Acceptance of Awesome and Amazing Awards in Arrears :)

This awards ceremony might be a bit lengthy, so please sit down, be comfortable and thank you, in advance, for your compassionate patience!

Most of you know what has been happening in my life, thus, I am tardy in accepting several awards, for which I am extremely grateful for…I am going to post the awards, then my nominations at the end…

I received this FIRST award on January 25th:

“Reader Appreciation Award” (No Kidding???)

I hadn’t heard of this award, but thanks to my dear friend and blogging sister, Caddo, http://caddoveil.wordpress.com, I am now a recipient and have truly enjoyed her graceful and humorous writing talent.  She is also known as the Haiku Queen!  Thank you, Caddo!
 
As she wrote, awards are like gifts–they are meant to be a blessing.  Therefore, the “rules” are not legally binding–which means, if you’re not happy to be nominated, please have some mercy and grace for me.  (Caddo didn’t do compliance checks and neither will I!)  “List six nominations.  Link the Award Image back to the one who presented it to you.” But if you can’t manage it, please do not fuss and fret.

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The SECOND award is the Candle Lighter Award, received on February 8th, from my other dear friend, Celeste, celestealluvial.wordpress.com.  She is definitely a candle of grace and heart in this blogging world and sheds loving light on all of her readers.  I am deeply grateful for her to think of me in this light~Thank you, Celeste!

Candle Lighter Award

The Candle Lighter Award is an award for a blog or post that is positive and brings light into the world.

RULES > Whenever you see a blog or post you think brightens the world, give them The Candle Lighter Award. Recipients can accept or decline. What does the recipient have to do > simply accept and nothing more! You can paste this image on your blog, if you wish, and you are done! If you wish to honor someone else with a Candle, pass it on, anytime and as many times and to as many people.

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My THIRD nomination is for Mrs. Sparkly’s Ten Commandments & Just Kidding Awards, which was given to me on February 21st!  Dear Caddo nominated me again, and I am so honored she thought of me as “sparkly and humorous!”  She exemplifies sparkles and humor enough for all of us and truly shines light to my world, so Thank you, again, Caddo! 

Mrs. Sparkly’s Ten Commandments Award/Just Kidding Award:

The “Mrs. Sparkly’s Ten Commandments Award” has to do with a woman of the same name, known for being very elegant and having high expectations, and who is committed to maintaining integrity, good manners and behavior, as well as a rich sense of humor.  Well, thank you, Caddo, for considering me for this high honored award!  Now, I must answer 10 Questions “honestly” about myself, as part of my acceptance (rules) of this award, so here we go:

  1. Describe yourself in 7 words—

 Grateful, compassionate, nice (sometimes, too nice?), an encourager (just like Caddo), funny, helpful, emotional (so much for 7 words!)

  1. What keeps you up at night?

Thinking about life or worrying about things I probably shouldn’t worry about~

  1. Who would you like to be?

There are so many wonderful people I admire and love, but I believe we should learn to be comfortable in our own skin.  Sometimes I slip, but most of the time, I’m pretty comfortable~

  1. What are you wearing now?

It’s cold out, so jeans and long sleeved t-shirt~  (sorry I didn’t dress for this occasion!)

  1. What scares you?

Losing a loved one, freak events in life, clicking the publish button (not too scary, but a little unnerving!)

  1. What are the best and worst things about blogging.

I have to agree with Caddo…the Best by far is the incredibly wonderful people I’m meeting—and the opportunity I have everyday to bless and encourage others, and learn from them.  And it’s the closest I’ll likely come to being “published!”

The Worst—the spam comments: I received several rude comments from a gentleman, whose comments I did trash, but they were unnerving, as well.  I haven’t seen him lately, so for that I am grateful.

  1. What was the last website you looked at?

Google.com and of course, WordPress.com

  1. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Sometimes, I wish I weren’t so emotional and analytical~

  1. Slankets—yes or no?

No Slankets, but am cozy enough with blankets and hubby!  Hee,hee! 

  1. Tell us something about the person who tagged you.

Caddo is  compassionate, spiritual, giving, kindhearted, so funny (I love people who make me laugh), and a wonderful, elegant and graceful poet~

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Next is my FOURTH nomination for the “U are it!”  Well, I was tagged on February 24th, by lovely Aliza, http://alizaswindow.wordpress.com. She shares emotions with me and is also a loving soul~Thank you, Aliza, for including me in this fun post!

TAG! You are IT!
This is a fun game where I answer her eleven questions and then I get to ask 11 new questions of my WP friends!
Rules:
1. You must post the rules.
2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.
3. Tag eleven people and link to them on your post.
4. Let them know you’ve tagged them
 
Okay, here are the questions Aliza asked me and I’m going to modify this award, so instead of making up 11 new questions for my friends, I’m going to use these, because I like them!  So, to the bloggers I tag, please answer the same questions below, of course, if you have time, but if you don’t, it’s really okay…this is supposed to be fun, nothing to stress over!

