Thank you...

      I was given the "Thinking Blogger" award by Mary from "Across the Pond" over the weekend.  I'm honored to know that my little blog is one that makes Mary think, or anyone think for that matter, and that Mary enjoys visiting and being a part of it.  That really is the main thing that we get out of this blogging community I think, the chance to be part of something that we otherwise wouldn't; meeting people we would have never met, people from across the world with similar interests.  That right there is changing people's lives, it certainly has changed mine. 

     I'm not embellishing when I say that truly, my life is better for having a blog, better for knowing you.  In an email exchange with Kim from "Vintage Pretties" she said, "having a blog is one of the best things I've ever done for myself".  I hope you don't mind me quoting you Kim, but I think it really sums it up.  I've noticed a happier me since I started my blog.  I've notice a more positive me, a more creative me, a more caring me.  I've said before in an earlier post that I was a happy person before, but I've noticed a change in myself, a change for the better.  The trivial and insignificant things don't get me down any more because there's just so much to be happy about.  And when I look at all of the people that I have connected with over the past couple of months since I've been blogging, it's almost overwhelming, the emotion and gratitude I feel.  Thank you so much Mary for the award, and thank you to everyone that reads my little blog and leaves supportive and kind comments.  I'm a better me, a better mom, wife, daughter, and friend because of you (wiping of tear and sniffle of nose).

     And now the tough part, narrowing down five blogs that make me think.  I think I'm going to change it up a bit and just name three.  The reason for that is that if I go beyond that it's just too hard - there really are so many blogs that make think...and smile every day. 

     Alecia Paulson from "Posie Get's Cozy" really started it all for me.  If I hadn't read her article in the February "Romantic Homes" magazine and related to her so much, I never would have started blogging.  It's just that simple.  She intrigued me and made me curious.  When I started reading her blog I was blown away by the incredible honesty, her openness, and the humor and creativity that she brought to every post.  Her writing is amazing and I couldn't get enough, and since Alecia doesn't post multiple times a day every day of the week (you should really consider that Alecia :o) I had to look for more.  And oh did I find more.  It was like a door opening, an awakening.  Thank you Alecia.

     Amber from "The Shabbee Chick" delights me with each and every post.  Amber is so funny, and is such a good writer and conveys her thoughts, ideas, and inspirations with such clarity.  There have been many posts written by Amber that leave me nodding my head in solidarity and whispering, "Amen sister".  Thank you Amber for making me think.  I truly look forward to your posts and reading what you have to say.  Please keep those wonderful ideas and opinions flowing.  I will certainly be there to read them.

     Cherry Menlove from "Tales from Pixie Wood" has had me entranced with her clever and witty blog since I first stumbled upon it shortly after creating my blog.  I read each and every word of Cherry's posts knowing that I'm learning something, whether it be social issues such as the environment and Fair Trade for British Farming; or domestic skills like baking, cleaning, crafting, and decorating.  Cherry has such a great writing style that lets you feel you are one of her confidants.  And even though I was new to blogging and I'm just one of many, many people who frequent her wonderful blog, Cherry takes the time out of her very busy schedule to visit me and leave me comments.  Thank you Cherry for making me think...and laugh (always laughing).

   

This is Evy and me.

Comments

[Kim]

I don't mind at all, in fact, I'm honored to be mentioned on your wonderful blog. And, I still think that every day, that blogging is one of the best things in my life.

I also agree that those 3 bloggers that you mentioned are among some of the best writers in the blogging world (or our corner of it).

[Cherry Menlove]

Ahhhh, that's me that is!
Thank you so much, what a wonderful way to wake up. I don't need my super dooper max strength coffee to put a spring in my step today after all. The best bit about the post for me was seeing you with your daughter. Hopefully I will one day have pictures like that to show you Ali darling.
Have a wonderful day and long may you blog.

Cherry xx

[annewithane65(Kim)]

What a beautiful picture of you and your sweet daughter!

[ArtsyMama]

This is such a WONDERFUL post. I keep reading it over and over. WE (I think I can speak for a whole lot of people) are so glad that you are blogging. Your blog is absolutely wonderful and inspiring and you can see that it is from the heart!!! So glad that you are "here" (in the blogging world) and are spreading your kindness, cheer and support for your fellow bloggers.
Cheers to you, wonderful woman!!!!!
Kari

[Gail]

Hmmmm...I wonder who Evy looks like? mini-you! how cute. IS it still snowing at your house? it is at mine! but it seems to be melting..yeah! take care,Gail thetatterednest.blogspot.com

[Daisy Cottage]

Oh what a wonderful post.... can you read my mind? I so agree with what all you so beautifully said about blogging. Congrats on your award ~ you deserve it!
xo,
Kim

[Kim (Ragged Roses)]

Hello and congratulations! What a lovely post - I agree with you totally, blogging has made me happier and there are so many lovely bloggers around! Hope you enjoyed Easter too!
Kim x

[Marilyn]

What a beautiful picture of you and your sweet little girl. My baby girl is 27 now and I cherish the closeness and loving friendship we have. It seems like yesterday that she was your little Evy's age. Enjoy each moment, it goes so fast! And congratulations on your award! You have a great blog!

[Kina]

You and your little Evy really are just tooo cute! I agree with you about the blogging being such a good thing... I think it's just the little bit of positive interaction that it adds to our life that makes it so uplifting:-) Anyway... I'll give you the beautiful bog award as well:-)

[Robin Sherwood]

You are so beautiful! And your daughter looks just like you. Thank-you for getting the May issue of Romantic Homes.
Love
Robin

[Arlene]

Congrats on the award..you deserve it, your blog is sooo cute! So is the pic of you and your daughter...just precious!

[Kelly]

I don't remember how I found your blog, but I'm I did. I enjoed reading it, and have added you to my list of favorites. I don't create anything too exciting like some of the blogs I read, but I enjoy having one and I LOVE reading about other peoples creativity. It keeps me smiling and inspired.

Well, take care,

Kelly

[Kelly]

Oops...lots of typos there...I had better preview it before I post next time.
This: don't remember how I found your blog, but I'm I did. I enjoed reading it,

should have been: don't remember how I found your blog, but I'm GLAD I did. I ENJOYED reading it,.....

[marie]

I, too, find that there are amazing people with so much to say that enlighten us and inspire us. We are so lucky! Thanks for sharing your thoughts everyday and for being real.
We love it!

[http://www.andsewtosleep.blogspot.com]

I agree totally. I've only just started a blog and find so much inspiration and motivation from fellow bloggers. Completely unexpected but very pleasant spin off. Mary

[Southern Heart]

What a lovely post, and beautiful picture of you two! You are most deserving of your award, also! I don't miss even one of your posts!

Andrea

[Karla]

Congrats on your nomination! I agree with everything you said. Blogging is really a great thing and has changed my life for the better as well. It is amazing to think what modern day technology brings us. We would never all know each other or have these opportunities to interact if it wasn't for the internet! Have a great weekend.
Karla

[Amber]

Aw shucks! Little ole me??? I can't keep myself away from your blog either, girl! I look forward to everything you have to say and love glimpses of your life! Happy Friday, friend!

[carolyn]

Congratulations on your award Allie.

[Karin]

What a cute picture of the two of you! I totally agree about the blogging......it has really been a wonderful experience. It has done what I hoped: sparked my creativity and writing. But it has gone farther in that I didn't realize the connections I would make with other creative women. Blog on!