Blog Rolls, Bling and Blurbs ...

SECURITY ALERT: Did you know ...

2010-05-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

... copy machines have hard drives that store a copy of EVERYTHING duplicated on the machine? A friend just sent me this video link to a story from CBS Evening News. Watching it was a shocker to me as I tried to remember all the personal, medical, and financial papers I've copied over the years. What a huge security leak! When old machines are 'recycled' the data (from schools, financial institutions, health providers, law enforcement, government, etc) is available to the next owner. The crazy thing is that for about $500 these machines could be fixed so that drives would be 'scrubbed' automatically ... keeping our data safe, but the industry doesn't seem interested in closing this security breach. I plan to write some letters today ... and before I use a copier in the future, I'll ask about 'data scrubbing' software first!

Thought for Today
"It is not good enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well." Rene Descartes

Lost Generation ... (or not)

2010-01-04T04:27:00.000-08:00

A Video Worth Watching ... You'll be glad you did!
It's quite cleverly conceived & created ;-)

Thought for Today
"Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty." Frank Herbert, Dune Chronicles

If you have a moment ...

2009-12-28T05:51:00.001-08:00

I'd like to share this email and brief but memorable Inspirational Video from Simple Truths with each of you today ... just because.

Dear storyteller,
May you be blessed this holiday season...
And don't forget to pay it forward by sharing this email with friends, family and co-workers. Enjoy!

Here's wishing you and your family a wonderful Holiday season!

Mac Anderson
Founder, Simple Truths

A bit of nostalgia for Christmas ...

2009-12-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and yours a Joyous Christmas

Thought for Today
"May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
the gladness of Christmas give you hope, and
the warmth of Christmas give you love."
Anonymous

Let's Hear it for Creatively Genius Entertainment!

2009-12-16T15:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Hot Mama Mia at The Pittsburg Deli for sharing this creative rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus. I couldn't resist sharing this one ... just because so ENJOY ;-)

Thought for Today

"The reluctance to put away childish things may be a requirement of genius." Rebecca Pepper Sinkler

Dona Nobis Pacem - 2009's Peace Blast

2009-11-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

Today I join Mimi Lenox and many other bloggers in the 6th Blog Blast for Peace ... and invite YOU to join the wave today on your Blog. Just click Mimi's link and read the directions for getting your own Peace Globe to personalize and publish. Then follow the directions to share with others through her official sites ... and visit others blogging for peace.

Click to embiggen and for others Blogging for Peace

A friend sent the following in email
and methinks it appropriate to share today
as a reminder that we can each CHOOSE how to respond
to every situation ;-)

The Real Mighty Mouse (or the Peaceful Leopard) !

Seemingly unaware of the beast towering over it, the mischievous rodent grabbed at scraps of meat thrown into the African Leopard's enclosure. But instead of pouncing on the the tiny intruder the 12-year-old leopard, called Sheena, appeared to be afraid of the daring mouse and kept her distance. At one stage she tried to nudge the mouse away with her nose, but the determined little chap carried on chewing away until he was full.

Excuse me? A perturbed Sheena the leopard looks on as a cheeky mouse nibbles her food at the Santago Rare Leopard Project in Hertfordshire...

The extraordinary scene was captured by photography student Casey Gutteridge at the Santago Rare Leopard Project in Hertfordshire. The 19-year-old, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, who was photographing the leopard for a course project, was astounded by the mouse's behaviour. He said: 'I have no idea where the mouse came from - he just appeared in the enclosure after the keeper had dropped in the meat for the leopard. 'He didn't take any notice of the leopard, just went straight over to the meat and started feeding himself. 'But the leopard was pretty surprised - she bent down and sniffed the mouse and flinched a bit like she was scared. 'In the meantime the mouse just carried on eating like nothing had happened.

...but even a gentle shove does not deter the little creature from getting his fill... 'It was amazing, even the keeper who had thrown the meat into the enclosure was shocked - he said he'd never seen anything like it before.' Project owner Jackie James added: 'It was so funny to see - Sheena batted the mouse a couple of times to try to get it away from her food. 'But the determined little thing took no notice and just carried on.' Sheena was brought in to the Santago Rare Leopard Project from a UK zoo when she was just four months old. She is one of 14 big cats in the private collection started by Jackie's late husband Peter in 1989.

...so the mouse continued to eat the leopard's lunch and show the leopard who was boss ... (or perhaps the lion decided to make a friend by sharing).

If you missed them, click for links to my previous Blog Blasts for Peace in November of 2008:
Sacred Ruminations- The Strength of Gentleness
Small Reflections-A Revolution of Music,
Blog Rolls & Bling – What if? (a Colorful Alternative to Bombs)
and June of 2008:
Thirteen Thoughts on the Topic of Peace
Peace in Every Step

Click for others participating in
the 6th Blog Blast for Peace!

See my other 2009 Peace Globes at
Happily Retired Gal
Sacred Ruminations
Small Reflections

Thought for Today
"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent." Issac Assimov

More Blessings & Bling to Share ;--)

2009-10-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

I am grateful to
many bloggers who have shared
awards on their blogs:

Mike Golch of Rambling Stuff

Sandee of Comedy Plus
Snap at Tales from Twisty Lane
Gengen at Life's Journey
Martha at Menagerie
Mary, the teach at Work of the Poet
Sandi of Rose Chintz Cottage & Inspirations

just to name a few ;--)

I apologize
to be non-specific with
who gave me just what

but it's been a while
since I've received each of these
and my memory

isn't what it was.
If I missed some one I hope
they will forgive me.

Let me know and I'll
update this and add a link
to your blog as well.

If you decide to
'snag' any of these awards
please leave a comment

with a link to your
blog so I can visit when
time permits me to.

The Friendship Blog Award above implies:

Green: to symbolize the new buddies.
Yellow: to represent the guys who are always active.
Blue: to symbolize with high performing PR Bloggers.
Red: to symbolize that our blood is red and therefore we are all brothers.

Friendship through blogging is one of the very early sought after aims for most Bloggers. There are times when it is difficult to foster friendship through virtual reality. There are friends and there are friends. Even in life, we know that friendship is built on a lot of real life contact and considerations.

The Friendship Blog Award comes with a few DO’s and these are:

Create a post as above.
Include a link Giver Award.
Copy-paste the image to be replicated at your Blog Post.

Thought for Today
"If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it."
Edgar Watson Howe

Passing Blessings Along

2009-08-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

I have been remiss
in acknowledging receipt
of lovely awards

from virtual friends
in the Blogosphere and so
I take time right now

to remedy this
oversight on my part
and share more awards here

First, a brief acknowledgment of truth:
I'm not much for following rules these days. I heartily apologize to beloved bloggy friends I've not visited of late. I trust you know who you are. Little by little I'm making adjustments in my life ... finding balance between the real & virtual worlds ... setting some direction for myself and my blogs ... moving forward with joy and purposeful choices. It could take me forever to generate a list of 'deserving blogs' ... (or I might never get around to it at all) ... so I quote the words and lists virtual friends wrote here and invite 'valued virtual friends' and unknown visitors who pass this way to 'snag' and share these awards in turn with others. Without further ado and in no particular order ...

Thanks to Michele of Rocky Mountain Retreat
for sharing this lovely gift ;--)

Thanks to Harriet for hosting this nifty Shadow Shot activity
and for sharing this kewl award with all SSS participants.

Martha of Menagerie shared several awards recently in three separate posts each quoted below. Of this award she writes:

I'd like to thank my wonderful friend Vicky from Beauty For Ashes for honoring me with this really lovely award! I had to look up the meaning - basically it means you are the best of the best! :-)

These are the rules associated with this award:
- Display the award in your blog
- Link back to the blog who gave it to you
- Pass the award on to other blogs
- Inform the recipients of the award
- Make rules visible

I'm offering this award to all my regular readers who are here for me no matter what it is I'm posting about here at my menagerie of craziness - I know I'm guilty of getting hooked on certain blogging aspects and then when you least expect it I change my focus, LOL! Why do you think I named my blog Menagerie?!

