Maven Hangs Out With Good Company!

Just Hangin' Out!

Yes, I certainly do hang out with good company, the entire "company" of GeneaBloggers. It seems hard to believe, but on this date two years ago the footnoteMaven wrote her first post of note, a submission for the 19th Edition of the Carnival of Genealogy. I was such a blogling, my hand shook as I hit the blog submission button, uncertain as to whether I had just made a huge error in judgment.

Earlier this year I wrote:

I had joined the 19th Carnival with my blogging idols, Randy Seaver - Genea-Musings, Jasia - Creative Gene (the reason I started blogging), Miriam Midkiff - AnceStories, Becky Wiseman - kinexxions, Craig Manson - Geneablogie, Apple - Apple's Tree, David Bowles - Writing the Westward Sagas, Tim Abbott - Walking the Berkshires, and Chris Dunham - The Genealogue. I had been reading these famous bloggers for months . . . uncertain as to whether I was worthy of sharing the page with them.

I'm still not certain if I'm worthy, but I'm here, blogging away two years later; there is something to be said for longevity (or is that being long winded).

I recently received my first fan letter. Someone actually took the time to write and say exceptionally nice things about my posts. Thank you Kathi, for getting my offbeat sense of humor, I still contend it's a southern thang. And I encourage you to blog, your writing is excellent, interesting and relevant.

I've often said this blog reminds me of Sienfeld, a "blog about nothing;" focused on the minutiae of searching for those elusive ancestors and coping with the petty injustices of my efforts. Set within the four corners of this blog, Maven has featured a host of "lost and found" ancestors.

So what's the best thing about GeneaBlogging? It's the relationships, no not the kind you can chart on a family tree. It's the great friends I've made, the generosity of spirit I've experienced, the laugh at life attitude so necessary in today's world, and the certain knowledge that this is home.

Thank you my friends, for reading, for commenting, for sharing,
for encouraging! I could never have done it without you!

Raise a glass with me to many more posts about nothing!
I'm quite looking forward to it!

Free 10-Week Photoshop Course

CreativeTechs is kicking off a free, 10-week, worldwide, Photoshop course.

Their Adobe Certified Instructor, Jason Hoppe, has designed a comprehensive course that covers Photoshop CS4 in detail. If you’ve been meaning to improve your Photoshop skills, now is the perfect opportunity:

Week 1, Feb 26 - Interface, Tools, and Shortcuts
Week 2, Mar 5 - Photoshop Layers
Week 3, Mar 12 - Selections
Week 4, Mar 19 - Advanced Selections
Week 5, Mar 26 - Masks
Week 6, Apr 2 - Pen Tool / Shape Layers
Week 7, Apr 9 -Drawing Tools / Brushes
Week 8, Apr 16 - Retouching
Week 9, Apr 23 - Color Correction pt 1
Week 10, Apr 29 - Color Correction pt 2

Want to enroll? Sign-up here: Free Photoshop CS4 Course Enrollment.

What Time Does Class Start?

Class meets each Thursday at 11am in Seattle. Plan to join 10 minutes early to test your audio and connection and touch base. Correct starting time in your time zone:

2PM - Eastern (New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Florida)
1PM - Central (Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas)
12PM - Mountain (Denver, Phoenix)
11AM - Pacific (Seattle, Los Angeles)
10AM - Alaska
9AM - Hawaii

7PM - London, Dublin, Casablanca, Reykjavik
8PM - Amsterdam, Madrid, Oslo, Prague, Zagreb
9PM - Athens, Jerusalem, Johannesburg, Kyiv
10PM - Moscow, Baghdad, Khartoum
11PM - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2AM Friday - Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
3AM Friday - Hong Kong, Beijing
4AM Friday - Tokyo, Seoul, Perth
5AM Friday - Brisbane, Vladivostok
6AM Friday - Sydney, Melbourne
8AM Friday - Auckland

I'll be there!

Kreativ Blogger Award

I am very honored to have received the Kreativ Blogger Award for several of my digital publications.

I would like to thank the following people on behalf of my footnoteMaven publication:





Nikki-ann of Notes of Life: A very elegant blog with beautiful visuals. Look for signs of spring!





The Educated Genealogist: Who never fails to entertain as well as educate and who called me Klassy!





