3. Accomplished some, then gained back. Over all, lost about 8 pounds.
4. I did fairly well I believe on the one line that got completed.
5. Did not do this.
6. Did not do this.
7. Worked on many ideas and thoughts and projects. Eliminated ideas and gained a few others. Did have a couple of crafts fairs.
8. Definitely accomplished this! Cared for at least 30 different dogs, and many of them several times. (For those who remember, I asked for suggestions for a name...it is "My Home Doggie Care." )
9. Definitely did not do this! I think this year I blogged less than any other year!
10. Have not listed what I need on each person yet, have done some, but not many.
11. I have done more of this! Because my daughter is an instructor, I went to many of her classes, especially to support her during the second half of the year.
12. I did do this and actually shared on my blog.
13. I also accomplished this. I used the master bedroom and have two walls of tables covering all of my crafting adventures, and I just love it!
14. Sadly, again, did not do...
15. Really didn't do much research.

This was quite an ambitious list. I can at least say I worked at or accomplished at least half of the list. For this I am very grateful! With other life happenings, Swedish Adventure, classes, caring for the grandchildren part time, vacation, etc., I am ok with my accomplishments here. I suppose I could re do this list for 2012, but do I want to? Stay tuned!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

We've been Double-Dog Dared!

2011-12-29T22:55:00.000-08:00

Sheri Fenley informed me this evening ~

"Denise Levenick and Amy Coffin want a report on our goals we set when we became buddies last January and have they been met. They double-dog dared us publically on their blogs today!"

This is a very reasonable request actually. I proceeded to read Denise Levenick's post at The Family Curator and Amy Coffin's post at The We Tree Genealogy Blog. They each shared recaps of their 2011 goals. Denise and Amy were "buddies" last year, supporting each other with their genealogy goals.

Denise and Amy both deserve big congratulations for everything they have accomplished this past year! If you haven't done so, please read their posts also! Marvelous work they are both doing!

Sheri Fenley, The Educated Genealogist, and I were "buddies" also this past year. Sheri said she would be working on her recap post this evening, so I can not share a link, yet anyway, regarding her recap for 2011, but will add it here as soon as it is available.

Here is my recap for 2011 ~

What were my genealogy goals this year?

1. Of course, attack those sources! I plan to start from scratch and rebuild my tree in Roots Magic. My original tree is in Family Tree Maker 2009 right now. I plan to rebuild my tree one person at a time, making sure each item for each person is sourced properly. I had started this before, but got confused with my sourcing and eventually stopped. (I think I have figured out that it is not so much how I source, my problem has been where I enter in the program to log information once a master source has been entered. Sheri answered a question I had, but I haven't yet been able to play with this information to see if that has been my issue or not, but let's hope that is! That would be a simple fix!)

2. This actually goes along with #1, but it is my second item. As I build my new tree, make sure all pictures and documents that I currently have, have been added for each individual. I believe there are documents in my binders that have not been scanned and or added to the appropriate profile on the computer. By the same token, I may have some information entered on the computer that has not been added to my hard copy files, my binders.

3. My third item is to take all of my pictures out of photo albums that are not archival safe, which would be most of them, if not all of them. I have only scanned one album of my own personal collection, so I need to scan the pictures from these albums, and then of course file appropriately.

(These were stated in my post on January 13, 2011 "Those Places Thursday ~ Famous Dave's with Sheri Fenley")

How Did I Do With These Goals?

1. I did work and complete sources for one line in my family tree, but unfortunately that was all. One family line is also all I have completed in building my new tree, one person at a time. Not near what I wanted to accomplish, but I did work on it!

2. I do believe I have most everything scanned and attached properly to this one line, pictures and documents etc.

3. Sadly, I did not touch any of this.

How/Why did I get off track?

I had great intentions at the beginning of last year, there is no doubt about it. Sheri and I hooked up and made our plans. She had some heavy duty ones, but I found out she had deadlines on the two goals she chose. These deadlines were within the first half of the year. In fact, one of her goals actually moved up to just a couple months away. I emailed her once or twice to make sure she was working on her goals, and she assured me she was. Then all of a sudden, time was up for her and her two goals were complete! If I remember correctly that was about March.

Needless to say, I lost interest totally in my goals. I didn't feel "a buddy" was working along with me because my buddy had already completed her goals. Great for her, to bad for me. Besides this, I got very caught up in the "Great Swedish Adventure" which kept me going for a good 5 months. Lost almost another month of the year to vacation, our Mediterranean Cruise (Planning to start blogging again about this trip very soon) and at least another month to crafting and the holidays.

What About Goals For 2012?

I can understand why I didn't accomplish these goals, although I would have felt better if I could have said I at least accomplished one of them. Now, for 2012, do I keep these three goals again, change them, give up all together? This remains to be seen.

There were other "challenges" in my life I was working on too this year. I will post a recap on those very soon.

Congrats again to Sheri, Denise and Amy for their accomplishments in 2011!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

December Update & New News!

2011-12-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

As you can tell, I have decided not to participate this year with the Christmas Advent Calendar. I re-ran my posts from 2009 last year and didn't feel I wanted to re-run them again. Because I transition my blog into books (by Blog2Print), I figured having those posts twice was enough! I love GeneaBloggers Christmas Advent Calendar, and I hope you are following and reading some posts you haven't read before.

We had guests at our home last Saturday evening for a little celebration before our Christmas dinner, so I needed to have all of my Christmas things up and ready by December 3. I think this was the earliest I have been completed with this task. Normally my Christmas cards are about done and ready to go out, but these two things have swapped places this year. I will be working on my cards next.

I also have catching up still to do from my vacation and figured this was a good time to do catch up posts! I am still trying to figure out where I am missing the #31WBGB days event, as I have ended on the 15th day I believe. Is it possible the cycle was never finished? Still looking into that.

I have another craft event this coming weekend and need to work on some items to replace those that were sold at the last event. It has been so much fun, but such a shame it has all been so last minute. I am looking to planning ahead for next year and possibly a few other events as well!

Then, there is the "New News" ~ Since it has been announced at a membership meeting, I think it is safe to share that I will be next year's First Vice President and Program Chair for L-AGS! L-AGS is the Livermore Amador Genealogical Society. It all happened so quick and I really didn't feel I had much say, but there you have it and here I am! I have been attending the board meetings and getting ready for the transition. I will be looking for speakers for our general meetings, so if you are local and would like to speak, please don't hesitate to let me know!

Yesterday I spent about 6 hours trying to catch up and do things for my classes and my new L-AGS position, up and coming. I am not caught up yet, but I hope I can be by the end of the month! On that note, I will sign off for now and wish you all a wonderful December day!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

Those Places Thursday ~ The French Riviera, Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 4

2011-12-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

On the bricks you will notice a sign. On that sign it says, "Port Villefranche Sante vhf9." This is the port where we docked, Villefranche (Nice) France, to play at the French Riviera, also known as the Cote d'Azur. This area was one of the first areas which boasted a modern resort. Because of the peaceful setting and wonderful climate those with money found this the place to be, avoiding terrible winters and seeking peace for good health. Cannes, Nice (the largest city) and Monaco are all part of the French Riviera.

The ship arrived at 10:00 am here in Villefranche, on September17, 2011. The temperature called for a comfortable 74 degrees. The Brilliance of the Seas didn't dock at the pier, it docked out in the bay, which meant we needed tenders come to take us to land, as you can see in this photo.

Here are some views of Villefranche from where the Brilliance of the Seas was docked.

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sunrise at the French Riviera ~ Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 4

2011-11-29T23:44:00.000-08:00

As seen from my bed in the cabin as I awoke on Saturday September 17, 2011 ~

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

2011-11-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

It's a day for thanking, appreciating and eating too

Please, let me begin by thanking all of you!

I thank you for reading, supporting and following here

I can't think of another gift I could hold so dear.

I am thankful for my husband, family and friends,

Health, happiness, and sanity... the list doesn't end.

A glorious time on this great earth, it is true

I hope you all feel as blessed as I do!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Holiday Crafts Event and... Dogs?

2011-11-21T22:18:00.000-08:00

I know, I have been missing in action here lately. Other than vacations I do not believe I have ever missed blogging for this long. Life really got in my way this time.

I am known to make quick decisions sometimes, and yes that is what happened here. All of a sudden I decided I wanted to have a Holiday Crafts Event. I saw some feather jewelry someone I know made and had been fighting a desire within myself to start making jewelry. Back in May I bought one of my daughters a kit and some additional supplies to make jewelry. She didn't have any real hobbies and I felt she needed something to do besides work. She has really enjoyed this and sold some of her pieces at work.

I had several projects in my back room that I wanted to make for the holidays. A couple different styles of Christmas ornaments, wreaths, scarves and yes, I got hooked making jewelry also. Before I knew it there were seven artisans committed to an having an event. My daughter in Tennessee making jewelry was one of them, as was the gal who makes the feather jewelry. We had someone who made wooden signs, another who makes candles and lotions and soaps and yet another who makes lanyards, hats and jewelry. Another very talented gal makes arm warmers, leg warmers and specialty clothes, etc.

I didn't want to wait until December as everyone is so busy already that month. Last Friday night became our target date, which meant we only had a couple weeks or so to get our projects completed. My problem? I finish and then I find more to do. I worked like crazy accomplishing more than needed. It took me a couple days to set up my house the way I wanted it and I chose to host it all myself so none of the other artists felt as if they needed to stay for 6 hours if they didn't want to.

There was a decent turnout at our event. People showed up that I wasn't expecting and some that I expected didn't show, isn't that the way? The best part for me was a visit by a school friend I hadn't seen in many, many years. Thanks to Facebook, we made contact once again. My sister was here so I introduced her to my friend, my sister instantly asked my friend about her brother, as they went to school together. The best part? My dad and my friend's dad went to school together! There is a bit of history with these two families, things each of us reminded or shared with the other about our parents.

I was pleased with the total sales of the event and I believe most, if not all, of the participants were thrilled with their sales. Several attendees asked if we would hold another before Christmas. I am mulling this over, as my husband says no. He knows the stress I put myself through over these kinds of things, but I do it because I enjoy it, even if I act like a maniac for a few days before! My daughter has offered the use of her home for another one, but I am still thinking on it. The jewelry I made... it sold, except for one set I made and couldn't find, so it was never even shown. I received a special order on a bracelet and have already ordered the product to make this before Christmas.

The day of the event I started caring for a dog and the day after the event three more dogs arrived for my care. I also cared for my daughters three dogs and two cats at her home this weekend, spent the night there Saturday night. Two days after the event my house was almost in order again and by the third day, can you guess? I got another dog! Well, it is Thanksgiving week and people need to see their families. They need to travel. My family won't be here for Thanksgiving, so I figured why not take care of all of these dogs so others can have Thanksgiving with their families? My husband has the patience of a saint. He keeps asking me though, "why did you take another dog?" All I can tell him is I don't know!

