Musings of a Mad Macedonian

Turning the Big 50: A Celebration in Pictures

Early in the morning of March 5, 1960, my Mother postponed breakfast...at my insistence...and she, and my Father, went to the Hospital where I made my Grand Entrance into the world at exactly 8:33am.

I officially weighed in at 7lbs 1 ounce, and 20 inches long.

NO, NO, NO! That's 20 in., head to toe, not, um, well, gee, get such thoughts out of your head...hee, hee! ;-D

30 minutes later I was ready for my close-up...and had my Official Mug Shot taken. ;-D

 By the time I was ready to go home the hospital gave my parents my first official document of record, a hospital Birth Certificate that, though not the Official Doc, according to the info on the back is still good for proving parentage, age, and identity, for such events as...

1. Entering School.

2. Beginning employment, & securing wroking papers.

3. Voting rights, and jury duty.

4. Proving citizenship.

5. Military service.

6. Obtaining passports for travel in foreign countries.

7. Life insurance, and annuities.

8. Social Security, and Old Age.

9. Proving right to inherit property.

As for my Official Birth Certificate...

It was filed by the County Recorder, one Ray E. Lee, on April Fool's Day, 1960. ;-D

I laughed my ass off when I first learned of this little detail.

Considering my peculiar sense of humor, and my poetic, and creative writing, talents...I find this very much appropriate. ;-D

As the months went by I settled into a regular routine...eating, drinking, burping, pissing, crapping, crying, sleeping...not neccessarily in that order, or at regularly scheduled times approved by Mom, and Dad. ;-D

By 5 months of age I was interested in something to drink considerably stronger, and less healthy for my delicate palate, than Mother's Milk, or Formula. ;-D

I was also fast developing into a Couch Potato, becoming fascinated by the programming found on the early Boob Tube Networks. ;-D

I was also deemed eligible for a driver's license.

At 6 months I was showing signs of becoming your typical male...sitting around, in the privacy of my home, in nothing but my underwear. ;-D

It was at this time, and no doubt because of the above behaviors, that my parents decided I needed a little religion in my life. ;-D

At 6 months I was officially baptised into the Eastern Orthodox Religion, by the Reverend Haplonov, and my parents friends Nick, and Frances Dieduch, became my Godparents.

Did it take?

Well, you be the judge.

While I still sat around the house in my underwear, by the end of the month I was at least wearing a T-shirt, and...

50 years later, I still loaf around the house in my underwear, and still do so wearing a T-shirt. ;-D

It's been a long, complicated, journey, this life of mine.

Through good times, and bad, I've perservered, and become a better person, with a better life, than I was, and had, 12 years ago.

From working for 17 years (1984-2001) for an Independent Bookstore Chain in the Pomona Valley, working my way up to spend the last 11 of those years as a Store Manager, making around $7 an hour, to where I am now working, since 2004, as a Directory Assistance Operator for a prominent Wireless Phone company, making almost $15 an hour, and publishing 2 other blogs besides this one...

The Cycling Dude, and the popular Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat (Actually Nikita is the writer...I just provide the pictures, and video assisitance. ;-D).

What does the future hold?

Will I make other career, and life, changes?

Will there be another generation of my blood, in America, carrying the proud name of Kundurazieff?

I do not know.

I'm not the most religious person on the planet, but the words of my Mother, and our old friend, my adopted Grandma, Leona, seem appropriate...

It's all in God's Hands...

   

  

Antique Stores: Sad Place or Happy Place for the Genealogist?

Yesterday I spent the afternoon wandering around the collection of Antique Stores in Old Towne Orange, Ca., looking for a Vintage Radio Microphone, as a possible prop for my YouTube Videos.

I did not find what I was looking for, and got a better idea anyway, but it was both fascinating, and depressing, to wander around these stores.

Fascinating because of all the cool, beautiful, and strange, stuff one encounters, not to mention these places are a Book, and Record Album, Lovers Wet Dream (Books as old as 1870, in excellent condition, for as little as $10!).

Depressing, from a Genealogy perspective, because of the beautiful (Yes, even a simple B &W image of a person, with no backround, can be beautiful.) Daguerreotypes, photographs, and portraits going back to, at least, the Civil War.

Big ones, small ones, Family Group Photos, High School or College Team Photos, Company Photos, and more, many with names, dates, locations, and messages of all sorts written on the back, all seemingly lost for all time to the descendants of the people in these fascinating glimpses into the past.

