Two lovely friends recently nominated me for awards and a quote challenge. Even though I haven’t
participated in awards for years, I feel compelled to graciously accept them both. However, instead of nominating individuals, I’m leaving it up to anyone who wants to follow through. It’s too hard to choose, anyway, because you’re all deserving!
Part 1 – I was nominated by Sarah at secretartexpedition.wordpress.com for the Blogger Recognition Award. Thank you so much, Sarah, for thinking of me and for the beautiful words you wrote about my blog, too. In accepting this award, we need to write a brief story of how our blog was started. So, here goes…
“When I turned fifty and since I love to write poetry, my son suggested that I start a poetry blog. I had never blogged before and really only heard about the world of blogging after watching the movie, “Julie and Julia” about a woman (superbly played by Amy Adams) who sets a deadline of one year to prepare all 524 recipes in Julia Child’s book, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Meryl Streep played the role of Julia exquisitely. As Julie cooked throughout that year, she also blogged about her experiences, some good, some stressful. Not only was it a great movie, but I was intrigued.
Soon after, I took my son’s suggestion, and that was in 2011! Throughout the years, it’s been an enlightening journey of making amazing friends, as well as, a growing experience in writing.”
In accepting this award, we’re also supposed to give advice to new bloggers, so here is mine:
“Think of something you’re truly passionate about, then embed that passion into your blog posts. Don’t worry about stats – just have fun, then see what follows.”
Here are the Rules for the Blogger Recognition nominees:
- Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide links to their blog.
- Write a post to show your award.
- Attach the award to your post.
- Write a brief story of how your blog started.
- Give a piece of advice to new bloggers.
- Select the other 15 blogs you want to give the award to.
- Comment on each blog and let them know you have nominated them.
- Be inspired to live your best life every day.
Sarah also nominated me for the Growing Self Blogger Award.
This award has been created by Roda from over at Growing Self and you can read in her own words what it is about:
“The Growing Self Blogger Award has been created to acknowledge and celebrate amazing individuals, in the blogging community, who are persevering through life’s challenges not only to GROW as individuals, but to reach out and help others GROW as well.”
Thanks again, Sarah! I’m honored on both counts!
And here are the rules to this award:
1. Put the award logo/image on your blog.
2. List the rules.
3. Thank the individual who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
4. Describe the award and mention the creator: Roda _ Growingself.blog.
5. Nominate up to 5 blogs. Remember, the purpose of this award is to specifically celebrate those individuals who have made a difference in your life or the lives of others.
6. Give at least 1 reason why you nominated each individual.
7. Notify your nominees of the award.
I want to finish this part by saying that if you haven’t visited Sarah’s blog yet, please do so. She is the most amazing painter, and each time I pop on over, I am in awe of her talent. Below is her recent painting of Franklin – watercolor on paper, April 2018. Isn’t he absolutely adorable? And Franklin is just one example of Sarah’s ability to beautifully portray nature with the means of a skilled artist.
Part 2 – I was nominated by Annika at annikaperry.com to participate in The 3 Day Quote Challenge. I’ve always loved quotes and their ability to personally resonate for some reason or another.
For the next three days, I will be posting a quote and explaining why it’s made an impression on me, though life probably won’t allow me to do posts three consecutive days in a row. So, rules are meant to be broken! 🙂
To the challenge…The rules are as follows:
- Thank the person who nominated you.
- Post a quote on 3 consecutive days.
- Share why this quote appeals so much to you.
- Nominate 3 different bloggers for each day.
Thanks so much to Annika for this nomination! She is an amazing fiction writer, who can tell stories that evoke every little emotion inside of you. Her debut book, “The Storyteller Speaks” read more like a #1 on the bestseller list. It was a page-turner and definitely a book that can’t be put down. Please pay Annika a visit and while you’re there, you can purchase a copy of her book simply by clicking on the book image on her sidebar. It’s as easy as that!
Now for my quote. Funny thing is I heard “Have it All” by Jason Mraz today for the first time and absolutely loved it. What first came to mind after listening to both words and music was simply happiness! Happy, Happy, Happy! After watching the video, you can’t help but feel good. So, instead of sharing a quote, I’m going to share the first part of this song, which is more like a wish for you…
“May you have auspiciousness and causes of success
May you have the confidence to always do your best
May it take no effort in you being generous
Sharing what you can, nothing more, nothing less
May you know the meaning of the word happiness
May you always lead from the beating in your chest
May you be treated like an esteemed guest
May you get to rest, may you catch your breath
And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows
And may the road less paved be the road that you follow
I want you to have it all (have it all)
And now you have reached the end, but not without the video link so you can get yourself some happiness, too: https://youtu.be/BFkTu8Y1KLs.