Actually, I do know. I don't know when enough is enough, I can not say no, and I want these families to all enjoy Thanksgiving with their families, is that so bad? Well, not unless you live in my house! These are all medium sized dogs and a couple of them get to barking sometimes. There has been one dog argument so I have made a separation. For now, all are well. They start heading back home on Friday, will be all gone by Saturday, when I will receive another dog, probably just for the day. As I said my husband is a saint. There are dogs all over this house, lol. One in a chair, two in their kennels, one on the love seat, two laying on the floor. Last night there were four dogs in my bed. Not tonight! My husband asked where I was sleeping tonight, I told him, I don't know, but if I am not in bed, just know I am somewhere in the house!

So, this is my story and I am sticking to it. I am now behind on so many things. Blogging in particular. I was just starting my posts about my Mediterranean cruise and I was in the middle of Tonia's "31 Weeks To A Better Genealogy Blog." I want to complete these series, and Christmas is right around the corner, which means there are Christmas blogs to post also. Well, all I can say is I will do my best as this is the busiest time of year for me and many others I know.

I am behind in blog reading and feel technologically behind also. There has been lots of news lately, Scanfest, GeneaBloggers Blog Talk Radio, Podcasts, Webinars and things I had stashed away to watch. Oh, and did I mention my class started again the first of November? I haven't even barely looked at it. Guess what I will be doing in between barks tomorrow!

My apologies for the pictures. These were taken in a hurry after the Holiday Event. I forgot to take any before, I was so busy. They were taken with my phone after I started gathering things together to put away, so these were the left overs! Maybe next time I will share pictures of the dogs...

Until next time...

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 3 ~ Brilliance of The Seas

2011-10-30T00:25:00.000-07:00

In Barcelona, Spain, on Friday, September 16, 2011, we boarded Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas for our twelve day cruise. All passengers needed to be on board by 4:00pm. We spent the afternoon getting used to the ship, waiting on luggage to arrive at our rooms and, of course, attending the mandatory

"Guest Assembly Drill."

I learned quickly that arrangements for dining had changed a bit since our last cruise. "My Time Dining" was a new feature. Instead of choosing a 6:00 or 8:00 dining time, you were allowed to pick your own time. We thought this was wonderful as we liked to eat more around 7:00, or whenever we wanted. This turned out to be a major learning process for us because we found out they wanted us to make reservations for a time each night, and not just show up when we wanted. It took a few nights until it was understood though and in the meantime we spent to much time in lines waiting to be seated. Most nights we had a table for two, but tables were so close you could visit with neighbors easily. The first night, dining was very casual, people would still be waiting for luggage to arrive at their rooms.

Barcelona, Spain. September 16, 2011. Digital Image taken by Cheryl Palmer.

The "drill" went much faster than most I have attended, which was a very pleasant surprise! We watched as we pulled away from Barcelona with the Pilot boat along side of us. I took many pictures of the port and the shipping docks. I have done this before on other trips. I enjoy comparing different shipping yards, my father worked on the docks for years. Here in Barcelona, cranes had been added just like they had been in Oakland, California. My father's working years did not include these cranes. This was a modern convenience added since his retirement, and most large shipping docks had them installed now. It is fun to compare the pictures I have taken from different ports and docks, having had a relationship with them most of my life.

Barcelona, Spain. September 16, 2011. Digital Image taken by Cheryl Palmer.

This was one of the first photos I had taken of the shipyard, my father worked for NYK Lines at one time.

Barcelona, Spain. September 16, 2011. Digital Image taken by Cheryl Palmer.

A bit of distance from the shipping port.

Barcelona, Spain. September 16, 2011. Digital Image taken by Cheryl Palmer.

To the left is the shipping port and to the right is Barcelona.

Barcelona, Spain. September 16, 2011. Digital Image taken by Cheryl Palmer.

A closer view of the city as we leave.

Barcelona, Spain. September 16, 2011. Digital Image taken by Cheryl Palmer.

The last picture of the docks that I am sharing today. Did you notice the cruise ship?

We explored and learned our way around the ship a bit, then went back to see if our luggage made it to our cabin yet. Two of three suitcases had arrived, wouldn't you know my main one was the one missing at this point? Not to get excited though, it did show up later, whew!

Royal Caribbean "Brillance of the Seas." September 16, 2011. Digital Image taken by Cheryl Palmer.

A view of two of the bars, one of which we got to know very well! In fact we got to know a couple of the people in this picture a bit later, and very well also!

We enjoyed a lovely dinner and made our way to bed rather early this evening. If you remember, we had been up for the equivalent of two days at this point. I was amazed, I actually still felt human, it must be the "knowing your on vacation" syndrome, right?

Our first port stop, was the following day, Villefranche, France.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

#31WBGB ~ Week 15 ~ Solve A Problem

2011-10-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

I am following Tonia's Roots (You can read the kick-off post about 31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog here.) as she brings several GeneaBloggers through 31 weeks of working towards a better blog, prompts written by Darren Rowse.

I was a couple weeks behind due to being on vacation, so I have been playing catch up! I believe with this post I will be caught up, so these posts will occur once a week again as they were meant to. Here is the challenge this week from Tonia~

Action Item

Write a problem-solving post and leave a link in the comments.

I had major burn out when I spent a couple of months solving my domain name nightmare. I have been thinking on what problem I could solve. I wasn't thinking to deep as my brain just isn't at a place to work on any major problems. I think it has been fighting me all week in regards to writing and working this challenge.

I decided to use yesterday's post as my "solving a problem" post. I had planned on writing my own obituary, but have never have taken the time to work on it, or make it a priority. In the back of my mind I believe I was also concerned about doing this, it is tough to even think about writing something so drastic. Plus, I am not sure my husband would understand why I wanted to write my own obituary. I have had a major road block as far as really attempting to do this.

Because of the challenge to win a gift, the ObitKit, I finally wrote a rough draft of my obituary, which I posted yesterday. It felt odd to do, but after all, who knows me better than me? It felt good when I finished and I was glad I did it. Now, I will redo my draft, filling in all the ***** and make my revisions and such, and that won't be as difficult for me to accomplish. (I am hoping that I live long enough to go in and make further revisions and updates every so often though...) I do have a bit of a problem left to handle however, I need to share this information with my husband still. Heck, piece of cake, if it makes me happy, he is happy! Maybe he will even have some input!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

Happy 75th Birthday Mom!

2011-10-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my mother's 75th birthday, had she lived long enough. Instead, mom passed away from cancer more than a decade ago. I read a blog post the other day over at Legacy.com that explained what Susan Roper does on her father's birthday each year. She buys 100 Hershey's candy bars and gives them out randomly to people in memory of her father. I think this is a wonderful idea! I only wish I had thought of it myself! In my mother's case, one of her favorites was peppermint patties. I could see myself handing those out. Susan had a reason for using the "100" count. I need to decide on an appropriate number to use for my mother...I know, 64! That is how old she was when she passed. It's never to late to start, right?

Happy 75th Birthday Mom!

(Perfect post to mark my 600th blog post!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

I Want To Win An ObitKit™ – A Guide to Celebrating Your Life!

2011-10-21T23:06:00.000-07:00

I saw this announcement from Thomas MacEntee at GeneaBloggers about the opportunity to win a free "ObitKit- A Guide to Celebrating Your Life!" and instantly decided, I want to win one! The ObitKit is an upbeat, detailed book which helps give you ideas and put together your life story.

In order to enter, you need to write your own obit and post it on your blog. I have long felt that I would like to write my own obituary because I don't feel others would know dates, places or even enough about me to write one that included everything I felt it should. As a family historian, I look at making sure I have the correct names, dates and information above all else. As long as I have felt that I want to write my own obituary, I have never attempted to do so. That is until tonight. I found it is much more difficult than you might think. At one point it seemed I was writing my life story, and needed to makes cuts and shorten everything up.

Suddenly, it dawned on me I was missing the GeneaBloggers Blog Talk Radio program, all because I was involved in trying to write my own obituary, wanting to win the prize! Tonight's radio program was titled: "The Final Chapter-Obituaries, Death Records and Genealogy." Of all nights to miss...I tuned in to the last 20 minutes of the program.

After listening to that 20 minutes, I realized I needed to hear the whole program before I worked any more on my obituary, so I went to the archived show and immediately listened. An idea came to me from listening to the program. Because of today's online obituaries, maybe it was okay to write my obit like a story. Seems to me that it wouldn't matter how long the obit was, I won't believe you would be paying for space, like you would for a newspaper article.

So, here is the first attempt at my obit. I decided not to mess with it anymore at this stage, although it will definitely be fine tuned and updated and I am sure changed. I did leave out personal information as you will see names and such denoted with ****. Remember this is a rough draft I decided to share.

Cheryl Palmer, ** yrs old, passed away at her home in (address for private use) Alameda Co., California. She was born in Oakland, California at Merritt Hospital in 19** to ************** and ***************. A couple of years later her parents divorced. Her mother remarried and Cheryl's last name became *******.

Cheryl spent her entire life in Alameda County. She went to schools there and graduated from Don's Beauty School in 19**. Having passed the state board exam and earning her license, she became a working cosmetologist at age 17. The day she turned 18 she moved away from her home and lived on her own.

She married ************** when she was ** in 19**. Their only child, a girl, was born ***** **, **** in *********.

One year she and her husband were staying at Harvey's Hotel when a bomb was planted there. They were ordered to evacuate very early that particular morning. She claimed she had never seen a casino so empty. Authorities later set off that bomb.

In **** their divorce was final, and a few months later, Cheryl married *************. With this marriage came another daughter, ****************, just six months younger than her own daughter. She often said she felt like she raised twins.

This new husband woke her up to the world. They fished together and attended many sporting events, softball, baseball, soccer etc. He taught her to water ski, golf and ride a motorcycle. She was the proud owner of three brand new Harley Davidson's, the last being a 100th anniversary Fat Boy, which eventually was custom painted and totally chromed out. She belonged to two Harley clubs, was a Ladies of Harley Officer in the first club and a charter member in the second club.

Cheryl and her husband loved to travel. Her first "out of the country" trip was to Mexico. Next was Costa Rica, where her husband was born. They went several times to Costa Rica to visit family. On her Harleys, Cheryl rode to Canada, Mexico, and South Dakota (Sturgis). Many miles were ridden in California, seeing back roads and beautiful country. Some of her best friends were from the Harley chapter and made theses trips with her and her husband. Cheryl has also been on five cruises, the Bahamas, 3 Mexican and a Mediterranean cruise.

She had many hobbies which at one time or another included: crocheting, knitting, tatting, embroidery, sewing, quilting, card making, macramé, sand painting, crewel, needlepoint, coin collecting, couponing, reading, jewelry making, scrapbooking, painting, genealogy, working puzzles, yoga,swimming, and more.

