Words can’t express how truly thankful I am for the following 3 awards given to me by my Scotland friend, Shaun Gibson at “Praying for One Day”. We made an instant connection, when I noticed he lived there as my paternal grandparents were from Scotland. It’s a place that has always fascinated me and I’ve put it on my bucket list as one of the first places I want to visit. I had the chance to Skype with him and loved hearing that accent once more ― put me in tune with my roots.
Shaun lives with chronic Fibromyalgia pain which limits a lot of what he’s able to do, as a man of 40 with a young family. So, he posts on his site on a variety of topics from music, family, personal reflections, ghost stories, space and current events to politics. He researches and passes along what he finds and is pretty successful, I’d say, with 1000+ followers and 100,000+ views. You don’t have to agree with all of what he says, he just wants you to care, be open and be a part of the solution. No doubt, I’m sure you’re bound to find something that will keep you coming back to his site for more.
The 3 awards I’ve been blessed to receive from Shaun are “Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award” (yes, I know it’s a girly award from a guy ― that didn’t stop Shaun), “Semper Fidelis Award” and “Peace and Justice Award”. I’ve acknowledged each one below and followed the listed rules. I hope you will visit the fellow bloggers I’ve nominated for I have grown close to them and enjoy their stories and the messages in their writing. I know I keep choosing some of them for awards over and over only because I feel they are so worthy of recognition.
I know I’ll be posting the pictures of these awards again further on in my post, as I acknowledge them and choose my nominees. I thought they were especially nice and colorful so I just wanted to put them together here, first.
Peace and Justice Award © 2013 Barbara Mattio
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On 11/15/13, I received this first award from Shaun on his post called “Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award ― from a Man!”
This award gives me a chance to identify some of my internet sisters I’ve come to know and love. They come from different parts of the world and bring their own flavor and unique style of blogging.
Rules
1. Provide a link and thank the blogger who nominated you for this award.
2. Answer 10 questions.
3. Nominate 10-12 blogs that you find a joy to read.
4. Provide links to these nominated blogs and kindly let the recipients know that they have been nominated.
5. Include the award logo within your blog post.
Questions and my answers
1. Your favorite color? (I don’t really know??? There are so many of them I love, depends on the mood I’m in.)
2. Your favorite animal? (Right now it’s our dog, Abby, though I have to say I love horses and cats too.)
3. Your favorite non-alcoholic drink? (Ice tea)
4. Facebook or Twitter? (I use Facebook more only because I don’t text because we don’t have cell phone service in the mountains. I use Twitter only when I’m online.)
5. Your favorite pattern? (My favorite pattern is xx’s and oo’s ― xxxxoooo ― ha-ha)
6. Do you prefer getting or giving presents? (I prefer both giving and receiving – I love to give presents and get excited to see someone’s face, when I know I’ve given them something exceptional. I love receiving them too ― it’s part of the fun giving others the pleasure of seeing my face light up.)
7. Your favorite number? (My favorite number is 11 only because I see 11:11 so much and know it’s a message to listen.)
8. Your favorite day of the week? (My favorite day of the week is all of them now that I’m officially retired. The best one is the one I wake up to every day.)
9. Your favorite flower? (My favorite flower, of course, is the rose because of its delicate beauty and fragrance, though they don’t smell anymore like they used to.)
10. What is your passion? (My passion is learning to live the best way I know how with love in my heart, an appreciation of the life I’ve been given and sharing it with others.)
Here are 10 of my sister bloggers I nominate for the “Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award”:
- Searching for the Happiness by Wendy – I’m honored to include as one of my internet sisters
- A View from my Summerhouse by Sherri ― the view may not always be rosy. . .