Blogging buddies come and go just like acquaintances in our daily lives. This is for those who are my true friends out here in the land of blogs. You know who you are - please accept this special award! :-)

and of these, Martha writes:

My friend Audrey over at Stage 3! Who, me? has honored me today with not just one, but two lovely awards! Thanks you so much Audrey!

Audrey is a new friend I've found here in the land of blogs since I've been on my summer break. Audrey is a wonderful lady! I feel so lucky to have met her, and honored to be her friend. I sure hope you will all stop over to visit her if you aren't already a follower of hers.

Here are the lovely awards ...

"The Stroke of the Brush Award recognizes and celebrates the willingness to take risks, speak honestly, act with integrity, and in the process create and share colors and/or words that stroke our curiosity, and brush aside our differences."

"These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers, photographers, poets, humorists and smart a**es!"

You all know how I am when it comes to awards. As much as I really love getting them, I just can't ever bring myself to follow the rules when it comes to presenting them to others. I would never want any of my friends here to feel badly or left out if they weren't chosen. So in my usual style I offer these two wonderful awards to all my true friends out here - You know who you are!

and finally Martha generously continues:

My sweet friend Pacey has honored me with an award! Pacey has six terrific blogs! If you don't already know Pacey please be sure to stop by! Go to her main blog When you were sleeping and be sure to check out all her other great blogs which are listed at the top. Pacey hosts the fun photo meme This WAY THURS -Way and is also one of our Contributors at The Krazy Kitchen hosting Cultural Connections. Be sure to check out her wonderful recipes there too!

The Neno Award is given to those who love blogging, love to encourage friendships through blogging, and who help others seek the reasons why we all love blogging.

Thank you so much Pacey! As always I'm offering this to all my friends here who also love blogging and encourage friendships through blogging! You know who you are :-)

Snap at Tales From Twisty Lane writes:

Look what I got yesterday! Two awards at one time from the lovely and talented Shelly, the Blue Ridge Lady. Thank you, Shelly. I'll try to continue with the *variety feast*!

You must go and visit Shelly. She has been collaging for a little over a year -- bright, beautiful, fun collages. She also does some beaded jewelry and she is a cat lover. It's always hard to hand the awards off to other blogs. There are just too many blogs that make me smile. So, if you don't already have these awards, would like them, or need to make yourself smile -- please grab an award with my blessing and a big YeeeeeHaaawww!

Bonnie Bonsai generously shared the following post at her Appreciation Award Blog ... I'm honored to be included in her list of recipients and wish to pass these lovely awards along here to others. I quote Bonnie below ...

First from Rosidah

I voluntarily picked this up from Rosidah, Music of My Life.. I know she meant well with her personal policy and philosophy as she is a well-meaning person. If you read her blog, you will understand why.

Here are the rules that MUST be followed:

1. Add the logo to your blog.
2. Link to the person from whom you received this award
3. Nominate 7 or more blogs
4. Leave a message on their blog,letting them know they are "One Lovely Blog"!

So here are 7 ingredients, which I love to see in a blog:

1. A lovely host or in other words a good friend
2. Lovely art (candles or other crafts)
3. Lovely communities offering lovely friendship
4. Lovely memes
5. Lovely photography
6. Lovely quizzes or tips
7. Lovely quotes or inspirational thoughts

Second from Silver

This is my second Award from Silver, being she also conferred me the Bella Sinclair Award. Thanks for your sweet kindness Silver.

Thank You Rosidah and Silver from the bottom of my heart. This is truly a magnificent honour for me. My appreciation to you both.

Now it's time to pass the Bucket.

Ready People!

Small Reflections
Sylvia From Over The Hill
Sydney - City and Suburbs
Joyful Reflections
Something Sighted
Southern Journeys
The New Sixty

Cheers!

As for me, I'll do my best to pass along awards in a timely fashion from now on. If I missed anyone I apologize. Please feel free to check out my other blogs to see what I've been up to ... other posts here for more 'awards & bling' to 'snag & share' and I wish you an absolutely delightful day ;--)

A Celebratory Post at Small Reflections
contains an assortment of additional awards
and, of course, earlier posts here do too.

Thought for Today

"Our happiness in this world depends on the affections we are able to inspire." Duchess Prazlin

More Awards and Goodies

2009-06-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

Spring Gifts for All ...

Thanks to Ana Luiza

For Mom's Everywhere ...

Happy Spring To Everyone ... Rainbows & Awards

2009-04-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

As my gift to all ...

It's been quite a while
since I've posted anything
here ... but today I'm

making up for lost
time and updating a bunch
of awards that I've

given and received
lately and I hope you will
enjoy all of them.

If you decide to
snag a few to pass along
I'd appreciate

knowing who you are
and perhaps some linky-luv
for my friends and me ;--)

Feel free to snag this button to enjoy
& share with others too.

I did it!!! Blog365 - 2008

Blog 365 + 1 ... because

Click for my 2008 Blog Review Meme Post

♥♥A Valentine♥♥

For my Bloggy Friends

I did it again!

Recently received awards

from Mary, the teach,
at Work of the Poet

from Aline & Akelamalu

3 from Sandee of Comedy Plus

... the Lemonade Award from Alice, the Gal Herself,
& Mike Golch

this Triple Award from Forgetfulone

from Joyce at Mom's Musings ...

Thanks to everyone for
your generosity and thoughtfulness!

Thanks to Sandee ...

Ivana honored me with

and I've shared it too ... click on the award to see who the recipients are and check out their blogs when time permits.

Thanks to Roger

I'm blessed with many ...

Thanks to Akelamalu, Mary, & Sandee for sharing this award.

Thanks to Mama Zen

and the Scholastic Scribe

Thanks Kitten ;--)

Hootin' Anni gave

me this very 'kewl' graphic award! Isn't she the best?

Vixen - Thanks for

this wonderful award!

Lovely surprise Mike!

Thanks for sharing your well deserved award with me ;--)

More Awards ...

Lovely Valentines for and from Bloggy Friends

2009-02-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

♥♥A Valentine♥♥

I've enjoyed displaying these lovely Valentines at Small Reflections during the month of February and am happy to share them here indefinitely.

♥Thanks Roger♥

Thanks Patti

Thanks to Pea

Thanks Sandy

Thanks Hootin' Anni

Thought for Today
"Who, being loved, is poor?" Oscar Wilde

'Kewl' ... Obama-belia

2009-01-28T12:08:00.001-08:00

Amazing to Watch

Jan of the Prytz Family shared some of the images that were in a Sunday edition of the Los Angeles Times:

... in the Image section:

Photo by Eric Moore, 1983, Obama at college in California

... in the Art and Books section.

Thomas Libetti for the Times

Joe Ciardieillo for the Times

image by Shepard Fairey, Gingko Press

by Roberto Prada for the Times

Photo illustration by Charis Tsevis

Joe Fournier

Zack Trenholm for the Times

Simple Gifts - from the Inauguration Ceremony

Thought for Today

"Hope never abandons you, you abandon it." George Weinberg

2008 in Review

2009-01-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Uncle Jay Explains: The Year 2008 in Review
Found at My Crazy Life With a Toddler

Thought for Today
"A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable." Thomas Jefferson

Happy New Year - ABBA

2008-12-31T06:23:00.000-08:00

Thought for Today
"Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?" Dennis and Wendy Mannering

Merry Christmas to all ...

2008-12-25T07:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas Lights
Synchronized to Trans Siberian Orchestra Nutcracker
with Beautifully Different Visual Displays

and one more for good measure ... just because ;--)

A Symphony of Christmas Lights

Thought for Today
"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." Aaron Rose

Merry Christmas ... another light display

2008-12-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

Enjoy and share with others ... just because.

