The Countdown Begins

Two years ago, I watched live streamed sessions from RootsTech 2012. I promised myself, less than 15 minutes into the keynote, that I would go. I would go to that conference, attend those sessions, meet those people. More than any other webinar, conference, hangout, or anything else I have ever seen, RootsTech was it. 

And now? 

Not only have I kept that promise to myself by attending RootsTech 2014, I am presenting a session, too. 

Sweaty palms? Check.

Butterflies? Check.

Anxious wake-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night panic moments? Check. 

(Ok, this last one is pushing it a bit. I'm not that nervous!)

What I have more of, though, is friendship and support. 

My mentor will be there. My #genchat friends will be there. Folks that I respect will be speaking, blogging, and otherwise networking (and maybe one or two will even come to listen!). People that I have never met before will be there; thousands of them. 

I always get a little nervous before public speaking, but within five minutes or so, I settle into my topic, and I'm good after that. I enjoy it! Engaging with people, bringing new information to them, sharing something I am passionate about; that is a part of my job I truly enjoy. It fits in so nicely with my three words for 2014, too, doesn't it? 

NGS 2013

While attending the National Genealogical Society Conference last May in Las Vegas, I met some really incredible people. Made some truly lasting friendships, and learned a great deal. Not just about genealogy (that's a given, right?), but about myself as well. I cannot wait to see what happens in Salt Lake City. 

I still have quite a bit to do before we head west, and I'm sure I'll be blogging as I go. If you are planning on attending, please leave a comment so we can connect in person! 

Beyond the conference, the session, and the great folks, I get to spend some time at the Family History Library, too... bliss. 

The Family History Writing Challenge

Motivates Members to Write Their Stories

For Immediate Release                                                   

Contact : Lynn Palermo

The Armchair Genealogist

lynn@thearmchairgenealogist.com

The Family History Writing Challenge

The Family History Writing Challenge returns for the third year of motivating family historians dedicating daily time for writing their family history stories.

Family historians wishing to take up the torch of writing their stories are encouraged to put down the microfilm and pick up the pen for the month of February, and start writing their family history stories.

Upon signing up for The Family History Writing Challenge, participating members are invited to declare a goal in the form of a word count and to commit to completing that word count during the 28 days in February. In exchange for the commitment, Lynn Palermo (The Armchair Genealogist) host of the month long challenge will send out daily newsletters that include motivational messages, writing lessons, along with instructional guest posts by leading genealogists, published authors and editors. 

Lynn Palermo states, “by committing to a daily word count my hope is for all participants to make substantial headway in their family history writing goals and to create long lasting writing habits that will carry them forward throughout 2013.”

Lynn encourages members to sign up early to take advantage of the January newsletters that will help participants organize themselves to begin writing on February 1^st. A forum for the event is available to participants who want to exchange ideas, struggles and successes in a more intimate atmosphere.

Special guest authors include certified genealogist, author and writing instructor Sharon DeBartolo Carmack from www.NonfictionHelp.com  and author, speaker, genealogist and writing instructor Lisa Alzo from The Accidental Genealogist. Guest posts also include  writer, educator, historian Biff Barnes Editor at Stories to Tell Books, author and writing coach Tami Koeing  from Your Story Coach and Mariann S. Regan, author of the family memoir Into The Briar and Patch and blog. Lynn Palermo suggests participants should watch for future developments in coming weeks, as this list was not complete at press time.

Family historians who wish to participate in the challenge can sign up or learn more about the challenge at The Family History Writing Challenge website. The event will run from February 1^st-February 28^th. 

The Diary: 1 Feb - 10, 1895

Please refer to previous posts' on "The Diary" for an introduction to this transcription. 

Fri                                                                                           Feb 1

Exam on French to-day. Liz, Allie and I went to C.E.

Sat                                                                                          Feb 2

                Mr. H. took Lizzie and I for a drive.

Sun                                                                                        Feb 3

                Allie, Liz and I went to M.E. Church this morning & heard from Mr. Allen preach from John 14.21. Lizzie and I went to S.S. Liz caught Alice’s class. Coming home we met Mr. H. so we sent for a drive away down the Branch to the Rideau River. Alice, Liz and I went to Pres Church & heard Mr. Longhead preach from Prov. 4.18.

Mon.                                                                                     Feb 4

                Lizzie’s birthday. She was 19 to-day. Lizzie and I were down first for breakfast and Clark put a mark in the calendar to show it.

Tues.                                                                                     Feb 5

                Very, very cold to-day. Mr. Halliday wanted my cape to keep him warm in bed. They are all sick with Grippe etc except Lizzie and I.

Wed.                                                                                     Feb 6

                Another very cold day. Lizzie and I got a new lamp shade to-night. We had our choice of five of them.

Thurs.                                                                                   Feb 7

                Nothing particular to-day. Liz & S. Hevere talking to R.M.

Fri.                                                                                          Feb 8

                Stormed all day and the S.S. Concert was to be to-night. Lizzie and Maude took their dinner to school. I didn’t go. Can’t go home this week. Mr. Halliday’s brother came at noon & was snowed in over Sunday.

Sat.                                                                                        Feb 9

                Storm still raging. Mrs. Kerr doctored me for the cold. Couldn’t go out to-day. Not even to the Yel. Mr. H. was talking to R.M.

Sun.                                                                                       Feb 10

                Lizzie mad a show of herself this morning and also Mr. H. Our door was wide open. All went to church in the morning except Mrs. Kerr & I. Lizzie & I went to S.S. Us 4 girls went to Pres Church to-night. Heard Mr. McDermind preach on Ps 65.1,2,3&4. Coming home we met Mr. S. (Sen) and Maggie Anderson and Mr. H (Jun) & Bell Martin. Folded the blankets in Mr. H (Sen) bed & put spools in Mr. H (Jun) bed.