GeniAus - The Rockstar

I don't know the identity of those who voted for me in the 2016 Rockstar Genealogist Awards but I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The results have just come in and I am thrilled, humbled and honoured to find my name among the list of International Genealogists as the Superstar Rockstar Genealogist (Gold) for Australia/New Zealand. The award is particularly sweet for me this year as I recently had a few health problems that necessitated a major operation and time away from geneactivities. This gong may provide the catalyst to drive me back into my geneacave. 

Graphic by ANZ Bronze Rockstar - Michelle Patient

Thanks to John D Reid for organising this annual activity that promotes global genealogy. 

Don't forget to tune into 

Canada's Anglo-Celtic Connections Blog to see the full lists of Rockstars: 

Wednesday: Australia/News Zealand and Canada

Thursday: England/Scotland/Wales and Ireland
Friday: International, USA and DNA

A Bulky Letter

Mr GeniAus loves emptying the letterbox to see what surprises it has in store for him. Being a good person he does not open mail addressed to me but sometimes he is curious as to the contents. Friday's delivery brought a delightful surprise in an envelope that contained something solid and that had a return address we didn't recognise. Our curiosity was piqued so I opened it as soon as he gave it me.

Those who know me well know that I am fond of bling, both real bling  and geneabling.

A note in the envelope said "Found this just after you became a "Rockstar" so I thought it could go with your Genie Beads! I hadn't got it away before you went to Rootstech so held on to it!

I am thrilled that Chez popped the letter in the post. She is one thoughtful genimate.

The Package

Bling revealed

Now my issue is - When do I wear my new bling? Most genies I meet in Australia haven't heard of the Annual Genealogy Rockstar Awards organised by John D Reid from Canada. I am currently the Superstar Rockstar Genealogist for Australia and New Zealand but know that as I am unknown outside the realm of those genies who use social media, the awards are not on the radar of most genies downunder.

In case you don't know who your Australian Rocktstars are you can see them listed here: http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/australianew-zealand-top-ten.html. I am in stellar company.

Thanks once again to Chez, I got such a buzz from receiving your surprise in the mail. 

A Golden Old Girl

Earlier today I received an email from John D Reid which stated "Congratulations. Your genealogist colleagues have voted you #1, gold award, superstar genealogist for Australia/NZ for 2015" and a  request that I keep the news embargoed until the Official Announcement went live.

Keeping mum has been difficult as I was rather excited to read the news in John's email. Having managed to contain my excitement for several hours I am now able to share the link to John's Golden Announcement. 

Congratulations to all those who received awards and to all those who were nominated for this award, to be included on this list is a golden achievement. That my name came out on top in Australia/New Zealand is a wonder to me. I am so proud to see my name on the Golden List with CeCe Moore, Dave Obee, Kirsty Gray and Claire Santry.

I thank all those Genimates who voted for me in this competition and John D Reid for organising this activity which does much to promote genealogy and genealogists internationally. I recognise the multitude of volunteers who work in genealand and provide resources and services that help people like me reach Gold Status.

As I proudly accept this award I will remember all those Golden Genies on whose shoulders I stand.

Aussies Rock

Reading Rocks and so does Genealogy

There is a healthy number of nominations for Australian Genealogists in the third annual Rockstar Genealogist Award organised by Canadian genealogist John D Reid. 

There is no way that we can bump the Americans off the top ten list but we should still cast votes for our fave Aussie and International stars. John will be publishing an Australian awwards list as he did last year. 

To cast your vote (it ionly takes a minute or two) this year (you need to do it this week) go to:
 http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/rockstar-genealogists-2014-voting-now.html

I'd be thrilled if I got a few votes again this year.

Watch out - the Boat will be rocking

Because The Voyager of the Seas has stabilisers we should have a fairly smooth ride on the 4th Unlock the Past Genealogy Cruise  in February.

We will still be rocking along because The Top Six Rockstar Genealogists from Australia and New Zealand will be on board.  Last Year Canadian blogger, John D Reid, conducted a poll to identify Rockstar Genealogists from several countries. Based on votes cast by those who self-identified as living in Australia or New Zealand the top six were:

1. Jill Ball

2. Shauna Hicks

3. Chris Paton (Chris was also voted as number 1 for Canada)

4. Thomas MacEntee (Thomas was also voted as number 7 for Canada and 8 for the US)

5. Pauleen Cass

5. Sharn White

Kirsty Gray who was voted Number 1 for the UK and Ireland will also be on board.

Alan Phillips (Mr Unlock the Past) is to be congratulated on gathering together such a team of rockers.

Why Me?

Thanks to John Reid from Anglo-Celtic Connections for hosting a number of geneapolls throughout the year. I always take part in these and find the results and John's analyses most illuminating.

John also hosts The Annual Rockstar Genealogists Awards.  When I looked at John's post announcing the nominations I was surprised to find my name on the list and was pleased to see a fair representation of Australians there. I still don't know who nominated me but I am most grateful.

I was very excited for my mate Shauna Hicks yesterday when I read that she was the Silver Medalist for Australia and New Zealand on a list of international genealogy megastars.

I got an enormous surprise earlier today when John let me know that I was the Gold Medalist  for Australia and New Zealand. When I emailed my husband to tell him the news he replied "what an elite group". I was humbled, surprised and gobsmacked to find my face on the page with the others in this group. I realise that more than a a few people must have voted for me in the poll, thanks to each and every one of you for your support.

With our relatively small population base downunder it is difficult for Australians and New Zealanders to gain a large number of votes in international contests. I thank John for creating an Australian/NZ category and for including so many worthy Australians on the list of nominations.

You can see the list of the  the top ten Rockstar Genealogists from Australia/New Zealand on Anglo-Celtic Connections tomorrow.

Your support for genealogy in our country is truly appreciated, John.