Please note: I was able to link the video, but for some unknown reason, I was unable to link Sarah and Annika’s blogs, but you can copy and paste. They’re in red font so not to miss them.
I hope you enjoyed this post, in spite of its lengthiness, and found some little tidbit that brightens your day….because “I want you to have it all!” ❤
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott 
Richly deserved, Lauren, richly
Always with a big hug
john
Thanks very much, John! And big hugs to you, too! Enjoy your weekend!
Lauren, how have I not heard this song before?! 😀 It’s just wonderful! First I read the lyrics, beautifully poetic and I had no idea how they could work with music. Wow! Catchy, lively, and so upbeat! The video is a joy to watch with great cinematography and how cool to be on the tram playing away! Thank you so much for introducing Jason Mraz to me .. off to check out more of his music. Thank you also for your kind and generous words about my blog and book – it’s very much appreciated. Finally, huge congratulations on your awards … I too loved the film ‘Julie and Julia’ and interesting it has such an impact on your blogging decision … as well as your son! How sweet! Hugs, my friend! 😀❤️
Annika, your excitement vibrated through the screen! 🙂 I think the song is new, which is why I just heard it yesterday and loved it! It’s one of those feel-good, goose bump songs to me. And I’m so glad you feel the same! He has a lot of good songs like this one. Your son may even like to try playing one of them.
You’re also very welcome regarding everything I said about you and your blog, and thank you regarding the awards. Yeah, it was a Big Five-O thing, to try something new, which my son nudged me into doing, but also watching the movie and first learning about blogging. I’m glad you enjoyed the back story, and many hugs to you. Have a wonderful weekend! Tomorrow is our party for my father-in-law’s 95th! ❤🎉😍🎵
Wow! 😀 Have a fabulous party today! As for the song, I had this and his other tunes on for much of the day … addictive!
Congratulations and great advice for new bloggers!💫e
Thanks so much, E, for your kind words! Have a great weekend! 🌼🌷
Congratulations! I love Sarah and Annika! Aww…Sarah’s watercolor is adorable!
Thanks, Jill, and I thought Franklin was just too cute to not share here!
Thanks so much again, Jill! Have an awesome weekend! ❤
I didn’t know that’s why you started your blog. Neat story!
Yep, Binky, watching the movie introduced me to blogging, but turning the Big Five-O and wanting to try something new was also a factor. Then, of course, with my son’s perseverance, it all materialized. 🙂
You deserve every award, dear friend 🙂 ❤
Thanks so much, Christy! Sending big hugs! 💗🌷🌼
Hugging back ❤ 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your beautiful words about me and my blog, dear Lauren!!! You don’t know how much this means to me! And it´s been so interesting to learn how your wonderful blog got started – I also watched the film Julie&Julia, even read the book, and loved, loved, loved it! Both actresses are one of my favorites and the story is just so lovely and I´m so glad that it and your son encouraged you to write your own poetry blog.
As to the song you shared with us – it´s amazing!!! I haven´t heard of the artist before, but now that I have, I know there´s no going back – I simply have to listen to all of his songs now!! The wonderful good vibes coming through this song you shared will keep me wonderful company today as I´m going to listen to it repeatedly. 😉 Thanks for introducing me to him – I´m always thrilled to find new music. 🙂
Wishing you a beautiful and creative day, dear friend! And I wish for you to Have it all!!! Love&hugs! xoxo
You’re very welcome, Sarah, and I’m glad you knew about the movie and enjoyed it, too. I’m also happy that you liked the song. I love the happy energy that it exudes. 🙂 Thanks for your beautiful wishes, too, and have a wonderful Sunday and week ahead. Sending lots of love! ❤🌻😍🎼
Congratulation Lauren, whether you follow awards or not, you certainly deserve this recognition, great to read the insight into the origin of your blogging life.
Cheers.
Aww, thanks so much, Ian, for your wonderful comment! And glad you enjoyed my back story, too. Wishing you a great day, my friend!
Congratulations on your awards galore 🙂
Enjoy.
All good wishes,
Eric
Thanks so much, Eric, and thanks for catching up here, too. Hope your Thursday is thrilling!
Friday draws closer
its warmth and smile we’ll welcome
but today is here
🙂