- Reflecting a Life by Elle ― create the life you want
- The One Thing I Know for Sure by Diane ― a soft place to fall, some poetry, some stories some random thoughts but most of all a place I hope blesses those that stop by
- Finding Our Way Now by Susan ― it’s all about life – stories, food & drink
- Ghost Talk Blog by Beverley ― a forum for spiritual topics, spiritual communication, ghost stories, UFO’s and the paranormal
- Italy: from St. Peter to Caravaggio by Susan ― travels, tales and explorations of a timeless theme
- ”Skipping Stone” Memories by Bea ― recorded memories
- A Selection of Recollections by Diana ― real stories about real people
- © 2012 – 2013 GinaQuarles.com by Gina ― Encouragement, Hope & Inspiration
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On 11/29/13, I received a 2nd award from Shaun on his post called, Semper Fidelis Award. I’d also like to thank the creator of this award, Patty, at Petite Magique. She made it because she wanted to be part of a wolf pack. I guess that makes me part of the wolf pack, too.
I have to say, though, Semper Fidelis (Semper Fi which in Latin means “always faithful”), mostly reminds me of the U.S. Marines and my son-in-law who served ― “Oorah!”, a Marine motivational cry, in lieu of a howling wolf. It’s a Marine thing.
The Rules:
- Add the Semper Fidelis Award logo somewhere on your blog.
- Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.
- Nominate 5 bloggers whose loyalty and friendship you value and you consider being part of your “pack of wolves” on WordPress.
- Post something special for all of your nominees separately and dedicate it to them. This can be a quote, saying, poem, and picture. Anything you think that would fit that person.
- Let the nominees know that you’ve nominated them.
Below are nominees of some of my fellow bloggers I think most exemplify this passion for which they stand and heartily share in the writing of their hearts’ message. I am honored to give tribute to them for the Semper Fidelis award:
1. Simple Thoughts from a Complicated Mind, Sort of . . . ― thoughts on everyday life and inspiring others to contribute to life in a positive way. This video is for you, Joseph, in the spirit of persistence and inspiration of success:
2. Grandfathersky ― thoughts and feelings made into words about the world in which we live. I dedicate this Beatles song to you, gfs, for a place in our memories:
3. Johncoyote ― Poetry, Story and Real Life. I dedicate this quote to you, John, in a world with all its mystery:
“The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.” – Galileo
4. Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker ― my creativity comes from the Universe and benefits the Universe through the sharing of my journey. This quote is for you, Patricia, for those times when we may forget:
“Sing like no one’s listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like its heaven on earth.” ~ Mark Twain
5. Perspectives ― the ups and downs of life dealing with my Dad’s Dementia/Alzheimer’s from the point of view being a part-time carer. With great respect, Patrick, this song is for you, with the hope it will give you comfort in the care you had for your Dad.
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Peace and Justice Award © 2013 Barbara Mattio
On 12/1/13, I was honored to be included for a 3rd award by Shaun in his post called, “Peace and Justice Award”.
Rules (as passed on by Shaun):
I’m not big on rules, but an award should have some, so I’m told. So here they are:
1. Recipients should frequently write about Peace, Justice, Love — the goodness in the world, or putting goodness in the world.
2. Recipients may also frequently call attention to the bigotry or racism that happens in the world.
3. Link back to whoever nominated you and, since this is about goodness, politely thank them.
4. Spread the love to whomever and however many you believe deserve it!”
5. Sharing ONE video to show feelings on Peace and Justice, PLEASE TRY AND PASS THIS VIDEO ALONG ALSO!! It’s called, “A MESSAGE FOR ALL HUMANITY by Charlie Chaplin” and speaks from the past but is relevant now.
Here are my nominees for the Peace and Justice Award. They are among those who help spread love and peace throughout the world with their poetry, written messages of hope and photographs:
- Free Your Mind ― an alternative look at the world
- Hope of Light ― a new beginning
- Mimi Luk – empowering you to be your best
- Serenity Spell – Wild in Florida: exploring and photographing Florida’s threatened ecosystems, wild life and more.
