Friday Follow

Again I've had the opportunity to read many interesting and useful blogs this past week. I wanted to take the time to share some of those postings that caught my attention. They aren't listed in any particular order so please enjoy, share and have a great weekend.

 A Jewish Genealogy Journey - "Certificate of Citizenship for Morris Goldstein"
posted on Wednesday, May 6th
posted by Elizabeth Handler
 
My Maine Ancestry - "Fatally Wounded at Antietam"
posted on Wednesday, May 6th
posted by Pam Carter
 
JSTOR / Daily - "The Influenza Epidemic of 1918 and Your Ancestors"
posted on Friday, May 7th
posted by D. Joshua Taylor

Grace & Glory - "My Cousin Who Fought at the Alamo"
posted on Monday, May 4th
posted by Becky Jamison

The Legal Genealogist - "The Guardian ad litem"
posted on Wednesday, May 6th
posted by Judy Russell

Southern Graves - "Gov. Stephen Heards Grave (Tombstone Tuesday)"
posted on Tuesday, May 5th
posted by Stephaine Lincecum

Shaking a Leg

Some might feel as if this is a strange blog posting title, not really if you know me and what my life has been like this last year.  The last blog post was so long ago, how long you might ask well let’s just say Apple has come out with at least 2 new phones and tables and my favorite Samsung has come out with at least  4 phones, tables and even a talking watch. Okay if the tech reference isn't your cup tea then think of it this way 9+ holidays and 21 family birthdays and anniversaries have passed since my last post.  Yes I’m smacking the back of my own hand for becoming a “slacking genealogy blogger.” 

It has been a while but I have had a few changes and upgrades of my own.  Here’s a little catch up, I accepted the position as the president of the Montgomery County Historical Society in Clarksville, wrote a book that will be released later this year, continued to grow my business with new and returning clients, went through another military deployment, he returned home safely, gave a couple lectures on genealogy and watched three of my children finish their last year as elementary students and watched our oldest finish up his sophomore year.  Okay insert tissue break here. But wait I’m not finished I had to resign my position with the MCHS due to a move. That’s right I’m no longer posting blogs from Tennessee, as a military family we received orders for another move, so I ‘m posting all new blogs from Delaware. 

Now with boxes unpacked, pictures on the walls,  new driver’s license, kids registered at schools, and the welcome mat placed at the front door it’s time to “Shake a Leg” with my work and blogging. This isn't my first military move so I’ve been to this rodeo before, but a move with a home-based business now this is something new.  I have found there are a lot of small and big things that need to be done so I thought I would share some with you, granted this isn't a typical genealogy post but I hope some might find it helpful and some of you might have suggestions.  I did find it a must staying in touch with what’s happening in the genealogy world through social media during this move. Research the area that you will be relocating, find if there is a need for your business in that area and how far out you can market your services. While doing this also look at the different marketing strategies that you have access to, don’t be afraid to try something new. Find out about home-based business licenses, you might find that only one license is needed from your town/county or you might find multiple licenses are needed, town, county and state. While researching license requirements don’t forget to look at your new local tax laws. As much as we all like taxes not every state is the same, for example Delaware is a tax-free state. Now with the discussion of taxes and license out of the way you might want to pull out your old business plan and reevaluate what you have. Face it you are going to need to be some changes some small and some not so small but it’s important to have that updated business plan close by to work from. Don’t forget to update all of your contact information and your social media pages. 

Okay let me lighten this up some; setting up a new office space in your home can be fun and exciting.  You get a chance to reinvent yourself and your office space so take your time and have some fun with it. After all if it’s not a fun atmosphere that we are working in then we won’t want to work. Now that your office is set up, you know your new tax laws; your business license is displayed step outside and network.  Where do you go you might ask, everywhere.  Your neighbors, athletic centers, local church, schools, libraries, your local historical and genealogy societies, shoot visit the local paper they might be interested in showcasing your business , don’t limit yourself to the town you live in look at the county as a whole.  This is a new area for me and I’m sure it was for some of you. I know I’ll hit a few potholes in the road; I’ll just have to come up with creative ways to fill them in or simply drive around.  

I'm Back...

Who knew that when I said I was going to take a short break from blogging to get organized it would turn into a two month plus break. There's been so much that has happened during this organization time, I do plan on sharing. First off let me start by saying that I truly did miss blogging, honestly I didn't realize how much until  I sat down to type this out. I did manage to get so organized that at times I’ve found myself forgetting what folder I placed things in. I even had to dive in and purchase a new computer during all of this, thanks to one of those pesky viruses. So that might explain a week of my blogging break. Oh well, that’s in the past and now it’s time to move on and crack the blogging whip.  Come back tomorrow and pay me a visit, tomorrows blog will be about three of the most moving and interesting presentations that I’ve ever done. See you all tomorrow. 