In 19** Cheryl entered a few crochet items in the Alameda Co. Fair. She won several first and second place awards for baby clothes, but took "Best of Fair" for a thread tablecloth that took her two years to make. (She was told she would never get it made...that was the best challenge!) She was convinced by the fair workers to enter the tablecloth in the California State Fair that year, where it took first place.

Cheryl worked 30 years in the Cosmetology industry, and retired. She had an independent craft business for several years, "Cheryl Palmer's Pretty Punch." She also worked several office jobs (clerk, benefits coordinator, events planner, & payroll) and as a sales clerk at a Harley Davidson store. She retired from working again in 20** at the age of **.

Life now became filled with grandchildren, crafts, and supporting her daughter's adventures. She started a "home care" dog sitting business and held Crafts Shows in her home.

Surviving is Cheryl's wonderful husband, ************, her two amazing daughter's ****************(and amazing Son in Law, ***************), *********, California and ****************, *********** Tennessee . Cheryl leaves behind two grandchildren, the "prince and princess" whom she absolutely adored! Also surviving are Cheryl's two sister's ************* (*************) & ************, and two nephews, ***************, and *************. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, **************, ( & ***************) & *************** along with brother in law *************.

A bit long wouldn't you say? Have you written your obituary? Did you find it difficult?

Thanks Thomas for this challenge! I sure hope I am one of the lucky ones to win the prize!

(I am also testing a larger font as I know some people prefer it. Let me know your opinion on the font size, and I will go by popular vote. I chose to put this in the normal font I use, so you can see the difference. Wow, this was a loooooong post! But, I am done now.)

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Memory Monday ~ Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 2 ~ Travel

2011-10-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

It was 5:30a.m. and we were standing at the US Air terminal. Although I was excited about this trip, I wasn't looking forward to the flights. It was going to be a long day, about 18 hours before boarding for the cruise. This includes layovers and changing planes. I don't sleep on airplanes. It is not that I don't want to, I just can't. No matter how hard I try (maybe that is the problem, I try) it doesn't happen for me. I can sit there, close my eyes and rest them, but there was no sleeping for me.

We took off that morning right on schedule. Leaving San Francisco, we were headed to Charlotte, North Carolina. This was approximately a four hour flight. I brought my Nook, some magazines and puzzle books. Have I ever told you I love Sudoku puzzles? I spent most of my time on this flight working puzzles. In fact, I need to purchase a new Sudoko puzzle book as I have completed the one I have. I have been known to do Suduko puzzles on my phone too, always have to be doing something!

Of course, we had to change planes in Charlotte. Thankfully, we didn't have to get our luggage and move it also. I always worry about making the connecting flight when we have to do this. Once, when in Chicago's O'Hare airport we had to change planes, and sure enough the terminal we needed to go to was at the other end of the airport. We only had one hour and our previous flight had arrived a little late to boot. We raced to catch the next flight, which luckily we made. I however, was frazzled, hot and sweaty by the time we reached that terminal. Who says vacation is relaxing?

The second leg of our journey was to Madrid. This was exciting as I have never left the western hemisphere before. I feel very fortunate that I do not have a fear of flying, especially as we crossed the ocean. This flight was seven and a half hours. I still wonder what I really did to pass the time, it seemed to go faster that I imagined it would.

My husband did a lot of resting and sleeping on these flights. I was concerned how he was going to handle all the plane time, but he slept, or rested most of the time which surprised me. Can one person get to much sleep? I downloaded a book on Mark Twain to my Nook before we left, thinking at least there would be something for him to read. He read maybe two chapters, and has never finished the book. The book must not have interested him, even though it was a recommendation...very interesting.

Upon landing in Madrid we collected all of our luggage, we of course needed to go through customs. That was actually a breeze, very smooth and easy. The last leg of our flight was from Madrid to Barcelona, a little commuter flight, about an hour long. We sent our luggage to be loaded again, except for our carry on's which we soon were informed were to large for this plane, so they ultimately were checked also. The next thing we knew we were pulling luggage off the baggage claim turn style. We each had two suitcases and a carry on, plus our "extra bag" for bringing home souvenirs. We used the "extra bag" for dress clothes and shoes etc. on the way over.

We landed in Barcelona, local time being around 10:00a.m. the next day. I was concerned how I was going to handle another full day without any sleep. Hubby was set with all of his cat naps. We didn't board the ship until mid afternoon, so we had plenty of time to get to the pier. A shuttle had been pre-arranged to take us there so we gathered our luggage and boarded the shuttle. We were on our way again, this time to the cruise ship! We had a great day of flying and travel. Thankfully no problems, mishaps or plane hijackings.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 1 ~ San Francisco

2011-10-16T03:04:00.000-07:00

San Francisco, California. November 2010. Digital photo. Held by Cheryl Palmer. [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] 2011.

This event is now history. As in, it happened, it is finished, completed, done. It is my history and a trip I would like to document for my ancestors. This is also a perfect place for others to read about our trip. So, here we go with Part 1!

Originally, we planned to take a cruise which included a stop in Egypt as we both wanted to see the pyramids. That is the cruise we booked several months back. A few months passed and we were informed the cruise ship would not be stopping in Egypt any longer because of the civil unrest that was ongoing in that country. They moved the stop to somewhere else, I don't even remember where now. We chose to change the cruise we were originally set up for and ended up booking the cruise we just took.

Taking an extended vacation took some planning, as it does for most people. In some ways it may actually take a little less planning for us as we at least do not have to try to coordinate, get permission and take time off of work. For me, the main thing I needed to do was make sure someone would be able to cover watching my grandchildren a couple days a week. And then there was the dog who needed caring for. My grandchildren's other grandmother, or "granny" as she is affectionately known, jumped right in and offered to come out and take care of the grandchildren. That was a big relief for me, I felt I could go away comfortably now, and not worry about anything. "Granny" actually stayed at our house and cared for my dog. She house sat, cared for the grandchildren and our dog! We both got the best of that one I think. She can watch the grandchildren anytime she decides to come out, but this time she had a place to go at the end of the day, for some peace and quiet. For me, there was someone at my house and the dog had company and was fed. What a deal!

We have a gardener, so the yard wasn't much to worry about although our neighbor did water the plants for us a few times when it was really hot. We didn't stop our mail, as someone was here to pick it up, but "granny" was a retired postmaster and decided while we were gone so she to put a stop to it. We just went and picked t up when we returned home.

For a change, I actually packed three days before we were to leave and not at the last minute. We were to have three formal dinners, it took me longer to plan attire for those than anything else. Luckily, my husband does his own packing. I know there are women who pack for their husbands, I am so glad I am not one of them! I have a difficult enough time packing for myself! We worked it out so we would have an empty suitcase with us to bring home souvenirs, plus we actually had extra room in our suitcases.

With the bills paid, and house clean (well clean as it was going to get for "granny.") we were finally ready. On September 14 after I worked my shift at the yoga studio in the morning we decided to head out. Our flight the next morning was leaving from San Francisco at approximately 7:30am. We needed to be at the airport by 5:30am. To make timing easier for us, we went to San Francisco the day before (September 14) and spent the night. We had a nice afternoon in the city with dinner following. The next morning was a breeze, hopped on the airport shuttle and 10 minutes later we were at the airport!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

Geniaus's Geneameme

2011-10-15T00:07:00.000-07:00

This is a meme that Geniaus has complied and I am going to participate. Here it is in Jill Ball's own words! Thanks for the fun!

The Ancestors' Geneameme

Many genealogists took up my challenge in the recent Tech Savvy Genealogists Meme so I thought I'd put together another Geneameme (new term just coined). Once again this is the result of a quick personal brainstorm, I have tried to make the statements generic so that the meme has international relevance.

I invite anyone with an interest in genealogy to participate. If you don't have a blog and wish to participate you can send your responses to me in an email and I will pop them into a blog post on the GeniMates blog. Please let me know when you participate by a comment on this post or by email and I'll collate a list of responses on this blog.

It would be appreciated if genealogists would let the meme run its course before copying and republishing it with alterations and amendments.

The Ancestors' Geneameme

The list should be annotated in the following manner:
Things you have already done or found: bold face type
Things you would like to do or find: italicize (colour optional)
Things you haven’t done or found and don’t care to: plain type
You are encouraged to add extra comments in brackets after each item

Which of these apply to you?

Can name my 16 great-great-grandparents [May never know all 16 as my grandfather's father is totally unknown and not listed on birth certificate]

Can name over 50 direct ancestors

Have photographs or portraits of my 8 great-grandparents

Have an ancestor who was married more than three times

Have an ancestor who was a bigamist [Not that I am aware of at this point anyway]

Met all four of my grandparents

Met one or more of my great-grandparents

Named a child after an ancestor [Does the middle name only count?]

Bear an ancestor's given name/s

Have an ancestor from Great Britain or Ireland

Have an ancestor from Asia

Have an ancestor from Continental Europe

Have an ancestor from Africa

Have an ancestor who was an agricultural labourer

Have an ancestor who had large land holdings

Have an ancestor who was a holy man - minister, priest, rabbi

Have an ancestor who was a midwife

Have an ancestor who was an author

Have an ancestor with the surname Smith, Murphy or Jones [now if this asked if the name was in my tree I could go along with it]

Have an ancestor with the surname Wong, Kim, Suzuki or Ng

Have an ancestor with a surname beginning with X

Have an ancestor with a forename beginnining with Z

Have an ancestor born on 25th December {not an ancestor, but a cousin]

Have an ancestor born on New Year's Day

Have blue blood in your family lines

Have a parent who was born in a country different from my country of birth

Have a grandparent who was born in a country different from my country of birth

Can trace a direct family line back to the eighteenth century [not listed with full sources]

Can trace a direct family line back to the seventeenth century or earlier [not listed with full sources]

Have seen copies of the signatures of some of my great-grandparents

Have ancestors who signed their marriage certificate with an X

Have a grandparent or earlier ancestor who went to university

Have an ancestor who was convicted of a criminal offence

Have an ancestor who was a victim of crime

Have shared an ancestor's story online or in a magazine (Tell us where)

Have published a family history online or in print (Details please)

Have visited an ancestor's home from the 19th or earlier centuries [Plan to next year]

Still have an ancestor's home from the 19th or earlier centuries in the family

Have a family bible from the 19th Century

Have a pre-19th century family bible

Well, this was pretty pathetic! Ok, so there are many that really are not an issue to me. And, there may be a couple that I can include, but at this point tonight I am to tired to come up with anyone. I will be curious to see other bloggers lists. Have you done this meme?

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

#31WBGB ~ Week 14 ~ Find A Blog Buddy

2011-10-14T00:32:00.000-07:00

I am following Tonia's Roots as she brings several GeneaBloggers through 31 weeks of working towards a better blog, prompts written by Darren Rowse.

I was a couple weeks behind due to being on vacation, so I am playing catch up! Here is the challenge from Tonia~

This week’s task is to find a blog buddy. Let’s face it; blogging is often a solitary endeavor. Bloggers who work together, often have more success. Blogging buddies can be one-on-one relationships or small groups.

