Chelle took the time to make this beautiful award, and then a lovely lady at Cherish This Baby took the time to write some kind words about me through it! She hadn't even said boo to me before that, so it was a really fun, really touching surprise. I have to say though that even though she gives me a lot of credit, and I did work hard to find a healthy path for my particular body (which I believe opened the door to pregnancy), much of why we are here is luck. I do know that and give thanks every single day.
As for the award, there are a few rules of course, so without further ado:
Tell your readers how your journey into blogging began. Be as verbose or shy as you like.
Pick 3-5 fellow bloggers whom you adore and write what exactly it is you value about that person or their blog. The more you write about them the better. This is a chance to really appreciate your blog friends who have been there with and for you through thick and thin.
Let the winners know they have been awarded.
I haven't done this in a while because it's a difficult thing for me. But I'm going to pick people I haven't chosen before and whom you may not be reading. These people do inspire me. Oh, as for how I began blogging? I've written lots about that throughout my years of trying, so I won't bore you with the long details. The down and dirty of it is that I am a writer at heart. I journal. I scribble on pieces of paper and stow them in my nightstand. I compose stories in my head during boring times. I resisted blogging because I kept thinking that it would happen for me soon anyway (yes naivete), and I am not big on putting myself out there to the internet. So that's why I'm as anonymous as I am and why I haven't been blogging as long as I've been trying. However, blogging has been great therapy for me. I tried a real therapist, and the benefits did not even come close. One of the greatest things has been the people from whom I learned and took comfort.
In no particular order:
Down (But Not Out) - Yes I'm a little biased since she's an old friend, but she writes very well and is such an inspiration not only in attitude but in follow through. She doesn't get to update much because of the challenges of chasing after the little stinker that has graced all of our lives, but what she writes is so open and loving and full of a beautiful grace and calm. I often wish I could achieve that. She's like that in person too by the way. ;-)
What I Really Meant to Say - Her viewpoints on religion, family and day to day life are always so open and fascinating to me. She's very real about the issues she faces and in being so, helps others learn about themselves.
Stuff to Say - Like the above, mo*reezy has a great, open outlook on faith, love and family. She also often posts things that make me go "hmmm" in a good way. I love when people work my brain without using vitriol or spite. Good job chickie.
Crying Over the Fish Sticks - Beautiful thoughts on dealing with IVF failure, the depression that comes after and the struggle to make a wonderful life. I find her very honest and kind despite her own issues.
Quest for a Lifetime - Just like with when I read One Good Egg, my heart just about explodes with happiness to see how her story ended (or began in a way!) with such a beautiful adoption. As a woman who has always had adoption in her heart as well as the desire to have a biological child, I really gravitate toward this kind of story for inspiration. She's also just a really good chick.
So did I give you ideas for blogs you haven't yet read? I hope so. Best wishes to all. The rest of you all know I like ya too. ;-)