- Living Simply Free – living in 300 square feet and saving the planet one day at a time
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There you go. I hope you will stop by and visit all of these amazing blogs and enjoy reading their stories as much as I. I’m happy to share them with you again and trust you’ll join me in congratulating them for the wonderful love and energy they put into the world.
Pat from the ol’ kitchen table
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2013-2014 Pat Ruppel
Wow, so many congratulations to you Pat, for all these very richly deserved awards, incredible!
Thank you so much for nominating me for The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award which I so gratefully accept.
I’m so glad that we met, you have become a wonderful friend to me Pat and to know that I am part of your ‘Sisterhood’ makes me so very happy 🙂 I will get to this as soon as I can and will let you know when I do…
Have a super day my lovely sister-friend 🙂
Thank you, Sherri. I feel the same way and happy to be friends and share our stories and sites with each other. I’m glad to have you as one of my sisters and honored you accepted the award, my friend. 🙂
Bless you Pat 🙂
Thank you, Sherri. You know I’m gonna send you some blessings back, don’t you? hahaha Have a happy Wednesday, my friend, and take care. 🙂
Got them…thanks dear friend! Have a lovely weekend and wrap up warm, I’ll be thinking of you in the snow… 🙂 x
Thank you, Sherri. We’re staying warm and won’t be long and the snow will be gone — that’s Colorado. Take care, my friend, and hope you have a great weekend, too. 🙂
So amazing!! Congrats, you deserve it. 🙂
Thank you, Wendy. I’m happy to include you too and share you with my readers. I know they take time to do and no pressure with having to accept it. I’m just thankful for your support and reads. You’re a blessed friend. 🙂
Thanks Pat. I did mention you on my Facebook page and added you onto the awards page on my blog. I appreciate the support, kind words and most of all friendship. I feel just the same about you my friend!
Me too, Wendy. I love the friendship and exchange. You’re truly welcome for the support and rightfully deserved. I’ve learned many things from you and taken much of your advice in blogging and networking tips you’ve shared along the way. Our connection means a lot to me, my friend. 🙂
Thank you so much for your generous thoughts, Pat. You are wonderful.
You’re welcome, Yaz. It’s just so nice to connect with you again and I’m happy to share you with my readers. 🙂
Pat, you always say and do the nicest things…thank you for the Sisterhood nod…I love the whole concept of “belonging” and the blogging community certainly encourages this. Congrats on your nominations which are so richly deserved! xxx
Hi Bev – thank you for stopping by and you’re welcome on the award. I’m always happy to share you with my readers. I hope they will come by and check you out and find your stories as interesting as I do. 🙂
Thank you so much Pat! I am so thankful. I made this.
Blessings to you:)
Hi Gina – you’re so welcome for the award. I’m just glad to have you as one of my fellow bloggers I can share with my readers. 🙂
Congrats!!! Amazing post …. to hand out awards!!! Well done! 🙂
Oh Wow! Hi Dr. Rex. I’m so happy to see you and glad you stopped by. Thank you and it means a lot that you liked the awards post.
Hope you’ll come back again soon. You’re always welcome to sit at my internet kitchen table and share a tale or two. 🙂
Love that invitation!! Will take you up on it!!!
Hugs …. 🙂
You can pull up a chair anytime, Dr. Rex, here at my internet kitchen table. 🙂
You might be surprised!! 🙂
No doubt – but that’s good. It’s stretches my thinking. I’ve been known to also send a few curves in the mix once in awhile, too. LOL 🙂
You’re always welcome, Dr. Rex. There’s a chair waiting for you. I’m looking forward to hearing your stories and getting your take on things. 🙂
Back at ya!!! 🙂
🙂
Found you on FB. Left you a link for my “like” page too!! 🙂
Got it and I’m happy to give you a “Like”. I also subscribed to your blog. I like to read others stories and views on things, though I don’t get caught up much in the political banter. I feel my opinion probably isn’t going to do much on changing how others feel. It only zaps my energy and I’d rather focus on connecting rather than dividing. It’s like what your blog says, “It is what it is”. 🙂
TY Pat … more than welcome. You warm my heart.
