Family Tree Gal

52 Weeks to Abundant Genealogy Series

2012-01-16T23:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to those who are visiting my blog after clicking the link on my Examiner articles. I hope you'll explore the tabs above and see how this blog can best serve your needs for connecting generations and helping you write your own family history. Don't forget to click the link at the top right if you're interested in getting a download link for a FREE family tree.

For my other friends, see the first 3 weeks of entries in Amy Coffin's new series "52 Weeks to Abundant Genealogy" by clicking here.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

Wise Men Still Seek Him

End of Year Posts

2011-12-12T23:22:00.000-08:00

Just to let you know, I've posted the last of 2011's personal history prompts in my Examiner article. CLICK HERE to check it out. Many thanks to Amy Coffin for authoring this series and to Thomas MacEntee at GeneaBloggers for hosting it on his site.

I hope to be launching some new programs and CDs this coming year dealing with healing the pain of dysfunction, heartbreak and stress in families. For anyone interested in creating positive change in their family line, make sure to JOIN THE QUEST at Family Tree Quest . When you leave your email, I will mail you a link for the free family tree I designed. It is perfect for all families--even blended (step) families and single parents.

Also, don't forget to check out lots of heritage-friendly gift ideas by CLICKING HERE.

I hope you enjoy all your holiday celebrations and get-togethers. I love the sights, sounds and smells of this time of the year!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have notreceived any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers for writing about the 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy and History series. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be avaluable, shared community resource. I am founder of Family Tree Quest [dot]com.

Christmas Cards?

2011-12-02T12:26:00.001-08:00

I love making connections with old friends at Christmas. Even tho others have dropped the tradition of sending Christmas Cards, it's one thing I still value. The expense, however was getting more than I could bear. I would send a MINIMUM of 75 cards.

Last year, I decided to send most of my cards via American Greetings.
I've also loved receiving photo cards via Smilebox.

I recommend them both. The free options are nice, but I finally subscribed to American Greetings. They let me send cards all year for a VERY low price. (I even post birthday greetings to Facebook and love the convenience).

Hope to get my "cards" out this weekend. How about you?

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OTHER CARD SOURCES I FIND INTRIGUING:

Cardstore.com

Galison, Mudpuppy and HOLIDAY (cards at HOLIDAY).
Private Label designs custom products for your business, non-profit or special event.

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Disclosure of Material connection: As Founder of Family Tree Quest [dot] com, American Greetings, Smilebox, Cardstore and Galison/Mudpuppy are my affiliates.

Creative Irish Gifts

2011-11-30T10:47:00.001-08:00

I got my Shop Irish catalog. I'm usually drawn toward the beautiful platters or serving dishes (like the Christmas Irish Christmas Blessing Platter on page 4.) I just love the style. I think the catalog has pretty classy products.

This year, I was excited to see "Christmas Crackers". They look like something we'd use at New Years. The caption says "An Irish tradition at Christmas. Each contains a snap, a joke, a surprise novelty, and a party hat." Box of eight. HK230 $13.99

We have Irish heritage, and my husband lived in Ireland for two years. I think this would be fun for the grandchildren! Please comment: Has anyone heard of this tradition before? (Wondering if it's really a tradition.)
Click here to check out Shop Irish- The premier store onthe web for Irish-themed gifts.

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Other Family History Gift-giving ideas: Check out:

House of Names. Coats of Arms(Family Crests) and Surname Histories.

Candy you ate as a kid. Old fashioned candyfrom the 1950s, 60s, 70s or 80s, still available after all these years!

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner– Portable, easyflip-and-scan-technology. You can evenscan pictures in the frame or while they remain in their photo albums! I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to myhearts delight.

Digital cameras, scanners, photo frames,printers, etc. tocapture those amazing memories. I love my Zi8 camcorder. It plugs straight into my USB port. Great for family historians. Easy to use. Pocket-sized.

Disclosure ofMaterial Connection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use ofEndorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” As founder of Family Tree Quest [dot] com, I am an affiliate of Flip-Pal mobile scanner along with House of Names,Candy You Ate as a Kid, Shop Irish, Ancestry.com, Nuance (Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11), and Kodak.

Legacy Family Tree announces biggest Christmas Sale ever!

2011-11-28T13:39:00.001-08:00

Just thismorning, one of my affiliates, LegacyFamily Tree, announced their biggest Christmas Sale ever. Get the details by viewing my article CLICK HERE, or click the banner below and go straight to Legacy Family Tree.

