Regrets? Not for me! DREAM-EXPLORE-DISCOVER all the way In!!!

Anglers Rest “the Book of Me”

 

Anglers Rest  In Deep with the Book of Me

Prompt 2 – February 2015 – Explore. Dream. Discover.

”Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did…….. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

 

Julie Goucher prompts are always thought provoking. This one more so that the others in my mind.

I have made tough choices over the year. Some I was sure was the correct route to take in life. Yet when I look back on those choices, I find all the positive, learning, growth aspects it provided me. How can you regret something that helps you become you?

1. Career choices: Nursing or English teacher?
2. College: Take time off before going or start right away in the fall?
3. Marriage: Straight from High School or make your way in life on your own?
4. Children: To have or Not?

I am confident the decisions I made were what I needed in my life at the time.

June Lee Stearns-Butka

 

1. Career: I chose Nursing. My mother was happy at that choice. She regretted not being able to go to nursing school and carry on her grandmother’s profession. I look back now, part of my decision to enter the field was to please my mother. Giving my mother that sense of accomplishment through me is a decision I will never regret. I am a caregiver by nature, no matter what I do in life. I am physically unable to work in my beloved profession; it doesn’t prevent me from still providing care in different ways. Supportive eyes and ears are sometimes all that is needed.

Nelson & Shirley Stearns 35th Anniversary 

 

2. College/Nursing School: I took time off to work as a caregiver, CAN (certified nursing assistant,) mental health worker and other odds jobs before deciding to start a three year diploma nursing program. Near the end of my first year my parent both became ill. Dad had his first heart attack, Mom her first round of cancer. I quit school to care for my parent and younger, still at home siblings. The youngest was only five years old. I do not regret that decision, even though the school Nursing Director, would not accept me back because she thought it was immature of me to leave a paid program to care for my family. NO REGRETS, I was there when my family needed me the most. Family comes first in my book every time. I did go on to obtain my nursing license and worked until my body failed me. Disabilities can slow you down but they cannot stop you from learning new things, new ways, and how to adapt to life challenges. I can provide care with my thoughts, loving support and just being there even if I can’t walk any distance or lift anything more than 30 pounds.

 

 

Mike & June’s Butka’s Wedding Day 

 

3. Marriage didn’t happened to me until I was 25 years old. I learned to stand on my own two feet, make decisions on my own, take care of a household with the support of a man and many other abilities too numerous to mention. I was the oldest child, I needed to have that alone time, before I could be a partner to someone with the support needed in a lifelong commitment. Did I kiss a few frogs? Yes. Do I regret what I learned from them? No. Those relationships give me the strength and knowledge of what I was looking for when the time came. I found a partner who accepted me as a person first, not doormat, do as I say, stay barefoot and pregnant. We built and are still building a strong loving relationship that provides support to each other. Yes, sometimes more so on one side than the other. That rotates back and forth depending on the circumstances we encounter. A roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Enjoy the happy times-support the sad times that is what makes us stronger.

The Butka Family

 

4. Children: I don’t think there was ever a time that I didn’t truly want children at some point in my life. I wasn’t ready to have them when I first graduated high school and was considering a serious relationship that included marriage. You see I am one of those woman who grew up straddling the fence of “Father knows Best” and “Burn your Bras.” I needed time to find out who I was first before taking on the job of raising children. I had been a second Mom to my siblings, I didn’t want to be a young mother. When I met my husband to be, I was in nursing school, her was in the drafting program at the same college. We met in September, started dating in January and were married in April. No regrets. He moved after graduation to New Jersey to start working for Bells Labs. I followed after graduating my nursing program two months later. I did not accept the next level of college I had applied for. I would apply in New Jersey schools and continue my education. Best laid plans…. Our first child surprised us. I never looked back. I have two intelligent, productive, independent adult children who provide joy in my life every day. DEFINITELY NO REGRETS.

DREAM-EXPLORE-DISCOVER: I do that daily. I cannot regret what something that hasn’t happened yet, because life isn’t over. It may not be what I planned to do, but I can assure you that it was meant to be.

 

To not dream, to not explore, to not discover what life or path there is, would be the regret.

NO Regrets that is for sure. Welcome world. What do you offer me today? I’m ready to learn.

The Stearns Family

Tombstone Tuesday: Sally Paige Sargent

Sally , Emily & Gilmon Sargent Remembered

Main Street Cemetery

New London, Merrimack, New Hampshire

 

Sally wife of Ezel’

Sergent Died March

1^st 1817 Age 44

A Son & Dau of Ezel’ &

Sally Sergent, Gilmon died

Dec 11 1805 Age 11m, Emily

Died March 13 1817 Age 3w

 

A Sally Paige was the first wife of Ezekiel Sargent of New London, Merrimack, New Hampshire who gave birth to a daughter Emily and a son Gilmon.  There are two other stones in this plot, Ezekiel and wife Emily. I will post them in later blogs.

