*Hi all: This question was posed on another list, and I find it very interesting, so for New Years Eve/Day, I am posting it here, if anyone would like to respond! (My response is below) ... *Tina* My genealogical interests and pursuits began when I was about 25, which was 32 yrs ago! Briefly, I was working in the UCSB Library, and taking a break one day I was walking around looking at the many books, some of which were old and interesting looking. As I looked into one, it had an old photo of a man named WILLIAM KEEN, and Keene being my maiden name, it piqued my interest, and I wondered, "Could he be an ancestor of mine???" (I didnt know any farther back at that time on my Keene line than my own father, so I had no clue) --- That began my interest, and of course it grew and grew! I did find that I had an ancestor born 1796 named WILLIAM KEEN, but it was not the one in the book. By the time I learned of my WM. KEEN, I had long forgotten the book. Living in Sta Barbara was helpful because they have an excellent city library that houses many excellent genealogy books/resources! Also, at that time, someone recommended I check with the LDS Church/what is now the FHC of course, but not at that time, 27 yrs ago. So my interest grew, and ancestors were found and more interest, etc etc, you know how that cycle goes! :) I have now taught many classes in it, published a book & a surname publication, and love helping others with theirs, and of course I still enjoy doing my own... but the big breakthroughs are fewer and farther between! But I still have *hope* ! * HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL, AND WISHING YOU MANY BREAKTHROUGHS & CRUMBLING BRICKWALLS in '06! * ** So, how about you????? ** *Tina/CA*