I haven't been very active since I joined the list back in January, but read the messages and find them all fascinating. Just wanted put in my two cents about what our memories can do for us. Back in March I was submitting a column proposal to a local Tampa Bay Fl area newsletter. I wrote a sample article "Break Thru Your Brickwalls by Writing Your Family History" based on my research of my father, grandfather and great grandfather in Ridgewood NJ as part of the proposal and how memories of these relatives can spark ideas to break through our brickwalls and more. Then decided to submit the article in the Want-to-be Writer/Columnist category of the 2006 International Society of Family History Writers and Editors Excellence-in-Writing Competition. I didn't get the column, but I was notified back in April that I was one of this years winners. The awards (certificates and checks) were presented to the winners who were able to attend the ISFHWE Awards Banquet at the National Genealogy Society conference in Chicago. Those like me who were unable to attend received their awards by mail after the conference. Which is when I found out the article took 3rd place in it's category. I was told there were a near record number of entries in the competition this year. I am staying close to home this year to organize Pops 11 file cabinets and numerous boxes of files and photographs and work on the book about the Romans of Ridgewood. I have to admit I got bogged down with the job and allowed myself to get sidetracked from the project. Having my article chosen as a winning entry is such an honor for me as I have long been in awe of my fellow ISFHWE members. Ever since I was given the honor of handing out the awards at one of the conferences several years ago. This has given me the inspiration I needed to continue my work on the book. My plans for the 4th are to work on the file cabinets since I have the day off, and everyone else here has to work. I'll take a couple of breaks to look at old home movies about the 4th of July parades and bbqs back up home in NJ. Hope everyone has a great holiday!!! Laurie Beth Roman