Sources:

Family Search https://familysearch.org/search/record/results?count=20&query=%2Bfather_givenname%3AEzekiel~%20%2Bfather_surname%3Asargant~%20%2Bmother_givenname%3Asalyy~

Photos by June Stearns Butka taken 15 Nov 2009.

Thinking Day 22 Feb 2015 Remembering when…

Swift Water Canoe Team 1994

The theme for World Thinking Day 2015 is

 “Girls worldwide say “we can create peace through partnerships.”

End Poverty Badge

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

Teaching girls new skills, how to adjust to life’s adversities and working together with others, comes in all forms of Team Building.

When you think of Girl Scouting you automaticall think of Girls Scout Troops, selling cookies and summer camp.

That is just a small part of how the Girls Scouts and Girl Guides learn.

Girl Scout Counselors from Around the World

Girlguiding Patch

 

I had the opporunity to becaome a Girls Scout leader when my daughter wanted to join as a Daisy. I continued with her as a leader until she became a Junior Girl Scout. (I know it was time to let her fly on her own, to learn from others, to find her own way in life.)  I remained as an adult Girls Scout supporting them through education, training of future leaders camping skills and CPR, camp nurse, chase team for the Canoe Team and hosting Girl Scout counselors from around the world.

I was fortunate enough to have an amazing group of young ladies stay with me over the years. My children learn about the cultures of Yugoslavia (Bosnia), Hungry, Wales, England, Denmark and Czechoslvakia.

Team building is a strong theme of the Canoe Team, along with safety, good sportsmanship and having fun while learning.  The girls practiced locally for the General Clinton Canoe Regatta in Brainbridge New York that is held on Memorial Day weekend.

There was one year I was especailly  remember. It was the years the Girls came in third place. They had previously come in first place. This year stands out in my mind because the two girls that paddle the final lap of the race chose to give up first place they were in to aid an overturned canoe team in trouble. They learned the importance of Safety, team building and that winning isn’t everything.

When the awards were handed out, the announces even mentioned the fact that the girls were in first place but choose to give it up to help others. Everyone started appaulding and yelling out “well done.”

Jane and Bill had done their job well in teaching the young ladies the important things in life.

Girls Scouts from Derry, New Hampshire 1986-1989

 

The photos are from my experience as a Girls Scout. I wish I could remember who photographed our Girl Scout Troop #14 in 1989, to give them proper credit.

I hope this triggers you to remember your time as a Girl Scout or Girl Guide:

Your first troop meeting,

Learning the Girls Scout Promise-

The Girl Scout Laws

The camping Songs,

The first time you sleep in a tent,

The summer Girl Camps you went to,

And most of all-

The FUN and FRIENDSHIPS you made over the years.

Happy Girl Scouting!

Girl Scout Promise and Law

Girl Scouts of America Wikipedia

Photos by June Stearns Butka except where noted.

Symbols from Google search with links provided to originals

World Thinking Day World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

Wikipedia “World Thinking Day”

#Wk7GenealogyDoOverBlog: Saving is the Name of the Game

Saving is the Name of the Game

 

Week #7 of the Genealogy Do Over was an easy one for me.

1. I had already researched and decided on what Genealogy Database Software to use.
2. I have been digitizing photos and documents for years.
3. This was a great overview and reminder of the proper way to record my tree and photos for future generations.
4. I have a Jumbl Scanner for my negatives and filmstrips, a flatbed scanner for my photos.
5. I use Adobe Photoshop to provide minimal corrections to my photographs.

1. I will update my Family Tree Maker program, as needed, with new information, photos and documents.
2. I will use Legacy Family Tree program to add all ancestors’ documentation, starting with me, following the GPS before entering them.
3. I will learn and use Evidentia to aid in providing the missing pieces and proper documentation of evidence to support my conclusions.

A Thomas MacEntee GeneaBlogger Community

Thomas MacEntee Geneabloggers

Previous topics in the Genealogy Do-Over:

• Genealogy Do-Over – Week 6: 6-12 February 2015
• Genealogy Do-Over – Week 5: 31 January – 5 February 2015
• Genealogy Do-Over – Week 4: 23-30 January 2015
• Genealogy Do-Over – Week 3: 16-22 January 2015
• Genealogy Do-Over – Week 2: 9-15 January 2015
• Genealogy Do-Over – Week 1: 2-8 January 2015

Genealogy Do-Over – List of All Topics

Genealogy Do-Over Halfway there: LIFE IS GOOD!!!