9 Reasons You Need a Blog Buddy

You can proofread and critique each other’s posts, before pressing “publish.”
You can share link love.
You can promote each other’s posts via social media channels.
You can help each other stay motivated.
You can trade guest posts.
You can brainstorm together and bounce post ideas off each other.
You can critique design and other non-text elements.
You can help build blog comments.
You can hold each other accountable.

Blogging Buddy Relationship Advice

Make the relationship mutually beneficial. All parties should be contribute and benefit.
Make each other’s blog better. We all have a goal of making our own blogs better. Commit to the same goal for your buddy.

Action Item

Find a buddy or a buddy group that you can hook up with.

I am afraid I am going to pass on this week's challenge. I agree that having a buddy could and would be very beneficial for both sides, however I know I am way over busy as it is...so much so that I wouldn't have the time to commit to someone else to help with their blog. Therefore, if I don't feel I could reciprocate at this time, it would be very unfair to expect someone to do this for me. If someone approached me to do this for them I would probably work something out to help, but I just can't ask someone else to do this for me at this time. I look forward to reading how others working on these challenges are handling this one and hearing from those who have completed this, how it is working for them!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Those Places Thursday ~ Sweden:TV Show Website

2011-10-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

For this "Those Places Thursday," I would like to share a new bit of news regarding Sweden and the Swedish TV show I applied for.

It came to my attention this morning that the website for the Swedish TV show, "The Great Swedish Adventure", aka, "Everything for Sweden" has been completed and is up and running! I am sure most of you will remember or realize that this is the show I auditioned for. I made all of the cuts clear through to the live audition when they flew me to Burbank, Ca. That was the final step for a place on the show... but alas, another fine lady out did me for one of the 5 women's positions on the show.

I have been anxiously awaiting, hoping to have the opportunity to watch the program here at home. The website shows all of the contestants, who they are, where they are from and what they do. Five women and five men. I would like to thank Kirstin Highfield, one of the 10 contestants, for sharing this information with us! It looks like the production company will share each of the episodes also! (I hope I am correct about this...) Enjoy seeing the Americans that made the final cuts to earn a position on the program!

******Added later on the same day...here is the "teaser trailer."

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

Wordless Wednesday ~ Recent Flight to Barcelona

2011-10-12T00:23:00.000-07:00

(...this was not our plane however...)

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

#31 WBGB ~ Week 13 ~ Update a Key Page

2011-10-11T00:11:00.000-07:00

I am following Tonia's Roots as she brings several GeneaBloggers through 31 weeks of working towards a better blog, prompts written by Darren Rowse.

I am a couple weeks behind due to being on vacation, so I am playing catch up!

What pages are important on your blog?

Spend a few minutes identifying about 10 pages or posts on your blog that are the most important or most powerful in helping you achieve your goals as a genealogy blogger. Some of these will be unique to your blog, but there are likely some commonalities for all of us.

Your Front Page

This one is pretty obvious. Most traffic is going to come through your home page. It’s probably the page you promote on social media profile sites or the page that others link to when they mention your blog. It’s also a page that visitors are likely to click on if they land on one of your older posts. We’re not talking about a complete design overhaul today; rather we are looking for smaller things that may need to be tweaked.

First impressions – what first impression does a new reader make when coming to your front page? Do they know what your blog is about right away? Do your header and tag line communicate your intent? What element is the eye drawn to?
Sidebar – while your sidebar(s) may be visible from all pages, it is probably looked at more from your front page than any other. Sidebars tend to become cluttered over time with buttons, links, awards, etc. You may want to move some of these items to another area of the blog, with the objective of only having useful and important information in the sidebar.
Objectives and Calls to Action – what do you want people to do when they arrive on your blog for the first time? Subscribe, click on an ad, be driven to your best content, connect with you via social media, leave a comment? Everyone’s objective will be different. Make sure yours is supported on your front page.

About Page

Your “About” page is one of the more important pages on your blog. New readers, especially, tend to click on “About” pages to determine if this is a blog they want to read on a regular basis.

Contact Page

Does your blog provide an easy way for readers to contact you? Just last week, I was contacted by a distant cousin who found my blog and he has pictures to share. Make sure you don’t miss those opportunities.

High Traffic Posts

Most blogs that have been around for a while have some posts that consistently generate a higher number of page views than others. This could be the result of search engine traffic, links from other sites, etc. These pages are important because they serve as gateways to your blog. You can make readers want to stick around by making sure these posts are up-to-date and by adding:

Suggested “further reading” links to other posts on your blog.
An invitation to subscribe at the beginning or end of the post.

Other Key Pages

Your blog may have other key pages, such as “Recommended Reading,” Subscribe,” “Surnames,” “Research Toolbox,” etc. Any page that is specifically linked to from your navigation menu is a key page. When was the last time you updated them?

Action Item

Pick one or two important pages (or posts) that haven’t been updated recently and give them some attention.

I have been working on my blog quite a bit this year, having begun with purchasing my own URL. I then made a tiny change to the name of my blog, by adding "my" before Heritage Happens, to go along with the new URL. I proceeded to make my own personal masthead, for the first time I might add, and cleaned up my sidebar. I am not happy with the results of the sidebar yet, so plan on making a few more changes there. I also am working on updating my "Tab" pages. I think having a blog is almost a constant job of upkeep, very similar to a house. You paint the rooms, clean and redecorate every now and then. So my blog is a constant area of upkeep in my mind.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

Family History Expo Northern California

2011-10-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

I finally attended a Family History Expo! I can cross that off my bucket to do list. It started this past Friday, October 7, at what I thought was a unique time. Registration was at 1:00 p.m. I loved it! Holly, if you are reading this, I am sorry I forgot to let you know, but I did love it! By starting at 1:00 in the afternoon and ending at 9:00 pm that evening, I personally was able to avoid what has been lately termed as "the traffic jams of L.A." That alone was wonderful!

Keynote speaker was M. Bridget Cook. I really enjoyed her upbeat attitude and loving, gentle personality. I felt I could have sat and listened to her all day! I also felt as if I had heard her before, or that she was an old friend. (Maybe I have heard her at a spiritual seminar in my other life but my aging conditions hinder me from truly recollecting this...) She spoke about "Handling and Healing the Skeletons in your Genealogical Closet." She was a perfect speaker for this subject! I look forward to seeing and hearing more from her.

My goal for this event was to attend sessions of speakers I had not heard before. I did fairly well at this, although I did attend one of Lisa Louise Cook's, from Genealogy Gems fame, classes. Who can stay away from her Google classes? I attended Arlene H. Eakle's, class "How did my Ancestors Get into Pennsylvania and How Can I document Them?" I have heard Arlene present a class before, she is so full of knowledge! I was very excited to actually attend another of her sessions.

I attended classes of Gordon Clarke (A Product Manager for Family Search), Ruth Lange CG, Holly Hansen BA (President of Family History Expos), Tom Underhill (Creative Continuum), and my roomie from Jamboree Angela Kraft. (Angela, who blogs at Leaves of Heritage, and I spent some time together Saturday afternoon, which was great!) This was my first time hearing these speakers. I went out on a limb searching new aspects and learned quite a bit! If I didn't learn something, I had ideas and thoughts popping in my head!

On Friday night Steve Danko (Steve's Genealogy Blog) stopped by to see me. As he explained to Ron Arons, on his vacation he had left "something" (I won't say what-what happens on vacation, stays on vacation!) on an excursion bus. He told Ron I was kind enough to go to Europe to get more for him! He just couldn't let me mail this to him though, he came to me pick it up!

It just so happened that while I was walking the venue late that afternoon, I heard my name behind me. I turned around and there was Steve talking to Ron while he was on the phone. I walked up to them, Steve looked at me and said he was just calling me! Good thing I heard them as my phone was on vibrate and I probably would never have known he was calling. It was fun to spend a bit of time with Steve and compare our vacations. Steve has posted some of the most wonderful photos on his blog, Steve's Genealogy Blog, from his trip. Most put mine to shame I am afraid. When I post about my trip, I may have to refer you to his photos!

I did some "smoozing" with the vendors and enjoyed catching up with people such as Janet Hovorka (Family Chart Masters), Lisa Louise Cook (Genealogy Gems) and Charles from Geni, among others. (Charles, you rock!) I missed Charles's presentation ( I haven't heard him present before) but he understood as I went to roomie Angela's class instead. Angela did a wonderful job, on a subject I didn't know much about. her class was titled "Publishing your family history to DVD." It was not was I was expecting, so it was a great treat! Look for her to present a class or two at Jamboree next year, hopefully she will be applying to present there!

On Sunday I had a very profitable day, I won prizes! I won a book from Tom Underhill (Creative Continuum) in his class, I won a VIP gift from the conference (a calculator and a pedometer from Family Search) and then I won a gift at the closing ceremony from Holly Hansen, the three syllabus's from three other Family History Expos in the country this year, Arizona, Colorado and Georgia. I have to tell you, I have a ton of reading to do! I was given another book, plus I purchased a book, I think I am going to have to make a 15 minute a day rule or something so I can get this reading done!

I didn't take many photos this time as I chose not to lug my camera around. As it turns out, I needed the strength to carry many books instead! Thank you Family History Expos for your program in San Mateo this year! I think this "Ol' Dog Learned a Few New Tricks!"

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

Northern California's 3rd Annual Family History Expo

2011-10-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today is the day! I'm finally attending this event! Registration begins at 1:00pm this afternoon in San Mateo. The Keynote Speaker, M. Bridget Cook, will open at 2:00pm. She is a national best selling author and teaches how to write "your own legacy". Her work has been seen on Oprah, Dr. Phil, Good Morning America and in People Magazine. (I thought I had seen her before!) Today her Keynote Address is entitled, "Handling and Healing the Skeletons in Your Genealogical Closet."

I live close enough to this event that I will be commuting to it each of these next two days. There will be 28 classes to choose from this afternoon alone. I am having a tough time deciding which to attend!

For instance, I would like to sit in on Bruce Buzbee's Personal Historian 2 session, (Roots Magic is one of the major sponsors), but Arlene H. Eakle, Ph.D., is giving a session on Pennsylvania ancestors and documentation which also interests me. Lisa Louise Cook, Stephen Morse, Ron Aarons, and of course Holly Hansen will be presenting also at this event. My roomie from Jamboree this past year, Angela Kraft, is presenting a session on Saturday afternoon "Publishing your Family History to DVD." I would love to attend and support her for this class. I also feel that if I don't attend classes from those I haven't heard before, I may be missing out on great speakers!

Today, I may only have four sessions to choose, however these may be the toughest decisions for me to make! As I prepare for this afternoon, I will try to give good thought to each of the classes I would like to attend today and see if I can make some decisions. If I can't make those decisions I just may have to toss a coin! Some classes I will take because of the speaker and some classes because of the content, and if I am very lucky some classes because of both, the speaker and the content! Oh...to have to make such decisions, when before all I wanted to do was attend!