Great gift(s) for yourself or your loved ones.

Relief for family, holiday gift-giving decisions

2011-11-11T19:52:00.001-08:00

A few years ago, my girlfriend sent us a "Fresh Balsam Jingle Bell Wreath by Valerie" offered by QVC. Since we had an artificial tree, we hung the wreath inside as part of our decor, and the smell of evergreen trees filled the air. It was WONDERFUL! One of the favorite gifts we've ever received.

Since then, we've made it part of our family TRADITION to send wreaths to out-of-town relatives (mother/mother-in-law, sister/sister-in law, brother/brother-in-laws, niece/nephews, etc.) Our older children also "chip in" and contribute to the expense. The out-of-town relatives now look forward to receiving their wreaths. Last year, we sent a fresh evergreen candle centerpiece for our niece and nephew's family. It has simplified our gift-giving, we have saved time shopping, wrapping, and going to the mail service. They're happy, we're happy. It's a win-win.

We did purchase from another online company last year and one recipient said the product was falling apart when delivered. I plan to stick with QVC now.

I highly recommend checking out QVC for the "Fresh Balsam Jingle Bell Wreath by Valerie" along with their other time-saving, quality, holiday offerings. Be sure to notice the variety of SHIPPING dates.

CLICK HERE to go to QVC

How to you save time and money at holiday time? Feel free to comment on some of your favorite holiday gift-giving traditions below.
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Aspire by Kevin Hall inspires positive change in family lines

2011-11-10T00:11:00.001-08:00

As genealogists and family historians, many of us are consciously creating positive change in our family lines. Every once in awhile, a book strikes at the heart of inspiring that kind of positive change, by helping shift paradigms and adding perspective to our fast-paced lives. We use our personal journals to record our own history-in-the-making, and, as we do, we discover the incredible power of words to convey our stories.

I am thoroughly enjoying Kevin Hall’s book Aspire--discovering your purpose through the power of words. SEE WHY. CLICK HERE to see the entire article

"Kevin Hall's Aspire helps family historians create positive change in families"

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” With appreciation, I received a gift copy of Aspire from Kevin Hall. The thoughts and feelings expressed in this review are my own. As founder of Family Tree Quest [dot] com, I am an affiliate Amazon [dot] com.

Memory Lane Monday: Subjects in School

2011-10-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’series authored by Amy Coffin as an aid in startingmy personal history throughout the year. See the entire challenge on my Examiner.comarticle. I want to leave my OWNstory in my own words so my posterity will be able to know me a little better.Perhaps you’d like to do the same.

Here is the beginning of my memories about SUBJECTS IN SCHOOL.

My favorite class inJunior High and High School was English. At the time, I didn’t think, “Oh, this is my favorite class!” Actually, I was quite challenged whilelearning English Grammar. My Junior Highteacher taught me to read poetry with expression –in front of the class, noless! I carried that love of expressioninto piano and singing and speaking, as well. I still love poetry and write poems and lyrics to songs. I have also won awards for my poetry at theState and National level through American Mothers, Inc. Grammar came hard to me, but comes in handynow, since I’m a journalist and also write content for my Internet business Family Tree Quest.

My least favorite classeswere probably Math classes. I tookFrench, as well, and I find learning a language is difficult for me. (I’ve taken ASL (American Sign Language) aswell, and I’m now taking a “refresher” course.) Anything requiring a lot of memorization challenged me.

I'd like to know what your favorite and least favorite classes were. Feel free to comment below.
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Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, people sometimes ask what tools I recommend fororganizing and recording personal and family history. Here are my highestrecommendations.

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner –

Portable,easy flip-and-scan-technology. You caneven scan pictures in the frame or while they remain in their photoalbums! I sit on the sofa in comfort andscan to my hearts delight.

Find the perfect journal at Amazon or Galison and Mudpuppy

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As thePhoenix Genealogy Examiner, I create an article about thisseries each Monday. Click subscribe(at the top of the Examiner page) if you’d like to get my articles automatically delivered toyour email inbox, or click the RSS icon to read my posts via a feedreader.

These weekly challenges are authored by Amy Coffin of the We Tree blogand hosted on the GeneaBloggerswebsite.

Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of LifeStory Productions, Inc. Flip-pal and Amazon[dot] com.