Russ of My Tombstone Collection: One of my new favorite bloggers, such a gentleman, he even awarded my Western Washington GYRabbit this award.





Pam - Granny's Genealogy: Please check out her new series "Found in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker," it's a winner!





Sheri of Twig Talk: My BFF and one of the most kind persons I know.

I would like to thank the following on behalf of my Shades Of The Departed Publication:





Where I Come From: A new blogger whose got it all together and beautifully so, Robin also entertains with music!

Please stop by each of these wonderful blogs and tell them I sent you!

Now I realize I'm supposed to pass this award on to five other bloggers, but thanks to food poisoning I'm so very late that I have decided to give you a look at something I find creative, color.

Color decisions are always so difficult. For me it's a I know it when I see it sort of decision. Selecting a color scheme for your blog can be daunting so I'm going to let you in on a web gadget I use and love.

It's the Color Palette Generator. You enter the URL of an image to get a color palette that matches that image. This is useful for coming up with a website color palette that matches a key image you are using, or just a feel you are looking to replicate.

I have been redesigning footnoteMaven in honor of my upcoming two year blog anniversary (can it really be that long?). Images you like can be found all over the web, but two of my favorite places are the Tate (a Sargent painting whose colors I love) and the Winn Devon Catalog.

Here I took the URL of one of my favorite Winn Devon posters and generated a color palette.

One of the reason's I like this generator is that it gives you two palettes. One they call dull, which is really muted, and one they call vibrant.

As I remarked previously, you can also use your own photographs. Here is the familiar photo of footnoteMaven converted to a color palette.

Now go play with this new utility, it will be worth every minute.

Nobody's Fool

67th EDITION OF THE COG

The topic for the next edition of the Carnival of Genealogy is:


"Nobody's Fool"


Who in your family was known to have the best common sense?

- ¤ -

Who in your family was known to have the best sage advice?

- ¤ -

Who in your family was known to have “kept it together” all the time?

- ¤ -

Write 'em up and let us know!

- ¤ -

Let's hear about them!

- ¤ - ¤ -

The Deadline For Submissions Is
March 1, 2009
The next edition will be hosted by Thomas MacEntee at Destination: Austin Family.

Attention All COG Participants

Please use a descriptive phrase in the title of any articles you plan to submit and/or write a brief description/introduction to your articles in the "comment" box of the blogcarnival submission form. This will give readers an idea of what you've written about and hopefully interest them in clicking on your link. Introductions for your articles will not be provided for you due to the volume of articles submitted. Thank you!

Also, check out Jasia's post "FAQs About The Carnival of Genealogy," for all you need to know about submitting a post. First-timers always welcome and greatly appreciated!

Submit your blog article to the next edition of the Carnival of Genealogy using the carnival submission form or select the 63rd Edition COG poster in the upper right hand corner of this page. Past posts and future hosts can be found on the blog carnival index page.

"I'd like to thank the Academy"

footnoteMaven's 2nd ANNUAL iGENE AWARD WINNERS
~ 2008 ~

We're here on the red carpet with the footnoteMaven who has nominated several of her 2008 Blog Posts for award consideration. Always a standout on the red carpet Maven has again shown that her style is classic. She has chosen a beautiful gossamer beaded gown with over one million dollars in diamonds sewn into the bodice. This wonderful gown was designed specifically for Maven by the House of Worth, Paris.


Maven's escort for the evening's festivities is her famous publishing agent, blogHearst II. As you will remember, Maven was escorted to last year's ceremony by robberBarron. Maven always seems to find the right man for the right occasion. We've asked Maven if their are wedding bells in her future, but she has reminded us there is a Mr. Maven at home and he stays away from awards ceremonies!

Jasia of Creative Gene will again host the iGene Awards Gala in the Creative Gene Theater. When asked what she expected from this year's Awards Gala, Maven said, "I just don't see how Jasia can top last year's ceremonies. They were divine, but then the incomparable Jasia never fails to mesmerize. What else could one ask for?"

The house lights have flickered so join the crowd inside the Creative Gene Theater and let the festivities begin.

