Exhausting, exciting, educational, empowering, these are just a few words that come to mind when describing the experience that is the 3 day Family Gathering known as the world famous Southern California Genealogy Jamboree.
Unofficial, and Official (The one with the 1st Timer, and Southern Ca. Genealogical Society New Member Ribbons!) Badges, in place, GeneaBlogger Beads around my neck, the above photo is from Day 3, and the following poem is my attempt to capture the spirit of this wonderful weekend as I begin to write about my experience.
Just sit right back and read a tale
A tale of a research trip
That started out from Santa Ana town,
aboard a transit bus.
The Mad Macedonian was a budding Genealogist,
His demeanor brave, though unsure,
As he set off that day,
For a weekend adventure,
A weekend adventure.For 3 days he just couldn't get enough
Despite almost getting lost.
If not for the knowledge of the Convention Crew
Our hero would have been lost,
Our hero would have been lost.Walking around the exhibit hall
He mingled with Newbies, and Old Timers,
and many GeneaBloggers, too,
A Genealogy Gem, and her guest,
Merchandise sellers, and Research Stars, like Arlene,
Here among the Aisles.So this is the tale of a Convention Newbie,
Here for a long weekend.
He'll have to make the best of things,
When it comes to his sleeping time.
The Convention Volunteers, and Speakers, too,
Will do their very best to make folks comfy,
And educate each, and every single guest.
No cell phones, no taping, from near or far,
At some sessions a seat was a luxury,
Like a Pesidential Press Conference,
It's as crowded as can be.Join me here, in coming days, my friends,
You are sure to get a smile, I'll see,
From the tale, as he makes his way,
Here at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree!
I did not know what to expect, knowing that I would be in unfamiliar territory, among many folks whose knowledge, and experience, in this hobby makes my limited knowledge, and efforts of the last 20 years, insignificant in comparison, and meeting up with my fellow GeneaBloggers, from an Online Genealogy Blogging Community that, I have been learning the last 3 months, is far larger than I ever knew.
I had not planned on buying any books, and brought cheese sticks, and Nature Valley Bars, to eat, as my biggest expence was going to be a very Special Dinner Gathering on the 2nd day.
I did not expect any help on my specific Brick Walls, although I brought some printouts, and scanned images, just in case.
What happened on this adventure was special, and I invite you to come along with me as I share the tale.
***SONG GUEST STARS***
Lisa Louise Cooke = Genealogy Gem.
Randy Seaver = The "Guest".
Arlene Eakle =Arlene.
**************************
I can't wait for the rest of the story!
Posted by: Thomas MacEntee | June 30, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Me, too!
Posted by: Miriam Robbins Midkiff | June 30, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Waiting impatiently to hear the rest of your adventure!
Posted by: Greta Koehl | June 30, 2009 at 09:50 PM
Sounds like the theme from Gilligan's Island...good work!
Posted by: Randy Seaver | July 01, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Awesome!
Posted by: Lisa Louise Cooke | July 01, 2009 at 04:13 PM