Better get going, have to get money, gas and all that important stuff before I go. Ok, maybe I should take a shower and get dressed too...

P.S.- I can scratch getting gas, my wonderful hubby just went and did that for me! He gave me money too...I am so spoiled.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

Wordless Wednesday ~ Could it be?

2011-10-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy, September 18, 2011. Digital photo. Taken and held by Cheryl Palmer. [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2011

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Family History Expo

2011-10-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

California's Third Family History Expo is this weekend and I am looking forward to it. I have tried each year to make this event, however other things have apparently been more pressing. Finally, I can attend! Here is the press release from August 8, 2011 with the details, I hope to see you there!

For more information:

ShyAnna Chambers, Executive Assistant

expos@fhexpos.com

801-829-3295

Learn the Tech to Trace Your Roots,

Northern California Family History Expo

Learn the tech to trace your roots at the Northern California Family History Expo, October 7-8,

2011 at the San Mateo County Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware Street, San Mateo, California.

“Family History Expos is the place where ol’ dogs learn new tricks and young puppies learn old

ones,” founder and president Holly Hansen said. “We want to assist in the journey of tracing

your roots with the best results.”

The Expo opens for registration at 1pm on Friday with a keynote address by M. Bridget Cook at

2pm. Cook is a U.S. Best Selling author and biographer. Her book, Shattered Silence, has been

featured on Oprah, Dr. Phil, Good Morning America, and many other national TV shows and

magazines. Bridget is a brilliant writer and will be teaching classes to assist us with writing our

own juicy family histories! http://www.mbridgetcook.com.

“She is an amazing speaker and we can’t wait for her to open the show,” Hansen said.

The Expo will feature nearly 60 classes and demonstrations on how to get started to more

techniques and technology in conducting your family history research. Professional genealogists

and industry experts from throughout the country teach classes. The cost of early online

registration for the event, $95, allows participants to select from a variety of classes being taught

throughout the two day Expo ($120 at the door).

“We have something to offer everyone from those who are just curious about family history to

those who are performing genealogy research professionally,” Hansen said.

The exhibit hall, open 1pm – 8pm Friday and 9am – 5pm Saturday, will feature companies

focused on families and family history research. The event is co-sponsored by Family History

Expos, FamilySearch, RootsMagic, Geni.com, and AGES-online.

telephone at 801-829-3295.

Info Box Information

Where ol’dogs learn new tricks!

Northern California Family History Expo 2011

October 7-8, 2011

At the door registration begins at: 1pm Friday & 9am Saturday

Exhibits open1pm to 8pm Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturday

Learn the tech to trace your roots with two full days of classes, hands-on demonstrations and

exhibits.

Where:

San Mateo County Event Center

2495 S. Delaware Street

San Mateo, California

Cost:

Classes and Workshops

In Advance: $95 for both days

At the Door: $120, $60 for a single day, or $20 per class

event begins!

Note: Online class handouts are available only to those who register online.

-END

Family History Expos, Inc. is a Utah-based company headquartered in Croydon, Utah. FHE has

been holding successful expos throughout the United States, teaching thousands to learn the art of and experience the spirit of family history research, since 2003.

Twitter hashtag: #fhexpo

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Classes and Education

2011-09-29T00:02:00.000-07:00

During the last couple of months I have taken and completed three classes through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Receiving a gift certificate for a free class in my GeneaBlogger swag bag at Jamboree this past June, definitely played a part in my participation.

I have taken many online courses over the years through Family Tree and Gen Class. Lisa Alzo, and George Morgan are just a couple of names you may recognize that I have taken a class or two from. I also enrolled and attended a two part series of classes at our local college, taught by Sue Johnston. Sue is a graduate of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies as well as a variety of other genealogical training courses. I enjoyed Sue's two series of classes very much and love to hear her speak at genealogy meetings and conferences when I can. Lisa and George are always wonderful to receive a lecture from also, please keep this in mind if you ever have an opportunity to attend one of their lectures!

I always enjoy learning. It doesn't matter what I am involved in, I like to take classes and learn to do whatever it is I am doing, the correct way. Several years ago I debated about taking the National Genealogy Society home course, which I discussed with one of the current California Genealogical Society Board Directors, Jeffrey Vaillant, back at that time. I was trying to decide what course to take, but never figured out which was calling my name.

There are several avenues you can choose from to enrich and educate oneself in this field. I wish I had chosen one of the courses to attend back when I couldn't make a decision, because today I realize I can take just about any or all of the courses that are offered. I can learn different things from different courses.

Now that I am again thinking about taking more classes, I am not working. This is an ideal time actually to attend school or take classes, however, I don't have the money just sitting around to spend on a course such as this. If I intended to make a living as a professional genealogist I could look at the costs differently. If I was working, I could look at the costs differently. But neither of these facts are true.

I have enjoyed the classes at the National Institute for Genealogical Studies so much that I have checked into their certificate programs. I have come to the conclusion that I would like to work towards a certificate for my own personal satisfaction. Can you believe, I actually made a decision!

Lately though, I have been tied up with a few other important matters, so I have taken a month away from the classes. This has given me a bit of time also to think and analyze how I may want to pay for these courses. It may be a little drawn out and take me awhile to complete, but I will probably take classes as I can afford them. I am anxious for another class and hope to take a course or two in October, no later than November. Really, I am in no hurry, so working on the courses here and there is ok by me, I knowing I will eventually earn that certificate.

I think the National Institute of Genealogical Studies made a great decision when they gave certificates for a free class. It sold me, and I am sure I wasn't the only one! Taking a free class was just what I needed to convince me to keep going! Great marketing, I thank you for that!

I am thrilled I can finally say I am moving on and have a plan for my genealogy studies. Then, when this course is complete...well, I will have to pick and choose again. I wonder who will have the next marketing plan at that particular time?

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

#31 WBGB ~ Week 12 ~ Editorial Calendars

2011-09-24T01:50:00.000-07:00

I am following Tonia's Roots as she brings several GeneaBloggers through 31 weeks of working towards a better blog, prompts written by Darren Rowse.

The following is an (altered) excerpt from the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Workbook ~

Last week our challenge was to come up with a list of at least 10 post ideas for our blog. The idea was to
spend time, before you needed posts, coming up with ideas. Doing this can release you later on to just write instead of having to brainstorm ideas every day.

How to Develop a Weekly Editorial Calendar [or at least how I do it]

This weeks task is to take the list you created last week and to plan your posting schedule (or editorial calendar) for next week.

1. Calculate how many posts you want to post in the coming week on your blog.

2. Set up a spreadsheet or table in a word document that has a slot for each post and the date and time that the post needs to go live on the blog.

3. Take the list of ideas that you’ve previously brainstormed and begin to slot them into the empty slots in the table. As I do this I often get other ideas that I’d not previously thought of for posts that might make good followup posts to those I’m planning. I slot these into the schedule too.

4. For each post that you slot in write a sentence or two about what the post is about (so you’re able to remember later in the week). I often also take a moment or two at this point to brainstorm some main points for the post. If any examples, illustrations, pictures or related posts that I’ve previously written come to mind I make note of these too.

Let me say at this point that what I come up with after going through this process is not always the way that I roll out posts in reality. My blogging style is a little more fluid than this and I tend to add new posts into the mix, reorder posts and extend single posts into series.

However – going through this exercise is fantastic because it means I’ve got a week’s worth of post ideas at my finger tips. It also means that for each post I’ve got ideas that I can use when writing the post – this gives me a real head start and means that I can usually get right down to business and start writing on the days I need to do the writing of posts.

Another Editorial Calendar idea to Consider

Another way that some bloggers approach editorial calendars is to come up with a weekly rhythm for their blog. They assign a different type of post for each day of the week and stick to that rhythm over the long term.

For example Mondays might be ‘list post’ day, Tuesdays might be ‘link post’ day, Wednesdays might be ‘opinion/rant’ day, Thursdays might be ‘review’ day etc. In this way they know the style of post for each day and then just have to slot in topics that fit each style.

my Heritage Happens Editorial Calendar ~

I really like this idea of scheduling blog posts a head of time on a calendar. I love being prepared and I've actually been having a difficult time getting organized with blog posts for a couple of months. Like all of us, sometimes I feel pulled in many different directions and trying to do a post at any given time, without preparing, takes a lot of time. Usually, just trying to think of a topic to write about takes a lot of time. Then, writing and preparing the post, adding photos etc. takes a vast amount of time also. If I don't have as much time as I would like to prepare a post, I may actually feel stressed. If I haven't written a post for a few days I can start to feel stressed also. Being prepared and organized, with thoughts and ideas would actually be a major stress relief for me during those difficult times. I am actually tied up for a few weeks and can not really participate with this idea yet, but I plan to implement it just as soon as possible! In fact, I am very anxious to do so!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

Wordless Wednesday ~ Edison Electric Light

2011-09-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

#31 WBGB ~ Week 11 ~ Come Up with 10 Post Ideas

2011-09-17T04:23:00.000-07:00

I am following Tonia's Roots as she brings several GeneaBloggers through 31 weeks of working towards a better blog, prompts written by Darren Rowse.

Here is this weeks challenge adapted from Darren Rowse's daily challenges which Tonia is doing as weekly challenges:

Ever run out of things to write about on your blog?

If your answer is yes – you’re not alone.

This weeks's task is to do an exercise that will identify a range of post ideas that you can use when stuck for an idea in future.

The key with this process is not to put yourself under pressure to come up with completely new and out of the blue ideas for every post you write. Instead – this process taps into what you’ve recently written on your blog and helps you to identify ways to extend those ideas. Here’s the mind mapping method that I’ve used (note: I’ve talked about this previously so it could be familiar to some).

1. The Set Up

Get a whiteboard, piece of paper, note book, tablet pc or something else to write on (there are also various mind mapping tools and software options out there – but I find a pen and paper can work just fine) and draw five circles across the middle of the page. In each circle write the titles of the last five posts on your blog.

2. Extend Your Previous Posts

Now take each post in turn and spend a few minutes brainstorming on ways that the post could be ‘extended’. Most posts that you write will be able to be ‘extended’ in any number of ways including:

picking up a question or idea that a reader asked in the comments on that post
exploring the opposite point of view from the post
taking a ‘news’ post and writing an ‘opinion’ piece about it
taking a ‘theoretical’ type posts and writing something that helps people to ‘DO’ it
expanding upon ideas glossed over in passing in the previous post

For each idea draw a line out from the circle, draw a square (or use a different color) and write the idea inside of it. The key at this point is to let yourself be as creative and outside the box as you want. Any idea is allowed at this point.

These ideas are logical next steps for readers wanting to explore this topic – some of them based upon actual questions by readers. Do this with the other four posts you’ve written and you’ll have plenty of ideas for new posts to cover in the coming week or two.