BEST PICTURE
Best old family photo that appeared on this blog
2008

And The iGene Goes To:


Yes, It's Who You Think It Is

Ooh la la! What a terrific photo! I'm sure if I had this one in my collection
it would be my favorite too!. . .Jasia - Creative Gene

Clark Gable

Every photograph I own is a favorite for one reason or another. This photograph is my favorite because my Grandfather, Edward J. Greene, was the photographer.

That's Clark Gable between takes on the set of the movie San Francisco (1936). It's just after the earthquake scene where Blackie Norton (Clark Gable) is searching San Francisco for Mary Blake (Jeanette MacDonald) and believes she is dead. He and Father Tim (Spencer Tracy) find Mary at a Salvation Army Camp where she is comforting the mother of a dead child, in song of course.

BEST SCREEN PLAY

The family story that would make the best movie.

And The iGene Goes To:

John Campbell Is Dead

Wonderful vignette, fM, bringing the past to life, from the title
through the conclusion. You have a great story
to tell here . . . Denise Levenick - The Family Curator

THE HEAVY silvered coach harness was brought out and polished. Doc and Frank came up from the stable to be groomed. The big black coach was brought out washed and gone over carefully. An unusual sadness rested upon the community of Carrollton, Missouri. Uncle John Campbell was dead.

John Campbell Is Dead is coming to the big screen and fM is very
pleased to announce the following Hollywood stars have been cast
in the lead roles for her second period piece.

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Best informational Article in 2008

And The iGene Goes to:

Wait It's A Three Parter!

The Little Girl Wearing Pearls
Going Home Going Home
That One Defining Moment

Yes, what a defining moment! This surely is a moment that underlines
one of the reasons many of us do what we do. . .
Congratulations!. . . Craig Manson - GeneaBlogie

The story that started on Shades and ended in the heart of every genealogist. In the life of every family historian or collector of old photographs, there comes a defining moment. A moment when what you've always known in your heart, that this is what you were meant to do, becomes a reality. That defining moment came for me yesterday, April 30, 2008.

This year I started a new digital publication called Shades Of The Departed. It is here I write about my passion for collecting old photographs and how analyzing those photographs can fill in our family history. Every week I post a Photo Of The Week, one of those "orphan photographs" I buy on my many trips to flea markets, second hand stores, antique shops and auctions.

One of my first Photos Of The Week featured what is my favorite photograph in the collection, "the little girl wearing pearls". I was captivated by her from the moment my daughter brought her home to me. I would like to think that this connection was her reaching out from the past, urging me to find her family.

BEST BIOGRAPHY
Best Biographical Article Written in 2008

And The iGene Goes To:

A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody

You wrote, "Somehow I thought you were born - well, my Mother." I think that it sums up quite well how most of us think of our mothers. I love this piece, and your own introspection on how you have seen your mother in the past and how you see her, now that you have searched for clues on who she really was . . . Terry Snyder - Desktop Genealogist Unplugged

My mother, I never really knew her. Until I started this article, I hadn't really thought of my Mother as a school girl, as the 14 year old bobby-sockser you see in the photograph to the right. She was just Mom. I took her intelligence for granted. As most children do, I took everything about her for granted . . . Were you ever so young or so small? Somehow I thought you were born - well, my Mother.

I've had her Bayside High School yearbook for many years, but I've never really looked at it, looked at the high school girl that was my mother. I guess I've thought I knew everything about her.

BEST COMEDY STORY
Kids say the darnedest things!

And The iGene Goes To:

Who's The Man On That Coin

Nicknames are a Southern tradition. Everyone, I think, has one, even if
they won't tell you what it is. . . Lee Anders - Genealogy In The New World

Wy reached in his pocket and took out two coins and put them face up on the table. "I collect money," he told me. "I have more at home. Grandma, can you tell me who the men on my money are?"

Happy Birthday - Dillon!

BEST ART DIRECTION
The poster that grabbed the imagination of
the GeneaBlogging World in 2008

And The iGene Goes to:

Mirror Mirror!

The photo reminds me of my younger days when I'd sit in front of the mirror and say "I'm pretty mama! I'm a pretty girl!" Wait. Oh - that was Natalie Wood in Gypsy. . . Thomas MacEntee - Destination Austin Family

I humbly accept these awards on behalf of my ancestors, my fellow GeneaBloggers, and the family history and education for which we have been privileged to be a small part.

Thank You to the Academy and particularly my ancestors for providing the material!