Must Reorganize

   Wake up fix breakfast; get the kids out the door for school and now the fun starts. Research, research, write, file, research some more, oh yeah don’t forget to grab some lunch. Back to the research and let’s not forget the social minutes throughout the day, which can turn into hours if you’re not careful, Facebook, check email and Twitter. Oh shoot I forgot the clothes, dishes and I need to thaw out some kind of meat for dinner. Now I only have 25 minutes to blog before the kids get home and then back to work, snacks, cleanup, homework and dinner. 

     Okay so this might explain why I’ve been an absentee blogger these past few days I’ve lost control. So now it’s time to regroup, reorganize my organizational skills.  Let’s see if this new organizational schedule I’ve made for myself works because I hate that I’ve been absent from my blog. Stay tuned and let me know what you think.

Follow Friday - Fun and Fabulous Finds

I’ve been an absentee blogger for the past few days, okay it’s more like a week, sorry. But I never really left I’ve just been trying to catch up on all the genealogy happenings. Boy there a lot! Here are some of those fabulous finds. Remember they are not listed in any particular order. Enjoy, and have a great weekend.

“Growing up in Skokie”   

“Learning all about Anne”  

“Wedding Wednesday – Till Death, Us Do Part?”  

“He was an awful sight as I ever saw.”  

 “Richard III – a kingis found”  

“Snowstorm media hype in 1831”  

“The Future of Free Genealogical Records”  

As I’ve said before there are so many wonderful genealogy bloggers out there and I truly enjoy reading all of your postings. 

Liebster Blog Award!

I want to thank Jenny Lanctot for this nomination. I've been awarded the Liebster Blog Award! (Liebster means "favorite" or "dearest" in German, apparently) The premise behind this award is that when you are nominated, you are supposed to answer 11 questions about yourself (chosen by the person who nominated you), and then nominate 5 bloggers with less than 200 readers and provide 11 questions for them to answer.

I was nominated by a fellow blogger and genealogist Jenny Lanctot, thank you again. Below you will find the 11 questions that she asked, enjoy.  

1. What is your favorite time of day and why? At night after the kids have finished all their homework, after dinner, dishes cleaned and I can relax and read or blog, research or write. I get more ideas later in the day.

2. How and when did you first discover your passion, whatever that passion is? My passion of research and genealogy stared during one of my husband’s deployments about 7 years ago.

3. Hopefully, you’re familiar with The Breakfast Club for this question. When you were in high school, in which social group did you best fit? A basket case athlete with some brainy smarts that never wanted to be a princess, I hate ruffles. I plead the fifth on belonging to a criminal group. LOL

4. Where do you write your posts and why did you choose that place? I have little make shift office space set up, I’ve got everything I need right there. I can even look outside and enjoy watching the kids play.

5. What always makes you laugh and why?  My kids always make me laugh, because they are funny, and always speak their minds.

6. If you could appear on a televised talent show, what would your talent be? Well dancing is a definite no; I’ve always been told not to dance out of my box. Singing, again another no I don’t want to scare anyone unless it’s Halloween. Cooking that’s a talent, right?

7. Which flower reminds you of happiness? Gerber Daisies, because they are so big and colorful.

8. What is your favorite book and why? Dan Browns, Da Vinci Code, it was a puzzle to follow and piece together.

9. It’s important to eat your vegetables, but which vegetable do you always resist/avoid eating? I’m not big on vegetables at all, unless there’s dip or they are fried. I refuse to eat broccoli and brussel sprouts. UGH!

10. What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? Watch a good movie, read or yes even take a nap.

11. Who is the one celebrity, past or present, you would like to meet — and what would you ask that person? Lucile Ball, she’s one of the funniest ladies and going through life it’s all about taking time along the way to smell the roses and laugh and enjoy. She seemed to have some rough times but always managed to smile and make me laugh.

Now here are the five blogs that I’m nominating along with their 11 questions.

A Step In Line

A Family’s Story

A Grave Interest

Bushwhacking Genealogy: Kalamazoo and Beyond

Their Hearts Shall Turn

1. What is your favorite birthday party memory?
2. What was your first book report about?
3. What is your favorite family dish?
4. What do you like to do on a snowy day?
5. What was the best job you’ve ever had and why?
6. What is your favorite holiday?
7. Everyone has a hobby or two, what are your hobbies?
8. What is your favorite childhood vacation memory?
9. What is your favorite board game or card game that you like to play?
10. What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
11. What is the fondest memory you have of your grandparents?

Thank you again Jenny, and congratulations to all of those nominated. 

Matrilineal Monday - Great grandma Mary Caroline ESTES (Elfrank)

I mentioned last week that I wanted to take time to introduce you to some very special women in my life. Today I’m going to start with my Great grandma Mary Caroline ESTES (Elfrank) from my mom’s side.