Oh, and please don't get me started on the Family Bibles, and Personal Diaries, one encounters as well.

I wonder if there are people out there, in the Genealogy Community, that specialize in re-uniting these lost Photographic Souls, and written treasures, with those who will value, and cherish, them not as opportunities to make money, but as the valuable Family Heirlooms that they are?

Geneabloggers Publishes Results of Survey of Genealogy Bloggers

Thomas MacEntree publishes the contents of a great survey, with some fascinating results to share. ;-D

He writes:

"In July 2009, GeneaBloggers gathered input from the genealogy blogging community as part of the Genealogy Blogging Survey contest. Today we are releasing the results of the survey to give an idea of the impact genealogy blogging has had and will continue to have on the genealogy community.

Who took the Survey?

As expected from a survey accessed at a site called GeneaBloggers, almost 75% of the respondents own at least one genealogy or family history-related blog.  And blogging is not something new for this crowd—over half have been actively blogging about genealogy since at least 2007.  These bloggers are among those that typically participate in various forms of online genealogy research and are often known as geneabloggers."

Read all about it here.

As expected from a survey accessed at a site called GeneaBloggers, almost 75% of the respondents own at least one genealogy or family history-related blog.  And blogging is not something new for this crowd—over half have been actively blogging about genealogy since at least 2007.  These bloggers are among those that typically participate in various forms of online genealogy research and are often known as geneabloggers.

Read more: http://www.geneabloggers.com/genealogy-blogging-survey-results/#ixzz0PK1TO0Px
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike

As expected from a survey accessed at a site called GeneaBloggers, almost 75% of the respondents own at least one genealogy or family history-related blog.  And blogging is not something new for this crowd—over half have been actively blogging about genealogy since at least 2007.  These bloggers are among those that typically participate in various forms of online genealogy research and are often known as geneabloggers.

Read more: http://www.geneabloggers.com/genealogy-blogging-survey-results/#ixzz0PK1TO0Px
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike

As expected from a survey accessed at a site called GeneaBloggers, almost 75% of the respondents own at least one genealogy or family history-related blog.  And blogging is not something new for this crowd—over half have been actively blogging about genealogy since at least 2007.  These bloggers are among those that typically participate in various forms of online genealogy research and are often known as geneabloggers.

Read more: http://www.geneabloggers.com/genealogy-blogging-survey-results/#ixzz0PK1TO0Px
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike

Ancestry.com to Plant Public Roots in Stock Market?

Wandering thru the Business Section of my  local paper, yesterday, I came up a short note that says Ancestry.com has filed with the SEC a proposal for an initial public offering of some of its shares.

Apparently Ancestry is seeking the OK to sell $75 million in stock.

The company did not give a date for the proposed IPO and, as of 1pm PST, today, there was no mention yet on their blog.

Hat Tip to the OC Register!

Jewelry Box, Belonging to Mom, Still Plays Tune, and Now Holds My Class Rings

For over a year, now, The Smile for the Camera Genealogy Blog Carnival has been using monthly prompts to get folks to share their treasured photos.

The site says that: "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!"

Cool! I decided to join the fun with the 16th Edition, appearing next week.

The word prompt for the 16th Edition of Smile For The Camera is "Bling, ancestor Bling." I am always drawn to the beautiful jewelry worn by our ancestors in old photographs. The locket that was your Great Grandmother's treasure, the pocket watch proudly displayed by a male ancestor, the beautiful crosses of old, and the children with their tiny bracelets. While not many of our ancestors were wealthy enough to own multiple pieces of jewelry, there was the one good piece that held sentimental value. Some of us have been fortunate enough to inherit those treasures. Show us a photograph of your ancestor wearing their "Bling," or photographs of the pieces you have inherited

I don't have pictures of my Mom prominently wearing her jewelry, but I have her Jewelry Box. ;-D

Footnote Maven, encourages Smiling for the Camera on her blog, and at Shades of the Departed, as well. ;-D

 I was born in 1960.

I belive my Mother bought this sometime before that, but can't confirm that.

Ever since my early childhood I remember this box, and the tune called Around the World, that would come out of it when Mom wound the pin on its bottom, all the way around.

The tune lasts about 5 minutes, and still plays perfectly today. ;-D

My Mom kept her ear rings, necklaces, and other things in this Music Box, and the key still works, to lock the box, as well.

Since the early 90's I have kept my High School, and College, Class Rings, from Pomona High 1978, and Cal State University Los Angeles 1982, inside it. ;-D

Are You a Taphophile?