And Thank You Jasia for one terrific idea!

Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, the clock has run down
on the 2008 iGene Awards Gala.

Now it's off to the After Awards parties. I have a lot of GeneaBlogs to visit.

"SEE YOU AT NEXT YEAR'S AWARDS"


Academy of Genealogy and Family History (AGFH)
Founding Member


All photographs and illustrations are in the collection of the author.

Note: Be careful what you comment! You could find yourself here next year!

Men Never Make Passes At Girls Who Wear Glasses

This is one of my favorite women wearing pince nez (pinch on the nose) glasses attached to a chain pinned with a hairpin to her hairdo; a little knot bun with a velvet feather anchoring the knot. She also has what appears to be a tortoise comb in her hair.

Her beautiful blouse sports the mutton sleeves that were the fashion around 1894. She has a locket pin attached to a velvet collar with a lace dickey and diamond stud earrings. I wish I knew the color of this unique outfit. I'd like to think it was pale lavender with a dark blue velvet collar.

She is the height of fashion and the epitome of the word "costume."

Smile For The Camera - A Reminder

10th EDITION

Smile For The Camera
10 February 2009

The word prompt for the 10th Edition of Smile For The Camera is Costume? No, not as in Halloween. Costume as in dress in general; especially the distinctive style of dress of a people, class, or period. Show us that picture that you found with your family collection or purchased that shows the costumes of the rich to the not so rich, from the civil war to the psychedelic sixties. I know you have them, so share. Admission is free with every photograph!

Your submission may include as many or as few words as you feel are necessary to describe your treasured photograph. Those words may be in the form of an expressive comment, a quote, a journal entry, a poem (your own or a favorite), a scrapbook page, or a heartfelt article. The choice is yours!

Deadline for submission is midnight (PT)
10 February 2009
Posted - 15 February 2009

HOW TO SUBMIT:

There are two options:

1. Send an email to the host, footnoteMaven. Include the title and permalink URL of the post you are submitting, your name, and the name of your blog. Put 'Smile For The Camera' clearly in the title of your email!

2. Use the handy submission form provided by Blog Carnival, or select the Bumper Sticker in the upper right hand corner.

See you at the Carnival!

Past Editions Of Smile For The Camera:

1st Edition ~ Mother Love

2nd Edition - Belles & Beaus

3rd Edition - Celebrate Home

4th Edition - My Favorite Photograph

5th Edition - Crowning Glory

6th Edition - Funny Bone

7the Edition - Oh Baby!
Has disappeared from Blogger
My back-up has problems as well.
I will recreate this Edition

8th Edition - Stocking Stuffer

Are You Ready For Prime-Time?

66th EDITION OF THE COG

The topic for the next edition of the Carnival of Genealogy is:


iGene Awards - The Best of The Best!

Academy Awards Time
Academy of Genealogy and Family History (AGFH)
Honor Your Best Blog Posts - 2008

5 Categories

- ¤ -- ¤ -

Best Picture
Best Old Family Photo that appeared on your blog in 2008.
(Tell us which you liked best and why.)

- ¤ -

Best Screen Play

Which family story that you shared in 2008 would make the best movie?
Who would you cast as your family members?

- ¤ -

Best Documentary

Which was the best informational article you wrote about a place,
thing, or event involving your family's history in 2008?

- ¤ -

Best Biography
Which was the best biographical article you wrote in 2008?

- ¤ -

Best Comedy

Which was the best funny story, poem, joke, photo, or video
that you shared on your blog in 2008?


- ¤ - ¤ -

The Deadline For Submissions Is
February 15, 2009

Attention All COG Participants

Please use a descriptive phrase in the title of any articles you plan to submit and/or write a brief description/introduction to your articles in the "comment" box of the blogcarnival submission form. This will give readers an idea of what you've written about and hopefully interest them in clicking on your link. Introductions for your articles will not be provided for you due to the volume of articles submitted. Thank you!

Also, check out Jasia's post "FAQs About The Carnival of Genealogy," for all you need to know about submitting a post. First-timers always welcome and greatly appreciated!

Submit your blog article to the next edition of the Carnival of Genealogy using the carnival submission form or select the 63rd Edition COG poster in the upper right hand corner of this page. Past posts and future hosts can be found on the blog carnival index page.