Old Time Candy Company Discount offered

2011-10-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

Get in on the Retro Candy Discount for Halloween
(Old Time Candy Company also offers Sugar Free and Gluten Free Candy)

Keep your family history alive during the holidays. Check out this fun site for Halloween or plan ahead for upcoming gift-giving.

Get $5 off decade candy boxes for the 4lb Halloween decade boxes at OldTimeCandy.com. use code boo2011

Old fashioned candy from the 1950s, 60s, 70s or 80s, still available after all these years!

Memory Lane Monday: Teachers

2011-10-10T01:44:00.000-07:00

An apple for the teacher!

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’series authored by Amy Coffin as an aid in startingmy personal history throughout the year. See the entire challenge on my Examiner.com article. I want to leave my OWN story in my own words so myposterity will be able to know me a little better. Perhaps you’d like to do thesame.

Here is the beginning of my memories about TEACHERS.

My favorite teacher was my ninth grade English teacher, Mrs. Storvick (HortenseCornelia Storvick). At the time Ithought she was quite eccentric, yet, over time, I have been able to see hergreat influence in my life. She was anolder woman with short, gray hair. Shewas “all business”, yet seemed to really care about her students.

I learned a lot about English grammar from Mrs. Storvick. As difficult as the daily exercises were forme at the time, I’m now a writer/journalist. She also made sure we all knew about current events and helped us takean interest in our world. She alsohelped me discover my ability to speak in front of others and use expressionwhen I spoke. This came from memorizingpoems and reading them in front of the class. They were hard to memorize, and it was somewhat embarrassing to get upin front of my peers and speak with
expression, but OH what joy I found inpoetry. I now write poetry and lyricsand won 1^st place last year from the AZ American Mothers for my poem“My Sparrow” and 2^nd place in the nation from American Mothers, Inc.

I believe all teachers can have a far-reaching influence in ourlives. Those who prepare themselves toshare what they know (in a way that impacts their students for good) are amongthe unsung heroes of the world.

Who was YOUR favorite teacher and why? Leave your comment below.
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Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, people sometimes ask what tools I recommend fororganizing and recording personal and family history. Here are my highestrecommendations.

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner – Portable, easy flip-and-scan-technology. You can even scan pictures in the frame orwhile they remain in their photo albums! I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to my hearts delight.

Find the perfect journal at Amazon or Galison and Mudpuppy

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As thePhoenix Genealogy Examiner, I create an article about thisseries each Monday. Click subscribe(at the top) if you’d like to get my articles automatically delivered toyour email inbox, or click the RSS icon to read my posts via a feedreader. These weekly challenges areauthored by Amy Coffin of the WeTree blog andhosted on the GeneaBloggerswebsite.

Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of LifeStory Productions, Inc. Flip-pal and Amazon[dot] com.

Memory Lane Monday: Trouble

2011-10-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’series authored by Amy Coffin as an aid in startingmy personal history throughout the year. See the entire challenge on my Examiner.com article. I want to leave my OWNstory in my own words so my posterity will be able to know me a little better.Perhaps you’d like to do the same.

Here are some of my memories about TROUBLE.

As a child, I was not inclined to trouble. My dad and sometimes my mom would be sternwith me. Sometimes I even got aspanking. In general, however, I did notwant to disappoint my parents, and that was motivation for me to behave.

I do have ONE memory that stands out above the others,though. I was about five and my dad hadjust finished painting our very large living room. He distinctly told me not to touch the wetpaint, but I did. Right next to thedoorway was MY HANDPRINT. I had paintall over my hand, but wanted to hide it. I don’t remember all the specifics now, but I do remember my dad waskind about it, and I was okay. I was somortified that I’d done such a thing that seemed so permanent, that I was verygrateful to receive a kind and understanding response.
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Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, here’s my recommendation for keeping yourpersonal history up-to-date.

Personal Historian Software- I loveit’s timelines and personalhistory prompts.

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner – Portable, easy flip-and-scan-technology. You can even scan pictures in the frame orwhile they remain in their photo albums! I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to my hearts delight.

Find the perfect journal at Amazon or Galison and Mudpuppy

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Pleaseleave a comment and let me know YOU stopped by for a visit to my blog.

Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of Flip-pal and Amazon [dot] com.