I'm writing notes in the Christmas cards (that I created & printed yesterday) this morning so I won't be visiting until I'm finished, but I wanted to leave a note here ... just because.

I created two new awards for my bloggy friends to express my gratitude to all who have visited & left comments on any or all of
my blogs during this busy holiday season during December.
You'll find them here and here. Please snag, enjoy, and pass them along to friends as you choose as my holiday gift to each of you.

I hope you're enjoying the holiday season!

Thought for Today
"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall." Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

Found & Shared ... just because ;--)

2008-12-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

I found this link at Sylvia's ...
and laughed so hard I just had to share! Enjoy ;--)
What you miss by not attending church

Thought for the Day
"Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it."
Henry Ward Beecher

Delightful Holiday Lights and Music to Share

2008-12-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

Winter Wonderland
2007 Holdman Christmas Light Display

Bagpipes Merry Christmas
Animated Christmas Lights

You can find more of these at Small Reflections and Sacred Ruminations throughout the holiday season and clips of Straight No Chaser in the next two posts.

Thought for Today
"Music is love in search of a word." Sidney Lanier

Carol of the Bells - Straight No Chaser

2008-12-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

The original members of Straight No Chaser
perform "Carol of the Bells" at the Musical Arts Center,
Bloomington, Indiana, December 7th, 1997.

See next post for info about their 2008 Christmas Album
and click to see & hear SNC perform
the original 1996 version of '12 Days'

Thought for Today
"Were it not for music, we might in these days say, the Beautiful is dead." Benjamin Disraeli

About Straight No Chaser's Christmas Album

2008-12-09T06:13:00.000-08:00

Click the link below to see & hear SNC perform
the original 1996 version of '12 Days'
and the YouTube video to hear
their 'revival' plans ...

Thought for Today
"I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights; and you have yours. But sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love, belong to all of us, in all times and in all places. Music is the only means whereby we feel these emotions in their universality." H.A. Overstreet

Proposition 8 - 'The Musical'

2008-12-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

This video clip is both entertaining and thought provoking on an issue that requires attention ... so I'm shining a bit of light thanks to Dianne of Forks Off the Moment who brought it to my attention. She writes:

"This delights me on so many levels …
First of all – what a collection of talented people.
Then - it addresses one of my favorite pet peeves – people who use the Bible to fit their own agenda.
And it brings up how, if it makes money, it usually ends up being as American as apple pie. In this case I pray that’s true."

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

See also this video clip with
Keith Olbermann speaking his mind
eloquently on the subject of Proposition 8.

Thought for Today
"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." Abraham Lincoln

Whimsically Shared ... Just For Fun ;--)

2008-12-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist passing this along ... just because (with thanks to Schmutzie's Milkmoney for the link). It's really worth checking out, especially if you need a laugh!

Don't you just love this pooch?
See another entertaining video clip.
Click for others participating in Wordless Wednesday today.

Thought for Today
"The dog was created specially for children. He is the god of frolic." Henry Ward Beecher

The post above was originally shared
at Sacred Ruminations.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I found this next one at Tiggerland's ... it's pretty cute ;--)
I don't drive much of anywhere these days, but those with a serious commute might find this utterly delightful to contemplate!

For more laughter ... check this doggie out
at Sacred Ruminations!

Thought for Today

"A real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works." Bill Vaughan

Worth Your Time & Thought ... seriously

2008-11-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

I found this at Lunar Musings ... it touches my heart & conscience and wanted to share ... just because. I hope you'll take time to watch & listen ... and perhaps even share on your blog too.
Hugs and blessings,

Thoughts for Today
"You are a human being. You have rights inherent in that reality. You have dignity and worth that exists prior to law." Lyn Beth Neylon

"The Framers of the Bill of Rights did not purport to "create" rights. Rather, they designed the Bill of Rights to prohibit our Government from infringing rights and liberties presumed to be preexisting."
Justice William J. Brennan, 1982

"Give to every human being every right that you claim for yourself." Robert Ingersoll

Simple-ology - a free blogging course

2008-11-26T18:06:00.001-08:00

Frances shared this today at BlogJem. She wrote:

"I’m evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they’re letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

The best blogging techniques.
How to get traffic to your blog.
How to turn your blog into money.

I’ll let you know what I think once I’ve had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it’s still free."

So I did because I was curious. If your interest is piqued too, click on the link to check it out. Who knows, we all could learn some useful & 'kewl' blogging tips.

Thought for Today

"You learn something every day if you pay attention." Ray LeBlond

DonaNobisPacem - What if ... ?

2008-11-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

5th Blog Blast for Peace
November 6th, 2008

Today I join Mimi Lenox and many other bloggers in the
5th Blog Blast for Peace ... and invite YOU to join the wave today on your Blog. Just click Mimi's link and read the directions for getting your own Peace Globe to personalize and publish. Then follow the directions to share with others through her official sites ... and visit others blogging for peace.

Blog Rolls & Bling Peace Globe is #1128

Thought for Today

"Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A beauty bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air - explode softly - and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth - boxes of Crayolas. And we wouldn't go cheap, either - not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination." Robert Fulghum

Click for links to ...
My other Blog Blasts today:
at Sacred Ruminations and SmallReflections
and last June:
Thirteen Thoughts on the Topic of Peace
& Peace in Every Step

Click for others participating in
the 5th Blog Blast for Peace!

Thought for Today
"We challenge the culture of violence when we ourselves act in the certainty that violence is no longer acceptable, that it's tired and outdated no matter how many cling to it in the stubborn belief that it still works and that it's still valid." Gerard Vanderhaar

More Awards & Bling ... (catching up)

2008-11-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

New Bling ... gratefully accepted & acknowledged

... albeit some quite belatedly

I apologize. I've been remiss in keeping this Bling Blong 'current' when I receive, acknowledge, & pass along awards that come my way. If I've overlooked someone ... please let me know. I begin with the most recently received and (sort of) work backwards as I've done previously.

Note: I realize this showed up in 'readers' before I finished adding links and publishing it. I apologize for any inconvenience in that regard, but the only way to check positioning is to publish ... and I don't know how to keep it out of 'readers' while performing such 'checks' along the way. I've tried to add links to the posts where I've shared these.

Shared December 1st at Happily Retired Gal

Sandee of Comedy Plus received these awards from the following bloggers and passed them along to all her ‘bloggy friends’ … writing:

“AngelBaby of Your Caring Angels has awarded me three more cool awards. The first one is Nisha’s Friendship award, the second is Purple Frog’s Seal of Approval, and the third is The Friendship award. Wow, she’s having a red-letter run on awards of late. Okay, she’s still celebrating her blogs first birthday. Thank you so very much for including me in the mix AngelBaby.”

and that’s precisely what I’ve decided to do here at Happily Retired Gal! I appreciate all of you who have visited & commented upon my fledging blog, so please feel free to snag, enjoy, and pass along any or all three of these lovely awards. If time permits, remember to drop by Small Reflections & Sacred Ruminations too.

November 27th

Thanks to Sandee of Comedy Plus

Friday November 21, 2008

Mike of Rambling Stuff
gave this lovely award to
me & others ... and

I've decided to
pass it on to everyone
who has commented

during the past week
here at Small Reflections ... I'm
grateful for you all!

Click to see the bloggers I awarded it to on 11-21-08

On Monday, November 10th, 2008

I do have this lovely award

... from Mary of Mary's Writing Nook that I'd like to share with all my 'bloggy friends' ... and if you missed them over the weekend there are links to awards I've received & shared in Sunday's Unconscious Mutterings.

