Blogger Recognition Award

I was amazed when my dancing friend Khutsie of Tribe 53 nominated me for the Blogger Recognition Award back in January. Yes, it is a month since I received the award and it has taken me until now to officially announce it. Tsk, tsk!

This being my third award, I told my family that I should consider allocation an area on my blog to Awards and they all laughed.

Kea leboga (thank you so much) for selecting, honoring and nominating me for this beautiful award Khutsie.

Little did I know when I ventured into the world of blogging in October 2013, that I would meet amazing writers/bloggers and more importantly, gain their friendship and support and learn so much from them. They make the journey a whole lot more-easier and it has made me feel more a part of the writing community.

The Rules

There are always rules to follow but I like to think of them as guidance. Here they are and they’re simple:

• Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link to their blog
• Display the award on your post and write about it.
• Give a brief history on your blog itself
• Offer a piece of advice to new and upcoming bloggers
• Select 10 other bloggers you wish to nominate
• Comment on their blogs and let them know they have been nominated

Although I am usually reticent to give advice, I feel the following is a step that bloggers in general should follow if they wish to succeed in the world of blogging.

Read all the comments made on your post and acknowledge the comments by responding to each one. It shows respect and that you appreciate the time and effort each reader has taken to comment on your post.

My nominees for the Blogger Recognition Award are:

Big Red Carpet Nursing bigredcarpetnursing.com

Greg Mercer, a psyche-nurse, is a strong advocate for all nurses and is so very passionate in his drive to promote the nursing industry and more importantly to protect them from exploitation and abuse. I have great respect for Greg’s altruism, generosity and determination and his posts on all aspects of the medical world. You go Greg!

Storing Hope storinghope.wordpress.com

Wilson has a heart that is big and generous and a smile that is equally as big – so much so, that I end up smiling back in cyber space. Wilson’s blog is full of sage advice and his writings radiate the care he shows for all those he comes into contact with. It gives me great pleasure to nominate Wilson.

Weaver Grace weavergrace.com

Grace is a mulit-talented lady who writes on quite a number of topics. She writes beautifully, has a big heart and is so genuine and frank in her outlook and her many passions. I would happily dance with you in the rain Grace.

Art by Rob Goldstein robertmgoldstein.com

Rob is a prolific blogger, creative artist and is candid about mental health issues. I have learnt a lot from his posts and he is so generous in tweeting my posts to many followers. Thank you Rob for your online friendship and for educating others on the many aspects of mental health.

A Life Worth Living For alifeworthlivingforblog.com

If there is a bravery award, Shauna would be among my list of recipients. Shauna is giving of herself and writes her blog to help and encourage other victims of violence and abuse to recognize their predicament and to take steps to extricate themselves from their situation. She has a caring heart and it is obvious in her posts. Bouquets to you Shauna and keep up the good work!

Joys of Joel joysofjoel.wordpress.com

I have only recently connected with Joel and although I do not know how he found me, I am grateful that he did. I am in awe of his poems and the thoughts he shares and enjoy reading his posts. I look forward to reading more of your original work Joel.

Sabiscuits Catalog http://sabiscuit.wordpress.com/

Although Sabi and I only connected about a month ago, we appear to have a number of things in common. Sabi also writes awesome poetry and at times I feel very much the novice when I read her work. We were meant to collaborate on a project but due to unforeseen circumstances, it fell through. I do however, look forward to working with you in future Sabi. Bouquets to you and I’m drinking a toast to our friendship on the wire and to learning more from you.

A Perfectly Flawed Ruby aflawedruby2015.com

Alitha’s love of writing is quite obvious as she is disciplined in her postings and I like her frank attitude on being ‘flawed.’ She is honest and open about any subject matter she writes about and it is refreshing to read her posts. Way to go sassy lady!

wanderlust4oz wanderlust4oz.com

It is with great delight that I nominate my University buddy Fiona for this award. Fiona has a travel blog devoted solely to travelling this vast continent of Australia. Yes, she packed up and set out with Ruby, her much-loved vintage car, and also her equally loved four-legged companion, to explore and write about her experiences. There are tips on camping and travelling and Fiona also has a map showing how far she has travelled. This site is certainly helpful for those contemplating travelling and camping.

Bold Blind Beauty (http://boldblindbeauty.com)

Stephanae is an even newer blogging friend and is an absolute inspiration. When you read her blog, you will learn that she was declared ‘legally blind’ three years ago. Parents transitioning into aged care or family members experiencing some form of sight deterioration will benefit from reading the many tips and ideas that Stephanae shares on her blog (including putting on make-up and maintaining your dress style). It is an honour to follow Steph!

Please remember, you are not obliged to accept or do anything further if you don’t wish to. This is merely my salute to you, in nominating you.

I would like to add that, of all the awards I have received so far, I like The Bloggers Recognition Award the best as it is about giving due praise and recognition for the many talents and creativity of the individual bloggers that one admires and nominates.

I want to thank Khutsie for nominating me. I love reading Khutsie’s blog Tribe 53, which is full of life in Botswana and the various places of interests and anything that takes Khutsie’s fancy. She is a master at Yoga and dancing. I treasure your friendship on the wire Khutsie and I hope to challenge you to a dance marathon one day.

© Wendy Robinson March 2016

Rewards and recognition provide the best results when used as a communications medium to get attention, convey a message and build closer relationships over time. ~ Engagement Strategies Media

Disclaimer: All the photos above have been garnered from the internet. My sincere thanks go to the various photographers and contributors.

Hey, Hey – The Liebster Award!