Memory Lane Monday: Least favorite foods

2011-09-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’series authored by Amy Coffin as an aid in starting mypersonal history throughout the year. See the entire challenge on my Examiner.com article. I want to leave my OWN story in my own words so myposterity will be able to know me a little better. Perhaps you’d like to do thesame.

Here isthe beginning of my memories about my LEAST FAVORITE FOODS:

I remember mom servinga casserole with ground beef in it and Chinese noodles on the top. I really didn’t like it, but it wasn’t servedoften and I ate it anyway. I can’t sayit was awful and gaggy, I just didn’t like it much.

I wasn’t a fan of cooked broccoli, and it’s now one of my favoritevegetables. (I don’t like it raw,however.) I guess I really wasn’t picky about food.

The only thing I canthink of in my experience now is Greek food. I’ve tried it two or three times, and just don’t like the taste.
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Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, people sometimes ask what tools I recommend fororganizing and recording personal and family history. Here are my highestrecommendations.

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner –

Portable, easy flip-and-scan-technology. You can even scan pictures in the frame orwhile they remain in their photo albums! I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to my hearts delight.

Find the perfect journal at Amazon or Galison and Mudpuppy

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Pleaseleave a comment and let me know YOU stopped by for a visit to my blog.

Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of LifeStory Productions, Inc. Flip-pal and Amazon[dot] com.

American Mothers, Inc. invites nominations

2011-09-15T23:21:00.000-07:00

Shawnee Eyre Pothier,
Young Mother of the Year

American Mothers, Inc. invites nominations for next year's Mother and Young Mother of the Year. Read the press release here: http://exm.nr/oIVCev

Memory Lane Monday:Earliest Memory

2011-09-13T00:07:00.000-07:00

I want to leave my OWNstory in my own words so my posterity will be able to know me a little better.Perhaps you’d like to do the same.

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’ (seecredits below post) as an aid in starting my personal history throughout theyear. See the entire challenge on myExaminer.com article.

This week I’m writing about myearliest memory.

I was playing in my living room when I was three or four years old. I had a Snow White and 7 Dwarfs long playing(LP) record album and was listening to the story, narrated by Dennis Day. There were also pages withpictures attached to the cover, and when I heard the sound of a dog’s bark, Iwould turn a page.

Our doorbell rang, andMom answered it. There stood a littlegirl (Nancy Rescorla) from my preschool and her mother, Dessie. To this day, I do not know if my motherarranged this or if they just stopped by.

They lived around the block from us. Nancycame in and we enjoyed the Snow White album together. The really special thing about this is thatwe are still friends today—55 (or so) years later, and Snow White and the 7Dwarfs still has a special place in my heart because of this memory.

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Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, people sometimes ask what tools I recommend fororganizing and recording personal and family history. Here are my highestrecommendations.

Heritage Collector Suite- Your complete Family HistoryManagement System This haseverything you need to get your family history clutter into one, orderlyplace. Store and retrieve photos,documents, videos, etc. Create a PDF fora bound book. Many bonus items such asstorybook and GPS modules.

Personal Historian Software- I loveit’s timelines and personalhistory prompts.

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner – Portable, easy flip-and-scan-technology. You can even scan pictures in the frame orwhile they remain in their photo albums! I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to my hearts delight.

Find the perfect journal at Amazon or Galison and Mudpuppy

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Pleaseleave a comment and let me know YOUR earliest memory.

Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of LifeStory Productions, Inc. Flip-pal and Amazon[dot] com.

9/11 Tribute

2011-09-11T23:38:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful day of spiritual worship and evening with family and friends in a

FREE COUNTRY.

Counting my blessings. Reflecting with both sadness and gratitude for the lessons learned from 9/11/2001.

Michael Israel- watch to the very end.

Talk About It Tuesday Writing Prompt and What Family Tree Gal’s Talking About

2011-08-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

I’m using the FamilyTree Gal Daily Prompts to continue writingmy personal history this year. TalkAbout It Tuesday is especially great for GenerationalChangeMakers (GCMs) who are writing their own ChangeMaker story. Comment below and let us know how YOU are making a difference in your family line. Twitter hashtag forTalk About It Tuesday= #taitues

WRITING PROMPT:

Talk about specificthings you are doing this week to meet your family history goals or tell whatyou are doing to meet any one of the three goals of Family Tree Quest, to 1) Glean Wisdom from the Past, 2) Live Mindfully inthe Present, or 3) Prepare Confidently for the Future. You may wish torecord this in your journal (history-in-the-making) or personal historyrecords.