Milestone Revision & Addendum
Until I'd published this post earlier (with some Blogthing Fun that I've deleted & will share another day as time permits), I didn't realize that I missed the 'milestone' of my 400th post yesterday ... so this is my 401st post at Small Reflections & I've decided something special is in order.

That said (for the reasons mentioned above) ... time is limited today and I've yet to create & share a Monday Motivator post at Sacred Ruminations. It will be my 271st post there ... for a total of 671 posts overall (plus 10 more at Blog Rolls & Bling) ... so perhaps (since I celebrated my 1st Blogoversaries at Small Reflections and at Sacred Ruminations recently), waiting for the next milestone makes more sense?

Yup ... methinks that's what I'll do ... but in the meantime this is for YOU when you leave me a comment today. Whether you're an old friend or a new one ... I'm happy you dropped by to help me celebrate. If you click on the image to save it to your computer then upload it to Photobucket, you'll get the HTML code to make it 'animated' on YOUR blog too ;--)

Saturday, November 8th (2008)

Look what Kitten shared last week with her friends!

I want to thank her for this lovely award and for the song she shared with it on her blog as I pass this along to all MY friends with the same song below ... just because.

November 7th, 2008 - Haiku Friday

Look what Mama Zen
left for me yesterday on
her blog ... calling me

(here I quote her words)
'... most dedicated blogger
I know' ... Isn't she

sweet to pass along
this award and say such nice
things about me too?

She received it from
Petra Michelle where I learned
there are 'rulez' ... I shall

give myself some time
to reflect & soon I will
name my successor(s).

November 3, 2008
Mike Golch of Rambling Stuff and Sandee of Comedy Plus shared this Full of Grace blog award recently and I'd like to pass it along here to all my regular readers today.

October 19th, 2008

Look what Hootin' Anni shared this week!
Isn't she amazingly creative?

If you haven't seen
Hootin' Anni's Holiday
antics ... click the links

to see for yourself
how this woman celebrates
Halloween ... What fun!

October 15, 2008
A big thank you to Mike of Rambling Thoughts for sharing this lovely award that he received from Sandee of ComedyPlus ...
It comes with these rules:

Those who have received this award, can add the picture.
Add a link to that person’s blog who awarded you.
Choose 7 others to receive this award and add links to their blogs.
Leave a message to their blogs so that they know about this.

but since I have trouble following rulez ... I'm giving it to everyone who is 'following' either of my blogs & my 'regular bloggy buddies' ... (you know who you are, but I'll try to drop by and leave you a message letting you know it's here) ... because I love YOUR blogs too!

October 3rd, 2008 - Haiku Friday

Hootin' Anni blessed
me with this 'kewl' Halloween
graphic on Wedn'sday!

I suspect that she
recognizes that I need
'Halloween' decor ...

but it's good to know
she's 'under a spell' cast by
my Small Reflections.

September 29, 2008

Thanks to Mary of Mary's Writing Nook for this 'kewl' animated award! I need to learn to do this thing myself. In the meantime ...
I would like to present all of my friends with this animated friends button. Right click and "save as." Since blogger doesn't like animated graphics, upload it to Photobucket, copy and paste the HTML code that's provided there to place it on your blog.

Wednesday - September 17th, 2008
What a wonderful way to start my day! Upon reading comments to on of yesterday's posts (yup ... there were TWO ... Heads or Tails and Ruby Tuesday), I learned that SwampAngel65 of A Florida Journal had 'left me something to make me smile' ... and she was right about that! Such wonderful validation for my blogging efforts!

She had THIS to say about me and Small Reflections:

"Storyteller. Joyful! that's what you are. Always kind and generous with your words. You have a fun blog to read :)"

So ... although I've received & shared this award previously ... I'm SMILING widely as I create this post. I failed to follow the rulez previously (because I felt hopelessly behind and was rushing off to my Tuesday PSE6 class but didn't want to put off sharing) ... and shared it with everyone on any of my Blogrolls ... so I'm taking a bit more time to 'do it right' today because I love 'introducing' my blogging friends to one another. Although they might have already 'snagged & shared' the award from me (or been given it by others) ... although there are MANY blogs I love, I offer this award today SPECIFICALLY to the following virtual friends (in alphabetical order):

His Girl Friday at Wellied on Life
Hootin' Anni
Joy at the Joy of Six
Karen at Journey to Authenticity
Mary of Mary's Writing Nook
Mary Ann of Desperately Seeking Serenity
Mother of Invention at Spilling Out!
Rhonda (aka Chuckie) at Foster Me Up
Sassy Mama Bear of the
The Café at the End of the Universe
Talking Bear at Sleepy Bear Hollow

and if you've not visited their blogs, I hope you'll check them out as time permits.

If THAT wasn't enough, Mary of Mary's Writing Nook shared the next 3 awards recently ... and I'm exceedingly grateful to be included in her circle of friends.

I wish to pass along this Inspiration Award to everyone on any of my Blog Rolls because I'm ALWAYS inspired by my visits to your blogs and the wide variety of things each of you share!

... and (following Mary's example) ... I would like to present this award to all my blogging friends who are creative in any way. It doesn't matter if you knit, crochet, make web graphics or are a great cook. You are welcome to have this award.

Even though Southern California doesn't experience many 'seasonal signs' ... (and although I shared this wonderful Autumn Friends Award previously) ... I offer it again here in case you missed it. Feel free to 'snag & share' with others as we move into the Fall Season ...

And finally, I offer THIS award from Sassy Mama Bear of the The Café at the End of the Universe once again to everyone who leaves me a comment today .... just because. Be sure to drop by and say 'howdy' to Penelope when you have the time.

Hopefully EVERYONE is smiling by now ...
I'd like to thank everyone who has chosen to 'follow this blog' ... and if you haven't yet done so, feel free to add YOUR link to the widget in the sidebar (under the link to my complete profile) too.

September 13th, 2008

Thanks to Mary (of Mary's Writing Nook) for this nifty Autumn Friends Award. I'd like to share it with all those who leave me a comment.

I've been blessed with & shared with others a variety of awards recently, and am grateful to all my 'bloggy buddies' in this virtual world.

I've passed this one on previously,
but in case you missed it ... feel free to snag & share it.

Thanks to Mike Golch
who shared the award below with friends.

September 13, 2008

After receiving this award from Kristine Kate at Life and Love ... Hootin' Anni bestowed it upon me and 8 other blogging friends yesterday. She wrote: "I love storyteller's style ... her poetry and haiku." Translating the gift from Portuguese to English, it means: "This blog invests and believe the proximity' (meaning that blogging makes us 'close' -- being close through proxy) ... a LOVELY sentiment! I feel honored to receive this award ... especially from a talented & creative friend like Hootin' Anni ... and now it's MY turn to share with the following friends I've met in this virtual world known as the Blogosphere. I look forward to seeing who they share the award with next.

His Girl Friday at Wellied on Life
Joyce at Mom's Musings
Karen at Journey to Authenticity
Mama Zen at the Zen of Motherhood
Mother of Invention at Spilling Out!
Sandy Carlson at Writing in Faith
Sandy at Momisodes
Tammy at A Little Girl Talk and Mom Knows Everything
Tina at Tina's Odds and Ends

Wednesday, September 10th

You See the World Through
Blue Colored Glasses

You live your life with tranquility. You have faith that things will work themselves out with time. This seems fairly accurate to me, though it was not always true of me.

You judge all your interactions through the lens of hope. You try to get all the facts before forming your opinion. True again ... (this is getting a bit spooky however).

You face challenges with wisdom. You know that all bad things pass, and you have the confidence to see problems through. I'd say I rely on my rather considerable life experience ... as I pray for wisdom & guidance.

You see love as the utmost expression of trust. Your relationships tend to be peaceful and stable. For the most part ... this is true as well.

