Family Tree Maker: Crystal, Wood and a Purple Shawl
I’ve always loved wood and crystal. My grandmother loved crystal, and my grandfather worked with wood. I didn’t know either of their passions until I told my mother about my two favorite things: crystal and wood.
As a working woman in the Internet space, I was intrigued to learn of another connection. My grandmother ran the first phone switchboard in her town. Her grandmother ran the first post office in hers. I ran straight into the “new” Internet while working in the space during it’s early business-adoption days. My grandmothers and I were part of the communications “firsts” for our areas. I followed in their footsteps without ever trying.
At a recent genealogy event, I talked with a woman who’s been in the genealogy space for many years. I commented on her beautiful purple shawl and she mentioned that a surprising number of others had said something similar. The delicately embroidered shawl had been her mother’s–this was the first time she’d worn it in public. She looked radiant. I couldn’t help but wonder what else this beautiful woman carried with her from her mother.
Their stories, their strength, their composure under pressure, their simple pleasures. What else do we carry from our forbearers?
I once read that one of the favors we can do for our children is to tell them the stories of their ancestors’ lives. Children learn, through real-life stories, that difficulties have been faced and overcome. They learn that the strength of their forbearers runs through their blood, too.
Pictures of their ancestors can also help them make the connection. If you’re interested in trying Family Tree Maker’s new Book Building feature, here’s how you can add media items:
First, start a new book by going to the Publish workspace, clicking on “Books” under “Publications Types,” and selecting “Genealogy Book.”
Enter a book name, and, if you’d like, enter your name as the author of this book. In the mini navigation area at the top of the screen, click on a person whose picture you’d like to attach. Click on “Add Book Item” (the “plus sign” in the upper left), then select “Media Reports.” Select “Media Item,” and click OK. (Alternatively, if you want to insert a full photo album for that person, select “Photo Album” instead of “Media Item.”)
You can continue adding pictures until the book contains all the information you’d like, then choose “Preview Book” to see it in finished form. To email or save your book, select the File menu item, and click on “Export Document” or “Send via Email.”
This is so out of character…
Spin doctor told you to write a touchy-feely story so you would seem caring? You only seem more dishonest.