The Golden Nugget Library

About a month ago, I came across the Golden Nugget Library, which is a genealogical resource of California databases. I can't recall how I found the link or what I was looking for, but I noticed that there was a small post about needing volunteers to transcribe bios.

Since I've always been fascinated by bios, I figured it would be fun to volunteer and help transcribe. After all, who knows what I'd learn in the process? So, I sent off a note, and within a few days, I was transcribing my first bio. 

The bios I'm working on are for folks living along the northern California coast. It's been interesting to read about these people who started the towns I once lived in. Here's a sample of the original page from one of the bios I'm working on:

Courtesy of Golden Nugget Library

If you click on the image, it will take you to the transcription of the page. As you can see, the subject of the bio, Frank H. Moon was born in 1861. Most of the bios I'm currently helping to transcribe are about folks back in this time period. The book was published in 1904, so it's understandable that these people were history makers in California at the time. 

One interesting thing about working on the transcriptions is trying not to correct some of the mistakes I find, like sentence structure or missing commas. The language of that time is so much more formal, yet there is a familiarity in the writing, as if the writer of the bio is trying to make the person your friend. Nevertheless, it's been fun, and I'm looking forward to continuing the transcriptions in my spare time. I know it's giving me ideas of what I'd like to include if I wrote up a short bio of myself for my All About Me book. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Shop Till You Drop

When I was in my 20s, I actually enjoyed shopping. It was fun to be out and about. As I've aged, however, shopping tends to be more of a chore, especially when it comes to clothes shopping. I loathe shopping for clothes for myself, which is why I normally just buy something, then take it home to try it on. 

About a month ago, I was doing a little retail therapy online, looking for a pair of shoes to replace my favorite leather Keds that had seen better days. I came across some Converse shoes that were a suitable replacement. I went ahead and ordered online. But, when they showed up, they were too small. Having never worn (or even tried on) a pair of Converse shoes, I had no idea what my size would be in that brand. I decided that I would go and seek out the same pair of shoes at Macy's so I could actually try them on. Lo and behold, they actually had this particular style in stock! Even better, it was on sale and they had a size to fit me! I was so excited, I went ahead and purchased them and was on my way in less than 15 minutes - most of that spent waiting in line to be rung up.

So, when ninigoesdigi's Shop Till You Drop collab with Designed by Soco came out, I knew exactly what purchase I was going to document - my new Converse shoes!

Check out the Shop Till You Drop collection:

Shop Till Your Drop Kit by ninigoesdigi & Designed by Soco

Shop Till Your Drop Journal Cards by ninigoesdigi & Designed by Soco

Shop Till Your Drop alpha by ninigoesdigi

Shop Till Your Drop templates by Designed by Soco

Shop Till Your Drop washi by ninigoesdigi

Aside from loving the colors, the elements and washi tape are just plain fun! And that's how it felt to put the following layout together using one of the included templates from Soco:

By cyranoscrap for ninigoesdigi

I know lots of women who go ga-ga over shoes, but these are more my speed. They will definitely be a part of my everyday wardrobe!

In the meantime, grab the Shop Till You Drop packs (click on the previews for each to go directly to the pack) for 20% off through the weekend. Or, save a bundle by picking up the collection. (And then you can do a little more retail therapy!)

Harmony

After a bit of a hiatus, Blue Flower Art has a new release this week - Harmony.

Courtesy of Blue Flower Art

The gorgeous plum accents of Harmony called to me. Luckily, I found a recent photo that just happened to have the same shade. And, this photo also captured a brief moment in time between me and my son.

By cyranoscrap for Blue Flower Art

CREDITS

All supplies from Blue Flower Art, unless otherwise indicated

Kit: Harmony

Template: Art Therapy Text Strips 2

Fonts: PW01Script (journaling); Underwood Champion (text strips)

Add a little Harmony to your life while it's 20% off through Sunday!