#Wk6GenealogyDoOverBlog

A Thomas MacEntee GeneaBlogger Community

Genealogy Do-Over Halfway there LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Thomas MacEntee Geneabloggers

Week 1 – 2-8 January 2015

• Setting Previous Research Aside
• Preparing to Research
• Establishing Base Practices and Guidelines

Week 2 – 9-15 January 2015

• Setting Research Goals
• Conducting Self Interview
• Conducting Family Interviews

Week 3 – 16-22 January 2015

• Tracking Research
• Conducting Research

Week 4 – 23-29 January 2015

• Managing Projects and Tasks
• Tracking Searches

Week 5 – 30 January-5 February 2015

• Building a Research Toolbox
• Citing Sources

Week 6 – 6-12 February 2015

• Evaluating Evidence
• Reviewing Online Education Options

 

The past six weeks have been hectic. Sometimes overwhelming, sometimes sliding backwards, most time moving forward at a snail’s pace.

 

I decided to take some down time from Genealogy, not my choice. My body said “enough is enough, you need to rest.  At first I didn’t listen until I noticed I was slipping into bad habits (my old way of researching), making stupid mistakes and following those BSO’s (Bright Shinny Objects) Thomas is always talking about. I stopped, surveyed what I was doing, decided to take the time my body was insisting I have.

Four days later, my head was clearer, my body was finally able to stand and walk, I was ready to start again. At least I thought I was. Not so, my body again informed me I was not ready.

Here is my Facebook post from 13 Feb 2015, the last in several postings about my health. I only recently decided to post health related issues. I post this not for sympathy, but to let everyone know that sometimes we must listen to our body, family or loved ones when they say…

“Stop! Rest! Take time off!”

I listened. I do feel better for it. I am ready to continue on with my Do-Over with a clearer mind and more energy.

 

Remember take time out for yourself and your loved one. Your research will thank you in the end.

 

Facebook June Stearns Butka 13 Feb 2015:

 

“In 2006 I made a choice to participate in a Chemotherapy Trail after fighting with various cancers in my body since 1999 with diet and natural alternatives.

 

One of the side effects listed was tooth decay. The form of Chemo was supposed to stay in your body for up to 10 years. My dentist had agreed to be part of the trail in following my care.

 

It seems every two years I am reminded that I made the choice of

 

LIFE vs Teeth.

 

I gladly chose life.

 

It is scary that the chemo is still in my body and causing the various weaknesses and tooth decay that I have been dealing with these past few years.

 

The BRIGHT side of thing is I am still here spending time with my family and friends, learning new things daily, and kicking cancers butt.

 

So what if I have bad days where I can’t move, think clearly or participate the way I once did.

 

I CAN participate and embrace every moment that life has to offer until I make my final journey home to join my loved one who preceded me.

 

LIFE IS GOOD!!!”

#Wk5GenealogyDoOverBlog: Building a Research Toolbox

Genealogy Toolbox additions

Week five of my Genealogy Do-Over was a slow one for me. Life decided to invade on my research time. That is okay. Thomas MacEntee reminds us that the do-over is to proceed at our own pace.

I have continued to add to my Genealogy Toolkit, both, online and with books. The photo above shows some of the new tools I have added. I’m excited to utilize the Google Earth to create video tours of where my ancestors lived. I know the younger children in the family will enjoy learning this way.

My IPad will be more efficient when I return to my research trips around the state. I will be link with my home computer and not have to take time to upload the information a second time.

Applied Genealogy book is not a new tool. It is a reminder to me to not forget what books I already have available on my bookshelf. Town Histories, history books in general and some published genealogies will aid in creating a full picture of my ancestors lives.

My online research is growing daily. I add website links to my new Excel research log.

The research log is still a challenge for me. I am learning how to add a column, add a line along with keeping track where I have researched the time, date and transcriptions. It is a slow process. I am improving with each use of the log.

I have been using the research log to do list to keep track of those BSO’s (Bright Shinny Objects) that keep tempting me. I add the link or a note to the “TO Do List” keeping myself on track.

Citations this week for me includes taking my handwritten source cards, from my previous research, entering them into the computer with the proper format. Yes, we are to put previous research aside. I feel by the sources are still valid for future inclusion of my ancestors.

I have completed (this will be ongoing as I find more information) my own basic profile with proper citation of birth, marriage, nursing licenses, residences and photographs. All cited and named properly in my database Research log.