1.  Your nickname? :-) Pie Girl (my hubby calls me this ‘cuz I’m sweet..I know, too mushy?)

2.  The wildest thing that you have ever done?  I was never that wild, a good girl (boring? Not really) but, I remember a time when I drank two Long Island Iced Teas (young and invincible) and drove home.  Very stupid and not smart, because I’m a light weight when it comes to drinking, but needless to say, I’m safe!

3.  Have you found true love in life?  Definitely, married for 23 years and together for 24!

4.  Your special quality?  Kindness

5.  Your most clear memory of your childhood? Going to Disneyland with my best friend, Cindy, many times!  I am a Disney fanatic and we lived 5 minutes away from Mickey and Minnie!

6.  The color which describes you best?  Orange, because of my (most of the time) sunny disposition~

7.  Your favorite movie?  So hard to choose, but one that comes to mind is The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock; wonderful and touching story~

8.  One thing you would like to change about yourself?  Lose 10 lbs 🙂

9.  A song which describes you?  “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing with Patrick Swayze  ♫

10.  Your favorite novel? Again, too many to choose from, so will have to pass on this one~

I’m going to tag 6 favorites of mine, but my list is endless:

http://adamsart.wordpress.com – Deb

http://poeticjourney251.com – PJ

http://cenicitas.com – Nanda

http://juliecatherinevigna.wordpress.com – Julie

http://poeticparfait.wordpress.com – Christy

http://willofheart.wordpress.com – Lane

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LAST BUT NOT LEAST is the Sunshine Blog Appreciation Award and I was given this by my wonderful friend, Deb, http://adamsart.wordpress.com, on February 25th!  Deb brings me much sunshine whenever I visit her blog.  She is a wonderful painter and poet and has two adorable dogs, who also blog!  🙂  Thank you, Deb!

This bright and cheery award comes with another list of questions, so here we go:
  • Favorite color:  blue
  • Favorite animal: dog
  • Favorite number:  5
  • Favorite non-alcoholic drink: water and non-fat vanilla lattes
  • Facebook or Twitter: Facebook
  • My passion:  Writing and Helping others
  • Getting or giving presents: Giving is rewarding in itself, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy receiving, too! 🙂
  • Favorite pattern: I haven’t thought about this…
  • Favorite day of the week: Friday, last day of work week, anticipating the weekend
  • Favorite flower:  Alstroemeria from South America
WHEW!  I think this ceremony is coming to an end…but, before I conclude, I have to include that I am unable to pay these awards forward as normally done, so I hope you forgive me (please?).  This is due to time constraints, so instead, please check out my blog roll, any comments made on my posts to find new bloggers or simply take the time to visit new blogs to show your interest and appreciation of new thoughts, writing, art and photography on WordPress…as we do this, awards or no awards, we’re paying “it” forward~
 
Everyone I’ve met has been a blessing to me in more ways than one!  I am thrilled and grateful to be a part of this blogging world, even though, at times, I get behind in responding, visiting and so forth…I’ve enjoyed the emotions I’ve felt from reading other’s awesome writing, the giggles, the tears and the “Awww’s and the sigh’s!”
 
So, again, I apologize for the lengthy post, but I thought this would be better, so thank you to those who continue to support me and have also kept me in your prayers and positive thoughts during this somber month of February!  Blessings and Happy Wishes to you All!
 
Lauren
 
p.s. I sincerely hope I have not made any errors!  🙂

Always (Sequel to “Will you” 1/31/12)

Distance has made its way
weaving through our paths
Yet I’ve been near everyday
though, with my heart in a cast

Past words have been lethal
leaving souls in broken bits
but I think of you daily
It’s your spell I truly miss

You ask these things of me
with plain uncertainty
  Yet I sense you still have feelings
even as you tread carefully

You have never left my heart
It is there you have remained
I hold this place for you
To your love I am chained

Ask anything, My Darling,
Anything, at all,
I’m yours ‘till eternity
With you and only you,
I will fall

© LScott 2012

A Valentine’s Day to Remember

May we hold close those in our lives
Who touch our hearts
Our husbands, our wives,
Our girlfriends and boyfriends
Our daughters, our sons
and our very best friends
Our sisters and brothers
Our fathers and mothers
Even the furry companions
Who add joy to our days
To those who have passed
We give God praise
for the love they gave
To anyone unmentioned
in this Valentine greeting
We give thanks for your love
For your presence and hugs
Let the Valentine banner be unfurled
And if we could, we’d give them the world