At your worst, you can be cool, melancholy, and detached. You sometimes have to step back from emotionally charged situations. I'm seldom 'cool' or 'detached' ... but once upon a time I experienced 'melancholy' often ... not so much any longer though.

You are at your happiest when you are able to reflect and relax. Yup ... this is definitely true of me.

What Color Glasses Do You See the World Through?

If you'd like to play along, feel free to leave your results in comments below or share on your own blog, leaving a link here so I can visit. As an incentive, here's an award I received recently from Tammy at Mom Knows Everything (also, A Little Girl Talk) ... and should you decide to 'play along' ... it's yours to enjoy and share with others too.

Tuesday, September 9th
Thanks to Tammy of Mom Knows Everything for this nifty new award! Here are the rulez:
Now do you know some Brainy Bloggers? Pass it on to them:
Think of at least 5 bloggers that you believe to be “Brainy Bloggers”
Post it on your blog for all to see! Let them know you’ve awarded them by email, twitter, etc or via a comment on their blog!
Share some linky love and link back to both the person who awarded you and back to http://www.mommybrainreports.com
Go back to the Brainy Blog Headquarters to sign Mr. Linky and then pass it on!
I shared it with 10 bloggers at Sacred Ruminations on Monday afternoon, and would like to share it today with the following 'Brainy Bloggers' to enjoy and pass along to others.

Faye at Summit Musings
Jo Beaufoix
Joy a the Joy of Six
Joyce at Mom's Musings
Karen at Journey to Authencity
Mariposa at Mariposa's Tales
MPJ at A Room of Mama's Own
Sayre Smiles
Sassy Mama Bear at the Cafe at the End of the Universe
Sue at Life in the Urban Zoo

Monday, September 8th

Finally ... two Awards to share!

Sassy Mama Bear shared the first one at the Cafe at the End of the Universe. If you've not visited, you're in for a real treat. She's a MOST creative and entertaining blogger. Of course, I'd like to send it back to HER ... and offer it to all who decide to participate in the Purse Meme. Be sure to leave me a link so I can see yours too.

I shared the one below once before when I did something stupid
and Peajay saved the day for me as a new blogger!
It's yours if you leave me a comment and/or
share results of the Blogthing
here or on your own blog.

Sunday September 7th
Thanks to Mike Golch of Rambling Stuff for sharing this award with me yesterday. Apparently it comes with 'rulez' ... so I'll try to follow them today (for a change):
1. Only five people allowed.
2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog.
3. One has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world.
4. You must link back to whoever gave you the award.

With these rules in mind ... I bestow this Million Dollar Friend Award (from Mike) on the following friends:
Akelamalu at Everything and Nothing
Joy of the Joy of Six
Karen of Journey to Authenticity
Tina of Tina's Odds and Ends
and
ChrisB of Ms Cellania

Check out today's post at Sacred Ruminations too
for a new meme along with my regular Sunday posts & awards.

September 6th
Thanks to Mama Zen for this nifty 'Kick-AssBlogger' award ...
and to Akelamalu who shared this award given by Mimi Lenox to all those who participated in the 2008 Blog Blast for Peace ... as I did twice (see 'My Peace Globe' links in the sidebar).

September 3rd

I'd like to acknowledge, accept, and share
the following awards with gratitude.

Thanks to Ivanhoe
for this colorful award.
I offer it as an incentive to anyone who decides to
participate in the Blog Comment Survey
either here or on their own blog.

Ivanhoe also blessed Small Reflections with this one
and Mike Golch presented it to Sacred Ruminations
where I shared it mid-July.

I'd like to share it (and the ones below)
with everyone on any of my Blogrolls
and all those I visit regularly

(Come on ... you know who you are)

Mary (of Mary's Writing Nook) bestowed
this 'friendship award' to storyteller (that's me)

but I've forgotten who gave me this one ...

so please help me remember so I can add a link.

Thought for Today
"I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks."
William Shakespeare

Andrew Zuckerman: Wisdom

2008-11-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

I found this at Yertle's who found it at Jen Lemen's ... and I thought
it worth passing along ... especially as the election approaches ...
just because. I hope you'll take time to watch, listen, and perhaps
pass it along as well.

Thought for Today
"Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences."
Norman Cousins

Welcome to Storyteller's Blog Rolls, Awards & Bling Blog with Click-able Links and Surprises

2008-11-01T00:51:00.000-07:00

Hello and Welcome!
If that title isn't a mouthful, I don't know what is! This is a 'sticky post' meant to stay at the top indefinitely as an introduction ... just because.
I created this 3rd Blog to display my Blogrolls so I could remove them from Small Reflections after numerous visitors indicated problems accessing & leaving comments there. Then I moved my Awards & Bling page here and added click-able Logos to various activities I participate in regularly on either (and/or both) of my blogs. Just call me obsessively addicted after just 8 months in this 'virtual' world. Thanks for dropping by, and if you have questions, suggestions, and/or comments ... type away because I love finding them ;--)
Hugs & blessings to all!

Addendum: While reading & responding to comments on this 1st post, I've decided to publish here occasionally ... beginning with 'reprises' of earlier posts from my other blogs. I hope you enjoy them.

Thought for Today
"There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them." Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

The 5th Blog Blast for Peace is coming ...

2008-10-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

I've shared at Small Reflections and Sacred Ruminations already, and decided to add this post here ... just because.

Have you created YOUR Peace Globe yet?

As Mimi Lenox says ... "If words are powerful ... then this matters." Clicking on the logo above (or at the top of my sidebar) will take you to information about how to get YOUR Peace Globe to decorate & share between now and November 6th in the 5th Launch of Dona Nobis Pacem. We're counting down ...

My new Peace Globes for November's Blog Blast post (#4, 5, & 6) are in my sidebar at Small Reflections along with my first two (previously published in June) and I've sent them to Mimi to publish as well. If you need help adding 'text' to the graphics available from Mimi's blog, I'm willing to assist as time permits. I invite everyone to participate and to visit others too. If you'd like to see 'previous Globes created by others' visit the Peace Globe Gallery by clicking the logo below. My June Blog Blasts for Peace are here and here.

Click for a link to ...

Find more details by clicking this logo ...

Thought for Today
"An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind." ~Mahatma Gandhi

Just for Fun ... Explore YOUR inner princess too

2008-09-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

Yertle at Smile, Play, Dream decided to explore her 'inner princess' and I decided it couldn't hurt to check out mine too (though I suspect I have more in common with 'Godmother' than 'princess' at my age ;--)

According to the answers you have just chosen you are most like the

Disney Princess Belle.

Belle is as lovely as her name implies but her natural unaffected beauty is far more than skin deep. An intelligent and avid reader Belle yearns for faraway places and exciting adventures. She is a loyal, loving daughter and when the beast finally wins her trust she gives him all her kindness and patience and then realizes she has also given him her heart. With her inner strength and outward beauty, Belle is a young woman who can and does make things happen.

Which Disney Princess Are You???

Thought for Today
"Dreams say what they mean, but they don't say it in daytime language." Gail Godwin

New Bling ... gratefully accepted & acknowledged

2008-08-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

... albeit some quite belatedly

I apologize. I've been remiss in acknowledging and passing along awards recently ... and I'm going to do my best here to catch up with 'Thank Yous' ... and then pass these along to others. If I've overlooked someone ... please let me know. I'm seriously sleep deprived due to watching the Olympics ... the US Open Tennis Championships ... and the Democratic Convention while trying to live life normally ... keeping up with commitments in the REAL and VIRTUAL worlds.

I begin with the most recently received and (sort of) work backwards as I've done previously.

Note: I realize this showed up in 'readers' before I finished adding links and publishing it. I apologize for any inconvenience in that regard, but the only way to check positioning is to publish ... and I don't know how to keep it out of 'readers' while performing such 'checks' along the way.