Taphophilia describes those folks with a "love of cemeteries and funerals".

All you Genealogists, and others, who like to stroll around graveyards, and share your findings online, apparently have a word to describe yourselves, as The Taphophile's Handbook website says, "without sounding like strange sexual perverts." ;-D

The Taphophile's Handbook is "A Guide to Collections, and Celebrations, Plus Alternatives to Vandalism, and Theft, and is a fascinating site.

Wikipedia says: Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

Taphophilia involves epitaphs, gravestone rubbing, photography, art, and history of deaths, both of the famous, and the ordinary.

The Wikipedia page has many useful links for Genealogists, and here is another: The Association of Graveyard Rabbits!

Sheila, of the blog Ma Vie Folle, shared her thoughts, and some absolutely wonderful photos, on her blog, last November:

Yeah, so I like cemeteries.  I admit it. 

“Hello, my name is Sheila, and I am a Taphophile”

I wonder if this is where, when I walk through the cemetery gates everyone yells “Sheila!” like in Cheers.   Hmmmmm, I hope not, considering most people in the cemetery are pretty much dead.

She took her kids "Cemetery Hopping" to, um, visit Her Grandma's ancestors, and neighbors. ;-D

 

JAMBOREE JOURNAL: My Session Notes From a 3 Day Learning Experience

Welcome one and all to the last chapter of my adventures at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree!

Part 1 is here, and an intro to me, and the Genealogy side of this blog, is here. ;-D

I had planned to attend 11 sessions at Jamboree, but added 1 more Friday morning.

Only 1? It sure felt like I went to many more!

And I mean that in a good way, because I learned so much over the 3 days.

Over the week after Jamboree, as I struggled with Computer issues, I knew I wanted to share some of my notes that I took on many of the classes, here, as a way of giving you, dear reader, an idea of the information discussed, and shared.

During this time I relied on my Co-Blogger, Nikita, to organize my notes for me, and let him write the report I am about to present here.

In the 2 pictures seen in this post, with him in them, I can be seen going over, and discussing, the report with Nikita, checking to see if it was presentable for posting.

In case you are wondering what a Cat is doing blogging about Genealogy, then you may not be a regular reader of this blog. ;-D

Last month Nikita posted his 1st Genealogy Contribution!

Cat Genealogy: Prowling Past in Purrsuit of Pussy Paternity

It is my hope that if you find this report useful, and informative, that you spread the word to anyone that you think might benefit from it.

So, without further ado, here are my notes, as organized by my Feline Best Buddy, and Co-Blogger!

I. ADVANCED BEGINNING GENEALOGY by Lynne Parmenter:

1. Just becasue it's online doesn't mena it's tru. if you can't see the original just use the info as a clue.

2. Family stories are 1 part true, 1 part fiction, and all about pride: Try to document and research them.

3. Collateral lines lead to missing people.

4. SOURCES: Cite everything! This answers the question - How do I know this?

5. Info is only as good as the sources.

A. Primary data - Witness at time of event.

B. Secondary data - Not a witness. Info is from a source later than the event.

6. Save EVERYTHING found, or gathered, in your research that could provide clues.

7. Missing 1890 Census - Use State Substitutes.

8. Follow Parents, one at a time, backward. Follow their sibblings forward. Repeat with Grand-Parents, and so on. This sets Genealogical Stakes in the ground.

9. Census collects you where you are, the day the Census Taker records you.

10. Census, and other records, are all about the year, and the Government Jurisdiction.

11. People can live in 1 place for years, yet the jurisdiction can change over time; Towns, villages, cities, parishes, counties, states, provinces, and even countries can change their boundaries, jurisdictions, and even names.

12. CENSUS SUBSTITUTES:  State and territorial census, Mortality Schedules (All deaths 365 days before a census is taken.), Slave Schedules (With Land Record this gives economic status.).

13. Watch for errors, and ommissions, in census, and other records.

14. Use City Directories, land records, old and new maps and gazaeteers, county histories, mortuary records, and military records.

II. PORTS OF OUR PAST - A GUIDE TO U.S. PORTS, AND RECORDS by Elaine Alexander:

1. Official U.S. Passenger Lists begin in 1820, and stopped in 1924 due to a new Visa Program.

2. Electronic Government Records can be found in Federal and National Archives, State Archives, County Archives, and City Archives of Seaport Cities.

