The Beginning...
What to blog about? This is the defining question. I'm sure it's the first question all bloggers have asked themselves. For some, the answer may have come easily. But, for me, it was tougher...I'm not an expert in any particular field. I'm not a philosopher or a great observer of the human condition. I'm not even particularly perceptive. So... what?
Well, I have contemplated this question for several months (not continuously, mind you... that would be a little self-absorbed!). And, as I pondered I was reminded of the #1 rule for beginners in genealogy or family history: Start With What You Know.
Starting with the story of great-great-grandpa Alfred who served for Canada in the Boer War or great-grandma Margaret who is half-blood Cherokee will, at best, send you down a dead-end or, at worst, have you tracing someone else's family tree.
Start With What You Know -- yourself. Where were you born, and when? Who are your parents? When and where were they married? When and where were they born? Who are their parents? And so on through all the details you know. This is your starting point.
From here you can add other details -- employment, siblings, family stories, etc. Build a picture from what you know. That's rule #1. Later rules deal with proof and evidence, knowledge vs. assumptions, primary vs. secondary evidence, and so on... I'm no expert, but I can tell you what I've learned...
So, the answer to the defining question is that I will start with what I know: genealogy, running, music; and then what I am starting to know: karate, parenting, management; and finally what I am yet to know: stay tuned...
posted by John K @ 12:32 a.m.
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