Great grandma Mary Caroline ESTES (Elfrank) was born 11 November 1886 in Lutesville, Bollinger, Missouri. Her parents were Pinkey Dallas Estes, 1850-1933 and Mary Eveline Limbaugh, 1849-1932. On the 25 of December 1912 she married Fred Herman Elfrank in Jackson, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. A member of the Presbyterian Church of Lutesville, she was active in church work for a number of years, serving as secretary and treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the church board. She was a charter member and a past matron of Eastern Star Lodge of Lutesville. She served as a past officer for both the Woman's Club and the Past Matrons' Club. Great grandma Elfrank pasted away 3 September 1953 in Lutesville, Bollinger, Missouri; she was buried with Eastern Star Rights.

My great grandma Elfrank passed away before I was born, so I don’t have any memories of her but I do have this photograph and my mom’s memories. When I asked my mom what she remembered, she couldn't think of a lot right off, but once she started to remember many other memories started to follow. In the photo above my mom recalls that great grandma Elfrank always had Asparagus ferns sitting in the pots, which flank both sides of the stairs. My mom still has one of those pots that she pulls out every so often to display in the house. Great grandma Elfrank was a very religious lady that was set in her ways, she would always use the best china and crystal when setting the table and expected proper manners at all times. She wouldn't allow my great grandpa Elfrank to even smoke in the house; he would have to step outside in the shed. She played the organ in church and even gave piano lessons in their home on the baby grand. My mom recalls that when she was younger, great grandma Elfrank would make all of her dresses and sing “Baby Face” to her.  As my mom was remembering her grandma I could hear the love and laughter in her voice that she had for her grandmother, I only wish I could have known her. I never got the chance to meet her and I can’t help but to cry, laugh and wish she were still around.

Pictured in the photo above you will see in front my mom, Debra ELFRANK (Langston), my uncle, LeRoy ELFRANK. In the back from left to right my grandma, Martha Colleen CLINTON (Elfrank), my grandpa, Fred Henry ELFRANK and my great grandma, Mary Caroline ESTES (Elfrank). This is the only photo of my great grandma Elfrank that I've been able to locate. It was taken in front of great grandma and great grandpa Elfrank’s home in Lutesville. 

Follow Friday - Genablogger

If you’ve had the chance to visit my blog during December you will recognize this blog site, www.geneabloggers.com. I was introduced to the man in charge of this blog, Thomas MacEntee, while I was attending the FGS conference in Alabama. I get a lot of great ideas for my blog while strolling through geneabloggers.com. The month of December opened up a lot of ideas for not only that month but others as well; there are other holidays throughout the year. If you haven’t had a chance to visit his blog or might be looking for a blog prompt give geneabloggers.com a visit. 

Follow Friday - a3genealogy

     For those of you who have not had to the chance to visit a3genealogy you are missing out on some very useful information. Kathleen Brandt is the owner of this blog; she specializes in military, naturalization records, Native American and African American ancestry. I’ve been following Kathleen’s blog now for about a year and I’m always learning something new. With over ten plus years of professional experience in the field of genealogy research she has a wealth of information to share and it shows through her blog. Pay her a visit, www.a3genealogy.blogspot.com, she might help you break through that brick wall and learn something new at the same time.   

2013 Resolutions with some Reflections

     It’s time to welcome in the new year of 2013; I’m sure most of you already know that. I’m just trying to figure out if I’m supposed to reflect back on my two months of blogging. Maybe I should blog about my resolutions of what I hope to accomplish with my blog and genealogy research. Since I don’t have a lot of blogs to reflect back on why not combine both, the reflection and my resolutions.

     I wasn’t really sure about blogging when I was first approached; it was defiantly new and kind of scary for me, as some of you know. But a wise lady told me that you just have to jump in and give it a try, step out of your box. That I did and I’m so glad because I have truly enjoyed every aspect of it, as I hope you’ve gotten a joy out of reading my blog. I still have a few things to look into that I made reference to on previous post. Finding out more about the small cemetery our neighborhood, I still need to find a Halloween photo of my dad; I need to look into a “Military Genealogical Society”.  I think those are the stones left unturned that I still need to flip over, so I’ll carry those over to my resolutions for 2013. Reliving my Christmas past with the blog prompts from http://geneabloggers.com was very entertaining. There were so many things that I had forgotten about, the store front at Hutson’s, plastic bread bags on our feet and the Jell-O recipe. What’s nice is there were so many more memories that came to light and I enjoyed sharing those with my family, we all had a laugh or two.

     I, like all of you want to complete my genealogy research on my family and my husbands. As I said earlier I need to carry over the Halloween photo hunt for my dad, uncover the mystery of the neighborhood cemetery and look into that “Military Genealogical Society”. I hope to attend one of the large, informative, fun and wonderful genealogy conferences again this year either the NGS or FGS. Finish my genealogy class and take some additional genealogy classes. I plan on completing the scanning of all letters, diaries, photos and other documents that I’ve collected over the years. Then transcribing them for others to view, who knows maybe I have information on a surname you or someone you know might be searching for. I want to promote my blog, business and myself more in this coming year thru education with the youth, giving speeches, client work and through my blog. First and foremost have a blast doing all of it because without the fun and enjoyment of genealogy research it just becomes work and none of us like work.