Here’s what’s on my mind today:

I recently got home from a wonderful 7 weeks with my daughter's family in Utah. I was there to welcome our 7th grandchild into the world. I had a great time playing with my 4-year-old granddaughter and helping her parents by fixing the afternoon meal each day.

I loved listening to my son-in-law read from the family history of his well-loved grandfather and grandmother. My grandson was named after a man that helped save the life of this grandmother (whose history he was reading).

While there we watched an outstanding video about family history which included the author, David McCullough. I was able to see some hardbound books containing thousands of family names on her father's side of the family. (My daughter received these in the mail after making a connection from comments left on RootsWeb.) Then, on the 24th of July, I read a more complete history than I had ever seen before of one of my favorite ancestors.

Now that I'm home, I have to get organized again. In living mindfully in the present, I am preparing ahead for the upcoming holidays. I want both my business and personal life to be orderly, so I'm making room on my calendar for extra events and fun times with family.

Do you do anything special to plan ahead?

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Check outthese personal growth resources:

Create your Ideal life Vision.
Mind Movies. Visualize your future.
Find the perfect journal at Amazon.or Galison and Mudpuppy
Family TreeQuest Bookstore. Self-awareness, Family History, Journals.
Family Tree Quest’s Generational ChangeMakerPersonal Growth Specialists
Family Tree Quest’s Generational ChangeMaker Personal Growth Products
A 14 day Free Trial at Ancestry.com
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I am thePhoenix Genealogy Examiner. To see my articles click here.

Whatare YOU talking about on this fine Tuesday? Thanks for leaving your comment below.

Disclosure ofMaterial Connection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use ofEndorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of Ideal LifeVision, Mind Movies, affiliateslisted as Personal Growth Specialists and Personal Growth Products links,Amazon [dot] com and Galison and Mudpuppy.

Memory Lane Monday: Weddings

2011-08-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

I want to leave my OWNstory in my own words so my posterity will be able to know me a little better.Perhaps you’d like to do the same.

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’series authored by AmyCoffin (see “CREDITS” for link) as an aid instarting my personal history throughout the year. See the entire challenge on my Examiner.com article.

Here is the beginning of my memories about Weddings.

I have attended manyweddings in my life. I look at them assacred events and absolutely soak in joyful feelings of seeing couples at theirbest—in love and that love shining through their countenances. I appreciate having many fine models of happyfamily living. Since we all have humanfailings, the pain of disillusionment follows most marriages. Since the tests and trials of life come throughthe commonplace, everyday events we’re faced with, I know working outrelationships in marriage can be the seedbed of extraordinary personal growthand development. 100% commitment tofidelity in marriage is something I admire.

I appreciate havingcountless models in my life of people who don’t quit or give up on making theirmarriage comfortable and joyful and who commit to the hard work of developingconsistently loving relationships in their home and family.

What was your weddinglike? Please comment below..
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Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, people sometimes ask what tools I recommend fororganizing and recording personal and family history. Here are my highestrecommendations.

Heritage Collector Suite- Complete Family History Management System
Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner - Portable, easyflip-and-scan-technology.
Personal Historian Software- I love it’s timelinesand personal history prompts.

Find the perfect journal at Amazon or Galison and Mudpuppy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As thePhoenix Genealogy Examiner, I create an article about thisseries each Monday. Click subscribe(at the top) if you’d like to get my articles automatically delivered toyour email inbox, or click the RSS icon to read my posts via a feedreader.

CREDITS: These weekly challenges are authored by AmyCoffin of the We Tree blog and hosted on the GeneaBloggerswebsite.

Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of LifeStory Productions, Inc. Flip-pal and Amazon[dot] com.

Thankful Thursday

2011-08-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

Just happy to be back in AZ (even though I didn't miss the extreme heat). I'm grateful to have been able to help my daughter in UT and her family.

Memory Lane Monday: Nicknames

2011-08-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’series as an aid in beginning my personal history this year. See the entire challenge on my Examiner.com article.These weekly challenges are authored by Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog and hosted on the GeneaBloggers website.

Here is the beginning of my memories about NICKNAMES.

Even though I have red hair and the nickname "red" is common in such cases, there have only been two people who called me that who could get away with it--both close friends. I DO NOT like being called "red".

For a short time, as a young adult, I was called "Irish". I loved it.

