I remember last year, when I received my first blogger award. I didn’t know there was such a thing for writing and posting on a blog. I was ecstatic, giddy, and felt like a little girl getting a new surprise.
Since then, I’ve met so many talented and inspiring fellow bloggers. I still feel happy and elated, when I receive an award, and have been blessed in this blogging community some 10 times now. What an honor!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for these awards and with this post I want to do my part in paying it forward. I apologize. I‘m overdue in this acknowledgement and hope you don’t mind that I’m cheating, a little, combining them in one post, rather than separately.
There are a few similar rules to follow in order to pay the gift forward and spread the love and I’ve included them with each award. For my post, I am combining the rules, will tell some things about me you may not know and list 15 of my fellow bloggers I want to pass on one of these awards.
So, here are my latest awards and those that gave them to me:
One Lovely Blog Award ― Sept 12, 2013. What a lovely surprise for me in receiving this from Wendy McCance at “Searching for the Happiness“.
It made my day when I saw it and brought a smile to my face. Over the months, she has become a dear, internet friend, as we’ve gotten to know more about one another reading and commenting on posts.
Rules
There are no rules or questions for this one ― just a shout out, if you’d like to grab this “One Lovely Blog Award” here.
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Award Winning Blog ― Has Been Blessed Again ― Sep 24, 2013. I was surprised and excited in receiving this award from Susan Cooper at “Finding Our Way Now”.
Not only does she create awards, such as this, she is a published author, posts podcasts along with her personal animation and shares her expertise in culinary arts and winery.
She has become such a resource to me in blogging and the internet and is always supportive and willing to help.
I envy those fellow bloggers who’ve had a chance to sit at her California kitchen table and taste, firsthand, creative treats, savor the wine and witness her lovely charm.
Here are the rules:
1. Post a link to my blog and the award/awards image or images you accept on your website.
2. Say a few nice things about the one (me) who gave you the award/awards.
3. Tell us fun stuff about yourself.
4. Share the wealth with others as you see fit. How you choose to do that is entirely up to you.
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Most Influential Blogger Award ― October 15, 2013.
I was newly introduced to Rene at “Mind Chatter” through a recent post I wrote that a fellow blogger reposted (Shaun Gibson at “Praying for One Day”).
We haven’t known each other very long and I was instantly connected with her comments and kindness in sharing my story.
Then, came her awards post and I was blown away to have been included as one of the nominees for this award.
She tells it like she sees it and shares it with the world.
The rules of this award are:
1. Add the award logo to your blog.
2. Answer the questions.
3. And pass the award on to 10 other blogs and let them know.
First you answer all 10 Suggested Questions:
1. What makes you happiest?
2. Do you love the Oceans or Mountains more?
3. What has been a special moment in 2013?
4. What’s your favorite quote?
5. Do you like yourself?
6. Do you stay up till midnight on New Year?
7. Something you wish could be done ASAP?
8. What was your favorite class when still at school?
9. What musical instrument have you tried to play?
10. Anything you had wished to have learned earlier?
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The Versatile Blogger ― October 16, 2013. Wow! I couldn’t believe it, the following day Rene at “Mind Chatter” nominated me for this award, too.
She included an explanation of how a blog is chosen from the Versatile Blogger Award along with the meaning of versatile ― “to move easily from one subject, task or skill to another.”
I like that she included this in her award post.
It shows how much this means to her and that she doesn’t take it lightly in choosing who to give these awards.
How to choose a nominee from the site of “Versatile Blogger Award”:
“When you consider nominating a fellow blogger for the Versatile Blogger Award, consider the quality of the writing, the uniqueness of the subjects covered, the level of love displayed in the words on the virtual page. Or, of course, the quality of the photographs and the level of love displayed in the taking of them.”
Here are the rules for this award:
1. In your post, thank the person who gave you this award and include a link to their blog.
2. Select 15 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly. (I would add, pick blogs or bloggers that are excellent!)
3. Nominate those 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award — you might include a link to this site.
4. Tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.
And lastly, don’t forget to copy and paste the Versatile Blogger Award to your page!
List 7 Random Things About Yourself!
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Now, here are my 15 favorite fellow blogger selections (with the name of the award for which I have nominated them). I hope you enjoy learning from them and reading their stories, as much as I have:
1. “Journey to Ithaca” (Award Winning Blog ― Has Been Blessed Again) ― I’m fairly new to Bethany’s site and was intrigued with her courage and sense of adventure to pick up stakes and leave everything behind. She pointed me to the story called “Blossom” where her journey begins. I love that she’s willing to take chances to make life better.
