Let's Write Cursive!

I know this topic stirs up mixed reviews! This picture was shared in one of my genealogy groups and it speaks volumes. I can recall a conversation I heard recently between two relatives concerning the topic of cursive writing. One was completely shocked to know that their children didn't know cursive and that they didn't teach cursive writing in school anymore. The other thought cursive writing served no purpose and that it was completely unnecessary. I didn't think too much about it until one night I was doing some research and the light bulb went off - if they can't write in cursive, they can't read cursive writing either! That means they can't read historical documents (like the Declaration of Independence), census documents and other records of value pertaining to family history, and letters or cards from grandparents - because I'm pretty sure your grandparents are of the generation who still writes in cursive (even some of those aunts and uncles too!). Cursive even allows you to have your own unique mark! Some argue that cursive is something you never use...well...algebra isn't used everyday either but it's still learned. I asked one of my nieces the other day if she knew how to write in cursive. She thought for a moment and shook her head no. Finally she said "I don't really know cursive, but I do know how to write my name in cursive...so I can only recognize the letters in my name in cursive." So, since I've been dubbed as our family historian I'm going to make a conscious effort to help the kids in my family learn cursive so they can understand, appreciate, enjoy all these records of significance! Whether or not cursive is taught in the schools is up to the educators, but you can do your part by helping the next generations in your family learn it. And if you'd like a few more reasons, check out this article Five Reasons Kids Should Still Learn Cursive Writing. A cursive writing lesson would be fun for a Family Friday night (hint, hint)!

Happy Writing! :-)

It's my 1st Blogiversary!!!

Happy Blogiversary to me!!! Yes, today is my One Year Blogiversary! One year ago today I was pushed to really go after two things that I love - writing and genealogy! From there Madam Ancestry was born! I've got to say that I've enjoyed every moment of it. I would also like to thank each one of you for the well wishes, support, and for following/interacting with me over the past year. I'm thankful for everything I continue to learn, opportunities that have opened up, and for all of my #genfriends I've made over the past year. I'm excited to begin working on lots of new things in this new year. Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams. Reach for the stars! Better yet, reach for some ancestors!

Happy Searching!

Holiday Gift Ideas!!!

The holidays are fast approaching and I'm sure you're probably trying to think up some good gift ideas for your loved ones. Let me help you out by sharing some. Of course Madam Ancestry would begin with personalized family gifts first! Did you expect anything less? :-)

Let me start off by saying that it really is the thought that counts when giving gifts. It's nice that someone gives you a gift, but it means more when it's something that you can truly appreciate. Great gifts are all around - it's just a matter of putting some real thought into it. I'm working on a special project for some of my family members for Christmas. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag but I can say it will represent someone that we love dearly, and I can't wait to see their faces when they open it! I will be sure to post the photo after they open it! 

If you're still thinking...How about a key chain that has a photo of a beloved family member or favorite memory? How about a cool t-shirt (or sweatshirt) with the family name or favorite saying of a family member? There are some easy DIY gifts like a family recipe book (Pinterest is a great resource for DIY ideas). If you're not the DIY type, then you're sure to find the perfect gift from these suggestions below. Click on the company's name to go directly to its website.

MyCanvas 

If you're looking to bring family stories and photos to life, then you've come to the right place! MyCanvas offers many keepsakes such as Photo Books, Collage Posters, Calendars, Family History Books, and Family Tree Posters. Let MyCanvas make a masterpiece with your memories today!

P.S. They have a 20% off sitewide coupon good through November 30th!!!

Origami Owl

This is sure to be your new "go-to" for personalized jewelry! Origami Owl creates pieces that are all about you! Each piece can be custom-made for an individual or occasion. They offer lockets, bracelets, watches, and more! Some items are even available for inscription! Oh yeah, they even have a cool holiday catalog out right now so make sure you check that out too!

Things Remembered

This right here!!! Ok, one of my family members shared this with me last week. She said "I saw this in the catalog and immediately thought of you"! Things Remembered  is known for its variety of personalized gifts, but this is the first time I've seen anything tailored for those who have a passion for their family tree! Things Remembered - You've made family historians all over the world extremely happy with this piece - I love it!!!

P.S. They are offering some really good coupons on their website right now so check it out!

