Have you noticed any one particular trait that runs in your family? Our children have exhibited artistic traits through the years and the first comment their aunts and uncles made was, “Just like Grandma!” because Grandma was a painter, and so was her father for that matter.

As a student, I majored in English and once came tremendously close to getting an agent to publish my children’s books. So when I found out that Emily Dickinson is my cousin, I was thrilled. I love books so much that I even went to a festival in Forks, Washington for fans of a certain book series written by Stephenie Meyer (if you know, you know). I cannot explain why I get so excited about actually seeing the places, eating the food, and meeting the actors from that story, but there it is. Getting older kinda stinks and it was nice to feel like a kid again, getting together with other fans to celebrate such a creative, unique story.

Lake Crescent, on the way to Forks, Washington

There is a fun game on FamilySearch that shows who your famous relatives are—people who were artists, explorers, athletes, authors, leaders, actors, musicians, etc. I haven’t found any famous photographers on there, but any kind of creativity seems to run in our genes. Some of my ancestors were even creative in questionable ways. Jesse James was seen as a type of Robin Hood in the south for his “creative” ways of acquiring income. I’m glad I don’t take after him though.

If you could imagine your own famous relatives, who do you think they would be? Would you be excited if a president of the United States was your cousin? What if you discovered you were related to Shirley Temple or Vincent van Gogh? Finding out might inspire you to foster your own talents and interests, which is one of the most important parts of your story.

La Push Beach on the Quileute Reservation

Visit FamilySearch to create your free family tree. It tends to self populate once you enter a couple of generations—you’d be surprised at how many people you’re related to who are already working on your same family tree. Unlike other family history services, this one is a huge community tree. Don’t be surprised if someone adds a picture or story to “your” tree. It’s a wonderful thing to learn new information about a great-great-grandparent because a total stranger is also related to them. Concerned about privacy? They’ve got you covered. Details of living family members, including yourself, are only visible to you. Plus, you can use an unidentifiable public user name so your actual name will not be shown. You can even create a tree for your adoptive family if you don’t know your own blood relatives.

“Hold on tight, spider monkey!” (Twilight, 2005)

So, are you going to do it? Find out if your skills run in your family for generations? I hope you do, and I hope it ignites a sense of newness and discovery in you.

And if you do, you’d also like to know about RootsTech, a free online event to help you learn more about telling not only your story, but that of your family. Save the date: March 5-7, 2026. Registration begins September 24th. And if you’re feeling extra excited about it all, you can purchase a ticket for the three day, incredible in person event. Early bird pricing will be available at the link below.

It’s All Relative

How I met Kameron

A Thread That Connects