The Highly Caffeinated Genealogist One Year Blogiversary

Photo by Midge Frazel, 2016

Thoughts after One Year

It has been a year since I returned from the NERGC 2015 conference in Providence, Rhode Island. I wasn't going to attend but it as it was in my "birth" state, I decided to book a hotel and go to Providence. As usual, I was glad I went. I met some genealogists that I didn't meet before, took photos, attended sessions and dinners and was satisfied when it was time to leave. On the ride home, I decided it was to be my last conference. You should always make a decision after a positive experience and not a negative one.

My decision then was part of a larger plan and for this year I have been slowly implementing my new plan. I separated my gravestone work from my family history writing and I am pleased to say it is working out for me.

It was amusing that right after I launched this blog someone wanted to use the words, "Highly Caffeinated Genealogist" in their blog. I told that person that they could not and if they did, everyone would know about it as it was my idea. Everyone should do their own work. Period. Collaboration is fine as long as everyone fairly does their share.

Writing a blog (or three as in my case) takes a lot of energy. As I don't need to earn a living as a genealogist, I stopped taking clients early on. I have stopped doing presentations and I only occasionally go to a genealogy society meeting. I am focusing on my own work, learning about new technologies and sharing my ideas online. I'd love to tell you that this fine with other people but it is not. I have had more offers to serve on boards, take over as genealogist or even to do jobs that I am not qualified to do. 

I remember that when I picked up my genealogy again about 2001, someone sternly reminded me that I should wait until I retired to start. This used to be a pastime of older people. I am glad I didn't listen and that I was vocal in my opinion that they waited too long. If I had not started at the age of eight, I would not know what I do today. Working with the generations before me when they were alive has been my greatest joy.