Fabratastic UK

I came across this on Facebook a couple of weeks ago and thought this was the most adorable thing! What a great keepsake to have! Fabratastic UK specializes in custom cushions. Contact them today to order your custom decorative piece! I do have to tell you that they are now completely booked so new orders cannot be fulfilled until after Christmas (yay for them)! But don't worry, late gifts are still appreciated! :-) 

A Little Peace

Today is the anniversary of my mother's passing and I decided to share this little story with you. Many years ago I brought home a peace lily plant from my mother's funeral. About a year later the leaves started falling off, but I could not bring myself to throw the barren plant away. It sat for a whole year NOT GROWING and when I finally decided to throw it out - THE VERY NEXT DAY it grew into something completely different! Each year it seems to stay barren until I have the thought that I'm going to throw it out, and then it grows into something completely different again before I can do so. I finally took that as a sign that Mama did not want me to throw the plant out, so I vowed that the barren plant would stay put so it can grow whenever it decides to grow. I don't even water it anymore, it just grows on its own. The picture above is what it grew into once (I don't even know what kind of plant this is). It used to freak me out a little because it kept happening, but now I look forward to the surprise of seeing what it will grow into next! Little things like the smell of her perfume, her handwriting, her favorite snack, even a plant - these are some of things that bring me a little peace and many fond memories :-) 

What We Learned from the Family Photos Indexing Event

I hope everyone had a great time participating in the Family Photos Indexing Event last Friday! I know my family and I had a great time! I've been asked to share some things we learned/took away from that experience and to also post my "how to" video for those who missed it. So here goes...

1. While those Micron pens I told you all about write really well and are supposed to be great for archiving, they are not smudge-proof. We learned that the hard way :-/ So now we're in search of another kind of pen that will endure through generations to come.
2. Start with one stack at a time. Everyone who had a pen had a stack of photos, and some who didn't have pens also had a stack a photos. Needless to say various ones got off track from the task at hand. Some spent more time going down memory lane instead of indexing (smile)! This also turned into a positive because it opened up discussions about family connections and family events of times past. But next time we will probably work on one stack at a time collectively to make sure we are indexing more photos :-)
3. There's something for everyone to do from sorting, to identifying, to indexing. 
4. There are decades worth of memories captured and we didn't index them all in one night. We hope to have more indexing nights in the future.  
5. My "Deddy" said that he will try to remember where he got those handy and spacious photo storage boxes so that I can pass that information on to you all. When I know, you'll know!
6. We ALWAYS enjoy family time! 
7. In case you missed my video, click here to view it now!

I hope we have inspired you to go ahead and start planning a day for you and your family to get together and index your family photos!

 

Family Photos Indexing Event 11/13/15!

Today's the day - Family Photos Indexing Event! This is a fun activity you can do with your family today for "Family Friday" (or any day that's convenient for you and your family). My family decided we would participate in this activity this evening and I can't wait! Check out my video on Facebook about it!

The Family Photos Indexing Event has multiple benefits:

1. Promoting quality time with your family
2. Creating more great family memories
3. Generating discussion about ancestors and family history
4. Finally organizing all those family photos you have tucked away 
5. Learning a new skill of how to properly index family photos 

Stay tuned for my follow up video tonight as I outline the process! We hope you and your family will join in on the fun! 

Happy Family Friday! :-)

Shoulda...Coulda...Woulda...Asking Family Questions Before it's too Late!

It's Family Friday!!! And if you're still looking for something to do, here's an idea for you: I came across an article on Huffington Post a few days ago titled "7 Questions To Ask Your Parents Before They Die". Actually, these questions can be asked of any older relatives in your family.

I can't tell you how many times people (including some of my relatives) have told me they wished they "Shoulda...Coulda...Woulda..." asked questions but they didn't. Well...the individuals who could've answered those questions for them are no longer here, so unfortunately they will never be able to get the answers to those questions.

Your grandparents, parents, and other older relatives can give great insight into their lives and the lives of those before them. Today is a perfect day to call them up or visit with them, and ask some questions about the family!  So save your "Shoulda...Coulda...Woulda..." and start asking those important family questions before it's too late! I'm sure you can think of at least one thing you've always wanted to know about your family. Use the questions from the article as a starting point and begin tailoring more specific questions about your family. Pretty soon you'll have an entire family history put together! I can't wait to hear about it!

Happy Family Friday!!!