December 2, 2012

My 2012 Genea-Santa Wish List


Randy Seaver issued an invitation for this week’s Saturday Night Genealogy Fun on Genea-Musings that I just can’t resist:

Come on, everybody, join in and accept the mission and execute it with precision. Here's your chance to sit on Genea-Santa's lap (virtually) and tell him your Christmas genealogy-oriented dreams:
1) Write your Genea-Santa letter. Have you been a good genealogy girl or boy? What genealogy-oriented items are on your Christmas wish list? They could be family history items, technology items, or things that you want to pursue your ancestral quest.
2) Tell us about them in your own blog post, in a comment on this post, or in a Facebook status or Google Stream post.

What am I waiting for? Let’s get this letter started!

Dear Genea-Santa,

I’ve tried to be a good girl this year, and can’t wait for your visit. I’ve volunteered my time on the boards of two local genealogical societies, put out four society newsletters, paid close attention in my classroom at GRIP, and did my homework diligently (okay, so I didn’t get the answers right, but I tried!). I've spent a lot of time trying to hook myself and other people up with our ancestors. I know this is a busy time of year, but there’s a few things I could really use, so here’s what I’d like to ask for:
  • An iPad Mini, so I can play with some fun new apps and load it up with books to read. I’ve never had a tablet or e-reader, but this one looks so darn cute and portable, and will sync with all my other devices and my Reunion database. Pretty please?
  • The digital version of Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills, to put on the iPad Mini and my Mac. I already have a well-bookmarked copy in hardback, but the e-book will be way lighter to carry around.
  • A one-week trip to Genealogy Fantasty Island, where I can focus exclusively on my research and writing. No phone calls, no repairmen, no obligations, and—much as I love my friends and family—no visitors. Just uninterrupted time. Oh, and an instant transporter to the archives I need, too.
  • A visit from Mary Poppins. You know her, right? Remember how she and the children tidied up the nursery just by snapping their fingers? I need that, Santa. Just give me one day with Mary and I bet we can have my office, my photo collection, and my kitchen spit-spot.
  • Dinner dates with each of the three mystery men whose parents I’ve been searching for:
    • Charles Ballenger (1815-1891) of Athens County, Ohio
    • Fitch Bishop (1811-1868) of Sheffield, Massachusetts and Freedom, Ohio
    • George W. Self (c. 1805-c. 1875) of Buncombe County, North Carolina

I hope this isn’t too much to ask for, Santa. I imagine you probably get pretty tired of milk and cookies at every house, and at some point during your long journey you could use a little pick-me-up. So tell you what: I’ll set out a nice big margarita with chips and salsa for you, and some munchies for your hard-working reindeer, too. Just a little something to make your night merry and bright. Deal? Thanks, Santa!

Faithfully,
Shelley 

8 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Jenny, and appreciate the comment!

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  2. This is darling. It made me feel good to read it. Especially I want Genealogy Fantasy Island. For at least a week. Why we don't all have that instant transporter to the archives we need, I'll never know.

    Merry Christmas season, and I hope you get your gettable wishes. Except I hope the three dinner dates, if you get them, are not too scary. (Shades of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wouldn't that Fantasy Island be lovely, Mariann? I didn't think about "A Christmas Carol" before, but now that you mention it, it does sound a little spooky. Oh well, I'd risk it for the chance to talk to those guys!

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