Well, feed me peanuts and call me Dumbo! I just got word that I am a nominee, recipient of the Versatile Blogger Award. That sure is a wonderful way to start 2012, and I have to thank the author of Literarydormouse for the much appreciated nod. I got praise for both my posts and my layout and design, which makes me happy because I spend a good deal of time on both. Hooray for folks who notice aesthetics!!
After winning this lovely award, the recipient must do two things. 1.) Nominate fifteen other blogs that I follow regularly for this award and 2.) Tell the one who nominated me seven things about myself. If you are interested in The Versatile Blogger Award, please click the link to learn more.
My Fifteen Nominees
1. Lorna’s Voice—This is one place I stop by often while I’m online. She always posts in narrative format, telling great stories that are hilarious and heart wrenching by turns. She’s a great writer and a great reader, too!
2. Accidental Stepmom—I love to laugh, and I never fail to do so when reading this blog. “Honest,” “fun,” and “generous” are the words I would use to describe this creative and hardworking lady. Read this one; you won’t be disappointed.
3. Never Done It That Way Before—I just recently came across this awesome blog because of the Top Ten Tuesday meme given each week by The Broke and the Bookish. This gal is a mom as well as a Lutheran minister in not one but two Lutheran churches in rural Minnesota.
4. The Warden’s Walk—If you want to know anything about fantasy, sci-fi, movies, poetry, and all other things creative, this is the site for you. Not only that, but he evaluates many works from a Christian standpoint. Go read his work and learn something.
5. Revelling in the Overflowing Grace of God—This fella is a musician, reader, baseball lover, and (most importantly) a Christian who blogs each day and shares from a wide variety of sources (including his own thoughts on faith.) A very inspiring read!
6. Prawn and Quartered—This lovely slice of fried gold is a treasure trove of humor, thought, and introspection. You’ll laugh so hard milk comes out your nose and then bemoan the fact you aren’t nearly as funny and/or thoughtful as she is.
7. Stories by Williams—This is the blog of my friend and fellow writer, Matthew Williams. Here you can find some great reviews of fantasy and sci-fi books, movies, and television shows as well as links to his fabulous fiction for purchase!
8. Under the Apricot Tree—This is a blog many people wouldn’t expect me to like, but I love it! More specifically, I love her writing style, which is soothing and poetic and seems to come out almost effortlessly from her fingers. She blogs about her experiences as a new mother on a small farm and all the joys and struggles that come with both.
9. The Disrupted Mermaid—This blog belongs to my good friend, Allison Pilliod. She, along with her husband and two sons, are working at a Christian school in Panama, and she blogs about the ups and downs that come from moving thousands of miles away, learning a new language, and adapting to a new culture. She’s also a huge movie buff like me and a scuba nut…just in case you’re interested.
10. PilliOddsAndEnds—This blog is maintained by Allison’s husband, Mike. A former co-teacher with me here in the states, Mike never failed to amaze me with his intelligence, his wit, and his amazing knowledge of the Word of God and apologetics. You’ll enjoy this one if you give it a chance.
11. Lovely Shades of Nostalgia—This blog, which is always well-written and chock full of information and food for thought, is one woman’s attempt to share the glory of days gone by (but not forgotten!) Thanks to her, I learned all about diners and rediscovered my love for Otis Redding.
12. A Day Without Sushi—This is a hodgepodge of fun stuff ranging from reviews to recipes and some downright brilliant musings. Always a fun read!
13. CJ’s Corner—This was one of the first blogs I stumbled upon in 2011 when I was beginning to blog myself. I always enjoy his posts, especially the series he did during a missionary trip to Ireland.
14. Message in a Bottle—Marcella is younger than most of the other blog authors I follow, but I often find her point of view and youthful enthusiasm to be a breath of fresh air. Many of her blogs are wonderful narratives, and she always puts herself fully in everything she writes. Grand fun.
15. Till We Have Faces—This, in my humble opinion, is one of the most engaging photography blogs on WordPress. He also posts videos and great book lists. There’s something about his work—the point of view, the lighting, the subject matter—that I simply cannot get enough of.
Seven Things About Me
1. I love everything at IKEA, but I always avoid the kid section.
2. For some reason, I’m pretty good at faking different accents.
3. I have a serious crush on Humphrey Bogart. For me, “The Maltese Falcon” = Serious Eye Candy
4. I love baking and yearn to make a perfect loaf of banana bread.
5. I can only do creative writing while listening to music and inhaling the glorious scent of a burning candle.
6. I’m taller than both my parents and have been since I was sixteen.
7. I can quote large chunks of movies verbatim. People who know this ask me to do so to the delight of random strangers. I now feel empathy for every organ grinder’s unappreciated monkey.
Forgive my belated thanks. It’s too easy to get behind in this WordPress stuff. Thank you for the nomination. And for the kind comments.
It was my pleasure! I love getting your posts each day and reading through the devotionals you’ve selected. I’m reading My Utmost for His Highest this year, but sometimes it’s not what I need to read. Then, I go looking for Spurgeon or others, and your posts often give me just what I need. I don’t always reply, but I do always read!