Making Monday Memorable

Making Monday

(and every day)

Memorable

Do you ever wish you knew more about your ancestors? Of course you do! We all do! For a very few, a very lucky few, their ancestor was kind enough to have left a diary, or a journal behind that filled in the gaps, and let them know more intimate details about their ancestor.

But, how many of us have been thinking about our descendants? Would they be interested in finding out about us?

Hmmm?

Well, fortunately for those who follow me, my grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, etc., I have been keeping a diary, and now a journal, since I was about 8 years old when I received a diary for a Christmas gift from my Aunt Ethel. (She's gone on now, but my diary remains!)

Simple diaries, with a notation once a week would be nice. Just a run down of what you did for the week. Or you might want to wax poetic! Write a few poems, or songs, for your descendants. You might make daily entries. Tell about how your day went, what you did, where you were. That was my diary until just recently.

Oh yes, I finally discovered the beautiful art of bullet journals. I keep a daily bullet journal that includes my To-Do-List for both personal and work. It includes my daily Bible study notes, it includes 30-day journal challenges, and it includes my diary. That's not all. It also includes my budget. My correspondence list. And my checkbook register. My menu and my grocery list. And so much more! Even my mileage, and gas fill ups! And reminds when to get my oil changed, or tires rotated!

Yes, I have found the wonder, of wonders, in a bullet journal! And I am totally smitten!

No longer do I miss birthdays, anniversaries, or have late bill payments, but I need only gather my journal and I can even tell you what I'm having for dinner tonight, because my menu planning, and even my grocery list, are in it as well! And I carry my journal with me everywhere I go. It makes life so less complicated for me!

I not only have learned to become so organized, but it finally dawned on me, that I am leaving behind as about as much information as anyone can possibly know about me for my descendants! It will show them EVERYTHING there is to know about me! The good, and (ahem) the bad! Not so sure how happy they will be when they find out I overspend on my credit card, or that I binge watched The Tudors for the 10th time! (Ha ha)

Here's the last full journal I have. (I am working on another, that's nearly full already!

This is a handmade leather, embossed journal. It was from my Dad for Christmas this past year. (I usually fill up anywhere from 1-2 diaries in a year, but bullet journals are taking up about 3-4 a year!)

Here you can see the lovely Tree of Life embossing on this journal. 

It's pages were a handmade paper, and were blank, which I really loved!

Some people like lined journals. And still others use graph paper, or the dot graph paper. And others print out combinations of pages and put them in ring bound journal binders. I like this much better!

This gives you an idea of my doodling on the left, and my Bible study notes on the right.

Some of my doodling becomes colored. I love using colored pencils, especially on good paper. It doesn't bleed through, or fade onto the facing page.

And here is an example of my bullet journaling. It shows my To-Do-Lists, as well as some small doodles.

Well, now, how many of you have considered that your descendants would one day get a look at your diary? (I know I'm not the only one who keeps one!) Or better yet, what about your journal?

Of course, if they are smart, when I pass on my family will consider them a bunch of nonsense and simply throw them out in the trash. 

But with all sincerity, they do keep me organized. And with even more sincerity, I do wish my ancestors had thought to keep one!

Sigh!

But, then, what would I be doing now if they had? And isn't it so much fun trying to locate information on them?

Do you keep a diary or a journal? What do you think about your descendants reading them? Knowing that someone will one day read them when you are gone, will you censor what you write in them? Will you address your descendants? Will you leave them special messages as you think about them reading what you have written?

We'd love to know what you think! Please leave your reply in the comments! Or visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/cyndi.beane.henry  

Sunday Singing - It's Time For Church Ya'all!

Sunday Singing

It's Time for Church Ya'all!

I'd like to invite ya'all to come along with me, as we head on over to our little country church. We're gonna have a little preaching, and a lot of singing. About 1:00 we'll take a break for some dinner the good church ladies have made. We've got it all set up in the orchard on some plank tables. Bring your quilt so you can set yourself down and enjoy your dinner.