54. Kitten of Kitten's Homeschool gave me THIS award for Small Reflections.

Mike Golch of MJG's Rambling Thoughts
gave it to me for Sacred Ruminations.

53. I have no clue who gave me this 'kitty' ... but I love it! If it was YOU, please let me know ;--)

Whoever leaves me a comment below
is welcome to 'snag' & share it
with my gratitude ...

for comments ALWAYS make me smile ;--)

52. Rhonda (aka Chuck) of Foster Me Up awarded me with this ...

51. This 'Roar for Powerful Words' and the Bear Hug underneath it came from Mike Golch at his Weblog and/or Rambling Stuff.

Thanks Mike

50. Winning Attitude came from Mary's Writing Nook who received it from Cariboo Ponderer

49. Ivanhoe blessed Small Reflections with this one and Mike Golch presented it to Sacred Ruminations. I shared it here and here.

48. Mary (of Mary's Writing Nook) also bestowed this 'friendship award' to storyteller (that's me). I shared it and #47 below at Small Reflections on 9-3-08.

47. I've forgotten who gave me this one. Please help me remember ;--)

46. This came from Pam at Random Thoughts

45. This (and the award below it) came fromVixen of Vixen's Den

44. Friendship Award from Juliana at Picturing of Life

43. Tammy of Mom Knows Everything and A Little Girl Talk awarded this.

42. Villas Girl passed this one (and the one below it) along with 'no strings attached' and I shared it at Sacred Ruminations recently.

41. Mike Golch presented this to Sacred Ruminations at MJG's Weblog on August 9th and I shared at Sacred Ruminations.

40. Thanks to Ivanhoe for this colorful award shared as she celebrated her 100th Blog Post and I passed it along at Small Reflections.

So ... I think that's all ... at least for now. I'm in the process of creating a few NEW awards of my own to bestow on others ... but for now I wish to say THANK YOU once again to everyone for their thoughtfulness and generosity. I'll be passing these along on my other blogs ... but if there's something here that strikes your fancy ... please accept and pass along to others as you see fit ... just because ;--)

Read my 'Introductory Post' for this Blog.
Additional awards received and shared previously: Bling - Part One and Bling - Part Two

... and click for 'newer bling' too.

Thought for Today

"Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow." ~Swedish Proverb

Why I Blog ...

2008-07-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Rebecca of Reba's Ramblings is celebrating her Blogoversary today by hosting a Blog Carnival with a giveaway. She has asked visitors recently to address the eternal question ... specifically the issue of why we blog. This is my attempt to respond, although it seems to me I've written of this periodically all along during the last 8+ months ... I'm just not sure where.

It's clear to me that blogging ...
1. provides a way for me to experiment with sharing what I write ... without having to sit face to face with someone as I do this thing, and I've discovered that I'm much more of an introvert than most people (including myself) generally realize
2. allows me to become accustomed feedback from a variety of readers and get over my tendency to keep what I write to myself
3. introduces me to others who write (and take photographs)
4. keeps my mind active and learning new things all the time
5. stretches my imagination and my boundaries
6. fills free time with interaction when I'm alone
7. opens my eyes to what is ... and what might be ... if only
8. expands my world and opens me up to new possibilities & experiences
9. allows me to make & interact with 'virtual' friends

Initially I blogged because others suggested I might enjoy it. They were right. I did ;--)
1. Each day at Small Reflections I wrote whatever entered my mind, pretty much as if I was writing in my journal, and at Sacred Ruminations I followed Carla's example ... celebrating My Sacred Life for a month in daily posts then changing to a weekly Sacred Life post, while sharing whatever came to mind each day.
2. I visited other bloggers to gain ideas & information, returning to my own blogs to experiment and share what I'd encountered.
3, When 2007 came to a close, I revisited my first ten weeks as a blogger and thanked my 'blogging buddies' ... linking to various posts I'd written and activities in which I'd participated ... surprising myself with what I'd discovered & accomplished in such a brief time.
4. In mid-January I pulled together my Small is Beautiful Top 7 in '07 Blog Review at the request of Magpie Girl, and by the end of January I'd reached 100 posts.
5. Once again, at the suggestion Anglophile Football Fanatic ... I created a list of 101 Things About Me on my 101st Post ... sharing a brief history of my life ... revealing more perhaps than I intended to, but leaving it 'just because.'

A few days later (when I reached 106 posts on my 2nd blog, Sacred Ruminations) I created A Milestone Missed? in which I celebrated and reflected about blogging to that point.
6. I had participated in NaBloPoMo and Holidailies ... posting daily on both blogs for two months straight, and with encouragement from Sandy of Momisodes (although I had reservations) I signed up for Blog 365, but began to do some rethinking.
7. I moved the initial information introducing myself from the About Me section of the sidebar to How I Became a Blogger and introduced myself all over again briefly in an updated paragraph which remains in my sidebar now but is in need of another revision soon.
8. Interestingly, fellow bloggers honored me with 'awards' that I displayed in my sidebar and passed along to others in posts with links ... introducing my 'virtual friends' to one another and building a 'virtual community' of sorts.
9. I celebrated my 63rd birthday online ... here and here ... participated in the Ultimate Blog Party ... joined a wide variety of new weekly activities ... and generally had fun playing.
10. As my sidebar got cluttered, I created a special page for Awards & Bling at Small Reflections to make room for new things.
11. When folks complained about the site locking up and/or being slow ... I created this 3rd Blog and moved them over here instead.
12. Gradually I've added sidebar links to my posts by category in the About Me section in hopes that visitors could locate, read, & comment on what interests them more readily.
13. To speed up things even more at Small Reflections, I moved my multiple Blog Rolls over to the 3rd Blog along with Logos and Links to memes I enjoy.

So ... to answer the question of Why I Blog ...

it's FUN and I enjoy everything about it!!!

Sometimes 'life' intervenes and takes precedence over blogging, but when things calm down this Blogosphere remains ... inviting us each to share & engage as much or as little as we choose.

How funny that this list ended up having 13 things ;--)

Thought for Today
"I am never bored anywhere; being bored is an insult to oneself."
Jules Renard

Reprising my Ultimate Blog Party Post of 2008

2008-06-24T04:34:00.000-07:00

While responding to comments from Sandy of Momisodes and Yertle of Smile, Play, Dream this morning ... (and thinking about comments from Tina, Karen, and Trish left over the weekend) ... it occurred to me that I might enjoy bringing forward some posts from the past from my other blogs ...(something I've seen others do occasionally & have enjoyed encountering myself). This post, initially published at Small Reflections on March 11, 2008, seemed an appropriate early choice. I hope you enjoy the 'reprise' of ...

After visiting lots of blogs sporting this banner during the past few days and meeting even more stay-at-home-moms than I've met through participating in Haiku Friday weekly, I notice that some older bloggers like me have decided to 'crash' this Blog Party and introduce ourselves too.

When sharing a bit of Spring sunshine and a colorful collage of flowers from my yard here at Small Reflections on Saturday, I was tempted to add the 'logo' ... but didn't. Today, however, I'm putting my little blog 'out there' ... throwing open the doors and inviting visitors in ... looking forward to meeting new friends.

I've got freshly squeezed lemonade made with
Meyer lemons from my tree.

but if you'd rather, there's
freshly brewed coffee and/or tea (iced or hot)
... with fresh fruit ...

and other tasty snacks to munch while we visit.

I'm a happily retired educator living 'the good life' in a Southern California beach community with my 3 year old Labrador Retriever, Molly, and considerably older black feral cat, Ms. Kitty. I've written of them often and posted many photos ... most recently here. I started blogging here and at Sacred Ruminations late last October (knowing little or nothing about how to do anything in this 'virtual' world) ... and LOVE everything about it so far!

Just about everything there is to know about me is in my list of 101 Things About Me.

My Top 7 in 07 Small is Beautiful Review offers a sampling of my early posts.

