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The Family History Compass
3/24/2003 - Archive
Pleasant Diversions and New Beginnings
When this article first appeared in my mind, I was walking around on cloud nine.
The temperature here had gone from below freezing to the mid-sixties in just
a couple days and I was looking at a weekend where I could go out and get dirty
in the garden. As I worked through the yard cleaning out gardens and making
everything ready for that explosion of green that typically follows these warm
days, I couldn't help but feel that I should be giving my office and family
history files some of the same loving care as I was giving my yard. However,
the sunshine was just too warm and wonderful and instead I focused on planning
my indoor improvements from outside.
I've long felt that January is just too depressing a month to make resolutions.
I always end up breaking them within days. Since spring has so many connotations
with new beginnings and new life, I prefer to make my resolutions then. I've
restarted the diet I abandoned on 2 January, am making sure to work in some
form of exercise every day. For my family history research, I am re-resolving
to be more organized and prepared for any research opportunities that may be
forthcoming.
That was the premise I had in mind for this column, but now as I sit down to
write, war is all but inevitable and by the time you read this, the U.S. and
other nations will very likely be embroiled in conflict. Writing about spring
just doesn't seem appropriate anymore.
But as I looked over the list of "resolutions" I had jotted down and
prepared to scrap this article, I still felt a chord of hope. Since I am anticipating
some restless days and nights ahead, I plan on taking these resolutions to heart
and thought I would go on and share them with you. Whether you're looking for
a pleasant diversion from the troubles of the world, some spring resolutions,
or for those of you "down under," preparations for winter hibernation,
here are some thoughts:
Pleasant and Empowering Diversions
Since I learned to read, books have been an escape for me. Now when things get
a bit too stressful, curling up with a book is a way for me to not only escape
from the pressures and fears that tend to overwhelm, but it gives me a sense
of empowerment. Maybe it's because of the fact that I'm learning and expanding
my horizons, or maybe it's the simple fact that I managed to scrape together
some time from a hectic schedule to kick back with a book--whatever the reason,
I feel somehow in a bit more control of my destiny and "on top of things"
when I read.
If you're not sure what to read, take a look at where your research is headed
and try to think of something that will help jumpstart your creative juices.
If you're like me and have piles of publications waiting to be read, try making
a list of the reading materials you have at hand and prioritizing them. What
book, article, or periodical will give you the biggest boost--emotionally and
intellectually?
I have a basket that my mom gave me for Christmas where I keep the books I want
to read in the near future and if a magazine comes with an article that I don't
have time to read right away, but that I think looks helpful, I mark the article
with a post-it note and into the basket it goes. It's the same with books and
articles I've printed off from e-zines and Internet sites. Here in this basket
is the perfect escape when I need to turn off CNN and find some peace in the
world.
Everybody Loves a Critic
Something I've recently started is writing my own reviews of what I've read.
Wherever possible, I jot down some notes. This helps me to better retain the
material and since I like to skip around a bit with my reading materials, it
helps me find my place and get back up to speed quickly. This holds true if
a few days, weeks, or even months pass between the time I first pick it up and
the next time I resume reading.
It also makes it easier to locate the tidbits I have found interesting later
when I want to reference them. Sometimes I take little notes as I go along,
and sometimes I take a few minutes between chapters. Either way, I'm finding
that while I still can't remember breakfast, the materials I read are staying
with me longer and bits of information come back to me when I call them.
Do the Grunt Work Thing
When I work in the garden, much of the work is tedious, but it typically opens
up my mind and I find myself becoming more creative. While I highly recommend
getting out and letting your mind wander as you do some work in the yard, there
are bound to be some rainy days and if your office is like mine, there's plenty
of grunt work to be tended to indoors as well. In my case, this work always
seems to fall in two categories:
--- FILE THE PILES -- an obvious one, but one that always seems to be on my
list. And let's be practical. We're not going to get too much done with our
family history if it's scattered all over the office. So dreadful as it seems,
this needs to be step one. And think of how good you'll feel when your files
are all organized! If you're having trouble cramming more into those binders,
or you've outgrown a particular organizational scheme, maybe it's time to revamp
some of the files while you're at it. Split up generations of families or move
your "maybe relateds" to a separate home. This will make it easier
to keep up with filing as you make more progress.
--- UPDATE YOUR DATABASE. While my piles aren't as big as they used to be, I
must admit that my database is still not where I want it to be. I had to export
some files last week for a research trip my mom took to New York and was appalled
at how behind I've fallen. Getting my central database updated with all the
new information we've found is very high on my priority list. Next time, if
a similar opportunity presents itself, we'll have up-to-date information to
work from and can just print out charts. I'll also be able to take updated information
out into the yard to do some work in the sunshine, without endangering original
documents.
Create a List of Outdoor Tasks
With the weather getting nicer, everyone wants to get outside. Create a list
of things you can do in the yard or at the park. These can include:
--- Transcribing documents on a laptop (or handwriting them). This will make
it easier for you to locate information at a glance without having to read old
and faded handwriting, you'll catch points you might otherwise miss, and similar
to the above mentioned book reviews, the details will stay with you longer.
--- Reorganizing information into charts, timelines, and other formats. Using
the information from your newly-updated database, print out all the information
on a family and arrange it chronologically. Make notes. What conclusions can
you draw from the data you have? Do you have solid proof for these conclusions,
and if so, what is it? Or if not, what follow-ups are needed? Spell out your
thoughts on paper and keep your finding with that file. When you begin research
on that family again, you'll be one step ahead of the game. You could even take
it a step further and write a little mini-biography for one of the characters
in your family tree.
--- Study a family and then keep them in your mind as you work in the garden,
bask in the sun, or go for a stroll. Then as soon as you get home, jot down
ideas you've come up with for follow-up later.
Final Thoughts
While the headlines may be frightening and depressing these days, most of us
still have much to be thankful for. I've found that these blessings become more
evident when I take a little time to withdraw for a little quiet time. It gives
me the strength to put out a positive attitude for my daughter and keep the
stress and fears from taking over.
Our thoughts go out to all of the soldiers, their family, and friends as we
pray for a quick end to the war, and a safe and speedy return home.
Juliana Smith is the editor of the Ancestry Daily News and author
of The Ancestry Family Historian's Address Book. She has written for
Ancestry Magazine and Genealogical Computing. Juliana can be reached
by e-mail at: ADNeditor@ancestry.com,
but regrets that she is unable to assist with personal research.
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