When your done eating, we're gonna have some singing outdoors! So, you might want to bring along your lawn chair to get a bit more comfortable. 

We'll grab us some sweet tea, do a little toe tapping, hand clapping, and if the Spirit moves, we might even do a little jigging and jagging!

So, sit right down, I saved you a spot on the pew next to me!

Here we go!

Society Saturday - Did Your Ancestors Belong to Any Societies?

Society Saturday

Did Your Ancestors Belong to Any Societies?

Freemason symbol

Photo: wikipedia.com

To the best of my knowledge, none of my ancestors belonged to any forms of societies. Of course, it may be that I just haven't uncovered that information yet, also!

Oh, but wait a minute! They did!

When we think of "societies", we usually think of things like the Freemasons,  or the Lion's Club, or Kiwanis, or maybe even the KuKluxKlan. But there are other societies that we often overlook.

The Missionary Aid Society, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts,  the Honor Society, or sororities and fraternities.  These are all organizations, or societies, that our ancestors may have belonged to. And I'm sure you can think of several more if you stop and think about it.

When recording your family history, don't forget to add these societal connections to your family members! Tell us much as you can find out about them within their particular organization. Did they hold an office? What position did they hold? How long were they affiliated? Did they work on any special projects?

Provide photographs if you have them.

Get their story from the first person if they are still living!

Future generations will love finding out about the societies your ancestors belonged to, whether that be the Freemasons, or the Girl Scouts!

Follow Friday - Collecting Cousins

Follow Friday

Collecting Cousins

I'd like to take a few moments to introduce you to a website that has taught me so much over the past couple of years. "Collecting Cousins". The website is written by Mary Ann Kelley. 

Mary Ann has done a fantastic job of documenting her personal genealogy journey, and she shares with you the things that have worked best for her. As well as the web sites that have also worked best! (She's a generous lady!)

Here's what Mary Ann says about herself and her blog in her introduction:"Collecting Cousins is a celebration of family, a chronicle of discoveries, a repository of resources I’ve used, and an overview of things I wish I had known about research when I got started. The links are a collection of the useful resources I have found for genealogy. "

I hope you'll take the time to drop by Mary Ann's website, and sign up for her blog. And while you're there, be sure to say "Hey!" Tell her Mountain Genealogists sent you over for a visit! Let her know we're mighty happy to know her website!

Thursday's Treasures - A Gift From My Mom

Thursday's Treasures

A Gift From My Mom

My Dear Mom passed away two years ago this past Sunday. It was such a difficult day for me. So, I threw myself into some much needed office organization. I found several things I'd forgotten about. One was a beautifully written letter, that my Mom wrote to me about 30 years ago at Christmas. That year her finances were a little tight, and she felt bad not purchasing me as many gifts as she always did. (Even though I was a Mom myself, and with five children, my Mom continued to spoil me as though I was still a small child!) In the letter she wrote all of the things she wished for me instead of what she could give me. Things like grace in the face of adversity; strength when I was weak; faith when I wanted to give up; and love when I felt I was alone.

Yeah, she was a special woman!

And then I came across this gem. See, my Mom raised me from an infant learning about Jesus. And maybe this isn't the forum for religious speak, but on this blog, religion is spoken. And if you are offended by that, then I'm sorry, but you are free to go elsewhere.

My earliest memories are of sitting on my Mama's lap and her singing to me. "Jesus Loves Me", and "Jesus Loves the Little Children". Now for those of you who know, my Mama couldn't sing a lick. She was tone deaf. Literally. But she had the sweetest, angelic voice I ever heard! I couldn't have been any luckier than for God to send me to her!