I've made lots of Blogging Buddies who love to give & receive 'bling' ... (as do I) ... and you can meet some of them here because I enjoy passing along link-love regularly ... introducing folks to one another.

Would you care for some more lemonade ...

chips & salsa or guacamole?

The avocados are so good already this year!

Let's see ... what more shall I share about myself?

I participate in Haiku Friday here at Small Reflections and at Sacred Ruminations, Thursday Thirteen, Wordless Wednesday, and Sacred Life Sunday. Clicking on these links will take you to just those types of posts.

I've published a variety of memes along the way. Here's a link to my Photobucket. For the past two weeks I've joined the Meme Monday and Ten on Tuesday bloggers ... learning a bit more about them as I share about myself. I've just recently discovered One Single Impression and plan to participate with that group weekly.

I did NaBloPoMo & Holidailies in 2007 and I'm participating in Blog 365 this year, however my posts seldom show up in the MegaFeed because of a glitch.

How about a bit of tea or coffee

with some freshly baked cookies
before you leave?

I'm a member of Bloggers Over 50 ... Grateful Gals (I love to write & read gratitude posts) ... and Everyday Kindness. I try to remember to end each of my posts with a Thought for the Day, just as I did every day I spent in the classroom with children. Recently, I celebrated my 63rd birthday and enjoyed sharing it with my blogging buddies!

I appreciate you stopping by today ... hope you've enjoyed your visit & will want to return when time permits. I look forward to visiting your blog and getting better acquainted with you, so I hope you'll leave a comment with a link today. If there's anything you'd like to ask, feel free and I'll be delighted to respond.

Thought for Today
The greatest contribution that you can make is the aliveness that comes from simply being yourself, living your truth, and doing what you love. The passionate expression of who we are will heal the world." Shatki Gawain

My Awards and Bling - (part two)

2008-06-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Continued from My Awards and Bling - (part one)

Hmmm ... now that I've located and displayed these awards here, I'll need to get busy and SHARE them with MY BLOGGY FRIENDS too. I'll be doing that at Small Reflections and/or Sacred Ruminations very soon ... possibly even today?

39. Rhonda (who sometimes goes as Chuck) shared her photographic creativity in a recent post and asked readers to guess what the subject might be. She made and bestowed THIS nifty award on those of us who guessed 'in the ballpark' ... and I'm oh so proud of myself ;--)

In addition, Chuck passed this Sharing The Love Award along to me. It was created by Memoirs of A Mommy in honor the donor who saved her son Noah's life with a heart transplant. Her hopes are that we can create more awareness of the importance of organ donation by passing this award onto others.

38. Tammy at Mom Knows Everything generously shared these awards recently. Isn't she wonderful? Be sure to drop by for a visit and check out her blog.

Tammy also made and shared these two 'kewl' awards ... way back in early May in honor of her 1st Blogoversary ... but they 'got lost' in my computer until they surface today! Thanks so much for your generosity.

37. Akelamalu made this award for her friends at Everything and Nothing. Isn't it lovely?

Click for next 'bling' update!

Thought for Today
"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." Cynthia Ozick

My Blog Awards and Bling - (part one)

2008-06-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

To clear out my cluttered sidebar and restore order,

I've created this special page for
Blog Awards & Bling

Originally created in February of 2008 at Small Reflections and updated it periodically as I received new awards ... I decided to MOVE the post to this separate space (off of Small Reflections) in hopes that I could 'fix' some problems folks have experienced trying to access and leave comments on that blog in recent months. Instead of simply deleting everything there, I left a few 'early' bits of 'bling' there and create a note of explanation redirecting visitors to the new location ... here! What follows is all that was in that post. I intend to start a new post with 'awards & bling' received in the past few weeks since this one is already quite long. I'll add new 'bling' to that post rather than trying to mess with this one. Enjoy!!!

36. Mary (of Mary's Writing Nook) decided to participate in the Meme of Fours and created this new award to offer as an incentive to others when she invited them to play. She graciously extended it to me as well.

35. Misty Dawn of My Dogs Keep Me Sane also made this award for participants of Camera Critters and I shared it as an 'incentive' in my 23rd T-13 with those who participated in any of several 'memes' ... and left me a link to their Meme of Four, Kind Fives, Make a Wish, and/or Message in a Bottle post.

(courtesy of Misty Dawn)

34. On my Fun Monday #4 post of April 28th, I acknowledged and passed along the following awards in the following manner (and I quote myself here):

A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING:

Chris B at Ms Cellania
for this cool award and a Monday Motivational Meme!

I offer this award to everyone on my Blogroll!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Grandy of Functional Shumunctional
shared this 'original' award made with
her own loving hands ;--)

This award is up for grabs to all who comment on
today's post (or any other from last week)

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Betty of Betty's This and That
for this lovely rose!

This 'rose' goes to all my 'regular' readers
and anyone who decides to 'tag' themselves for the
Meme of Fives (see 2nd half of Fun Monday #4)
and leaves me a link to their post ;--)

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Misty Dawn of My Dogs Keep Me Sane
made this award for participants
of Camera Critters

and for now ... I'm keeping this one for myself!

33. Thanks to Phyl from Scrappy n Happy in Ohio for sharing this special 'new' award with me and others.

I shared it here with blogging friends at Sacred Ruminations and here with more bloggers at Small Reflections. Phyl also shared this new link-love award with me (and others)

and I shared it with all who visit either (and/or both) of my blogs regularly in addition to anyone who left me a comment on that post. If you leave one HERE on this post, you're welcome to it also ;--)

32. Thanks to Mary of Mary's Writing Nook for this wonderful 'friendship' award! I shared it with 13 blogging buddies as part of Meme Monday #6 in the 2nd half of my Fun Monday #2 Double Nickel Challenge post.

31. Betty of Betty's This and That shared this new 'beagle' award and I shared it with all those who read and comment regularly here. In addition, Betty gave

30. Greatfullivin of Gratitude Journal designated Small Reflections a 'Blog of Distinction' and bestowed this award in mid-April. In checking just now I realize I've not passed it along as of May 7th, but I'll remedy that soon.

29. Zenaida left me this award at Verb in early April of 2008 when she tagged me for 'around the world tag' ... and I passed it along in my Meme Monday #5 post.

28. Mo (aka Greatfullivin) of Gratitude Journal created this wonderful 'Gratitude with Attitude Award and blessed me with it along with a few other blogging buddies. I shared it with 13 of my blogging friends.

27. Ivanhoe bestowed this delightful award upon me in April of 2008, and I happily shared it as well.

26. Thanks to Hootin' Anni for this cool award. She gave it to 13 of her friends then shared it with T-13 visitors that week as well. I offered to bloggers who decide to participate in the Make a Wish meme and link back to either of my 'wishes' here or here.

25. Melissa Markham of Melissa's Idea Garden awarded Small Reflections this award on 3-14-08 and I'll be sharing it soon with readers of this blog. I received it previously for Sacred Ruminations (see #12 below) and passed it along then to readers of that blog. Keeping this all straight is often confusing.

24. Rhonda, otherwise known as Chuck, at Foster Me Up created this special 'Easter egg' award and gave it to me recently. I look forward to sharing it with others very soon.

23. Mary of Mary's Writing Nook received this friendship award from me (that I've shared twice before) and bounced it back to me along with a 2nd copy of a previous 'friendship award' ... so I have them to pass along again to other blogging friends.