Hope you have a great day!!! Hugs … 🙂
Same here — warm heart. Happy Thursday! :-
🙂
🙂 🙂 LOL
You deserve all these and so much more. Your kind and open heart is a beautiful thing to me. I am grateful for the nomination. But I am more grateful for your friendship my freind. 🙂
Thank you so much, Susan. I’ve grown close to you and value our friendship. I appreciate what you put out in the world. You’re making it a better place for us all and I’m happy to give you this award and share you with my readers. 🙂
I feel the same. You made my day with your kind words my friend. 🙂
Same with me, Susan. I’m glad I made your day. I like when that happens. Take care, my friend. 🙂
Hi Pat! Congrats! Love your responses to the awards. Hope all is well with you. It is time to meet for coffee! :-). Hugs! Stay warm– it is crazy cold!
It’s great to see you over here again, Teri. You know I always love it when you stop by. I agree — it’s time to meet again for coffee. It’s been awhile and can’t wait to see you. Just give me a day and time and I’ll be there. 🙂
Thanks so much for the award. I apologize for responding so late. I’ll be posting my award soon.
You’re welcome, Bea, and no problem on the posting. I know it takes time away from your writing to accept and process these awards. Your support and comments are enough for me, my friend. I’m just happy to share you with my readers.
Congratulations on your new book coming out. I wish you much success with it! 🙂
Thank you Pat for this award. I appreciate your support of me and of my blog, my friend. Time keeps slipping by with so many things left undone. This is the second award you have presented me over the past month and I still haven’t gotten a blog post written to say Thank you for the first one. Don’t know if I am behind because I am getting older and slowing down or if I just have too many things to do in a day. Either way, I don’t like it. Your friendship is valuable to me.
No worries, Patricia, on the awards. You’re truly welcome. I’m just happy for your support and having you to share with others. Your friendship means the world to me.
As far as getting older and too many things to do, you don’t want to go there. I think there are things I’ve needed to do but have long forgotten what they were. LOL I’m just happy to take one day at a time and be thankful for that, my friend.
THANKS so very much for the sweet award nomination! I had never heard of this one; such a lovely one at that. CONGRATS to you on your awards, too!
I’m very sorry, too, for my tardy reply — I’m slowly trying to return to the blogging world, baby steps with my replies. I do miss it! Hope you’re doing well!!
Hi FeyGirl – you’re truly welcome on the award nomination for Peace and Justice. I had never seen that one before either. It is lovely and thought how it fits exactly with you and how you advocate for wildlife, the everglades and the environment. Also, the peace of Nature that comes through in your beautiful photographs.
No problems in getting back with me — I’m just happy to share what you do with my readers. Take care. 🙂
You’re so incredibly kind…. Countless thanks, again!! It really is a beautiful thought.
I can’t wait to return to my blog. I’ve been trying so hard to keep up with y’all, though! The beauty I see here keeps me smiling and ever hopeful.
You’re welcome, FeyGirl, and it’s truly deserving. I appreciate the voice in your blog and photos supporting and educating us on wildlife and threatened ecosystems. I’m happy to share you with my readers and look forward to your return with more stories and beautiful pictures. Beauty is everywhere and I’m hopeful, too, when I see your work. 🙂
Thanks so very much, again, for the sweet words. It’s giving me more fodder, inspiration (and a swift kick to the heinie!) to set aside creative time for my blog. I miss it, and exploring. It keeps the mind and spirit stable! 🙂
Hahaha – you make me laugh, FeyGirl (a swift kick to the heinie) 🙂 We all need a little boot and shot of inspiration sometimes — even thrive on it. Best of luck in the new year. I’m looking forward to all the new stuff you’ve got to share, my friend.