I will leave my research on the log until it is time to add them to the Genealogy program I will use. I currently use FTM2014. I have Legacy 8.0. I haven’t decided which I will use for my final option or if I will enter them into both.

 

Here are my 5 W’s and How

Who: Me, June Lee Stearns Butka and my ancestors

What: My life in review

Where is: Find the supporting documents

Where in: Cite the location of those documents

When: Past and current residences, occupations, life happenings

Why: For future generations and to document my life and my ancestors

How: Slowly, carefully, citing, documenting each step of my ancestral journey

 

My plan:

1. Continue improving my skills
2. Follow the GPS Standards (Genealogy Proof Standard)
3. Update research goals as needed
4. Prepare for family interviews
5. Continue scanning records and photos
6. Track all my research
7. Conduct my research one person at a time
8. Continue to build my Genealogy Toolbox
9. Properly cite my sources

 

A Thomas MacEntee GeneaBlogger Community

 

#Wk4GeneanolgyDoOverBlog: Managing Projects and Tasks, Tracking Searches

 

 

A Thomas MacEntee GeneaBlogger Community

 

Week #4 Goals:

1. Managing Projects and tasks
2. Tracking Searches

You will see how I manage my time and projects as I review and update you on each week’s goals for the Do-Over.

Let’s start with an update of my Do-Over:

Week #1 went along easily enough setting aside previous research, preparing to research and establishing base practices and guidelines. It is an ongoing project.

I set aside an hour each day for paper filing. Once I have all my files where they should be, one hour will keep me up to date and on target. I was feeling overwhelmed at the amount of research that had not been filed, so I decided to dole it out into manageable size. It still allows me time to do my research, homework, spend time with family and friends, with maybe a little time for housework, if I so desire to spend my time that.

Anyone who is a genealogist or family historian must know that housework is always at the bottom of the list unless it is related to feeding, clean clothes and walking the dog, right?

My digital files are also an ongoing project with the new naming system. I decided as I need the file for my research- it will be renamed in a modified version of Diana Ritchie’s naming system. (STEARNS June b19XX birth certificate, STEARNS June B19XX marriage certificate, and so on.) It not only places all my records related to each person together, I can quickly see what file I haven’t added yet.  An easy way to track progress at a glance.

Preparation for research is always on going. I will make every effort not to follow BSO’s (Bright shinny objects.) When I find something in my reading or even on Facebook post, it is added to my ever growing “To Do List.”

I WILL NOT research when I am rushed, distractible or fatigued. This only leads to errors.

I WILL slow down in my research making sure I capture all the document, story, or photo has to offer.

I WILL learn new methods of tracking my research, new places to research and new tools will be added to my Genealogy Toolbox.

In regards to best practices I will continue to tweak and improve them.

 

I WILL follow my research plan:

1. Find the person; write what I know; write I hypothesis I want to prove; identify the sources and my research strategy. Answer my Who, What, Where is, Where in, When, Why and How questions.
2. Keeping in mind the GPS standards: a reasonably exhaustive search; complete and accurate citations of sources; analysis and correlate collected evidence; resolve any conflicting evidence and write a reasonable, coherent written conclusion.
3. Follow the Thomas MacEntee’s 10 Golden rules of Genealogy: remember there is no easy button; research from a place of “I don’t know;” track my work and cite my sources; ask for help; I will start my research-no blank pages; think like my ancestor; share my information (I don’t own my ancestor); be nice-play well with others; remember to divide your information into required, important and optional.

The hardest one so far is sorting information into categories. I’m greedy. I want it all. I need to remember the purpose of why I am researching, that way I can add the facts but keep the “fluff” for later. The fluff is important when telling your family stories. It give your ancestor personality but it can distract you from your research. Document it, source it so you can go back later, add it to the “To do list” for later.

 

Week #2 Goals:

Setting my Research Goals were part of my preparation I mentioned in week one.

I conducted my self-interview.

See Damegussie.wordpress.com for my goals and my self-interview obituary.

Family interviews will be conducted when weather permits. I did send out a worksheet of questions that I will ask for them. Hopefully they will find photos and documents to back them up with. I have my portable scanner, IPad and worksheet with a written interview release form all set up in a packet for each family member I will interview.

 

Week #3 Goals:

Tracking research- I attended Thomas MacEntee’s Boot Camp on using an excel worksheet and citing our sources. In becoming proficient in the use of the Excel worksheet, I have watch the video multiple times. I also watch Dear Myrtle Wacky Wednesday Excel Worksheets video #1, #2 and #3.

