A Matter of Focus

I missed an anniversary date recently.  (Fortunately, my husband remembered and got the card out in a timely manner.)

As the family historian one would think I would remember birthdays, anniversaries, etc. After all, a day rarely goes by when I don't work with dates of some sort.

My daughter quipped that maybe I should just focus on important dates for the living family members!  Ouch!
(I'm sure I'll convert her to the genealogical way of thinking one day!)

Advice From The Expert

I was fortunate to spend the day at the North Carolina Genealogical Society's fall workshop today.  Barbara Vines Little spent the day speaking on colonial research.  I have heard Barbara speak on other occasions and was eagerly looking forward to hearing her speak again.  Her specialty is colonial research in Virginia.

Colonial Virginia. 1760's.  King and Queen County.  That's precisely where my Howard (or is it Harward?) line is stuck.

As far as Virginia research goes, King and Queen County is not a good place to be stuck.  It is a burned county.  Twice.  There are no records for the time period I am researching.

At the first break I approached Barbara to inquire if there were possibly any ways to research this time and place in history that I had not thought of.  When I explained the county and time period I was interested, she smiled and said, "You have my sympathy."  (I get that a lot in my colonial VA research!)

But all is not lost.  Barbara went on to give me some ideas and areas for research that could possibly lead to clues about the Howards (Harwards).  These areas of further research may be long shots, but I'll never know until I look.

If this next phase of my research doesn't find any results..... DNA anyone?

Follow Friday

I love blogs!  I read many during the week and think "I need to share that!".

But then I get busy and forget to write it down.  Forget to share it. (Does anyone else do this? Please tell me I am not the only one.)

I'm trying to be more organized about keeping up with the Follow Friday theme.  This week I have succeeded. Yeah!

So, here goes....

What I have seen in the blog world this week!

• Top Scariest Things in Genealogy over at Family Cherished.  I identified with this one  a little too much.
• Geniaus has started The Ancestors' Geneameme.  I'm looking forward to participating in this geneameme.
• I really enjoyed this post on It's Time to Change the Game  at For Your Family Story. Caroline shares an insightful article into the changing times of genealogy.

Enjoy the weekend!

Christmas Ornaments at Esther's Place

The holidays are coming!  I know many of us are still wearing shorts, but the calendar does confirm the holidays ware coming.

I am not singing Jingle Bells yet, but I have developed new Christmas ornaments that can be personalized with your ancestors' photographs.  You will find them over at Esther's Place. (Click here or the button on my sidebar.)

Memory Frame Christmas ornaments have a photograph on each side.  You could have an ornament with a husband on one side and the wife on the other.  You never have to worry about the ornament facing the right way! Another suggestion is using two photographs of the same person at different ages.

These look great on the Christmas tree and can be conversation starters as you celebrate the holidays.

Scrabble Tile Christmas Ornaments look great on a miniature Christmas tree!  These small ornaments create a fun "family tree".  These ornaments come in sets of six.  You can also order a Miniature Christmas tree already decorated with 12 scrabble tile ornaments.

Stop by Esther's Place today!  (Just click the button on the top right of the sidebar.)

Looking for something a little different?  Check out the Heritage Coasters and Decorative Tiles.  They make great gifts!

New! Wine Glass Charms At Esther's Place

Have you ever set your wine glass down only to discover later you cannot remember which glass is yours?  Wine glass charms to the rescue!

These cute wine glass charms are made from scrabble tile and personalized with your photographs. Coming in a set of six (6), you will be ready for hosting your next get together.  No more forgetting which wine glass is whose!  These little charms are great conversation starters as well.

Want a set for a gift?  For yourself? (Don't forget the holidays are coming!)


Here's how:

• Go to Esther's Place.
• Complete the order and checkout process. 
• E-mail the photographs you wish to use to LissonGenealogy@yahoo.com .

That's it!  Pretty easy, right?

Looking for something a little different?  Be sure and check out the Heritage Coasters and Decorative Tiles.

Unidentified Photograph - Can You Help?

It has been a while since I have posted a photograph of unidentified individuals.  The above photograph was among the belongings of my great grandmother Esther Lee Richardson.  I am not sure if these young men are ancestors of mine or just friends of Esther's.  (She had a lot of friends and a lot of beaus!)  I suspect this photograph was taken in the Danville, VA area or in the South Boston,VA area.  

If you recognize any of these young men, let me know!

Reunion Tip Updates

Last week I asked for tips on how to plan a family reunion. (You can see that post here.)  I received great tips both in the comments and in my e-mail.  In fact the tips were so great I wanted to share some of them with all of you.  If you are also looking at organizing a family reunion, you might find these helpful.

1. Be prepared to work longer than you think.
2. Plan, Plan, Plan!
3. Covered dished works well for the food.  Everyone is guaranteed to have something they like.
4. Divide the guest alphabetically by first name.  A-H brings a meat dish, I-S brings a vegetable of side dish, and T-Z brings a dessert. 
5. Ask people to bring photographs or other family heirlooms to share.
6. Take lots of pictures.
7. Have a good database of names and addresses.  Send out invitations 6-8 weeks ahead of time.
8. Announce the reunion on-line in surname lists (such as found on Rootsweb).
9. June can be a good time to hold a reunion - when the children are get out of school.
10. Have activities for the little ones.

Lastly....

   11. Enjoy the day!