Very Inspiring Blogger Award - Take 2 - 27 April 2013

I am just tickled! I have been nominated by the enviable and wonderful Rhiann Wynn-Nolet for the best blogger award ever. When it comes to blogging, who could ask for anything more than being an inspiring blogger? The best part is that she nominated me because (and I quote) "because she has a hedgehog, and also whenever I see her name I must say it at least six times. With a British accent." It's probably one of the nicest things a person could say about me. (See 7 things below to find out why.)

Since this is my second nomination (my first one was back here), I'll try to be more interesting with my 7 things. I feel like I can display the badge now that I've gotten 2 nominations. Made my day. I am so honored! The hard part will be coming up with only 15 nominees out of my vast list of blogs I am trying to follow.

Here are 7 more things about me - (Check out my previous post for a bonus 7)

1) I have been a diehard Anglophile since 7th grade when I belatedly discovered England, Unicorns, The Victorian Age and Castles, not necessarily in that order. All things UK and Celtic soon followed. So, I love Ireland, adore Scotland, and dream about going to Wales. London, Cornwall and the Lake District were my absolute favorite parts of England when I was there my first time. It is more like all the puzzle pieces of Beatrix Potter, Tasha Tudor and other enchanting things of my childhood falling together at that particular time in my life. It was a giant light bulb that went on and has never gone out.

2) I once dressed up as Ms. Frizzle from The Magic Schoolbus and read to kids at Borders Bookshop.

3) I made friends with all the squirrels in Kensington Gardens, London, UK because I didn't have any money to do anything else. I can't wait to go back and visit their great grandchildren in a couple of weeks.

4) I took my driver's test when I was 33 years old, and my test instructor was a one armed Albus Dumbledore look-alike. I passed. Finally. I think that means I'm a wizard.

5) In 2007/2008 I planned a 2 week trip to Scotland for a family of 10 simply on the grounds that I had been to London once before. (See previous post for my bit about London)

6) I went back to school for Archaeology/Egyptology when I was 33 years old (part of the reason I wanted that driver's license), and was led back to writing. I did not complete the coveted degree. I still *love* everything having to do with Archaeology, mythology, history and folklore. I just have to do my research on my own, instead of having someone lecture me.

7) I do, in fact, own a hedgehog, and I have plans to make him his own garden this summer. His name is Hotchiwitchi after Deanna Raybourn's gypsy hedgehogs in her Lady Julia mysteries.

Award Rules:

1. Display the logo in your blog to show you’ve been nominated.
2. Link back to your nominator.
3. Share 7 things about yourself.
4. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award.
5. Notify your nominees.

If I nominate you and you don’t want to play, no worries. If you do decide to play, please let me know so I can learn 7 interesting things about you!

My Nominees in no particular order: (I know some of these are not blogs about writing, but I feel they are all worth a visit and all of them are very inspirational to me.)

Viklit - because she keeps reminding me to be grateful for the small things and to keep writing no matter what.

Kristina Perez - this is just a beautiful website and blog. Much worth a visit.

Beth at By Hook By Hand -  This gal has kept me striving to perfect my crochet and cheered me up with the beauty of her talent.

Snowcatcher - even if you don't like winter, this woman will keep you inspired with her gorgeous crocheted snowflakes, her stories of activism and adventure, and her amazing photography.

Jessika Fleck - her quote line alone inspired me on her blog. Reading about her writing journey has continued to be inspiring.

Chris Allen-Riley - I love reading her blog. You will too. I like almost anyone who can hug cats, but this blogger is special.

Selina Fenech - I have loved her art for about 10 years now (when I discovered her) and I hope she never stops creating.

Fizzygrrl - Be prepared to literally roll on the floor laughing and mark out your place in the loony bin. Your loved ones will want to lock you up after they see you laughing so hard.

The Feather and the Rose - These girls are who I wanted to be when I was in college. I still want to be them. ;)

Scott D. Southard - I've kind of lost touch with this blogger, but I love his blog and it definitely deserves this award.

Julie and Kristen - I am stalking these two because they inspire me to believe I can do my writing on my own, even while being a part of a writing duo. They will keep you on your toes.

The Office of Letters and Light - The folks responsible for National Novel Writing Month and my launch into solo authorship. Definitely worth checking out. This blog is in my writing toolkit, permanently.

Crafty is Cool - Crochet keeps me sane, what can I say? Other people's projects definitely inspire me.

Casablanca Authors - This site turned me into a social media ahem...well, I won't say...but I got so intrigued when I found my idol author's publisher, I stalked all their sites everywhere I could...except facebook. Not going there. This site is for the romantics.

Pen & Muse - This site's inspiration is right up front. It's blogged literally by muses with awesome words to keep you writing.

Wow, I did it. I came up with 15... I hope you will be able to find a few nuggets in some or all of these sites. Thanks again, Rhiann for nominating me, and for the record, I think your name is beautiful!