Fire in the Hole?

Many of you may know that there are large areas of Arizona that are on fire right now. There is one about an hour south of me that has been going strong for a month with the first signs of containment now upon us (Horseshoe 2 fire). The Murphy Fire to our south has burned over 50,000 acres. as well.  The biggest fire right now is in Eastern Arizona in the White Mountains. This fire, known as the Wallow Fire, has burned over 230,000 acres in less than 2 weeks.

I was talking with my co-worker yesterday, knowing her family has a cabin in Greer, Az which is in the direct path of the Wallow Fire. I asked her if her family left any personal/sentimental items there such as photographs or collectibles. She stated that they do, but they weren't allowed to go up this past weekend to get anything so they're just  hoping and praying their home will be okay. My prayers are with all the affected families and the firefighters who are battling the blazes throughout our state.

What would I grab in case of fire or evacuation order? Obviously my dog Izzie. Then I would grab the typical items: Photographs and albums, the few collectibles my dad got in England in 1974. I'd grab my hard drive and the laptop; the monitor and printer/scanner if I had time.

And of course, I'd grab one of the most amusing Christmas gifts I'd ever received:

 Thanks, Cindy. But I have to admit, even after receiving this several years ago, I still sing the song every Christmas season!

These are the Faces of Genealogy

The John J. and Jane Doyle family, ca 1910. Pittston, Luzerne County, PA. Photo contributed by

Michael Doyle.

** This post is in response to a poorly thought-out photograph posted by the LA Weekly in conjunction with an article on the upcoming Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree. I want the publication to see the true faces of genealogy.

Who Do You Think You Are? Debut

NBC's second season of "Who Do You Think You Are?" made its debut tonight.  I have to say, I think it was the best episode they've done.  I guess it took a year to polish it up a bit.  The subject of tonight's episode was Vanessa Williams.

The big reason I enjoyed this episode so much is because Vanessa Williams was so articulate in her research goals: She wanted to learn about her ancestors to see if any of them were pioneers in any sense. For example, Vanessa was the first African American Miss America, paving the way for others. She wanted to see if any of her ancestors had any remarkable "firsts".  And sure enough, there were.  She then was able to learn a little bit about her ancestors that taught her a lot about herself!

That is a goal I strive for in my research: Learning about my ancestors as people as opposed to just names and dates on a chart.  There are so many ways we can learn about ancestors via research we are already doing: Census records, Military Draft Cards, Headstones. All of these genealogical treasures hold the key to learning about ourselves by learning about our ancestors.

I hope the rest of this season's shows match up to this season's debut!

Memories of an Expo-Goer

I cannot believe it's been a week since the Az Family History Expo! I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  I learned yet another new trick or three from Bruce Buzbee of RootsMagic.  I surprised myself when I learned that I already have several of the 7 Habits of Highly Successful Genealogists that DearMyrtle presented.  I am getting ready to really delve into the book "Shattered Silence" by Melissa G. Moore with M. Bridget Cook, received at the Friday Night Banquet with Bridget as our guest of honor. And finally, one week later, I found my camera cord so without further ado, I present to you: Memories of An Expo-Goer!

Day 2 Az Family History Expo

Arizona Family History Expo Day 2 off to roaring start! I'm chatting with Amy Urman! I learn new tricks every time I attend a Bruce Buzbee class! Perhaps I can convince him to add a Genogram tool on RootsMagic this year? Raise your hand if you think this would be a great thing!

FH Expo in Az! Happening now!

I am in the Blog House now. The Blog House at the Mesa Az Family History Expo!  Lots of great people, recruting lots more!  If you are here, check us out at the rear of the Exhibit Hall!

M. Bridget Cook at the Az Family History Expo!

If you are going to the Arizona Family History Expo in Mesa this weekend (January 21-22, 2011) you are in for a treat. Teachers teaching you how to research. Researchers teaching you how to analyze your data. Professionals helping you tear down that brick wall. Products to help you gather data, store data, organize your data, and share your data.  It is going to be GREAT!

But if you are going to the Friday Night banquet with M. Bridget Cook, you are in for a bonus treat! Bridget will teach you all about Handling and Healing the Skeletons in Your Genealogical Closet.  We all have them. Some people run from them. Some people run towards them.  Others don't even know they exist!  But I believe we all have them.

I personally cannot wait for this event.  M. Bridget is not only an expert on the topic (she's been on Oprah, Dr. Phil, Good Morning American, and 20/20), she delivers her information in an easy-flowing, educational yet entertaining manner. I am sure that the event will pass much quicker than we wish it to. 

If you haven't signed up yet, there's still time! Simply CLICK HERE for your $33 ticket to the banquet. Your ticket includes a dinner, dessert , and a SIGNED copy of M. Bridget's book, Shattered Silence, the Untold Story of a Serial Killer’s Daughter!  What are you waiting for? Sign up today, or at least before the Thursday, January 20th 10:00 a.m. MST deadline!