III. FINDING LOST RECORDS, AND SOURCES, OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY by Arlene Eakle:

1. Don't stop with what relatives say...dig deeper.

2. Don't let Library resources dictate your Pedigree results.

3. Get out of the Library!

4. Read the Footnotes of a book first because this could lead to new information not found elsewhere.

5. Your information may require effort to get from other sources.

6. Pay attention to Migration Patterns because they are important for your research.

7. If an ancestor is important...look for information on them from the time of their height of notariety, not just after they died.

8. Research family treasures for locations where they were made, and by whom.

IV.PUTTING FLESH ON THE BONES by Ron Arons:

1. Concentrate on 1 person at a time, and explore them by going beyond Who, What, When, and Where, to WHY.

2. Backward looking documents can be hazardous to your research.

3. Starting with a target person...look into their parents, siblings, children, and other relatives, and their events, and locations.

V. GENEALOGY AND THE CHANGING MAP OF EASTERN EUROPE by Stephen Danko:

1. Julian and Gregorian Calendar dates, both, may appear on some documents.

2. Sources to identify Immigrant Ancestors, learn when they arrives, and where they lived, include: Family Records, Census Records, Military Records, Vital Records and Church Records, Passenger Manifests, and Naturalization Records.

VI. 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE GENEALOGISTS by Dear Myrtle:

Beyond starting the habit of effectively learning from others, the 7 include the following:

A. Document everything, and source it.

B. Start filing right away.

C. Learn from the experts.

D. Adhere to the Genealogical Proof Standards.

E. Use technology wisely.

F. Consider the archivist, or librarians, point of view.

G. Share with others.

1. Just because it's on the internet, or in a book, does not mean it's your person, or even entirely accurate.

2. use binders, and hanging file folders, for filing.

3. Scan images onto your computer.

4. Check out the website of Light Impressions Direct for preservation materials so you can work from photo copies instead of your originals.

5. Attend conferences, and read books, and websites, so you can learn from them.

6. Perform a reasonably exhaustive search; This provides a wide range of high quality sources, and helps you avoid a too hasty conclusion.

7. RESEARCH IDEAS: Check Family Search Catalog, Check US GenWeb, and World Genweb, for Locality Searches, use Libraries in the localities where your ancestors lived (Ask a Librarian for help.), use Historical Societies in the localities where your ancestors lived.

8. Citing sources helps us , and those who come after us.

9. Analysis and Correlation of collected info: Provides for a sound interpretation, should be done for each source, and helps your conclusion reflect all the evidence.

10 Don't Embelish: Take Info at face value until proved.

11. Conflicting Evidence? How about telling your story in notes in order to flesh out what you know?

12. Analyze, and pull together evidence, to resolve conflicts.

13. Soundly reasoned, and coherently written conclusions, eliminate bias, and explain evidence: RESEEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!

14. Spelling doesn't count in Genealogy! There may be 20 variations of a name!

15. Read every page of a Census, front to back.

Librarians, and archivists are not there to do the research for you: Don't forget to compliment them! This will make them more helpful, and responsive to your requests, and questions...hee, hee! ;-D

JAMBOREE JOURNAL INTERLUDE: GeneaBlogosphere and Online Community Shares in Words, Photos, and Video

The Genealogy Jamboree Blog has a magnificent round-up of  how the Online Genealogy Community, including GeneaBloggers, is reporting on the  Southern California Genealogy Jamboree:

As you may have heard, we welcomed nearly 40 genealogy bloggers and Tweeple (people who post notes on Twitter) to Jamboree last weekend. In addition, podcasters and video casters were on hand to record several interviews for RootsTelevision.com, GenealogyGuys.com and Genealogy GemsPodcast.com.

The huge list of links can be found here.

Part 1 of my series is here, and an intro to me, and the Genealogy side of this blog, is here. ;-D

JAMBOREE JOURNAL: Day 3, 1 Chair Plus 5 Hrs. Equals Sore Butt, Enlightened Mind

Welcome one and all to Part 5 of my adventures at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree!

Part 1 is here, and an intro to me, and the Genealogy side of this blog, is here. ;-D

Sunday Morning...8am.

All bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed (Well, OK, maybe not, but at least I was, sort of, rested, and ready for the day), I headed off to my 1st session of the last day of Jamboree. ;-D

Except for the lunch break, and the final session, from 3 to 4pm, I claimed the same good seat, in the same room, for a series of sessions all day long.

I sat thru 2 entertaining sessions by the Genealogy Gemstress herself, Lisa Louise Cooke, on Google and Genealogy.