AND . . . there's a nickname behind the selection of my business name, which is Charlie Ink Productions and Publications. "Charlie" was a nicknamegiven me when I was about twelve or thirteen years old. When a friend ofmine learned that "Carolyn" was a feminine form of the name “Charles”,I was nicknamed "Charlie". The nickname didn't stick, but "Charlie" seems tosuit me when I think of myself as creative and energetic (which is not alwaysthe case). "Ink" waschosen as a "play on words", sounding like the abbreviation Inc.(standing for Incorporated). Since I was a calligrapher for over twentyyears (using ink to write beautiful pen strokes on family tree charts as wellas doing other custom work), “Ink” was a natural selection for me.” Now, the mystery of the name "Charlie Ink" has now beenentirely revealed. To see more about me, click here.

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Pleaseleave a comment and let me know your nicknames.

Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, people sometimes ask what tools I recommend fororganizing and recording personal and family history. Here are my highestrecommendations.

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner – Portable, easy flip-and-scan-technology. You can even scan pictures in the frame orwhile they remain in their photo albums! I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to my hearts delight.

Find the perfectjournal at Amazon or Galison and Mudpuppy

Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of LifeStory Productions, Inc. Flip-pal, Galison and Mudpuppy and Amazon[dot] com.

Resource Wednesday: The greatest resource of all

2011-08-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

What is the greatest resource of all? A human life, full of potential and the ability to make a positive change in the world.

Sooooooooooo, I'm happy to announce the birth of our new grandson, McKay.
8 lbs 5 oz
21 inches long
born yesterday

Memory Lane Monday: Dinner Time

2011-08-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’series authored by Amy Coffin as an aid in startingmy personal history throughout the year. I want to leave my OWN story in my own words so myposterity will be able to know me a little better. Perhaps you’d like to do thesame.

Here is the beginning of my memories about Dinner Time.

See the entire challenge on my Examiner.com article.

As a child, my mom fixed the dinners and we had dinner everynight around 6 pm. Dad had regular workhours, so this routine was useful to all of us and added stability to ourroutines at home.

When I was a mother of young children, my husband had varying workschedules. I still tried to have aregular dinner time, yet I was fine with being flexible, too. When he wasn’t home, we’d sometimes eat outwith friends or bring in meals, if I was tired.

Now, my five children are grown. Some have families of their own. We have “Family Dinner” once a month—where all our children, theirspouses and their children get together to share a meal and talk and have fun. It is served buffet style from our counter,and we all sit down at our dining room table and eat as a family. It has become a beautiful tradition, and issomething we look forward to each month.
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Leavea comment and tell us YOUR memories of dinner time.

Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, people sometimes ask what tools I recommend fororganizing and recording personal and family history. Here are my highestrecommendations.

Heritage Collector Suite- Your complete Family History Management System (my highestrecommendation)
This has everything you need to get your family history clutter into one,orderly place. Store and retrievephotos, documents, videos, etc. Create aPDF for a bound book. Many bonus itemssuch as storybook and GPS modules.

Personal Historian Software- I love it’s timelinesand personal history prompts.

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner – Portable, easyflip-and-scan-technology. You can evenscan pictures in the frame or while they remain in their photo albums! I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to myhearts delight.

Find the perfect journal at Amazon or Galison and Mudpuppy

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Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of LifeStory Productions, Inc. Flip-pal and Galison and Mudpuppy and Amazon[dot] com.

An Ancestor's Example - How to Overcome the Storms of Life

2011-08-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

I loved this video about a woman who had suffered through divorce. Hope you like it, too.

Memory Lane Monday: Grandparents’ House

2011-08-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’series as an aid in beginning my personal history this year. See the entire challenge on my Examiner.com article THIS WEEKS ARTICLE INCLUDES A HILARIOUS MEMORY OF A TOAD at Lori Wiser’sGrandparents home! These weekly challenges are authored by Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog and hosted on the GeneaBloggers website.

Here is the beginning of my memories about my Grandparents’ House.

I loved the smallfarmhouse of my grandparents in Santaquin, UT. Most of my memories of it are vague. I value the pictures I have of me (about age five) riding on a horse inthe fenced side-yard with my dad holding the reins and leading me forward. Dad and I had smiles on our faces, and,because of pictures, this memory still lives in my heart.

