Never Too Busy To Accept A Compliment

Over the past month, I've gotten some blog awards! Also over the past month I've been slogging through busy days and weekends and have put off acknowledging these awards. I'm very appreciative, though also very procrastinatorial. Also, based on that last word, it appears that I make up adjectives when I hit a vocabulary roadblock. Maybe there's an award out there for that...

But who needs that when I've got these little jewels?

Amber at Amber Page Writes and Sarah at And Then I Married A Missionary both gave me a Best Blog Award.

So sweet of them! The rules say to choose 15 newly discovered blogs to pass the award on to, but I had something else in mind. In the interest of saving time, I'd like to propose a different direction for my acceptance. If I'm accepting an award, shouldn't I get to pick my prize?! There are so many fabulous blogs out there, and what I'd like is to know one of YOUR favorite new discoveries! Where have you been visiting lately that I need to check out and fall in love with as well? Is it a crafty place? A cooking place? An artsy place? A hilarious or syrupy or literary place? A pretend adjective place? Let me in on your secret. Pretty please?

Next, Elizabeth at That Married Couple gave me a Dragon's Loyalty Award.

This award is for being a loyal reader and commenter on someone's blog. Apparently, I've made enough of a nuisance of myself over at Elizabeth's place that she can't get rid of me; maybe by giving me an award, she's trying to kill me with kindness. I feel like such an intruder on her thoughtful, well-written blog about faith and growth and family. She's so smart, and I'm...well...I make up words and break blog award rules. In this case, the rules state to pass the award on to 3 - 10 loyal readers. I think I can do that.

I really feel like, through the reliable and sweet comments of my most loyal readers, I've done what I came to do as far as blogging is concerned - made connections. Made friends to share stories and advice with. Built relationships with ladies I'm excited to hear from and listen to.

So, here are a few of my most loyal commenters - and some of the people I feel lucky to have found as friends. Their comments are very deserving of this award.

Emily at The Keeping Time. OK, yes, she was already granted this award by This Married Couple. But...she's double worthy. Her blog is full of true beauty - in pictures, words, heartfelt thoughts, stories - and it feels like meeting a friend for tea when I visit there.

Lenae at Just Lenae, was very often one of my only commenters a few months ago. I'd write something, wondering how quickly I'd hear back from her - and she's always come through for me. She offers laughter, encouragement, and friendship every day. How lucky I am!

Also, in an effort to keep my acceptance not completely legal, I'm also awarding two real-life friends who are loyal readers and commenters. My friend Jill who most often leaves comments directly into my ear, and my friend Katie who usually goes the traditional combox route. I need to do a better job of recruiting both of you lovely ladies into the blogosphere. Your lives would provide endless bloggable moments. And - I'd be a quite loyal reader myself.

Just know that while those are some of my most loyal commenters, I am THRILLED about every comment I recieve. They make me smile and laugh and think. They are one of the very best parts about blogging, in my opinion, and I'm so grateful when someone takes a minute to talk back to me. Thank you!

And thank you Amber, Sarah, and Elizabeth! You've helped make this busy month a happy one.

I've Been Awarded!

In lieu of my acceptance speech (cue Kanye joke...) I'd like to thank Amy at My Front Porch Looking In, who awarded me with this, um, award. She gave me some of the nicest compliments I've ever received and made me blush from here to next Thursday. (Which is not really all that difficult of an endeavor, given my ruby-red temperament.) So, thank you Amy! My warm cheeks love you.

Here's how the award works:

1. Each Superior Scribbler must turn and pass on this award to 5 of the most deserving blogs.

2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the blog and name the author from which he/she received the award on his/her blog.

3. Each Superior Scribbler must display the award on his or her blog, and link to this post.

4. Each blogger who was awarded Superior Scribbler, must visit this post and add their name to the Mr. Linky. That way we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives this prestigious honor.

5. Each Superior Scribbler must post the rules on their blog.

So here we go, friends. Here are 5 bloggers who've really showed themselves to be Superior Scribblers, in my highly-educated opinion. Check them out, and you'll see what I mean.

1. Lenae at Just Lenae. Her posts are beautifully written - often thoughtful, poignant, funny, and easy-going, all at the same time. That's talent. The way she shares her life as a mother of 3 sweet boys (one just weeks old!) is inspiring and I always come away smiling from Lenae's words. Oh, and she's a goofball. That's the clincher - and why I consider her to be one of my very own blog-friends.

2. Emily at The Keeping Time. After being drawn in by the smiles of her beautiful daughters (who are close in age to my own) I was delighted to find that Emily has an amazing gift with words. She can form them into thought-provoking posts about theology or philosophy, and the next day, sprinkle them across the page with joy in her role as mother and teacher. She can write about difficult passages of time in such a way that haunts me and leaves me wishing to send her a hug, all the way across the sea in Sicily.

3. Chelsea at Roots & Rings. Chelsea is one of my newer favorites. Her blog is often hilarious, scattering itself across a range of daily musings and random thoughts. I'm in awe of her ability to write so much about so little. (That sounds a bit rude, come to think of it. But I mean it in the nicest way! It's a gift she has.) She writes about life with her husband, how she's settling roots down into a world of their own, and the tons of fun that happens along the way. Good stuff.

4. Danielle at Udubalum Mama. I've enjoyed Danielle's blog for many reasons. First of all, she's a terrific writer. Beyond that, she seems so open and honest, sharing highs and lows while maintaining a strong, confident presence. I keep going back for more of her insights and stories, feeling stronger myself after experiencing tiny pieces of her life. Her 2 kids are adorable, smart, and insightful themselves, lending her blog an air of home. Very refreshing.

5. Kacie at Papua Girl...In Dallas. Kacie's blog is about her adjustment into American living after having grown up in foreign countries. She has some truly wonderful thoughts and is able to present memories and comparisons of other cultures with stunning clarity. Being a sheltered Midwestern girl, I've been drawn into Kacie's knowledge of places and customs I could never have imagined before. I get to peek into her wellspring of experiences and learn something fascinating every time I visit.

(Interestingly enough, I started trying to remember where I'd 'met' all of these ladies, and it all comes back to one place: Conversion Diary's 7 Quick Takes Fridays. Talk about a wellspring...)

So there you go. If you click on all of these sites, I have no doubt you'll find a new favorite. Go show them some comment-love, wouldja?