Before things got under way I told her that I looked forward to her talks as a way to supplement the new book, by David M. Lynch, Google Your Family Tree, which I had bought the day before.

After her first session, it was Lunch time, and I took one more stroll thru the Exhibition Room.

I made my final, most unusual, purchase of Jamboree (Other than the old Baedeker's Yugoslavia Travel Guide for $3, on Saturday.).

There they were, still sitting forlorn, and unclaimed, at mid-day Sunday, 18 old copies of the venerable Everton's Genealogical Helper Magazine, and I do mean old, at 25cents each.

I bought a sturdy green SoCal Genealogical Society Bag, and then the whole stack of magazines,as well, for it to carry.

Why? I hear you ask?

Why not?

The one constant I'd heard all weekend, backing up advice I've encountered online, in magazines, and a few books I already own, has been that you can learn from all sorts of sources, old, and new, and should take the opportunity, if something catches your interest, to do so.

I love history and, as a Genealogist, I still have so damn much to learn, and one thing I remember, from many years ago, when I first learned of Everton's, was that besides the articles the 2 most important resources for a Genealogist, to be found in each issue, were the queries found in the Computerized Roots Cellar, and the advertising.

While I won't be able to contact researchers, and  might not find a book of interest still in print, I can still  enjoy the articles.

When I returned to my seat I teased Lisa by saying that if we hadn't stopped for lunch I would not be lugging round a small green bag almost as heavy with stuff as my large red one! ;-D

JAMBOREE JOURNAL: The GeneaBlogger Dinner and How I Slept it Off

Welcome one and all to Part 4 of my adventures at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree!

Part 1 is here, and an intro to me, and the Genealogy side of this blog, is here. ;-D

By the time everyone had arrived at The Daily Grill, adjoining the hotel, on Saturday evening, we had filled 3 long tables, and and 2 small ones.

For the next 2 1/2, almost 3 hours, we GeneaBloggers introduced ourselves to each other, and chatted, over a tasty meal, surrounded by the backround activity of snapping cameras filming it all for posterity.

Those who I sat next to, and they know who they are (In all the excitement I forgot to take notes to sort them all out!), gave me some good advice for unclogging my Brick Walls.

On Friday, and earlier on Saturday, I'd passed out quite a few of my "Business" Cards, and passed out more at the dinner, and on Sunday, collecting a few of my own along the way (In addition to people linked elsewhere in this series, I got info on Craig Manson, the GeneaBlogie, and cards from Cheryl Fleming Palmer, of the Heritage Happens, and Graveyard Rabbit of South Alameda County, Blogs, and Stephen Danko .)

At one point I found myself talking to Stephen Danko, and telling him how much I enjoyed his talk, that day, on Genealogy and the changing map of Eastern Europe.

Oh, and what did I and others chow down on (My Choices for Starter, and Entree, are in red.).

I know you must be desperate to know! ;-D

STARTERS: Caesar Salad, or Spicy Pecan, Gorgonzola and Endive Salad.

ENTREE: House Specialty - Charbroiled Skirt Steak marinated in Citrus Juices, Soy Sauce, and Special Seasonings, served with mashed potatoes, and Chefs Veggies (Some of the biggest damn pieces of Brocoli I've ever seen in my life, almost too beautiful to eat!)

Or, Grilled Shrimp Pomodoro tossed with Angel Hair Pasta, Chopped Fresh Tomato, Garlic, Basil, and Olive Oil.

DESERT for all: Apple Peach Cobbler to die for!!

I washed mine down with glasses of water and, interestingly, I don't think anyone else had alcohol either, that I know of (Which makes sense, as for most folks it's the antics of our ancestors, and the difficulty they cause us in our research, that threatens to sometimes drive us to drink, not the comraderie of our fellow researchers, hee, hee!)

After dinner I left to go catch a late bus, with the idea of riding around the county, and dozing on several busses, until 6am, when I returned to Jamboree.

I guess I didn't fully realize just how tired I was as I lugged my stuffed red bag, and gray file case, now joined by the Goody Bag from Thomas, to the bus stop.

I settled down to wait 45 min. for the bus...and promptly fell asleep. ;-D

I awoke just in time to watch my bus pull away from the curb.

Well, OK, not to worry, all was not lost!

With an hour to kill before the next bus, around 1230am, I went over to, yes, you guessed it, Del Taco (Again, I got a Coke.), and settled down to sort thru my stash, and wait...and fall asleep...again. ;-D

I awoke with 3 minutes to make it to the bus stop, a block away, and I hauled myself as fast as I could, but to no avail.