Their home was a verysmall, two story home. I can’t imagineraising eleven children there. I’m told my grandmother fed the hobos that wouldhop the train and get off in her small town. I remember her kitchen being very small. My Aunt Norma would tell me stories of sweeping weevils out of the flourbin.

I had an aunt (Eva)and an Aunt, Uncle and cousin that lived across the street (Blanche, Denzil andJana Lee). When I was really little,another Aunt lived across the street from my grandma. I mostly remember Aunt Eva’s house becausethat’s where we would stay when we’d visit. My aunt was warm and welcoming. Mygrandfather had been mayor of the town, and he died when I was two. Aftermy grandmother broke her hip, she stayed at Eva’s. I loved the large porch. The weather was often cold and crisp. A dramatic change from my home in SouthernCalifornia.

I appreciate usingthese posts to get a start to my personal history. I can see that they stimulate additionalmemories that I will work on more at a later date. I really appreciate Amy putting these prompts together.

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Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, people sometimes ask what tools I recommend fororganizing and recording personal and family history. Here are my highestrecommendations.

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner – Portable, easy flip-and-scan-technology. You can even scan pictures in the frame orwhile they remain in their photo albums! I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to my hearts delight.

Find the perfectjournal at Amazon or Galison and Mudpuppy

Pleaseleave a comment and let me know YOU stopped by for a visit to my blog.

Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of LifeStory Productions, Inc. Flip-pal and Amazon[dot] com.

Resource Wednesday Writing Prompt and Dragon Naturally Speaking

2011-07-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

Here’s Family Tree Gal’s RESOURCE WEDNESDAY writing prompt and Resource of the Week: Dragon Naturally Speaking 11 - voice recognition software.

WRITING PROMPT:

Each Wednesday, tell about a resource (software, personal interviews, notebooks, filing system, webinar, book, website, etc.) you are using to meet your personal growth/ genealogy/ or family history goals. What are the strong points of the resource? What are your challenges while using it? In general, would you recommend it to others?

In an effort to help each other, please include your advice in the comment section below and comment on Family Tree Gal’s Facebook page. Note: Twitter hashtag for Resource Wednesday= #rwed

MY RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Dragon Naturally Speaking 11

This is wild! Dragon Naturally Speaking 11- voice recognition software (Check out all their editions)

I intend to use this to help me write my personal history or tell stories about my ancestors.

I loved the Home Edition and am now experimenting with the Premium edition which is supposed to work with a digital voice recorder. It types as you talk into a headset with a microphone. It works 3x as fast as regular typing. I love it.

There is a “learning curve”. You must say “period” for it to type a period, etc. The software also trains itself to your voice, so, at first, you must make corrections to what it types. The more you stick with it, the less mistakes it makes. It made me laugh when I first saw it type while I talked. I wanted to show everyone in the house!

Some people don’t want to stick through this learning process, and it bothers them. Me, I think it’s wonderful and worth it--even when I make some corrections. I am glad to have Dragon Natrually Speaking 11- Premium Edition. I’m excited to see how it works with a digital voice recorder.

Click the banner below to learn more about Dragon.
Check out all their editions on the left sidebar of their site.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” As founder of Family Tree Quest [dot] com, I am an affiliate of Nuance—makers of Dragon Naturally Speaking 11. Because of my affiliation, I was sent copies to review.

Memory Lane Monday: Water

2011-07-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

morguefile photo

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’series authored by Amy Coffin as an aid in startingmy personal history throughout the year. See the entire challenge on my Examiner.com article. I want to leave my OWN story in my own words so myposterity will be able to know me a little better. Perhaps you’d like to do thesame.

Here is the beginning of my memories about WATER:

I grew up in Long Beach, CA near the Pacific Ocean. As a teen, Cherry Beach was five minutes awayfrom home and a favorite place to go to get tan, or try to get tan. A group of my friends would drive down in ourChevrolet Caprice Classic or my best friends’ families light blue Volkswagon “Bug”.

The Long Beach pier was beautiful to view at night due to the lights liningit. The oil rigs in the distance werepleasantly disguised and lit with colored lights, as well.

When I was young, The Pike (an amusement park) was afestive place to spend time. It waslocated right by the ocean. My dad wouldtake me there—sometimes with a friend. The ferris wheel and merry-go-round were main attractions. I also remember the mirrors that woulddistort my image when I would stand in front of them. It was at the Pike that I developed my lovefor cotton candy. I loved feeding theseals, although I couldn’t stand their smell.

