I've got a History 434 class that gets us into using technological tools for our research. I'm finding many things to add to my work, so it's a successful class for me. Just check out my other blog, MaineRaynesFamily, and you will see what I mean. Where before my research was all about what I could put together, with an occasional e-mail from a Message Board, now it is about seeing the whole picture. Prof. Jill Crandell explained that historians see broadly the overall picture of populations and communities; genealogists see deeply into lineal groups; the middle ground of family communities is the intersection that most interests us. This picture might reflect that view, of looking deeply to better understand the larger emergent identity.

Aspirations

Resolutions! Resolutions! So much to improve, so little time, such looonnng projects. Give me something do-able...
So I have the best resolution ever this year: Make a new resolution once a week. I love it! I'm finally keeping my New Year's resolution.
Charlie's observed that I'm just on the edge of overload most of the time.
I'm thinking about that. Does that mean that I should cut back? There is too much to do, to see, to formulate. I think that maybe I like being busy, even if it doesn't seem like much gets done. Mundane is mundane--I would rather be working on something. Which reminds me of a story my mother used to tell. When I was 10, we visited a Relief Society Bazaar (they used to do fundraising in those days) and as we finished our purchases, I had chosen only those things that I didn't think I could make myself. As I looked up at my mother, I wailed, "What if I don't live long enough to do everything?!"                  Photo collage credits:http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/7828_102849263059760_100000040602345_78407_6825036_n.jpg , 

In our readings last Sunday, Charlie & I found it interesting that George Albert Smith set down his creeds in his early thirties and lived by them the rest of his life. We found creeds to live by in our family:

Never take advantage of people—CE Chenoweth Jr.

Honor your name—CE Chenoweth Sr.

Bear solemn testimony of Jesus Christ—CB Chenoweth II

It’s important to treat other people with kindness and respect—Kathryn W.Smullin Chenoweth

Develop reverence and self-control—Lincoln F. Raynes

Don’t be judgmental of people—Nina M. Knight Chenoweth

Love everyone and show it too—Beth Milner Raynes

Be forthright and honest—Caroline V. Fitzgerald Smullin

Never fear to stand for righteousness—Arnel  Seaton Milner

Love life and God’s beautiful world—Pearl Hamblin Milner

Everyone has value—Grace Cheever Milner

A sense of humor goes a long ways—Ronald Curtis Raynes

Be kind and friendly—Joseph Dale Smullin

Inquire; Seek always for truth---Mary E. Trimble Raynes
                                                                                              image by ianmoranflicker