The bus pulled away, and I was stuck.

There was nothing for it but to improvise again and, using the Old Mad Macedonian Noodle, I came up with a brilliant plan, awesome in its sheer genius! ;-D

 

I went back with my Coke, to a table outside the Del Taco, and slept until 5am.

Then I went to the lobby of the hotel where I found a nice, comfy, couch, in  an out of the way corner, and slept the Sleep of the Just (Or is that ...the just plain nuts?), until 730am. (I found out, later in the day, that someone came very close to taking my picture on that couch, but changed their mind, hee, hee!)

Man, oh, man, I though as I awoke, has this been an exhilirating, yet exhausting, weekend, or what? ;-D

I can guarantee you that I had the weirdest sleeping arrangements of any attendee to Jamboree in its illustrious 40 year history! ;-D

Read Part 5 Here!

JAMBOREE JOURNAL: Day 2, Once More Unto the Brick Wall, Me Fellow Genealogists!

Welcome one and all to Part 3 of my adventures at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree!

Part 1 is here, and an intro to me, and the Genealogy side of this blog, is here. ;-D

Saturday morning, and once more I'm wandering the exhibit room.

I'm there barely 5 min. when someone who has been reading my blog approaches me!

How cool is that? ;-D

I'd spent the previous day, and would spend this day, and the next, meeting in person people whose work online, and even in print, I've read, and some of whom I've even corresponded with by e-mail, blog comments, message boards Facebook, and Twitter, some as far back as a decade or more.

These are people whose work, opinion, and advice, I admire, respect, and value.

I was, and would be, thrilled, and honored and, at first, a bit nervous to be in their presense, yet would end up being welcomed, and accepted as one of them, a sort of "Comrade in Ahnentafel Tracking", or something , hee, hee! ;-D

Suddenly here was someone treating me with the same respect, and pleasure, of personal meeting, that I was showing others.

Sort of puts things in a different, and humbling, perspective.

After that ego boost I go, and buy 2 books that I passed up Friday, and then on over to the session, by Arlene Eakle, on finding lost records, and sources outside the library.

After that it was back to the exhibit room, where things could get a little surreal, and I don't mean just the way the photo appears. ;-D

You have a room full of people in search of their ancestors, or anything that can help in that quest, and many of them can't get away from the computer.

For those who didn't bring their laptops, cell phones, or huckleberries (Do I have the right berry? I don't use any of these devices!), there was the salvation of internet access in the Tech Zone where you could get online to do a quick blog, or tweet [#genealogy #scgs09 At Jamboree! Just saw (fill in the blank) pick his/her nose! Way cool!], and explore, for free, various subscription genealogy sites, for 30 minutes per person.

I purchased 2 books by the great William Dollarhide, which he autographed as he appeared to be doing for everyone, and which I though was very cool.

I then found  a half dozen copies of old KY and IN Genealogical Society magazines for 50 cents ea.

They may, or may not have info I can use as research resources, but they would give me insight  into state history, and how others fared in their research.

After a while I went in search of the PA Announcer to try to locate Thomas MacEntee, the GeneaBlogger, maestro of several fine blogger related activities going on over the weekend, who made sure each of his fellow Facebook GeneaBlogger Group members got a nifty Goody Bag.

It turned out that he was standing right next to the people I went to for help!

We chatted a bit, and he gave me a cool red, white, and blue beaded necklace to wear, thus identifying me as a fellow Facebook GeneaBlogger.

I would get my Goody Bag later, and it would have tasty muffins, and fruit, and a copy of the Roots Magic 4 program, which I couldn't eat, um, hee, hee! ;-D

My grateful thanks to all those who contributed to the contents of the bag!

I next headed off to get a seat for the 1st of 2 sessions on Eastern European Genealogy Research.

After sitting thru Dear Myrtles session on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Genealogists, and 1 by Bill Dollarhide, it was time to go to the Facebook Friends, and Tweet Meet, a 90 min. opportunity to meet people we may only know online, face to face, and I chatted with several folks, including, Kathryn Doyle, of the Ca. Genealogical and Historical Society Blog, whose husband is Greek.

She looked at the old letters I'd brought and confirmed they were not in Greek.

She advised me to try to contact a priest of a Bulgarian, or Serbian, Orthodox Church, to learn what language they were in, and maybe get a translation.

