This summer has flown by. Despite the endless hours of losing myself in words, it has been punctuated by well-spent moments with my family.
A highlight of my writing life came just weeks ago in the form of a comment on a blog post from Stacey Moffat, mom blogger of More Than Words. She had nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award! At first glance, my thoughts were racing. How had success come so fast? What kind of competition was I up against? Where would the award ceremony be? Would Oprah be there? I had to know more…so I read the rest of Stacey’s email (and settled back down to earth!) We had a little e-conversation, and I came to learn that the nomination is the award. Awesome. I’m all for paying-it-forward. Stacey also wrote:
Here’s more information about the Versatile Blogger Award…(click the VBA button in the right sidebar for more info)
If you get the award, here are the rules:
1. Thank the person that gave you the award in a blog post & link back to their blog.
2. Pass the award on to 15 bloggers you follow.
3. Include 7 random things about yourself in your post.
4. Include the rules in your post.
5. Notify your nominees by leaving a comment on their blog.
It is an honour, and a tall order, so I have decided to break this down into two posts! First things first…
Thank you to Stacey from the bottom of my heart. I am new to this blogging thing. Those first few days in The Humber School of Writing last month were a time of great insecurity, so the timing for this nomination was terrific. Naturally, the list of Bloggers I follow will start with her blog, More Than Words!
Stacey Moffat, Stay-At-Home mother of three, teacher, and advocate for children with special needs writes about day to day adventures with her family. Through stories about her son Carter, she raises awareness about how ‘the act of communicating’ is something that most of us take for granted. Carter uses a voice output device (a.k.a. talker) and sign language to communicate. What I love about More Than Words is the message that when a child has needs that may not have been anticipated in the beginning, by adjusting and working with the circumstances, life can still be great. I encourage you to check it out by clicking here.
Below, you will find the other blogs I follow in random order. Clicking the underlined titles will link you directly to them. Enjoy!
This blog is written by two hilarious sisters, Lisa and Wendy. I was thrilled to find it when I did, as I am just starting to feel the effects of the loss of Desperate Housewives. Between these two sisters, I doubt I’ll miss my Sunday night T.V. pals. This blog brings together all of the stuff they love: recipes (reminds me of Bree), stories of family life (think Lynette now), arts and craft ideas (Susan) and humour (the DH creator – Marc Cherry). There are blogging tips, inspirational quotes, organizational ideas and links to other great blogs. The only thing missing is Gabby (Eva Longoria). And I’m okay with not being in her business. Pop by for a visit – they’d love to have you and it’s good for a few laughs!
Being Marci is a cool, yet real 40 something mom’s lifestyle blog. One day it may be about date night, the next day summer camp, then on to Marci’s Today’s Parent health and fitness journey. The writing is personable and humorous. My favourite section is entitled I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie! with thoughtful book reviews on a variety of great Recommended Reads. As a fan of fan of Canada’s Money Maven Gail Vaz-Oxlade, I love that Marci is her ‘Social Media Caddy’. Perhaps there’s a story there…
MomFaze is written by two moms of teens and tweens who tell it like it is. Unfazed by the reality of today’s teens, they rightfully reject the ‘ignorance is bliss’ theory with honest and timely stories of parenting tweens and teens. Great place to stay current regarding tween / teen issues and to connect with other parents.
The Healthy Happy Wife takes a personal and proactive stance in nutrition through Dairy, Gluten, Sugar and Chemical Free Living. Written by mother of two, Irene, this blog provides recipes, healthy living tips, and weekly menu plans. Irene updates the blog regularly with research and has an excellent resource section. Read the ‘About’ section for the inspiring story behind the blog.
The Doe Studio blog highlights the beautiful, original creations of ‘Auntie Dawn’ from The Doe Studio Etsy shop (reasonably priced, cozy and fashionable crochet and knitting for adults and children and so much more). Dawn’s heart is in her pieces, and the story she tells in this blog is gripping and inspiring. I had never heard of a Molar Pregnancy (a pregnancy essentially turning to cancer) until I read this, and Dawn takes readers through her traumatic experience in 2009 to where she is today. I love her blog for its ability to help others, and its potential reach many more. Please share this with as many women as you can. There are so few resources out there on Molar Pregnancies as they are rare.
7 Random Things About Me
- I love being a mom and my kids crack me up every day!
- I am a tea-aholic. The good old-fashioned stuff.
- I am a night-hawk who loves to read, keeper of late-night diaries and non-morning person.
- I teach mostly literacy to little ones in the mornings with a fabulous staff. Once I am actually at school, all is well.
- My iPhone is my favourite ‘thing’ in the whole world. Otherwise, I’m not really into ‘stuff’.
- I am an organizing fanatic, probably in response to my very scattered mind.
- Communication is #1 with me. Honesty, openness, authenticity, integrity.
To be continued…
We are very humbled to be nominated by you. We truly enjoy your posts and tweets. We’re working on our thank you post as we speak and hope it is worthy of your nomination. Looking forward to more great conversations.
Thank you so much! Back at you! I am a true fan.