How Lovely!?

Emerging from a turkey induced coma, I was catching up on my reading only to learn that Clayton Paul Better Days through Better Ways… nominated me for The One Lovely Blog Award.

Clayton has been a  “coach” of sorts encouraging me and many others just when I was wondering what am I doing writing a blog? And for this I am very thankful.

The kindness and generosity of other writers has been phenomenal on this six month blogging journey. I never would have imagined anyone would really find me in my blogging corner let alone give me the time of day as I posted my ponderings for the world to see. I think perhaps my blogging endeavors are God’s way of pulling me out of my “box.” I am indeed a very happy introvert!

Yet more than that, I have read words of other writers that have touched me when I’ve needed it most. Some posts have been “food for thought.” Others have made me laugh out loud. Some have even made me cry. I’ve been inspired, educated and fascinated as others have allowed me a glimpse into their lives.

Sharing your blogs with me has truly been a blessing.

So, per my award requirements, seven things about me…

I’ve been enjoying Christmas music for well over a month now. Yes, I am one of those people! Handel’s Messiah, Pachelbel’s Canon and other Baroque classics have streamed from my iPod for weeks.

I’ve been a pharmacist for over twenty years which has allowed me to meet some truly wonderful people both as patients and co-workers.

My favorite dog is the Shetland Sheepdog. I’ve been blessed with three as Christmas gifts and my sweet “Noel” is sleeping near me as I type this.

I have yet to find a kitchen gadget or cookbook I did not like.

Photography is my latest hobby. We’ll have to wait and see how that (literally) develops.

My inspirational writing began at some of the lowest points in my life. I didn’t realize at the time I was ministering to myself and would later encourage others with those same words.

Finally, I’m very grateful you took the time to read this! Time is precious; we can’t ever recover it once it’s lost. Thanks for sharing some of yours with me!

Now here is where it gets tricky. Many of the blogs I love have already received this award and the new ones I’ve found, I’m not sure if they will accept but I definitely think they are well….lovely. My nominees are:

Morsels of Bread

Vincent Egoro Personal Development, Relationships, Motivation through Christ

More Than Words

Adventures in LSD

Coloring Outside the Lines

Mind Body Soul Healing the Whole Person

Good Stewardship

Some of these are inspirational. Others deal with autism since I have benefited greatly from others who have shared their experiences with this disorder on their blogs.

Take some time to check out new arrivals in our blogosphere as well as old favorites. You never know what will inspire and stir your own creativity.

Merry Christmas and Be Blessed!!

Many, Many Thanks!

In this season of Thanksgiving I am grateful for many things, far too many to detail here! However my families… immediate, extended and work are just a few of the things for which I give thanks!

This year I have been blessed with a new family of sorts, people who give me a glimpse into their thoughts and their lives, who inspire and encourage and some who just give me a laugh when I need it. Some are thought-provoking while others force me to take a hard look at myself.

I have been a member of this “blogging community” for less than six months. In this time I have interacted with some wonderful people, been embraced, supported and motivated beyond what I would have ever imagined.

Last week, I received  a nomination for The Versatile Blogger Award from a very kind lady in the UK for my autism blog God, autism and me (more on that later).

Today Clayton Paul at Clayton Paul Better Ways for Better Days nominated me for The Imagine Award. I am grateful that my venture into this world of words has not only given me the opportunity to try to inspire others, but to be inspired as well. And per my award criteria…

Five reasons I enjoy Clayton Paul Better Ways for Better Days

You never know what he’s going to post. The topic matter is varied yet always informative. He is in fact a very Versatile Blogger!

His blogs always have a positive slant toward them. I am often encouraged or inspired.

True to his motto, Clayton does indeed encourage the reader to implement “better ways for better days” through thought, deed or action.

The information on his blog always leaves me feeling better after reading his blog than before I begin.

Finally, he’s a very nice guy!  The comments he leaves in the blogosphere are constructive. His comments build others up, not tear them down. And I love that!

My nominees for the Imagine Award are the following:

A View from My Summerhouse    kindred spirit

Simply Life, living your best life one day at a time    makes me smile

Youth of A Nation…bent not broke    powerful blog about mental illness and more

On Her Way to Perfection     also makes me smile (I like to smile)

Devotions by Christ Hendrix   helps me keep things in perspective 

Sometimes God gives us people who will push us up when we feel like falling and prod us along when we feel like stalling.

THANK YOU to my READERS and fellow writers for doing that and so much more. Yet another thing to be grateful for.