In a related matter, at some point  Saturday, or Sunday, I found myself at Arlene Eakles tables pouring over a couple of books with maps of the Macedonia, and its neighbors, including the regions of my Father, and his parents, and grandparents, showing the ever changing political  situation going back from 1930 to 1700.

There it was...set out in vivid detail, the complex nature of the political, cultural, and religious world of my ancestors.

The Greeks, the Serbs, the Croats, the Bulgarians, the Russians, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Turks, especially the Turks, all had their hands in the boiling pot that is Macedonia, and its sister regions that, eventually, would be reluctantly  held together, for a few decades, by the iron-fisted rule of Tito, after WW2.

Also, at some point, I encountered author, researcher, Jana Broglin, Vice President for Membership of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, who told me how to contact Pat Gooldy, of Ye Olde Genealogy Shoppe, a person who might be able to help me in my Indiana Research as I search for several important marriage records which would help solve several of my brick walls.

 

As the gathering wound down someone brought over a bottle of wine and, after a little joking around, I asked to hold the near empty bottle for a picture. ;-D

Soon it was time for the much anticipated GeneaBloggers Group Dinner, at the nearby Daily Grill, but that's a story for next time. ;-D

Read Part 4 here!

JAMBOREE JOURNAL: Day 1, Mad Macedonian Takes Genealogy Confab by Storm!

Welcome one and all to Part 2 of my adventures at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree!

Part 1 is here, and an intro to me, and the Genealogy side of this blog, is here. ;-D

                                                                                    

I left home at 315am, Friday morning, home made badge around my neck, Nature Valley Bars, and Cheese Sticks, safely stashed away, and bags in hand, and walked a mile to catch the 1st of 3 busses, 2 commuter trains, and 1 more bus (Thank God for $5 Day Passes!), on a journey that would drop me off near the Marriott Hotel at around 8am.

Since I was not renting a hotel room for the weekend the transit was to serve as mobil sleeping quarters for the duration. ;-D

Don't panic!

I have never owned a car, and can make my way around 5 counties with ease.

Since I was 12 I've been using the bus, a bike, and my own 2 feet to go everywhere. ;-D

 

I had a bag for carrying any, and all, freebies I found interesting.

 

The 2nd carried my food stash, bus schedules, Jamboree schedule, writing supplies, a couple of family tree reports, and copies of 27 year old letters to my Dad, from the Old Country.

I didn't think that my first genealogical moment of the day would come at 4am. ;-D

I told the bus driver where I was headed, at that ungodly hour, and why, and a young man sitting nearby perked up, and told me his Father had researched his family back to the 5th Century.

OK, everyone, repeat after me..."Oh, really?" ;-D

When I asked him how Dear Ol' Dad had managed that feat when widespread Printing, and record keeping, didn't truly take off until Guttenberg and his printing press, he mumbled something about Pops going to the LDS Library in Salt Lake, and to Europe.

I had to get off the bus so couldn't follow-up.

Arriving in Burbank I settle in at the Del Taco to read the paper, and wash some of my snacks down with a coke.

I had only planned to attend 11 sessions over the 3 days, but reconsidered as soon as I arrived.

On opening day registration was not until noon, but I didn't  think I was wrong in arriving early.

Better to be safe than sorry, and who knew who I would run into as I made myself familiar with the lay of the land at the hotel, and convention center, across from Bob Hope Airport.

When I finally got to the hotel I took the opportunity to sit in on a wonderful 2 hour, Pre-convention, session on Advanced Beginner Genealogy, by Lynne Parmenter, of the Southern California Genealogical Society.

I took 8 pages of notes during her talk.

During the mid-point break I unexpectedly found myself on TV, as someone from Roots Television interviewed me about my interest in Genealogy, and the Jamboree, as part of their preparing to promote next years event.

Only afterward did I realize that I forgot to mention my blog name and URL! ;-D

After the session I went to registration, and got my copy of the Syllabus, and official name tag.

As I approached a table to sit down a minute, I overheard 2 women talking graveyards.

Yeah, yeah, I know...creepy!

To the unitiated, maybe, but to genealogists, and especially that special breed known as "Graveyard Rabbits", such chit chat is perfectly normal. ;-D

That's how I met Susan Kitchens, of the blog Family Oral History Using Digital Tools , and Schelly Talalay Dardashti, of Tracing the Tribe: The Jewish Genealogy Blog! ;-D

We sat together, and chatted, and Susan showed me how to spiff up my official name tag by writing BLOGGER, and my URL, on a piece of paper, and attatching  it for all to see.

