“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.” ~Richard Bach, Illusions
It is the people isn’t it?
Earlier this week one of my newest bloggy friends, Ami Hendrickson of MuseInks, bestowed The Versatile Blogger Award upon Bliss Habits, or me? Yes I do think it is specifically me. As Ami says, “the rules are sketchy” (you can see how she choose to interpret them here.) so I am feeling some immense freedom in deciding how to pay this honor forward.
Part of The Versatile Blogger Award involves telling some number of random things about yourself and then asking the same number of people to do the same, that is of course if you think they meet the strict requirements of being a versatile blogger! HA! I guess I’m not following this because some of my recipients aren’t even bloggers! (Yet!)
In honor of Gratitude week I thought I would share my list of things about me and my list of honorees in the form of a gratitude list.
I am So Grateful for
- My family, which now includes a bear loving couple in Virginia, who love and support me at every turn.
- Having said yes to a coffee date, when I wasn’t sure you were “my type” dear Sweetie.
- Having taken the chance to be a mommy even though I was of “Advanced Maternal Age.”
- Long time friends like Kate (since I was 2), Leslie (First Grade) and Jaye (Austria in 81/82) who no matter the passage of time can pick up right where we left off.
- My Mommy friends (like Kristen, Angie, Lisa, Chris, Britta, Katherine, Becky, Ravit and more) who keep me sane and help me everyday by their example to be a better parent.
- The amazing warm and welcoming blog world who has given me real, not just virtual, friends of folk like Jennifer, Lisa, Peggy and Theresa.
- The amazing, crazy love and support my social network friends bestow everyday, sharing, tweeting, and Google+ing the things I share.
- Efsun, waiting in the wings soon to be Creativity blogger and hopefully Author of her own blog very soon! (also part of the mommy group above!)
- Karen, a Bliss Habits facebook follower who plays along, offering me nearly daily support! and has epiphanies along the way. She bravely shared that she has a blog post in her… I look forward to it’s arrival!
- Charity, who wrote Hummingbirds, Laundry and Joy, the most visited post on Bliss Habits and doesn’t yet (we can all hope!) have her own blog.
- Chel, who has become my wing man, even though we have never spoken. Her beautiful posts show up Tuesdays in this blog like an anticipated letter from a loved one. I devour each and every word with delight. She can also be found on her own blog gingerblue where more magic awaits.
- Peggy, the first to comment here on Bliss Habits and the magic behind We Bloom Here, one of the most charming spots on the web. You can read all about our first date here.
- Laurie, the latest to comment and on one of my favorite posts! She is a most recent find, courtesy of Google + and she has already been kind enough to share her take in the Speaking of Gratitude hop. If you didn’t see it there, go here now, it is so worth your time!
- Jennifer, because she is just so darn much fun. We all know her as Jingle, as in Just and there is nothing “Just” about her. All in, for fun, moxie and love, everything about her is Bliss. Ahh Jen, perhaps you should be the Bliss Habits mascot or something… Just say’n. (Go here to see her in all her fabulousness.)
Yes, it is the people! I am so blessed to have all of you, the friends far and wide in all corners of the world I haven’t (yet!) had a chance to single out as well as the group above. Everyday someone blows me away with their courage or kindness and I could never hope to repay them all.
So here are my instructions for this, my Versatile Blogger Award, if you are reading this consider that I have awarded YOU. Go out and do with it what ever brings you the most joy and if at all possible, share some of that joy with those around you!
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”~Marcel Proust
Aw Kathy, thank you sooo much! I love our fb chats and the challenges and lessons that your blog presents me with – seeing my name on your list brought a wee tear to my eye! Keep them coming and keep me challenged! (I’ve got someone reading my piece at the moment to see if it meets blog standard – if it does I’ll pass it on!)
Karen x
Karen, no THANK YOU! Every time you visit I am so happy to be doing this. Thank you so much for playing along and “Like”ing what I do!
Awww- you actually made me cry (but in a good way!) I’m so thrilled to be part of Bliss Habits. We *will* talk soon- how can we not?!
How can we not indeed!
Kathy: Ah, we are indeed kindred spirits. As someone who is daily vocally grateful for the blessing of coffee, and whom the medical establishment put the word “elderly” on her file when she had the temerity to expect her first child at the ripe old age of 36, I salute you, sistah!
Enjoyed reading about your award recipients. Onward and upward!
Love it! Another “OLD” mommy! Although, i really am!LOL I must correct one thing… the coffee to which I refer was a “coffee date” (perhaps I shuld have — and now I have!) with my now Husband.
I do, also have an inordinate fascination for the drink, don’t even get me started on that first sip… so it is all good!
You are very sweet! The award was well deserved. You have created such an amazing webspace here!
This just makes me happy reading it…realizing all that and all those for what/whom I am grateful! thank you!!
Thank you for the beautiful shout-out. I have much to be grateful for this year. It has been a wild summer – with too many twists and turns to mention in such a short space. I am looking forward to a peaceful and rejuvenative autumn. 🙂
Kathy,
Friends are very important and we should definitely feel grateful of having them.
Thank you for the nice reminder 🙂
Cheers,
Timo
This is probably the most liberating post I’ve read in a very long time. I’m getting ready to launch a new website and I’ve been struggling a bit with the blog page because I am such a “versatile” writer! I think I was supposed to wander in here today. It’s the universe telling me to just follow my bliss and write whatever comes up for me. It doesn’t have to have a message or a “tip” or a lesson or a recipe or a link. And it doesn’t have to be driven by SEO! Woo hoo! Love this blog. Can’t wait to dig in. P.S. You would probably enjoy an article I wrote on “moxie.” Let me know how to submit that. 😉
Love this. It is the people in our life who bring so much richness and joy. As much as I long for other things, I wouldn’t give up the love I share with friends and family for any of it!
I am so grateful for my circle of friends and my loving family. It’s good to be reminded.
Thank you for all the warm comments everyone! I am so happy you enjoyed the post. I loved writing it!
I only take on mascot roles if I get a cool costume! Just say’n. HA!!! Thank you so very much! Know that I am grateful for you, my dear, and the inspiration you bring to life – not just art or a small piece of life, but life in it’s entirety!