Last week, I posted that learning the worksheet was easier using ourselves for importing the information. I hit a little roadblock when I tried to advance my learning but adding to the spreadsheet my own section. I froze myself out of my worksheet. I had to start again. Entering the information into the second worksheet did go faster, but I still not sure how comfortable I am with excel spreadsheets.

I will continue to use the spreadsheet and research log spreadsheet through the thirteen week Genealogy Do-Over. If by the end of that time I am not comfortable with them I will return do my word document type of documenting my research. The goal is to make research easy, cite all source, track your progress, follow GPS standards, answer the 5 W’s and how questions, follow your research plan and share with others.

Bottom line is what makes you most comfortable in adhering to them is the best plan for you. I have noticed that I did cite my sources, tracked my progress, and followed the GPS standards prior to the Do-Over. Yes, my citation are improving. I have slowed down in my research but I think it is more because of the learning curve than to not taking time to mine the records for all data.  I was documenting everything I saw on a document or in a photograph prior to the Do-over, just in a different manner.

Conducting research- I am learning new website and resources as to where to find my ancestors. Everyday there is something new to learn. I will grab every bit of information that people are willing to share. I will also share what I have learned with others.

I have mainly been researching my immediate family records. I have found little tidbits of memorabilia that have yields past residences, birth, marriage, death dates and brought back floods of images and memories I had forgotten about. Items found-recorded-sourced and tracked properly for future use by others.

Week #4 Goals: Managing projects and tasks; Tracking searches

Managing projects and tasks- I watched Thomas MacEntee’s video on project management. I have put his method of managing on my “to do list.” I am having enough of a struggle with the spreadsheets now without adding another one into the mix.

That doesn’t mean I am not tracking my project and tasks. I am scheduling a certain portion of each day and some times a day of the week for each task on my list.

Daily task include: upon waking take scheduled medication/vitamins, check bank accounts and e-mails for 30 minutes, check Facebook for 15 minutes,(Facebook and e-mails get checked again at lunch time and dinner time), take Ninja Buddy (my Italian Greyhound) out for a walk, feed us, take next round of medicine/vitamins, 15-30 minutes filing, repeat- meals, walk the dog throughout the day, before settling in for the night final e-mail and Facebook check, walk the dog, snuggle in for the night.

Sunday: Scanning documents and photo day-at least 1 hour at some point during the day (sometimes 3pm EST with Facebook group when home), Family and friends day.

Monday: clean the Bathroom, watch Monday’s with Myrt, plan research goals and task for the week. Work 1-4 hours on research of my husband’s line, read any homework chapters of current classes or Do-Over (1-2 hours,)

Tuesday: clean kitchen, research on my mother’s line 1-4 hours, read or watch video/webinars as needed for research/education goals, CARD NIGHT with the ladies (usually finish around midnight) I’m glad it is where I live so I don’t have to travel that late at night alone.

Wednesday: Laundry day while watching Legacy Family Tree Webinar at 2 PM EST, currently also watching Beginning Genealogy with Dear Myrtle at 12 Noon EST and Dear Myrtle’s Wacky Wednesday at 9 PM EST, Research 1-2 hours either side.

Thursday: clean bedroom, research Dad’s line 1-4 hours, grocery shopping, relaxing from the long days of Tuesday and Wednesday, and maybe starting my Blog post for this week.

Friday: prepare weekly meals in individual servings and freezing them for later use, this is my open research day depending on how I feel, what needs to be followed up on from the week’s previous research, CARD NIGHT with the ladies. Post my weekly Blog post.

Saturday: family day, open research day, or whatever I feel like day, Watch Genealogy Game night with Dear Myrtle 9 PM EST if awake and home.

Once warm weather returns and the roads are passable I will add research trips to my schedule during the week. Most of our local historical societies are closed during the winter months.

Tracking searches is an ongoing process. Currently using a handwritten log book and word document for the person I am researching. I have a word document for each person or subject I research. I’m starting to add them to the excel spreadsheet along with my other research. SLOW learning curve with the Excel spreadsheet continues.

 

Reading material for Blizzard Juno

This week we had a visitors on the East Coast call Blizzard Juno. Where I lived we were lucky not to lose power. I was prepared with emergency food, water and reading material by flashlight or battery operated lanterns. Our snow total in Merrimack, Hillsborough county, New Hampshire in the historic Reeds Ferry district was 22 inches of light, fluffy, crystalline snow. Easy to sweep and shovel as needed for Ninja Buddy’s walk.  I posted updates on my Facebook Pages June Stearns Butka and Where in the State is Mom.

 

Blizzard Juno visits