2. Traces of the Soul (Award Winning Blog ― Has Been Blessed Again) ― by Oliana. Here’s another courageous woman who puts her life out there to help kids in trouble. The lives she encounters and situations are tough but she is too. She has a gift that’s genuine and keeps on giving to make a difference.
3. A View From My Summerhouse (One Lovely Blog Award) ― by Sherri Matthews. I knew we were made from the same stuff, when I saw the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote on her site: “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not”. I love her photography and reflections on life. She’s not afraid to think outside the box.
4. Timeless Italy (One Lovely Blog Award) ― by Susan Nelson. I’m fairly new to her site but I love how she takes me on a journey every time I visit. I feel like I’m walking down the very streets in Italy where she’s walking.
5. “Living Simply Free” (Most Influential Blogger) ― by Lois Field. I love her site and never come away without something new I’ve learned or a feeling like I’ve just been invited into her home. She is loving and warm and I always enjoy her “Friday Faves”. It’s where she shares her grandchildren, innovative ideas, personal stories and photos, along with links of fellow bloggers she’s enjoyed reading the past week.
6. “Skipping Stone” Memories (The Versatile Blogger) ― by Denise Baer (Bea Sempere). I admire authors with the discipline it requires to write. Denise has certainly accomplished this and is an inspiration to me. Recently, she told me how excited she was to have one of quotes shared on the internet. I can see why with its depth in meaning and simplicity. I put it to a picture I took of the Rocky Mountain aspens. I’ll share it here with the hope it does justice to her quote. Thank you, Denise.
“When you wake up with a song stuck in your head, it means an angel sang you to sleep” ― by Denise Baer
7. A Selection of Recollections (Award Winning Blog ― Has Been Blessed Again) ― by Diana Jackson. I first came across Diana’s site with interest in a post she wrote about her dear friend, Norman. He was over a hundred and learning the computer and internet. Wow! How wonderful and tender in sharing how spectacular it can be, when we’re open and have a zeal for life.
8. The One Thing I Know For Sure (The Versatile Blogger) ― by Diane Reed. She makes me think with her photos and poetry ― sometimes it’s whimsical and other times it’s deep and reflective. She gives me food for thought with her stories and life experiences. I’ve grown to know her well and consider her one of my internet friends.
9. Ghost Talk Blog (Most Influential Blogger) ― by Beverley Young. Now, here’s a woman after my own heart exploring the mysteries and questions of the supernatural. She inspires me with her ghost stories and encourages me in the telling of my own. With ease, she takes me to a peaceful place beyond where our loved ones have crossed.
10. Mimi Luk – Empowering You To Be Your Best (One Lovely Blog Award) – by Mimi Luk, a Personal and Professional Life Coach from Canada, I always get a lift from her gorgeous photos. There is so much beauty in the world and, in her sharing, she lets it shine everywhere along with her positive attitude and messages about life.
11. Italian Living 1 (One Lovely Blog Award) ― by Shauna MacDonald. I know Shauna probably won’t see this for a while, as she is in transition back to the States from Italy. I wanted to include her site, as I always enjoy reading about new places around the world. I’ve never had the opportunity to see very much within my own country, no less abroad, and reading her stories takes me a little closer to my dream of traveling.
12. The Bridgemaker (Award Winning Blog ― Has Been Blessed Again) ― by Alex Blackwell, motivator and successful published author. I’ve known Alex since 2007, in my old Blogger days, and I’m honored to have contributed a story to his latest book called, “Letting Go: 25 True Stories of Peace, Hope and Surrender” coming out Nov. 14th. It’s my hope to post my story on my site after his book is published.
13. John Cali Spirit Speaks Newsletter (Most Influential Blogger) ― by John Cali, also a fellow blogger, I’ve been following since 2007. John is an acclaimed channeler on the matters of spirit and spirituality.
As a child, I had a strong, Christian background through the influence of my grandparents. Early on, I felt a depth of love and faith in God that has carried throughout my life. It’s truly been a journey of questions and curiosity pushing the buttons of traditional thinking.
I was introduced to the possibilities of the world beyond through witnessing my grandmother’s psychic abilities, some of which I’ve written stories. I am looking forward to the opportunity of soon being a guest blogger on John’s blog and now working on a story idea on which I’m anxious to get his views.
