Sweet Surprises ~ Blog Awards....For Me? So Sweet

Yes, it happened. I logged into my blog early last week and found that Meditative Mom had so sweetly passed along the Stylish Blogger Award and The Versatile Blogger Award! After the initial shock wore off and I double checked to make sure I had actually logged into my own blog, I jumped for joy and went screaming through the house. "I won a blog award! I won a blog award!" Thank you so much for visiting my little pink blog and thinking enough of it to pass this sweet sentiment along. You make me laugh every time I read your blog. I had to bring the tissue box back to my desk cause I was getting make-up all over my sleeves from wiping away the tears. Thanks so much for the award...and for writing your blog.

If that wasn't overwhelming enough, I opened my blog the next day and saw that I had also received the Stylish Blogger Award from one of my most inspiring bloggers and I dare say, very special new friend. Kim authors the inspiring A Creative Spirit blog where she shares her life with us. A Creative Spirit is the first blog I read every morning. Thank you my dear, for thinking of me, for sharing your life, for lifting us all up. I can say that I have used that tissue box a number of times while reading your blog as well. You are an amazing, strong, courageous, faithful, compassionate and creative woman and I am so blessed to have "met" you :-).

Now there are rules that go along with accepting these awards and they follow:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded this to you.

2. Share 8 things about yourself.

3. Pay it forward to 15 recently discovered great blogs.

4. Contact those bloggers and let them know about their award.

So first and foremost, Thank you Kim and Meditative Mom, from the bottom of my heart.

Kim's ~ A Creative Spirit

The Meditative Mom

And 8 Things About Myself....hmmmmm, let me think...

1. I love all things Denim...I have a sofa, chair and ottoman that are denim, my master bed-skirt is denim and there is a decorative denim pillow on the bed. I have an accent wall in my office that is painted Denim and I have a dispenser that contains denim colored candy (really ~ see here) I have even had  pencils, book bags, purses, and jackets (of course).
2. I have a "thing" about matching colors. I think it's a psychological condition.
3. I have two adorable and mischievous parti cocker spaniel puppies who have given me a new appreciation for mothers of twins...Is there a support group for me?
4. I have one biological daughter, a step daughter and a step son...all amazing.
5. I am a desert rat ~ Born and raised in the Arizona desert. Well, in a hospital in the Arizona Desert.
6. I am in love with women...no, I'm not gay. {Not that it matters} I just have a deep admiration for our amazingness.
7. I have tested my faith and discovered that I am indeed a dyed in the wool, true blue American Christian who figured out a long time ago that Jesus is so much BIGGER than the little box that most traditional mainstream churches attempt to confine Him to. And He's shown me that I am too! So are you!
8. I NEED order, I CRAVE routine, I LOVE tradition, I AM sameness.....or...I unravel.

And now to pass along these precious gifts. And they really are precious. As I peruse your blogs I just become more in awe of the women who write them, of their lives, their courage, their sense of humor, not to mention their genius and creativity, and their deep sense of compassion. It was hard to choose only 15 because there are just so many who continually inspire, entertain, and encourage me every day.

Fika’s Art Box      

Most adorable, fun, colorful, playful and inspirational artwork

Celestina Marie Designs 

Decorative art and all things pretty and pink. A lovely blog that feels like you’re wandering through a beautiful little boutique.

Sherry’s Rose Cottage 

A pretty little blog featuring all things vintage. It is like walking into the most feminine place you’ve ever been.

All In My Cottage 

Ohhhh another favorite. Debbi is a light pink rose and shares the best on life and love, vintage cottage style.

Becky’s Writings on Rose Petals 

More beautiful pink inspiration as lovely little snowflakes drift down the page

Mika’s Pantry  

Oh how I love Mika’s Pantry. She turns everyday dining into special events. You must check out her Thanksgiving post.

A Refocused Life 

A beautiful and thoughtful blog. Gorgeous inspirational photos and posts. Wonderful little snippets that will make you smile.

Being Ruby  

Julie authors this gorgeous blog with such beauty and passion. It is like taking a cultural arts tour around the world. Just beautiful and serene.

Starview Sonnet

Cori ‘s blog oozes sweetness, love, and creativity.  She has the sweetest new post about her son this week. Wanna smile…need some inspiration…drop in and check it out.

College of Life  

Full of life’s sweetest moments, Jeanne’s blog is uplifting and charming. I love her real life stories. It’s like reading a lovely little picture book each day {that only takes a minute or two}

Count It All Joy

The title says it all. Meredith’s blog is full of joy, life, living, celebrating, reality. Check out her new post on ADORABLE shopping bags. Wayyyyyyyyy cute! You won’t want to miss out.

Hostess of the Humble Bungalow 

Leslie is the Hostess of the Humble Bungalow and how welcome you will feel as she shares her pearls, cashmere socks, and coveted mom’s shortbread recipe.

A Tisket A Tasket 

Michelle authors this adorable little blog and reviews children’s books. I love reading her perspective as she reviews these little gems.  Michelle shares great little finds along the way.

Beneath the Acacia Tree

Through Jamie’s words you can feel how full of life she is. Her love of family, her imagination, sense of humor. Beneath the Acacia Tree is such a little pick me up.

Ordinary Hero Blog

Extraordinary Hero Blog is more like it. For a HUGE dose of inspiration, visit Kelly and Charlene’s Blog. It will change your day…I promise 

Now off to contact these wonderful and inspirational women. Please take some time to visit their blogs. You will laugh, cry, be inspired, be motivated, be amazed, and be blessed. ~ Blessings, Janet