3. Extend Further

You might want to stop this exercise at this point if you feel you’ve got enough topics to keep you going – however while you’re in a brainstorming frame of mind – why not take it a step further and think about how you might extend the topics you’ve come up with. The beauty of thinking forward even further is that you could quickly come up with a further 10 or so posts and be able to map out the next few weeks of blogging. Some posts are easier to extend than others. This is OK as not every post is in need of a follow up one – while others will have multiple next steps (some will even have a longer series of posts that you could run).

You can take this exercise as far as you’d like into the future (you get the idea I’m sure so I won’t keep going).The key when you do it is to let your creativity run wild (because it can take you in some wonderful directions) but then to be ruthless in culling ideas that don’t actually add anything to your blog. Remember – everything that you post on your blog either adds to or takes away from your blog’s perceived value – so not everything that you come up with should make it through to the front page of your blog.

Your Task Today

Your Task Today is to come up with a list of at least 10 future topics to write about. At this point your list should be not much more than the topic or title of your post.

PS: Another Approach to this Exercise for New Blogs ~ I know that some bloggers doing the 31 Day challenge have very new blogs and perhaps don’t have too many posts in their archives to base mind mapping upon. If this is you – you can take the same principle but instead of making your five starting circles previous posts – make them ‘categories’ that your blog might cover.

For example if your blog is about personal finance you could make your starting circles sub topics of that overarching topic. They might be ‘budgeting’, ‘saving’, ‘investing’, ‘credit’ and ‘Career’. Once you’ve got your categories or sub topics – you can then pick up the exercise at step #2 with extending those sub topics into post ideas or topics within the sub topic.

my Heritage Happens Task

I have to tell you, I LOVE this weeks task! It didn't take me long to come up with 18 different thoughts, just from one post! Of course, that one post had lots of ideas already there, listed for me. (You will catch on if you look at a few of my recent posts.) I imagine you are just dying to know what the ideas were that I came up with, but I am going to stay silent on that, for now anyway. I can see this idea REALLY working for me! Have you been following along with these challenges? Have you tried this particular challenge? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments section, or leave a link to your personal post!

Wedding Wednesday

2011-09-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

My paternal grandparents ~ Hjalmer Lundberg and Thina Westby. Married November 29, 1930. Scanned image 2010 by Cheryl Palmer.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

99 Things Revisited ~ Now 104 Genealogy Things

2011-09-13T01:07:00.000-07:00

In January 2009, with the help of the genealogy blogging community, Becky Wiseman created The 99+ Genealogy Things Meme, which lists some things that you, as a genealogist, might have done or might like to do in/for/with your research. I added my own personal post here.

Now the list is going around again, and sometimes being adjusted a bit to suit an individuals preferences. I have chosen to play along again so I can see how much I can add to the list. In 2009 I completed 37 items. Let's see what 2011 brings!

The list should be annotated in the following manner:

Things you have already done or found: bold face type

Things you would like to do or find: italicize (color optional)

Things you haven’t done or found and don’t care to: plain type

Belong to a genealogical society.
Researched records onsite at a court house.
Transcribed records.
Uploaded tombstone pictures to Find-A-Grave.
Documented ancestors for four generations (self, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents).
Joined Facebook.
Helped to clean up a run-down cemetery.
Joined the Genea-Bloggers Group on Facebook.
Attended a genealogy conference.
Lectured at a genealogy conference.
Spoke on a genealogy topic at a local genealogy society.
Been the editor of a genealogy society newsletter.
Contributed to a genealogy society publication.
Served on the board or as an officer of a genealogy society.
Got lost on the way to a cemetery.
Talked to dead ancestors.
Researched outside the state in which I live.
Knocked on the door of an ancestral home and visited with the current occupants.
Cold called a distant relative.
Posted messages on a surname message board.
Uploaded a gedcom file to the internet.
Googled my name.
Performed a random act of genealogical kindness.
Researched a non-related family, just for the fun of it.
Have been paid to do genealogical research.
Earn a living (majority of income) from genealogical research.
Wrote a letter (or email) to a previously unknown relative.
Contributed to one of the genealogy carnivals.
Responded to messages on a message board or forum.
Was injured while on a genealogy excursion.
Participated in a genealogy meme.
Created family history gift items (calendars, cookbooks, etc.).
Performed a record lookup for someone else.
Went on a genealogy seminar cruise.
Am convinced that a relative must have arrived here from outer space.
Found a disturbing family secret.
Told others about a disturbing family secret.
Combined genealogy with crafts (family picture quilt, scrapbooking).
Think genealogy is a passion not a hobby.
Assisted finding next of kin for a deceased person (Unclaimed Persons).
Taught someone else how to find their roots.
Lost valuable genealogy data due to a computer crash or hard drive failure.
Been overwhelmed by available genealogy technology.
Know a cousin of the 4th degree or higher.
Disproved a family myth through research.
Got a family member to let you copy photos.
Used a digital camera to “copy” photos or records.
Translated a record from a foreign language.
Found an immigrant ancestor’s passenger arrival record.
Looked at census records on microfilm, not on the computer.
Used microfiche.
Visited the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.
Visited more than one LDS Family History Center.
Visited a church or place of worship of one of your ancestors.
Taught a class in genealogy.
Traced ancestors back to the 18th Century.
Traced ancestors back to the 17th Century.
Traced ancestors back to the 16th Century.
Can name all of your great-great-grandparents.
Found an ancestor’s Social Security application.
Know how to determine a soundex code without the help of a computer.
Used Steve Morse’s One-Step searches.
Own a copy of Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills.
Helped someone find an ancestor using records you had never used for your own research.
Visited the main National Archives building in Washington, DC.
Visited the Library of Congress.
Have an ancestor who came over on the Mayflower.
Have an ancestor who fought in the Civil War.
Taken a photograph of an ancestor’s tombstone.
Became a member of the Association of Graveyard Rabbits.
Can read a church record in Latin.
Have an ancestor who changed their name.
Joined a Rootsweb mailing list.
Created a family website.
Have more than one "genealogy" blog.
Was overwhelmed by the amount of family information received from someone.
Have broken through at least one brick wall.
Visited the DAR Library in Washington D.C.
Borrowed a microfilm from the Family History Library through a local Family History Center.
Have done indexing for Family Search Indexing or another genealogy project.
Visited the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Had an amazing serendipitous find of the "Psychic Roots" variety.
Have an ancestor who was a Patriot in the American Revolutionary War.
Have an ancestor who was a Loyalist in the American Revolutionary War.
Have both Patriot & Loyalist ancestors.
Have used Border Crossing records to locate an ancestor.
Use maps in my genealogy research.
Have a convict ancestor who was transported from the UK.
Found a bigamist amongst the ancestors.
Visited the National Archives in Kew.
Visited St. Catherine's House in London to find family records.
Found a cousin in Australia (or other foreign country).
Consistently cite my sources.
Visited a foreign country (i.e. one I don't live in) in search of ancestors.
Can locate any document in my research files within a few minutes.
Have an ancestor who was married four times (or more).
Made a rubbing of an ancestors gravestone.
Organized a family reunion.
Published a family history book (on one of my families).
Learned of the death of a fairly close relative through research.
Have done the genealogy happy dance.
Sustained an injury doing the genealogy happy dance.
Offended a family member with my research.
Reunited someone with precious family photos or artifacts

This time I have completed 56 items. That is better than the last count of 37, so I will take it! How about you? Have you played along?

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

September 11, 2001 ~ Ten Years Later

2011-09-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

In three plus years of blogging I am surprised I haven't ever written a post in remembrance of that tragic day in September of 2001. There could be many reasons for this but I surmise one of the main reasons is because my mother passed away that year also. It was a very emotional year. I have found when the anniversary of this day comes around I have difficulty facing it. I never want to relive it or that year.

I was in bed, sleeping, when this tragic attack occurred. I awoke with the TV on. My husband had already left for work. When I first saw the devastation and heard the news, I was in denial. I could not, would not, believe it really happened to us, here in the United States. I do not wake bright eyed and bushy tailed, it takes awhile for the fog to leave my brain. I led myself to believe I was watching a movie. As time went on it became apparent I was not watching a movie, this was minute by minute coverage of a terrorist attack! I gasped. I went numb and couldn't move. I was mesmerized by the TV, as was the majority of Americans.

With the 10th anniversary today, I decided to acknowledge this event on my blog. I look at 9-11 now as the most horrific event in this country, that actually occurred in my lifetime. In my mind, this means our country will not live through anything even similar to this again, at least as long as I shall live. This event will go in MY timeline, if any of my descendants continue with the family genealogy.

I can not imagine how I would feel if I lost someone close to me because of this attack and it's events. My heart goes out to every single person who lost a family member, friend, co-worker or acquaintance. My heart feels ripped from my body when I think of this occurrence.

My daughter offered a free yoga class this morning in memory of 9/11. She suggested we make our "intention," compassion. My practice today, with her teaching and focus, gave me the strength to face this anniversary, and my emotions. I thank my daughter for introducing me to yoga. I have learned more about myself because of her and yoga.

NINE ELEVEN...I WILL NEVER FORGET!

Reflecting...

Compassion, Pain, Sacrifice, Resiliency, Bravery, Courage, Love...

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Patriot Day Clipart and Graphics

#31 WBGB ~ Week 10 ~ Set Up Monitoring Alerts

2011-09-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

I am following Tonia's Roots as she brings several GeneaBloggers through 31 weeks of working towards a better blog, prompts written by Darren Rowse.

Tonia's blog states~

"Welcome back to another week of 31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog! Our topic for week 10 is setting up alerts to monitor what is happening in our areas of genealogy. Alerts are useful for both blogging and for genealogy research, so they are a great addition to any geneablogger’s toolbox.

Reasons to Use Alerts

Alerts let you stay on top of what is being said in blogs and in the news about certain topics. There are quite a few reasons that geneabloggers would want to do this:

Ideas for posts – keeping abreast of what others are writing about can give you lots of ideas for topics.
Tracking research interests – do you have time to read every blog post written to see if it mentions your surnames or locales? Probably not. Alerts will scour the internet for mentions of your keyword interests and deliver the results to you.
Managing your reputation and connecting with others – knowing when others are writing about you or your blog can be valuable information. You can build relationships with those who are saying positive things and also manage any negativity that may emerge."

Action Items

Get started monitoring! Make a list of search topics relevant to your blog and/or research. Test them out in Google to make sure you get the results you want. Remember, exact phrases can go in quotes to give you more targeted results.
Set up some alerts. Let us know what service(s) you used and some of the keywords you chose in the comments.

If you are just joining us, then “welcome.” You can read the kick-off post about 31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog here. Feel free to start with this week’s reading and action items – you are not behind!"

my Heritage Happens Action ~

- I have been using Google Alerts for a few years. I have several alerts set up which include areas where my ancestors were from or settled in. For instance, Sweden and Norway are a couple areas my family immigrated from so I use specific names along with the area in each country where they were from. An example is: "Dulin+Bergen" or "Dulin+Norway."