14. Searching for the Happiness (Award Winning Blog ― Has Been Blessed Again) ― by Wendy McCance. I can’t end this list without also including Wendy for an award, even though she was first mentioned in the beginning, as one of my award givers. Over the months of reading posts and commenting, we have gotten to know each other and connected in a special way. She opens her heart and thoughts to the world personally and professionally and inspires me.
15. Finding Our Way Now (The Versatile Blogger) ― by Susan Cooper, another fellow blogger my list would not be complete, if she wasn’t included, even though she was named above as an award giver. I’m constantly blown away by her gifts and talents and honored to have her as an internet friend.
10 Things You May Not Know About Me
1. I grew up on the U.S. East coast, Philly and Virginia, even though I’ve lived in the Rockies for over 40 years.
2. I’m not crazy for chocolate.
3. I like all types of music from country and R&B to classical with a lot of rock-n-roll in between. One exception may be rap and that, too, would be a possibility, if the tune and lyrics were right.
4. I got married, when I was 19, only knew each other for 6 months and coming up on our 47 anniversary.
5. As a kid, I hated reading. I’m happy to say, as an adult, that dramatically changed but there are still a number of popular classics I haven’t read.
6. I didn’t know how to cook, when I first got married. I burned a pan and started a stove-top fire.
7. I would love to travel and explore.
8. I enjoy stories about people and their lives and experiences.
9. I once worked in a tomato factory, in the south, in a huge barn, in the middle of tomato fields.
10. I gave a short talk on talking sticks in a major corporate boardroom and asked them to share their feelings on trust.
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I know it takes work to accept this award and time from our busy schedules to do justice to those who gave the award along with those you’re nominating and introducing to your readers. That’s what I hope to do in this post.
If you’re not able to accept an award, would you please pass it on to a friend ― Thank You!
I hope you’ll check out my entire list of awarding bloggers on my Awards page and discover some incredible blogs. I’m sure they’d love it, if you stopped by to say, “hi”.
Pat from the ol’ kitchen table
Thank you Pat. You humble me with your kindness and thoughtful words. I feel the same way about you. I know that surprises you. Mutual support does much for all in this online world we live in. It also fun learning more about you.
You’re welcome, Susan. You know how much I appreciate you, don’t you? I’m happy to share your work with my readers and spread the love. 🙂
Thank you Pat for the Most Influential Blogger nomination…it is especially meaningful coming from you. I am not very good at following rules however…I did post the award on my blog with a link back to you.
Hi Bev and you’re truly welcome for the award. You mean a lot and I’m happy to share your work with my readers. I get what you mean with following the rules and tweaked them a little myself in putting this post together. Thanks for the link. 🙂
Thank you, Pat. I have fallen behind on award acceptances, but will make a concerted effort to go a similar grouping of my most recent awards. I loved learning a bit more about you. The cooking one had me laughing. I wasn’t that bad but really didn’t know how to cook until I dated 2 men who loved cooking and taught me how to do it right. And I wish I didn’t like chocolate. 🙂
Hi Lois and you’re so welcome for the award. I know what you mean about falling behind on acceptances. That’s why I thought I’d better get this done by the end of the week before it gets away from me. Time just seems to slip away like that.
I’m glad you liked the bit pieces about me. I remember when I was a kid I’d take a vanilla ice cream cone over chocolate and, fortunately, like the 2 men you dated, my husband knew how to cook. He put me on the right track along with keeping me out of harm’s way so I didn’t burn us down in the process (just kidding — wasn’t that bad). I can’t believe I let that water boil down, burn the pan and start a fire. I’ve gotten much better over the years. LOL
Guess we all have those funny things about us — that’s the beauty of it all. I enjoyed reading all the things about you too on your “Huge thank you”. I can relate to a lot of things you listed. 🙂
Pat, your ice cream cone and chocolate had me laughing. I knew how to cook somethings but just enough that they were edible, nothing that you would want to rave about. Now that the children are grown and it’s just me I’ve reverted back to very simple foods, but at least I know enough not to make them so bland and boring. 🙂
It seems like a lifetime since then, Lois. I can only eat certain types of chocolate — most of it tastes like Ex-Lax to me and waxy.
I would like to think I’ve learned some things over the years. Just a few days ago on FB, I saw my daughter post a chicken noodle soup she cooked (she got the chicken noodle soup from her dad with my contribution being the noodles). 🙂
How funny, love your daughter posting her soup when she got the ingredients from you and her dad.
Yes, I have been spoiled by good chocolate. The stuff in the store is full of wax, with the exception of Hershey’s Symphony bars which is the only mass produced chocolate I can tolerate. I have been spoiled by having Chocolate businesses that make the good stuff right in my own community.