When she wasn't holding me and singing to me, she was holding me and telling me Bible stories, in a manner that a child could understand. I grew up in the Garden of Eden! I was with Abraham when the three traveling angels heard Sarah laugh! I crossed the Red Sea with the Israelite children! I was in the lion's den with Daniel! I spoke out with Esther and her people were saved. I saw the dry bones come back to life with Ezekiel! I was with David when he threw the rock with the slingshot that killed Goliath! I traveled to Naomi's homeland with Ruth. I was with the shepherd's in the field when the sky was filled with the angel's announcing the birth of Jesus! I saw the wise men lay their gifts before Mary for the baby. I was with Jesus in the temple when he was 12. I was there when the water was turned into wine. I saw Lazarus come out of the tomb, still wrapped in his grave clothes! I saw the leper healed. I saw Jairus' daughter raised from the dead. I saw the cripple pick up his bed and walk away. I was there in the Garden when Peter cut off the soldier's ear, and Jesus put it back on! I cried when Jesus was whipped, and tortured. I sobbed as he hung on the cross, his mother standing before him. I was there when Mary found him in the garden after he arose! I heard Thomas doubt the risen Savior was alive. I was there when Jesus came into the locked room and proved to Thomas he was alive! I was with the apostles as he ascended into heaven!

When I was four, Mama started teaching me to read.  It was the year before I went to Kindergarten. And when I did start to Kindergarten, the teachers were amazed, as I was already reading simple books.

And then, at the age of 5, Mama decided I needed a Bible to read as well. And on May 1, 1965, this is the New Testament and Psalms she had me read to her as my reading progressed.

Yes, it was read. And a lot! But it was treasured. That's why it is worn around the edges gently. I kept it on my dresser, and carried it to Sunday School and Church every Sunday until second grade when Mama got me a full Bible.

Here's the inscription in Mama's handwriting. (Yes, I spelled Cindy this way until I was in my late 20's. I changed it to Cyndi then. It didn't seem so important when I did it, because that is simply my nickname. Seeing it here, I wish I hadn't changed it now.)

As I grew older, my love for the Scriptures has never changed. I still study my Bible twice daily. Once, just to read, and once to actually study it.

Thanks to my Mama, on 2003 I was ordained as a non-denominational minister, and am licensed to perform marriages in the state where I live. Earlier that same year, my baby brother became a lay minister.

Mama's been gone two years now. But her legacy lives on. Her love for Jesus, and her pursuit of the Scriptures has fixed my own path through this life, by giving me the option to make some of the same choices she did.

This little New Testament and Psalms means the world tome. I treasure it more than I can ever say.

Oh, and that little girl who got that New Testament? 

She looked a little something like this.

How to Keep Your Coffee Hot During That Morning Commute

How to Keep Your Coffee Hot During that Morning Commute

Visit our shop by clicking here for Mountain Genealogists gifts! Like the 16-ounce stainless steel travel mug above. Perfect for that morning commute and your coffee! Every purchase helps us to keep this blog going.

Talk To Them Now - Tuesday's Tip

Talk to Them Now - Tuesday's Tip

  One of the firs things I tell someone who is just starting out in their family history quest, is to talk to those they know in the family. And those who know more about your family are those you want to start with first. And that's the elderly.

  Starting out with the elderly is like a two-edged sword. You will gain wonderful insight and knowledge from these individuals who have seen history in the making! They have seen and met the people you will never know! They can relate things in history that you can never know of! But on the other side of that sword, is a second edge. Time is running out!

  I know, it's not something any of us like to think about. But it's the truth. Time is running out. Each day our elderly come closer to a time when either memory will be lost, or they will be gone. So, once you've decided to make this journey, that's why I urge you to start with them first.

  To make things easier, and simpler, I like to use a recorder. You can purchase a digital recorder for just a few dollars these days. They are unobtrusive, and you can interview without interruption of changing tapes, etc. (Yeah, that's how we did it in the old days, children! And I can even go back to when it meant reel-to-reel rather than tapes!And yes, I know, I'm ancient! But, listen to me! I know a few things!)