Finally we all went our seperate ways as the first official sessions were about to begin.

JAMBOREE JOURNAL: Southern California Genealogy Jamboree 40, The Song?

 

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.

**************************

Read Part 2!

Welcome Southern California Genealogy Jamboree Visitors! Let Me Introduce Myself!

 

Shovel in hand, about to eagerly set off on a grand adventure, did you ever stop to ponder the why, where, what and how comes?

Why are you doing this?

Why now and not before?

How come you didn't think to commit all the family stories to paper, tape, or video until nearly everyone was dead?

What led Auntie G to disappear and where did she end up?

What was the reason Grandpa's killer got off the hook and where can you find the records?

Where in the Sam Hill is everyone buried?

Where's my sanity for even attempting this enormous undertaking?

Well, let's NOT delve into that last one, heh, heh. :-D

Welcome, attendees of the 40th Annual Southern California Genealogy Jamboree, and any other interested parties, related to me or not, to the Blog Home of the Maceyugoserbulgarigreekadonian Compound and Research Facility, USA!!! ;-D

Let me introduce myself!

THE COMING OF THE MAD MACEDONIAN - A 3 part story.

And let me, um, introduce myself again! ;-D

I am a 1st generation Macedonian-American whose Father, Gorge Kundurdziev, immigrated from Yugoslavia (Roots in Macedonia and Bulgaria) in 1951, and whose Mother was born in Kentucky, with roots in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and maybe even Texas, among other places, thru Wells, Daugherty, Frazie/Fraze, Tanner, and other Surnames, back to the early 18th Century (Wells is the only one I have clues to about this fact.), and maybe beyond.

I was born in Pomona, Los Angeles County, CA., and have lived, and worked, in CA. all my life, getting a college degree, then building a 17 yr. career with an Independant Bookstore Chain that is no longer in business, working 2 yrs. for Target, and the last 5 yrs. as a Directory Assistance Operator (Do you Call 411 on your Cell Phone?).

I have been a Blogger since 2002, and this is my current personal blog, started in 2007 (The 1st was retired after 5 years, and I have a 6 yr. old Bike Blog.)

This blog is my home for more than just my Genealogy  Research, and Genealogy Blogging.

I am a writer, poet, and opinionated commentator, with many interests, and a peculiar sense of humor.

Oh, and I have a Cat, named Nikita, who is my Co-Blogger. ;-D

My interest in Genealogy began almost too late, in the late 1980's (I still consider myself pretty much a Novice), and I've shared a 2 part story called How I Became the Family Genealogist.

I have an official copy of my Birth Certificate. ;-D

A couple of items of note:

1. The Official filing date is April 1, 1960.

2. Someone, possibly my Sainted  Ma since she signed the document, put the country of birth for my Father down as GREECE.

I always knew I liked APRIL FOOLS DAY for a reason. ;-D

It is possible, based on the towns location, that in 1923 it was part of GREECE, but I think it was more likely Bulgaria, and will look into it more. ;-D

In addition to writing about my research (With Pictures), and about other blogs, websites, and genealogy stories in the news, I've written Poetry, humor, and writing prompts of a genealogical nature. ;-D

You will also notice several Genealogy Themed Blogrolls (Including many Genealoggers!), as well as a blogroll full of links useful to writers, and poets, which I encourage anyone writng about their Family History, whether on a blog, website, or in a book, to explore.

Writing Prompt: Where I'm From.

GENEALOGY!: Ditties Inspired By Burma Shave Signs

Poetry: The Immigrant: A Tribute to My Father

Song: Give Genealogy a Chance!

Famous Ancestor on the Macedonian side of the Family: Ancestor of Mine Dug Up by Greek Archaeologists! ;-D

Famous Ancestor on my American side: Maternal Colonial Ancestor Claimed Three, Linguistic, Versions of Declaration of Independence Printed. ;-D

On DNA Research: National Academy for the Study of UFOs Confirms Existence of UFO Chromosome in Humans ;-D

In my sidebar you will see that I also welcome advertising thru Google, and BlogAds, if you are looking for ways to advertise your Genealogy related websites, and merchandise.

In my Archive of Genealogy Posts I've written about the How and Why of my becoming the Family Roots Digger-upper, and shared some of my poetry, family history, roadblocks, and success stories, including pictures and I encourage you to visit those posts, and offer comments, as well as send me links to Genealogy Websites you might think I'd be interested in.