Yep, Lois, it looked like she did a good job, too. The soup looked yummy and the noodles just like mine.
I remember, when I was a kid, I lived back east, my grandfather took me up state to Hershey, PA. It was beautiful, rolling hills Amish country with a small amusement park. Everywhere you went in that small community you could smell chocolate, especially up on the Ferris wheel. I doubt it’s like that now — that was so many years ago. 🙂
I haven’t been to Hershey since they moved most of the jobs to Mexico but it was still lovely and yes you could smell chocolate through the entire town. The only thing that felt weird to me was how the entire town was so perfect. All the lawns were cut the same, there were no bikes in the driveways etc. It felt like something out of the Stepford Wives movie. I know the amusement park is still operational and there are still tours of the plant. I especially enjoyed the Hershey Kiss street lights, were they there when you visited?
That’s so cool, Lois. I didn’t know very many people would have even heard of that little town no less actually been there. I love that. I was just a kid (in the 60’s), when I was there, and we didn’t take the tour of the plant or go through the town much. We went just for the amusement park, mostly for me. But, I remember it was beautiful way out in the country, rolling hills and there was the plant.
Good memories and it would be interesting to learn if it changed with the outsourcing. 🙂
Pat, the outsourcing hasn’t been all that successful, there have been problems with the plant in Mexico so they reopened some of the plant and we hear rumors that more jobs will come back. Personally, I was pretty upset with Hershey company. An entire town embraced the business and when they thought they could gain an even larger profit they ran across the border.
I do love Pennsylvania, we have such beautiful scenery. While there are many states with gorgeous scenery this is what I grew up with and feels right to me, if that makes any sense. And yes I get tired of the cold and snow in the winter, but remind myself that’s why it’s so beautiful here.
I’m really glad you have good memories of being in Hershey.
Lois, I can see why you’d be upset with the outsourcing, especially when the whole town embraces the company. There are a number of towns across the country that have suffered when main businesses pull out — Detroit is bankrupt.
I grew up in a small borough south of Philly and remember taking some of my first driver’s training lessons on the airport circle. I think that’s all changed now. I also remember when they started the construction of I-95.
I miss the woods, rolling Amish country, Farmer’s markets, stone colonial houses with solid wooden doors and the history. My sister lives near Brandywine. I love PA, when you get out of the city and away from the refineries — it’s gorgeous.
Pat, I love all the same things you do about the countryside in PA! Yes, there are too many towns which will soon be ghost towns or lost communities like Detroit, now that’s a horrible situation. They have an opportunity to start over, the empty lots from tearing down homes could expand the yards of nearby homes giving people a bit more space, they could embrace the concept again of everything you need being in your neighborhood. Then we have the towns in Texas that have no water due to fracking, and all the communities in coal country who have lots their mountains and all the pollution etc that comes from that. They are going to destroy the country and the landscape for the almighty dollar. Sorry, I get riled up when I think about these things.
I hear you, Lois, me too! I understand your passion and love for this country. I feel it too. I don’t know what the answers are, on a broader scale, but I do feel what we’re doing by blogging and putting out positive energy helps. What you talk about is all true and believe it’s a collective result of the human condition that’s not just in the US but around the world.
You’re doing your part influencing change by what you write and the relationship you have with your grandchildren in how you live and what you teach. I believe it all matters and makes a difference. That’s what you do, my friend, change the human condition, a little here and there, by touching hearts. 🙂
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Pat, I was so touched to by what you said. I feel just the same my friend. I feel very lucky to have gotten to know you and look forward to learning even more.
I loved reading a bit more about you and have to say I was shocked when I read you don’t like chocolate. As an addict to the stuff, I can’t wrap my head around someone not enjoying it.
I loved reading that you have been married for so many years and met when you were so young. What a testament to your relationship with your husband. So rare and incredible.
Thank you so much for the award. All in all, you really made me feel special. 🙂
You’re welcome for the award, Wendy, and I’m happy it made you feel special. It was meant to. The more I write the more I get to know those I’ve connected to in this wonderful blogging community.
I like to read unique, quirky little things about people and I had fun with that, when I was listing some of those things about me. It never ceases to amaze me how different we can be and what you can learn from each other yet be so much alike. That’s special to me and I’m glad you’re a part of it, my friend. 🙂
Wendy, You have one of the nicest smiles & are one of the best people that I have come to spend time e-mailing. I am always so happy when I get a chance to get that nudge that I need.