© LScott 2012

I will be slowly responding to your wonderful,
supportive comments, and then I’ll get
back into the blogging routine…
I wish you all a loving Valentine’s Day♥
Lauren

A quick “hello”

Hello Everyone,

I won’t be blogging again until next week…
My family has been with my Dad and sisters for support and
to plan my Mom’s service for this Saturday.
I’m sure you can imagine how it’s been emotional
and heartbreaking, especially seeing my Dad cry.
When we hear him tell old friends that he lost his gal…

I’m at a loss for words after reading your beautiful thoughts,
but, thank you all so much for your prayers and love.
I’m also sorry to be missing your wonderful writing and
posts and unfortunately, I won’t be able to catch up, but please know
that you have been missed, as well.  I will do my best to respond
when I return~

My Mom, at 90, was truly happy that I started this poetry blog,
so her happiness will be with me forever.

A Big “Thank you” and Blessings to you all
and I hope you’re all doing well~
Lauren

A Loving Tribute to Mom 1921-2012

I wrote this poem for my parents in honor of their 57th Anniversary.
They both loved it…

This month would have been their 67th Anniversary; 70 years of being together.
She passed away early this morning, peacefully, with Dad by her side.
She’s no longer in pain and suffering, but we will miss her very much
and Dad lost the love of his life~
This is my tribute to her, a beautiful woman,
who loved her Husband and her three Daughters very much.
She loved this poem, which is why I’m re-posting it in her honor~
“You will forever be in our hearts, Mom”

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

1945 was special for two, a wonderful year.
It was February with memories held dear.
The wintry air enveloped the day,
Hearts full of love warmed their way.

The music played on as the others were anxious,
For the moment beginning was so very precious.
Then turning around, they catch a glimpse
of a beautiful woman escorted by a prince.

Her walk was so graceful down the carpeted aisle,
She wore a dress of white satin and an elegant smile.
He stood there admiring her shimmering beauty
In his Air Force uniform, standing with dignity.

They were blessed with God’s word, the foundation
for their future.
He would guide them, direct them, and lovingly nurture.
Then they turned to their guests as Husband and Wife~
Roles they’ve played for most of their life.

They’ve attained much knowledge with smiles and tears,
Experiences just for them through all these years.
Now 57 years later as Grandparents to seven,
Age ninety-something and healthy, living in sheer heaven.

Is this so rare, a marriage forever?
  57years of best friends to each other!
Pour in the crystal and sip the wine,
For this can only happen Once in a Lifetime.

© LScott 2012

The ABC Blogger Award :)

The ABC blogger Award

I’m sure they know how late I am in responding and I hope they’ll forgive me!  I have to say, though, that each award feels like another hug!  A feeling of warmth and of belonging; who can truly ask for more?  These are all lovely ladies, who possess wonderful talent in writing and painting.  They are also lovely new friends of mine in this land of blog!  I thank them from the bottom of my heart!  ♥

Here are the rules…

There is no limit to how many fellow bloggers you pass this on to~

Share some things about you, but alphabetically,  just a word or two starting with each letter of the alphabet.

Before I share my crazy alphabet, I would like to nominate the following bloggers…if these are repeat nominations, so sorry!  🙂  But, all joking aside, only follow through if you have time…absolutely no pressure is applied here~However, consider yourself hugged AGAIN!  🙂

http://figmentsandimagination.wordpress.com – Sharon

http://caddoveil.wordpress.com – Caddo

http://granbee.wordpress.com/about – Rose

http://raindancepoetry.wordpress.com – Betty

http://sandrabranum.wordpress.com – Sandra

http://seasonspoetry.com – Francina

http://versenotprose.wordpress.com – Andrea

http://swansongsandprose.wordpress.com- Pam

http://10eveningflowers.wordpress.com- Kaytee

http://pryncessyndrome.wordpress.com – Pryncess

http://chicpress.wordpress.com – Abi

I love all of these blogs, which I believe they already know!  And to add, my list goes on and on…Please visit their sites, if you haven’t in the past.  You will be pleasantly entertained and extremely moved, as I have been~

Okay, here we go with the ABC’s!  I did have a few technical difficulties (leave it to me)! 🙂

A

Aloha

 N

 Nice, Neat

B

 Blogging

 O

 Orange Juice

 C

 Canine companions

 P

 Poetry

 D

 Dancing

 Q

 Quotes

 E

 Everlasting love

R

 Relationships

 F

 Family

 S

 Sisters, Steph

 G

 Gratitude

 T

 True

 H

 Humor, Hugs

 U

 Understanding

 I

 Ice cream

 V

 Voluptuous (Not!) 🙂

 J

Joy

 W

 Warmth

 K

 Kind

 X

X-tra time

 L

 Love

 Y

 YAY!

 M

Matt, Michael

 Z

 Zesty