Welcome to There and Back Again - A Genealogist's Tale

 This past weekend I spent over twelve hours with my daughter in a movie theater experiencing The Lord of the Rings, extended version (of course) on the big screen. These movies, and the book that inspired them, are family favorites. I'm often reminded of the title of Bilbo's tale when I'm researching: the physical shifting of ancestors through immigration, and the time shifting of the genealogist through immersion in the past punctuated by real life in the present. Hence the blog title: There and Back Again - A Genealogist's Tale.

This week, I have a lot on my genealogy plate! Last night was the first monthly DNA SIG of 2026 for the Cobb County Genealogical Society. As the coordinator, I led the group in setting some genealogy intentions with respect to our DNA research, and helped them prepare for a productive year of discovery. Next month we'll embark on our own genealogy journey to really dig into our DNA test results, using the methodology described in the book  Research Like a Pro with DNA, by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin. 

Tonight is the Association of Professional Genealogists' Writers SIG. Participating in this SIG is one of my 2026 genealogy intentions along with submitting Part 1 of my portfolio for BCG Certification. I have been on the clock for TOO long, it's time to cross this one off the to do list.

Next week, the five-part class I'm teaching at the West Cobb Seniors Center begins. "Level Up Your Genealogy" will teach seniors proven techniques for solving tough research problems and provided them with a clear understanding of how DNA can support genealogical research. Did I mention I'm passionate about genealogical education and paying it forward? Putting the finishing touches on the class materials is also on my to do list for this week. 

Time to get cracking on that list!


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