#SLIGExperience – Day Two

Day Two of Course 9 started off with two guest speakers, Mona Lambrecht and Gena Philibert-Ortega.  I am not sure how UGA finds so many fantastic teachers.  Both were so unique in their presentations, however packed with tools, ideas and wonderful information.   I am still thinking about the ad shown for Cod Liver Oil “as palatable as milk”, YUCK, and the deviled ham sandwiches we had in the second session, YUM.  Both techniques will stick with me for a while.

So much fantastic information is being shared that I find it hard to stay focused on the presentation and not be working away on my computer.

We ended the day at the reception held by Ancestry ProGenealogists.  We toured the facility and had spirits and food, again YUM.  Word on the street is they are hiring.

I really should have taken some photographs throughout the day.  I think the excitement that has disrupted my sleep is starting to catch up with me.

Everyone I have talked with has expressed how much they are enjoying the course they picked.  My regret is that I cannot split myself in several parts and take multiple courses at once.

Wow I cannot believe it’s already Wednesday.  Why oh why is this week moving so quickly?  #SLIGExperience

#SLIGExperience – Day One

I was famished for knowledge as I entered Day One of SLIG, and a little anxious as I walked into Course 9 – Writing and Publishing Family Histories with Dina Carson.  We eased into the day discussing tools for the job and moved into developing ideas.  These were all things that I understood and could use.   The day progressed like a well-planned dinner, first the appetizer, salad and then the main course.

The ideas began to swirl in my brain for projects I could tackle after returning home.    I need to finish that blog series on Red Wynn, oh and I could do a blog on Fairland school fires or maybe a small book on Grandpa’s military service.  I have that journal of Grandpa Peery’s with his daily notes, I think that would be fun to share with family and friends.

The hunger pains were starting to subside and I could feel the protein of the meal spurring me along.  As we chatted merrily among ourselves about the class the gravy of the day began to become evident, COLLABORATION with new found friends.   Hey, do you use this software?  What research are you working on?  Have you thought about looking here?   I think I will have a second helping of that gravy on my potatoes.

Satisfied by the meal of the day, we shuffled off to the General Session – Common Threads Weaving Our Ancestral Tapestries.  Hmmm…. I wonder what this will be.  I can’t imagine that listening to someone speak about tapestries will keep my interest.  At least I had a good day in class and I can go to sleep full tonight.  BOY WAS I WRONG.  It was like eating the best dessert ever, with all your favorite ingredients.  Rich Venezia was a mesmerizing speaker.  He served up the most entertaining, educational presentation.  I was even disappointed when the talk was complete.  What an excellent ending to the day!

Well back to the room to recover from a long day of stuffing myself.  THANK GOODNESS EDUCATION DOES NOT WEIGH ANYTHING.

Can’t wait for Day Two!    #SLIGExperience #SLIG2018 #RICHROOTS

#SLIGExperience

Guess what Grandma…..

I’m in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I’m here to do what I love, surrounded by people, MY PEOPLE, that think the way I do.  I can talk about my ancestors to everyone and their eyes DO NOT GLAZE OVER.

I know most people think I am crazy, using my time from work to come here and attend SLIG – Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy.  “You are doing what with your vacation time – going to class – 8 hours a day for a week – attending sessions on the weekend and in the evenings?”  Oh but wait there’s even more fun, we get to go to the Utah State Archives and the Family History Library.   This  is the Super Bowl of GENEALOGY.

I woke up at 5:15 this morning and looked out the window at this beautiful city and thought about the opportunities this week.

I guess it’s kind of like the Disney commercial, I’m too excited to sleep.

I look forward to learning new things, meeting new friends and making memories in this special city.   Thank you to the UGA for providing this institute with world class instructors to assist in furthering my ambitions.

I can’t help but grateful for you my sweet grandma.  You were always so happy to sit and listen to my stories.  Even though you thought I was nosy you never discouraged my dreams.   You spent time trying to draw out things in me that make me the person I am.  I know if you were still here I would find you in your chair, with your orange jug of tea, ready to listen to all my many tales of #SLIGExperience.

 

 

Guess what Grandma

I have never considered myself a writer, but today I decided I would give it a shot.   I have spent all these years searching and researching, and what is the benefit of all this work if I do not share?

When I first really got interested in genealogy as soon as I would find something new, I would call or visit my grandma.  It did not much matter to her, or me, if the information was about her people.  I believe it was just the time spent together talking.   She always had a smile and acted so excited to hear the details of my discovery.  

So the theme of my blog will be, just as it began with her each time,

Guess what Grandma……