  Get them talking by asking some simple questions. When were you born? Where were you born? How many siblings? Where did you fit into the children - first, middle, last? Did you grow up in the country? City? Did you have chores to do as a child? What kind of parent was your mother? Father? What were your grandparents like? Did you have family reunions? Y

  Don't plan on setting a time limit. Let them talk as long as they will! But, please do watch for fatigue! If you notice that they are getting tired, please stop, and tell them you will pick up where you left off in a day or two.

  FamilySearch.org  has some wonderful information on their website. Here are two appendices that I really think would help you in in garnering this information.

Appendix B—Open-Ended Questions

This is only a preliminary list of questions you can ask in an interview. The kinds of questions will vary depending on your circumstances and the person you interview. Modify the questions or add to them according to your needs.  A very comprehensive listing of questions (hundreds) can be found in the article Creating a Personal History.

• What is your earliest memory?
• What were some of your family’s traditions?
• What was the happiest day of your life?
• Tell a story your mother or father told you when you were young.
• What places have you visited?
• What family heirlooms do you have?
• What childhood games did you play?
• Tell about a childhood hiding place.
• What were Sundays like when you were growing up?
• Describe your feelings or testimony of Jesus Christ. How did you gain that knowledge?
• What prayers have you had answered?
• Describe the most serious illness or accident that you have had.
• Do you remember any of your grandparents? Any great-grandparents? What were their names? What were they like?
• What were your siblings like?
• What trips or vacations do you remember?
• What special events took place in your neighborhood while you were growing up?
• What was your hometown like?
• What were politics like there?
• How many people were in your family? Describe each family member.
• What kinds of household chores did you do as a child? Which did you enjoy? Not enjoy?
• What aunts, uncles, or cousins do you remember? What were they like?
• Tell about family traditions for holidays and birthdays.
• Did you belong to any clubs or social groups? What were they like?
• What were your favorite childhood activities?
• Did you serve in the military? If so, where and when? What was it like?
• What special school memories do you have? Who were your favorite teachers?
• What challenges did you face as a child?
• What challenges have you faced as an adult?
• How did you first meet your spouse?
• How did your father spend his time?
• How did your mother spend her time?
• Tell about ancestors you know about—names and dates and any stories about them.
• What are the names of your children? What are their birth dates, where were they born, and what were the circumstances of their births, and their lives?
• Tell about some of the most notable people in your hometown.
• Tell about some of your neighbors as a child, as a youth, and as an adult.
• What changes have you seen in your lifetime in technology, society, politics, and so on?
• Tell about the house in which you live. Where else have you lived?
• Tell about the house you lived in during your childhood. Do you remember addresses or phone numbers?

Appendix C

When recording an interview, regardless of the format being used, it is important to respect the person’s personal rights of privacy. Most people will not mind you sharing the content of their interview with you. However, it is always good to make sure that you have the interviewee’s permission to share their comments with others.

Below is a sample of a contractual agreement you could use when interviewing a family member. The purpose of this contractual agreement is to inform the person being interviewed that the content of their interview may be shared with others. This could be in written from, such as a written history that has been published or photocopied. Or it could be posted in electronic format on a family website on the internet.

I_________________________________(name of the person being interviewed), hereby give my

permission to____________________________ (name of the person conducting the interview)

to use the transcript of the interview I took part in on _____________ (date the interview took place) for any purpose, including sharing the text, audio, or video recording to interested family members, historical societies, universities, or published Web pages.

____________________________________________________________ Signature of person being interviewed

____________________________________________________________ Signature of person conducting the interview

****DISCLAIMER: The two appendices above are taken from "https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Creating_Oral_Histories", 

• Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike unless otherwise noted. ****

  I do hope that you find this information helpful. You can read more about obtaining those much needed interviews on the FamilySearch.org website.

  If you have found this information helpful, please let us know in the comments below. And don't forget to share this article on your favorite social media site! Share buttons are located to the left of this article.