- I also have had an alert set using my blog name. "Heritage Happens." I realize now though, I need to go in and update that alert to include "my" for "my Heritage Happens."

-Family surnames with a "+ genealogy" is another alert term that I use.

-I have alerts set up for news, blog and cemeteries.

I use Twitter and Tweet Deck where I have columns of information I am interested in, by using Twitter Hashtags. Of course #genealogy and #family history are ones I follow. As conferences come around I try to follow the hashtag for that specific conference.

I am sure I could, and or should, add more alerts. This prompt has actually given me some food for thought, and I already realize I need to add at least one new alert in particular. So, I am off to do that now!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Downward Facing Dog

2011-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Next Generations......

Yoga, Alameda County, California. Photo taken August 31, 2011 by Cheryl Palmer [Address for private use]California. 2011.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Sentimental Sunday ~ Dad And His Sister

2011-09-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago my aunt from Texas came to California to spend her 75th birthday with her brother, my dad. I thought it was pretty darn wonderful that she wanted to spend the time with her brother. I suppose she felt she could see her children at any time, but not her brother!

I drove the couple hours north to my father's "bed and breakfast" as I like to call his home. I looked forward to seeing my aunt and wanted to make sure to be at the house for her birthday. To me, this was the closest thing to a family reunion there is on this side of the family. I have no idea how long it has been since I have seen any of my cousins, but it has been years...back in the day, when they lived in California. We don't even know each other. It has been three years since the last time my aunt came to visit. That visit she brought her husband with her (the only time I met him) but unfortunately, he has since passed away.

We shared many laughs, I took lots of pictures, and heard many family stories, most of which I'd never heard before. By the end of the visit I brought home 8 pages of notes. Because I hadn't thought to bring a tape recorder, I frantically scratched notes, as quickly as possible, while the reminiscing flowed between my dad and my aunt.

I came home realizing I needed to immediately transcribe my "chicken scratch" to my computer while I could still make heads and tales of it. Now, since that has been completed, I sit back and try to imagine what the consequences would have been had I not proceeded with those transcriptions. Most of those notes would never have made sense to me, or anyone else within a few weeks.

For some reason, ever since I learned my aunt was coming to visit, I have been super emotional and very sentimental. Maybe because it was a monumental birthday for her. Maybe because she had lost her husband. I think it is a little of each of these things, but the main reason is because I don't know if or when I may see her again.

I try to stay optimistic but I have come to a stage in life where I am learning to be a realist. We have lost family and friends much younger than my father and my aunt. Every moment spent with them is precious and special in my eyes. It was wonderful that I could really appreciate and soak up every second I spent with them. I appreciate the stories, the notes, and especially the pictures. I am extremely grateful they shared their special time with me.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

#31 WBGB ~ Week 9 ~ Participate In An Online Genealogy Group

2011-08-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

I am following Tonia's Roots as she brings several GeneaBloggers through 31 weeks of working towards a better blog prompts written by Darren Rowse.

Tonia's blog states~

Welcome to Week 9 of 31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog!

Our topic this week is participating in online genealogy groups. These could be forums, mailing lists, message boards, facebook groups, etc.

Why Should We Participate in Online Genealogy Groups?

There are three main reasons to participate in online communities:

Profile Building – if you put consistent time into an online group, you can build a significant profile in the genealogy community. Keep in mind the “What’s In It For Me” perspective of the other group members. If you are able to provide value in the form of information, advice, or support, you are more likely to develop fans among the other members.
Driving Traffic — when you provide value and become a resource to others in the forum, they will want to know more about you and will be more likely to click over to your blog.
Understanding the genealogy niche – Not only will you learn about the genealogy niche that the forum pertains to, but also you’ll get a lot of ideas for topics to write about on your blog. Keep your eyes open for questions being asked repeatedly and then write posts to answer them.

Finding Online Groups

There are plenty of groups around that you could participate in. Some categories include:

Groups related to being or becoming a professional genealogist
Surname or locality groups
Genealogy software groups

Take a look at Ancestry’s message boards, Genforum’s forums, RootsWeb mailing lists, and GenealogyWise groups. Also search Facebook for “genealogy groups.” And don’t forget about Google – a search for “Genealogy Forums” will turn up other possibilities.

Action Items

Join an online genealogy group that is geared toward one of your interests. If you are already a member of one or more groups, then:
Spend 10-15 minutes participating. Notice the bold font. Don’t just lurk. Get in there and join the conversation.
Tell us about your experience in the comments section: a) what group(s) did you join (or what groups are you already a member of)? b) did you come out of lurkdom in any groups this week?

I understand this concept, I really do. Hang with people who are like-minded... learn, share, listen, participate. I have belonged to groups such as this before.

I recently "introduced myself" under the introduction section over at Genealogy Wise as part of the National Institute For Genealogical Studies Social Media Class. That reminded me that I hadn't been very active over there for some time. I have participated in the Sweden group several times, and appreciate the hep I received there. So, as I went over to participate on Genealogy Wise, I actually saw a group entitled "Doolin Surname" which includes many spellings of the name. My great grandmother's surname being "Dulin," I felt a strong desire to ask for permission to join this group. I have belonged to an online genealogy based group for several years. It was a fun and great group, we took genealogy courses together and stayed together I think it has been 5 years now. It isn't as active as it once was but several of us have gone on to "blog-land." I am looking forward to participating more on Genealogy Wise, and with those attending classes at the National Institute For Genealogical Studies.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

You Say You Want To Purchase A URL?

2011-08-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to share how I changed my domain name/URL. I would tell you at this point to buy your URL through the blogging company you are using, I am sure it must be much easier to implement. I purchased my new URL from a company outside of Blogger, the company I have been using for this blog. Blogger will give you directions on how to make the change. The company I bought my new URL from was where the confusion and problems I had were centered. After a year and a half of waiting to purchase a URL, and then another couple of months trying to make the new URL work, I was getting very frustrated. Many of you are aware that I have had issues with this. I finally spoke with someone, at the company I bought my URL from, who knew what they were doing and who knew I was extremely frustrated! Thankfully, that call went to him!

This was the first time I have changed the URL of a blog, so I am unaware if it would be that difficult with every outside company, but I highly doubt it. I have started a new blog before, purchased a URL upon setup and everything went much smoother, I must say.

You don't want to listen my experience, I know it is much easier than everything I went through. I also do not want to discourage anyone from getting their own personal/vanity/business URL!

Because I was asked I thought I would give instructions the best I could on how to make this change. I am not Thomas MacEntee, so please bear with me. I can only explain as I know it through Blogger, because that is who I was using for this blog and others I have.

Basic Steps on Blogger to change your blog to a new URL:

Find a company ("Go Daddy" is who you would be buying through if you chose to do this through Blogger) where you would like to purchase your new URL. There are so many sites these days to buy domain names from, I have seen them offered as low as $2.99 a year! Be aware though, a good portion of these lower priced sites are outside of the United States, communication could be a little tougher if you need it. Most of the people from these companies speak English, but be aware it may be broken English. (My purchase was with a company outside of the United States.) Here is a link with more information you may like to read on making that purchase.
How to Buy a URL | eHow.com
Enter the URL you wish to purchase, you will be notified if it is available for purchase or not. If it is not available, try making a minor change. For instance I wanted to purchase HeritageHappens.com. It wasn't available when I first tried to purchase it, so I waited for over a year because it wasn't being used, thought I would grab it when the renewal came. Then, it suddenly started being used, so I needed to think differently. I added the word "my" to Heritage Happens and purchased this URL, www.myheritagehappens.com. Be a bit flexible going into this, have a second or third choice in mind in case you need to make a change.
When you find a URL you are comfortable with that is available, make your purchase. This may take 3-5 days to propagate.
When the URL is ready, log in to Blogger, go to Settings, then Publishing, Advanced Settings, and "Your Domain."
Enter your new URL in "Your Domain." Make sure once you enter your new domain name you go back under "Publishing" to make sure the switch was made showing you will be publishing under a "custom domain." If not, make the switch. (you may have to enter your new domain address again.)

That is basically it! I have a feeling going through Go Daddy on Blogger would be the easiest, but I could be wrong. If you go through another company and you have trouble getting the site to work, there is a help section on Blogger that gives you detailed information on what to do. (Which by the way I needed and used-I learned a lot about C-names and addresses.) This help link may be of assistance if needed. It gives information on pointing your blog to a new domain.

http://www.google.com/support/blogger/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=58317

Also, if you have problems setting up your URL, and find Blogger isn't where the problem exists, don't hesitate to call the company you bought the URL through. Most are very friendly and will help work through the problems with you. After all, they want you to have a good experience with their company and hope you will recommend them!

If you purchase a domain name through Blogger and GoDaddy you do not need to add a "C-name." The company I used (which was a recommendation) happens to be listed on the help page link above, with several other possibilities of companies you could use when purchasing a URL.

Because of my experience I won't recommend a site to buy a URL from, but ask around. I am sure there are many people who have had much better experiences with this than I had. I think I was the one in a million with such issues.

If anyone has information they wish to add to these directions, please don't hesitate to add the information in the comment section, or enter a post of your own I can link to! Please leave a comment if you do a post so I can make that link!

Good Luck!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

WOW, It's My Third Blogiversary!!!

2011-08-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

It was ever so close... a couple weeks ago it was almost all over. How I made it, I am really not certain.

Yes, a couple of weeks ago I actually thought about putting this blog to rest. Nighty night, good by, adios!

If I hadn't walked away from the blog, laptop and internet for several days, that very well could have been the case. By the time I came back to it all, there had finally been improvement with the URL I purchased. It only took 6 or 7 phone calls, a couple of months, a lot of waiting AND literally going in circles!

I am not sure how everything is working for all of you, but it seems to finally be correct at my end! I would be interested in hearing if you have any issues or problems, so please don't hesitate to leave me a comment if you are having difficulties.

For now...today...

I CELEBRATE!

"my Heritage Happens" ~ 3rd Blogiversary!

(I hoped to have the new URL in place by blogiversary time, and it looks like I just made it!)

Please, don't forget to take note & update your Google Reader, lists etc. to the new URL if you haven't already done so ~

www.myheritagehappens.com

(You do need the www. in front of the URL for the link to work properly)

So where is this next year going with my Heritage Happens? I have been making changes to the blog and am not complete with this project yet. I have been taking a few genealogy classes with the National Institute for Genealogical Studies and have been participating in the #31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog with Tonia over at Tonia's Roots, so I am hoping there will be more improvements with the posts here as well.

I plan to continue sharing my ancestors and their stories with you as well as sharing what I am learning, seeing and doing in the genealogy field. Like most of us bloggers, I have been crazy busy and still can't find enough time in a day. I don't think this year I will be able to fix that though.