22. Eve of Adamswife's Weblog shared this one! Evidently ... I rock!!!

and so do these bloggers to whom
I pass this award along:

Akelamalu at Everything and Nothing
Chuck at Foster Me Up
Colleen at Loose Leaf Notes
Greatfullivin at Gratitude Journal
Hootin' Anni of Hootin' Anni
Karen at Journey to Authenticity
Joy at The Joy of Six
Mama Geek at What Works for Us
the Dream at You May Say I'm a Dreamer
Pussreboots
Sandy at Momisodes
Sue at Discombobula
Susan at West of Mars

21. Claudia of On a Limb gave this award from Chuck to all on the Everyday Kindness Blogroll.

I gave this award to the following bloggers
who spread the love joyfully:

Betty at Betty's This and That
Carla of zena musings and Women at Rest
His Girl Friday at Wellied on Life
Hootin' Anni of Hootin' Anni
Joy at The Joy of Six
Karen at Journey to Authenticity
Ladybug at Living in the Light I Find
Mary at Mary's Writing Nook
Melissa at Such Simple Pleasures
MPJ and A Room of Mama's Own
Sandy of Momisodes
Yolanda at Perfectly Imperfect

20. Betty of Betty's This and That gave Small Reflections her stamp approval! How cool is that?

19. Ivanhoe of Communique by Ivanhoe shared this award from the teach (both are bloggers I've recently encountered) with all on his Blogroll and I'm honored to be included.

18. Chuck of Foster Me Up (AKA Rhonda) generously passed along the following 3 awards. I've not passed them along as of 3-14-08, but intend to do so soon ... perhaps by the end of the month?

17. This cool t-shirt came from MPJ of A Room of Mama's Own who shared it with those who commented on her blog during February, and I shared it March 8th who all who had given me 'bling' and awards recently --Betty, Chuck, Claudia, Eve, and Ivanhoe.

16. Greatfullivin shared this 'Link-Love' award with me and others at Gratitude Journal on February 29th.

15. Mary gave this Friendship Award to me and other blogging friends at her Writing Nook and I passed it (and the special Small Reflections Blogging Buddies Award in #6 below) along to others on 2-29-08 in a Haiku Thank You post.

Shared on 2-29-08

As I add links to this now, I notice

she also shared this 'Nice Matters' award
to everyone on her Blogroll and that includes me ;--)
I've added it here and pass it along to others soon.

14. This week when MPJ left her comment on this post (while writing my response) it occurred to me that I had neglected to acknowledge receipt of two 'Thank Yous' from A Room of Mama's Own ... so I'm correcting that now. MPJ shared 'cookies' with her blogging buddies in December and this 'Thank You sign' in January.

I'm grateful for both
and I've decided to pass along the cookies here
to anyone who happens to see this post and add a comment.

I shared the 'Thank You Sign' this past week
on my T-13 Oronym challenge to all who played along.

13. This award came from Lucy at Diamonds in the Sky with Lucy and I shared it here with anyone who commented at Sacred Ruminations on the Monday Addendum to Saturday's Surprise post there.

12. Lucy (at Lucy Creates) bestowed the Excellent Blog Award to me for my Sacred Ruminations blog, and I passed it along to 11 others.

11. At her Writing Nook, Mary shared a variety of awards shown below that I, in turn, passed along here.

Two Belated Valentines
for all my friends at Small Reflections

Shared with 13 supportively caring blogging friends.

For everyone on my Blogroll

For all visitors

10. Joy surprised me in mid-February with this lovely award and some delightfully kind words at Joy of Six and I am most humbly grateful and appreciative.

9. Yolanda of Perfectly Imperfect shared a "Blessings Award" together with a call for prayer for those affected by the recent tornados.

8. Sandy of Momisodes recently shared this lovely Pink Floral Bouquet to "devoted readers and blog friends who keep her going everyday with comments" and this Spread the Love Award (that she received from Baby-Amore), and I passed both along.

The gorgeous Pink Bouquet went to anyone who visits and comments regularly at Small Reflections ... keeping ME going with their enthusiasm and support.

The Spread the Love Award went to all who stopped to share their thoughts at Small Reflections and to anyone who decided to tag themselves and do the Kind Fives Meme at Sacred Ruminations.

7. Miss*R at Tales of Inglewood created this blogging award to share with everyone who visits her blog, and I've passed it along on at each of my blogs ... here and here.

6. Mary of Mary's Writing Nook created two unique awards especially for me and my Small Reflections blog ... one to keep and one to share with others.

Best Blogging Buddies to Share with Others
(Shared on 2-29-08 on Haiku Thank You)

Young at Heart Award to Keep

5. About the same time, Mary P Jones of A Room of Mama's Own honored Sacred Ruminations with this Bloggin Blessing that I shared with three others.

4. Sandy of Momisodes shared this award with me for my Small Reflections blog and I passed it along in turn to 10 blogs that I find filled with rare gems and treasures.

3. Annie gave me my very 1st Blogging Award and I passed it along to 5 bloggers at Small Reflections and 5 more at Sacred Ruminations. When Karen awarded it to me a 2nd time, I shared it with 10 more bloggers at Sacred Ruminations ... and when Yolanda offered the award a 3rd time I passed it along to all visitors to Small Reflections.

I shared the following awards
with my Blogging Buddies in December of 2007
and add them here for the fun of it.

Best Blogging Buddies Ever

2. Akelamalu at Everything and Nothing created and shared these two Christmas Carol Quiz Awards with those who participated in her two Christmas Carol Quizzes here and here.

Quiz Two

Quiz One

1. Mary of Mary's Writing Nook created this Christmas Carol Quiz Award for me to offer to those who participated in my 1st Blog Quiz. I added the "snowy effects" myself. In addition, she created and shared with me the following:

Christmas Wreath

Modified with Snowy Effects

Original Award

Thought for Today
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." William Authur Ward

Continued in My Awards & Bling - Part Two

Blog Rolls, Bling and Blurbs ...

SECURITY ALERT: Did you know ...

Lost Generation ... (or not)

If you have a moment ...

A bit of nostalgia for Christmas ...

Let's Hear it for Creatively Genius Entertainment!

Dona Nobis Pacem - 2009's Peace Blast

More Blessings & Bling to Share ;--)

Passing Blessings Along

More Awards and Goodies

Spring Gifts for All ...

Thanks to Ana Luiza

For Mom's Everywhere ...

Happy Spring To Everyone ... Rainbows & Awards

As my gift to all ...

I did it!!! Blog365 - 2008

Blog 365 + 1 ... because

Click for my 2008 Blog Review Meme Post

More Awards I've created ...

and shared with others too.

♥♥A Valentine♥♥

For my Bloggy Friends

I did it again!

I did it again!

Recently received awards

Thanks to Sandee ...

Ivana honored me with

Thanks to Roger

I'm blessed with many ...

Thanks to Mama Zen

Thanks Kitten ;--)

Thanks CrackerJacks

Hootin' Anni gave

Vixen - Thanks for

Lovely surprise Mike!

More Awards ...

How about this?

Thanks Chuck

I'm delighted to know

An Autumn Award

Lovely Valentines for and from Bloggy Friends

♥♥A Valentine♥♥

'Kewl' ... Obama-belia

2008 in Review

Happy New Year - ABBA

Merry Christmas to all ...

Merry Christmas ... another light display

Found & Shared ... just because ;--)

Delightful Holiday Lights and Music to Share

Carol of the Bells - Straight No Chaser

About Straight No Chaser's Christmas Album

Proposition 8 - 'The Musical'

Whimsically Shared ... Just For Fun ;--)

Worth Your Time & Thought ... seriously

Simple-ology - a free blogging course

DonaNobisPacem - What if ... ?

More Awards & Bling ... (catching up)

Andrew Zuckerman: Wisdom

Welcome to Storyteller's Blog Rolls, Awards & Bling Blog with Click-able Links and Surprises

The 5th Blog Blast for Peace is coming ...

Just for Fun ... Explore YOUR inner princess too

New Bling ... gratefully accepted & acknowledged

Why I Blog ...

Reprising my Ultimate Blog Party Post of 2008

My Awards and Bling - (part two)

My Blog Awards and Bling - (part one)