In 1967, the Queen Mary becamequite an attraction in the port of Long Beach, and was a welcomed addition to the shoreline. Ports ‘O Call and Seaport Village with theirshops and restaurants were also interesting places to spend time. . . andmoney.

It was a pleasure to live a few minutes away from theocean, feel the sea breeze, and call Long Beach my home.
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Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, people sometimes ask what tools I recommend fororganizing and recording personal and family history. Here are my highestrecommendations.

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner – Portable, easy flip-and-scan-technology. You can even scan pictures in the frame orwhile they remain in their photo albums! I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to my hearts delight.
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Pleaseleave a comment and let me know YOU stopped by for a visit to my blog.

Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of LifeStory Productions, Inc. Flip-pal and Amazon[dot] com.

Family Tree Friday

2011-07-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

Reminder: Have you framed yourfamily tree to help you remember your dynamic and meaningful placein your family line?

Ihope you will use our daily prompts for your own written or computer records orin your own posts for blogs, Facebook, Tweets etc. as well as read them here.This is an ideal way to add to your personal or family history on a weeklybasis and to keep your efforts toward creating positive change going. [The Twitter hashtag for Family Tree Friday is #famtf]

Here is the Family Tree Friday prompt:

Write about the important lessons in life have you learnedthat you’d like to pass forward to other family members or posterity, and how(specifically) are you passing it on? (personal time together, positive words,written family stories, journal keeping, etc.) (This fits the third goal foundat www.familytreequest.com,"Preparing Confidently for the Future")

To find the prompts for the other days of the week, clickon the tab titled “DailyPrompts” underneath the “Welcome” message at the top of my blog.

The daily prompts are designed to:

1) Give continuity to Family History and PersonalProgress goals each week.

2) Unite Generational ChangeMakers (those who are just beginning to makepositive generational change) with the genealogy/family history community (whohave vast resources of knowledge and experience)--thus strengthening ALL familytrees.

3) Emphasize the goals of Family TreeQuest which are:

     a) Glean Wisdom from thePast
     b) Live Mindfully in the Present
     c) Prepare Confidently for the Future

We are striving to strengthen lives in THIS generation,thus strengthening our family trees for years to come. Please consider Joining the Quest if you haven’talready.

Disclosure of Material Connection: The above linkswill connect you to my website. If you are someone who wishes to create positivechange in THIS generation to strengthen your family tree, I invite you to JOIN THE QUEST and become a"Generational Change-maker" by filling out the form at the bottom ofthe home page on my website.

Memory Lane Monday: Summer

2011-07-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

I’m using the ’52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History’series authored by Amy Coffin as an aid in startingmy personal history throughout the year. See the entire challenge on my Examiner.com article. I want to leave my OWN story in my own words so myposterity will be able to know me a little better. Perhaps you’d like to do thesame.

Here is the beginning of my memories about SUMMER.

Summer in Long Beachwas pleasant due to the weather and time out of school. As a child, I would play with my friends athome or at my best friend’s house. Wehad a large backyard, so baseball was a favorite outdoor game. I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up, so wewould use the 4-foot stems from a plant my dad grew, and pretend to beclassroom teachers and use the stems as pointers to point to words on ourpretend chalkboards. On the patio or in the house we would play withdolls. My friend wanted to be a nursewhen she grew up, so sometimes we would play “nurse”. At my best friend’shouse, we would climb the back fence or play cowboys and Indians or kickball onher driveway. She had a swing set, sosometimes we would swing.

As a teen, I liked to hang out with my girlfriends. We would often be at each others houses orat the beach. When I began dating, Ispent a lot of time with my boyfriend.

Family vacations tosee our relatives in Utah were a fun get-away and were something I could counton each summer.

Our summers werefairly low-key, relaxing, enjoyable times.
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Asfounder of Family Tree Quest, people sometimes ask what tools I recommend fororganizing and recording personal and family history. Here are my highestrecommendations.

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner – Portable, easy flip-and-scan-technology. You can even scan pictures in the frame orwhile they remain in their photo albums! I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to my hearts delight.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Pleaseleave a comment and let me know YOU stopped by for a visit to my blog.

Disclosure of MaterialConnection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Ihave not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers.com forwriting this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find itto be a valuable, shared community resource. As founder of Family Tree Quest[dot] com, I am an affiliate of LifeStory Productions, Inc. Flip-pal and Amazon[dot] com.