I plan to continue to share a bit of my personal life here and there also, such as crafts, photos, vacations and maybe even a bit of the prince and princess! (My grandson and granddaughter) I have been printing my blog to books, which hopefully will be heirlooms one day. This is why I have chosen to add a bit of personal life also, after all, we all have lives!

A great big THANK YOU to all of my followers, supporters, and teachers, including my "personal assistants!" (You know who you are!) I have made great friendships and thoroughly enjoy the GeneaBlogger Community. I hope I have grown in the last three years of my blogging career and plan to continue to learn, grow, and share!

Keep in mind also, I still have to live "MY GREAT SWEDISH ADVENTURE" and plan to share this with you in the up coming year also!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Wordless Wednesday ~ My Kung Foo Panda

2011-08-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Kung Foo Panda. Photo taken July 7, 2011 by Cheryl Palmer. [Address for private use] California. 2011.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

#31 WBGB ~ Week 8 ~ Interlink Your Old Blog Posts

2011-08-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

I am following Tonia's Roots with #31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog! Come on along and join us! It is never to late to start!

Welcome to Week 8 of 31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog! Our topic this week is interlinking old blog posts.

Why Should We Interlink Posts?

There are three main reasons to interlink posts within one’s own blog:

To help your readers – if you’ve written other posts on a similar topic or that tie into a post in someway, then interlinking makes it easy for your readers to find those posts.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – search engines look at links within your blog to find content to index and to rank your content for search results. They like external links, but internal links count, too, and can help push your blog higher in the search results.
Increase page views – this is tied to item #1. Inserting links increases the chances that a blog visitor will view more than one page. If someone views more than one page on a your blog, they are more likely to remember it, subscribe to it, leave a comment, and ultimately become a regular reader.

Ways to Add Links to Old Posts

In-post links – All you do is add a link to a keyword in the post that links to another post you’ve written that is related to that topic.
Updates – if you’ve written a post that needs to be updated, you can write a new post on the same topic, then leave a link in the older post to the new one. For example: if you’ve written up what you know about an ancestor or a research project, but have now found new information – write a post about that new data, then link the original post to the new one (and vice versa).
Further reading: many blogs include a Further Reading or Related Posts section at the end of each post. These are often generated with a plug-in. I’ve recently started using LinkWithin (Tonia originally wrote this, but I too, have now added this to my blog) which works with self-hosted WordPress blogs, Blogger, and Typepad. Darren suggests that adding manually-chosen links can be more relevant for the reader.

I should now integrate some links from older posts. I thought about doing this as a separate post, and I am not at all sure this is exactly what was meant by adding links within a post but I feel it is an opportune time to do this!

My aunt, who lives in Texas, recently came to spend a week or so with my dad for her birthday. I spent the birthday with them also. We all had a great, special and fun time. I feel very fortunate to have been able to get many stories from my dad and aunt as they sat and reminisced. I wish I knew shorthand though, when I went through those notes with a fine tooth comb, I found I didn't really understand or remember some of the details regarding what I had written. How I wish I used had a tape recorder for this! (HEADS UP EVERYONE, KEEP A RECORDER HANDY!) I will have to get some updates and added information to complete some of those thoughts and stories.

While spending time with my aunt, she asked about my blogs. It became apparent she was unaware of my Swedish Adventures and wanted to read those posts. Here, I can kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. I want to make it a bit easier for my aunt to find those particular posts, so I am listing the full series here for her and anyone else who may be interested that hasn't read my adventure. This way, I can now email her one link where she can find each of these posts and catch the whole story.

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 1

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 2

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 3

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 4

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 5

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 6

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 7

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 8

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 9

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 10

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 11

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 12

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 13

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 14

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 15

The Great Swedish Adventure Part 16

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

#31 WBGB ~ Week 7 ~ Write A Link Post

2011-08-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Week 7 of 31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog! Week 7’s topic is about linking to other blogs or websites. To see more detail why you would want to link to others post's or blogs I offer you this link from Tonia's Roots and thank her, again, for giving us the #31 week challenge!

I also would like to share with you Michelle Goodrum's post over at The Turning of Generations. Michelle was very clever in posting both action items from week 6 and week 7 into one great post! I have to say, it really was a great post for me as she just happened to include me and my Heritage Happens in that post! Thank you so much Michelle!

If you would like to read more posts and see who others linked to, you can do so by clicking here at Tonia's Roots and scrolling to the bottom of the page. Here, you will catch more posts for this weeks challenge in the comments section. I am off to do this myself now, care to join me?

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Military Monday ~ Leonard J. Plants

2011-08-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

LEONARD PLANTS

b. 12, December 1948

d. 4, August, 2010

Passed away of Pancreatic Cancer.

Son of :

Chester A. Plants

& Geraldine Crouch

Thank you for your service to our country Leonard. You are greatly missed.

Rest in Peace.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

my Heritage Happens Has Moved!

2011-08-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

my Heritage Happens wishes to thank you ALL so much for following this blog! We hope you continue to follow along as the blog has moved to a new URL!

http://myheritagehappens.com.

Please update your bookmarks and favorites and check your Google Reader to make sure you get the latest posts!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

#31 WBGB ~ Week 6 ~ 27 Must Read Tips

2011-08-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

I am following Tonia's Roots as she takes us through 31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog which was originated by Darren Rowse. I have the actual information but have never found or made the time to go through these steps. I thank Tonia for originating the idea to do it a week at a time, and for bringing it front and center for all of us GeneaBloggers to follow also! Here is Week 6 per Tonia:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Welcome to Week 6 of “31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog!”

Our topic this week is learning from successful bloggers.

If you are following along in the e-book 31 Days to Build a Better Blog (affiliate link), Darren provides links to 27 blog posts by nine different bloggers. I’ve included some of those links below, but I’ve also added in some different ones that resonated more with me.
You may not have time to read all 27 posts; if not, pick a few that jump out at you and bookmark this post to come back to at another time. In fact, it may be better NOT to try to read all these at one sitting, lest you go into information-overload.

ChrisBrogan.com

Entrepreneurs Journey

Pillar Article – How To Write Great Blog Content

Copyblogger

SEOmoz

Seth Godin

Problogger

PR Daily

How to write a perfect blog post: 10 tips

Blogging Bookshelf

Social Media Examiner

Pro Blog Design

30 Ways to Improve Readability

Reviewz ‘n’ Tips

A Last Bit of Advice from Me

A lot of these posts were written by professional bloggers, which most of us are not. Don’t get overwhelmed by all of these tips and by the amount of time the writers seem to spend on their blogs. Take the advice that speaks to you and temper it to fit your timeframes and blogging style.

Action Item

Jot down 3-5 key points from the reading that you want to apply to your blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have decided to choose three items to work on at this time and no more. If I choose to many ideas, I may not follow through with any one item, so I will start small. Here are three items I will work on~

1. Under "How To Write An Article 20 Minutes", I was intrigued by the statement that said not to hold those best ideas until later, write it now! It says:

"It’s tempting, when you look through your list of ideas, to save the best ones for later because you think they’ll be easier to write. You don’t want to save time later, you want to save time now. Do the articles you know will come easily and make the most of that time."

2. A couple of different areas talked about making posts brief, paragraphs brief, points brief. I have issues with this at times, feeling I have to write every detail about everything!

3. This is something I don't do enough of! There are so many genealogy blogs now that there is absolutely no reason I shouldn't be doing this more...linking to others blogs and their posts!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Copyright © 2011 By Cheryl Palmer All Rights Reserved

my HERITAGE HAPPENS

Those Places Thursday ~ Great Swedish Adventure ~ Part 17

Allt för Sverige which translated means All for Sweden

Wordless Wednesday ~ Mediterranean Cruise ~ Monte Carlo Casino ~ Part 7

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Monaco ~ Monte Carlo ~ Part 6

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Villefranche, France ~ Part Five

My Memory Library

My Memory Library

Happy Birthday James Hal Fleming!

21COFH - The 21st Century Organized Family Historian - Week 1- Holiday Greeting Cards

Just a Quick Note

Best of the Genea-Blogs - for the year 2011

Recipe for a Happy New Year

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Challenges Not Resolutions 2011 Recap

We've been Double-Dog Dared!

December Update & New News!

Those Places Thursday ~ The French Riviera, Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 4

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sunrise at the French Riviera ~ Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 4

Holiday Crafts Event and... Dogs?

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 3 ~ Brilliance of The Seas

#31WBGB ~ Week 15 ~ Solve A Problem

Happy 75th Birthday Mom!

I Want To Win An ObitKit™ – A Guide to Celebrating Your Life!

Memory Monday ~ Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 2 ~ Travel

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Part 1 ~ San Francisco

Geniaus's Geneameme

This is a meme that Geniaus has complied and I am going to participate. Here it is in Jill Ball's own words! Thanks for the fun!

The Ancestors' Geneameme

#31WBGB ~ Week 14 ~ Find A Blog Buddy

Blogging Buddy Relationship Advice

Action Item

Those Places Thursday ~ Sweden:TV Show Website

Wordless Wednesday ~ Recent Flight to Barcelona

#31 WBGB ~ Week 13 ~ Update a Key Page

What pages are important on your blog?

Action Item

Family History Expo Northern California

Northern California's 3rd Annual Family History Expo

Wordless Wednesday ~ Could it be?

Family History Expo

Classes and Education

#31 WBGB ~ Week 12 ~ Editorial Calendars

Another Editorial Calendar idea to Consider

Wordless Wednesday ~ Edison Electric Light

#31 WBGB ~ Week 11 ~ Come Up with 10 Post Ideas

Wedding Wednesday

99 Things Revisited ~ Now 104 Genealogy Things

September 11, 2001 ~ Ten Years Later

#31 WBGB ~ Week 10 ~ Set Up Monitoring Alerts

Reasons to Use Alerts

Wordless Wednesday ~ Downward Facing Dog

Sentimental Sunday ~ Dad And His Sister

#31 WBGB ~ Week 9 ~ Participate In An Online Genealogy Group

Why Should We Participate in Online Genealogy Groups?

Finding Online Groups

Action Items

You Say You Want To Purchase A URL?

How to Buy a URL | eHow.com

WOW, It's My Third Blogiversary!!!

Wordless Wednesday ~ My Kung Foo Panda

#31 WBGB ~ Week 8 ~ Interlink Your Old Blog Posts

#31 WBGB ~ Week 7 ~ Write A Link Post

Military Monday ~ Leonard J. Plants

my Heritage Happens Has Moved!

#31 WBGB ~ Week 6 ~ 27 Must Read Tips

ChrisBrogan.com

Entrepreneurs Journey

Copyblogger

SEOmoz

Seth Godin

Problogger

PR Daily

Blogging Bookshelf

Social Media Examiner

Pro Blog Design

Reviewz ‘n’ Tips

A Last Bit of Advice from Me

Action Item