Pat it has been such a pleasure stopping by & meeting you.
Peace & blessings Happy Monday.
Same with me, Jackie. I’m glad we met. It was a pleasure. Hope you’ll come back again soon. You’re always welcome to sit around my internet kitchen table. 🙂
Congratulations Wendy, Not surprising with all that I have learned from you as because of you always being on time for me needing to hear what I needed to hear & being that final gentle nudge that got me to start writing. I don’t know if that article that I had a day to write ever did get published however the most important thing for me was finally writing something & sending it in. I thank you for all of your encouragement. All my best to you for the future. My next mission as I continue to write is to start blogging. Yes I do accept that mission with you in mind.
Much peace & happiness.
Hi Jackie. I’m glad you stopped by “Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom” and left a comment congratulating Wendy. Yes, she truly is deserving in what we learn from her and what she contributes. I’m happy she has been such a help with your writing. 🙂
I am rather glad that I did stop By & believe that I will be back. Yes Wendy is a wonderful & real person. We real people are the best kind of people. Stay real the most important thing to be as well as honest. Nice is also a fantastic way to be as well.
Peace & be well.
Jackie.
Thank you Jackie for what you said and I’m glad you came back. I like that we have a mutual friend, Wendy, to thank and I agree being real and authentic is the only way to be.
My total pleasure. I am now just getting ready to start Blogging. That was Wendy’s original nudge.
No turning back now.
Peace & be well.
Happy Thursday.
🙂 Happy blogging and Happy Thursday (Halloween).
Aw, Thank you so much, Pat. Knowing you nominated me for an award is touching, but seeing my quote on one of your beautiful pictures is wonderful.
Thanks for thinking I’m worthy of an award, and my words worthy of your photography.
Hey there, Denise, you’re welcome and I’m so happy you saw the picture with your quote. It means a lot that it meets with your satisfaction. 🙂
Congratulations on your recognition! Keep up the good work.
Thank you. I hope you’ll come back for another visit. 🙂
What a wonderful way to acknowledge others and their words and thoughts. This is going to take me some time to digest!
Hi Rona – thank you and I’m happy you stopped by and took the time to look over my acknowledgements. I hope you have time to check out some of these sites. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone.
I like that your interest is in photography. I’ve been learning a little about bracketing, Photomatix and Photoshop. It’s pretty incredible the pictures you can produce. Have you heard of HDR (high-dynamic range) and Trey Ratcliffe at http://www.stuckincustoms.com?
Hey Pat. You make me feel so humble the way you’ve connected with people….you see blogging as being part of a wider, quite special community. I’m afraid I often see it as on my ‘to do’ list to tick off when it’s done. You have helped me to make a resolution to make space in the day.I know It’s so rewarding when I do. Anyway, congratulations….a well deserved honour and many thanks for your support:-)
I’m happy you felt the love, Diana, in sharing. It was meant to honor you and your work. Connecting has always been important to me and I know what you mean in feeling rewarded. It’s kind of like the connection you had with Norman — special. 🙂
Many congratulations on all your wonderful and very well deserved awards Pat! Also thank you so much for thinking of me by giving me this nomination for One Lovely Blog Award. It really does mean so much. I also love how you took so much time with this post giving such lovely write-ups about everybody’s blog that you nominated and it is obvious that you prepared this post with such care, attention and love.
Congratulations also on the longevity of your wonderful marriage, I really admire you and think this is the way it should be.
I loved reading all about you and feel I know you a bit better now. I love chocolate but not chocolaty things like chocolate cake or pudding!! So in that way I’m similar too!
Pat, I love the way you incorporated the different awards here and I hope you don’t mind but I would like to steal your idea, giving full credit where credit’s due of course! I think it’s a fab idea 🙂
You’re truly welcome, Sherri, and I’m glad you enjoyed the read of all the sites and things about me. I wanted to honor you and those I follow and do justice to the value of your work. I was overdue in paying these awards forward so it did take some time and I’m glad the incorporated version works for you too. You’re the best, my friend. 🙂
You are a lovely friend to me Pat, so glad we met 🙂 x
Me too! 🙂
Many many thanks Pat for your comments and nominating me and my new blog. You’ve stirred me into action and here’s my reply http://selectionsofreflections.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/thank-you-for-my-you-have-been-blessed-award/
You’re welcome, Diana, and thank you for the mention in your award post. It means a lot to connect with you and have you as an internet blogging friend. I’m happy you were inspired and look forward to reading more reflection stories.