Big drum roll folks! Yes, yours truly has been nominated for the Liebster Award! It is my second award and my thanks go to Art by Robert Goldstein for his nomination. Rob is so very generous and encouraging and often tweets my posts to his numerous (and I mean ‘numerous’) followers.

What exactly is the Liebster Award you ask? Good question Watson! I had no idea, although, I must confess I was thrilled to be nominated for anything.

So, I put my trusty sleuth cap on and went on an investigative spree. First and foremost, I committed a faux pas by misspelling the award – Leibster instead of Liebster and then had to confess to my family and friends that I knew nothing else about this award.

Here is what I’ve learnt on my research via other blogs. This purely online award is given by peer or fellow bloggers to other new or near-new bloggers. In other words, it is encouraging writers, particularly the established bloggers who enjoy reading the works of other writers, to take the next step by showing their appreciation and recognition of the entertaining or informative, written work of fellow bloggers, by nominating them. Hope that made sense!

The word ‘Liebster’ is German in origin and generally means: nice, kind, beloved, my love, sweetheart, dear one, loved one, cute, sweet and/or words of endearment. My understanding is that a blogger is spreading the ‘love’ of your written work by promoting it to others.

We are under no obligation to accept the award but if we do, we ‘pay it forward’ by nomination five or more fellow writers for the award. That done, we then follow the Rules!

THE RULES:

1. Ensure you thank the blogger who nominated you. (check)
2. Explain the rules (check)
3. Nominate (5 or up to 11) other bloggers, especially up-coming or new bloggers
4. Answer the questions posed by your nominator
5. Be creative and direct your own questions (5 or up to 11) to your nominees
6. Display the award on your blog (oh yes!) by copying and pasting the award on your blog post
7. Ensure you notify the bloggers you’ve nominated and hyper-link their blog titles on your post

Here are Robert’s five questions to me (and some are quite-serious ones), followed by my responses.

1. Q. What was the most difficult moment of the past year?

1. I had a health scare and had to go for some pretty painful checks/tests. Fortunately, after a few suspenseful weeks, I received the all-clear.

1. Q. Re-blogging: how do you decide what to re-blog and when?

1. I have not re-blogged any posts ‘yet.’ I imagine I will when I find a post I feel is imperative to spread to others.

1. Q. How is adulthood different from what you imagined it as a child?

1. I must confess I was an avid reader and also a day-dreamer as a child. I pictured life as a beautiful fairy-tale with touches of magical moments. Although life is anything but magical, I think I’ve taken the good and the not-so-good quite well in my stride. I’ve often wondered on hind-sight, how I managed to cope with the set-backs, disappointments and shocks and I think (generally-speaking and fortunately) a positive outlook often helps me to spring back to equilibrium. I adhere to the adage that what has happened, like the proverbial ‘spilt-milk’, can’t be undone but I can certainly move-on by focussing on making the best of the situation, improving myself or learning from it, or helping others to cope and supporting them.

• Q. I saw this question asked on Facebook: Would you give up social networking to save a relationship?

• I can honestly say that my life is too busy to spend hours on networking and days can go by without my looking or checking on my Facebook, Twitter or Linked-In sites. So hopefully, there is no relationship to be saved from a ‘social networking-addiction’ standpoint.

 

1. Q. What is your greatest hope as we enter 2016?

1. While I want the best for my family and also pray for the continued haven of safety that our country and democracy provides, my underlying wish is that the issue of human and sex-trafficking becomes, like polio (for want of a better example), a thing of the past. Children must be protected, loved and cared for by every person that comes into their lives. Women and young girls are the vessels for the future of mankind and must be treated with respect and be cherished as such. And men also need protection from trafficking abuse. I hope the politicians we vote for will endeavour to uphold the wellbeing of all men, women and children, irrespective of whether they are citizens or not and will do their best to influence other nations to care for the welfare of their own citizens instead of mistreating and abusing them. This sounds like ‘a pie-in-the-sky’ hope/wish but as Lao Tsu said, ‘the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,’ and we can, each of us, do our best to promote goodwill towards others.

 

My five nominees are:

1. A Life Worth Living For (https://www.facebook.com/alifeworthlivingfor/)
2. Tribe 53 (Afrika Bohemian)
3. Glorious Results Of A Misspent Youth (https://rockandrollsupermom.wordpress.com/)
4. Weaver Grace (http://weavergrace.com/)
5.  Big Red Carpet Nursing (http://bigredcarpetnursing.com/)

My Questions to my five nominees:

1. What is your strength – talking or writing?
2. If you were granted a wish, what would it be?
3. Who is your mentor and why?
4. Which do you prefer, savoury or sweets?
5. Name your favourite book (or author) and tell me why you like it.

I received the Liebster Award nomination just as the New Year began so it was a great start to 2016 for me. Thank you Rob for nominating me!

© Wendy Robinson January 2016

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ~ Albert Schweitzer

An Award?? The Infinity Dreams Award?

The Infinity Dreams Award nomination came as a big surprise and I thank Afrika Bohemian for selecting me as one of her 11 nominees. This is my first award folks and I feel honoured to be nominated by a fellow blogger and writer.

Afrika’s blog is so down to earth and her writing flows easily, is intimate and entertaining and she has the knack of sounding as though she is talking personally just to you. I invite you to visit Afrika’s world. Bouquets to you for your engaging Tribe 53 blog Afrika. And keep that beautiful smile going!

What exactly is the Infinity Dreams Award?

‘The Infinity Dreams Award symbolises being that breath of life that catalyses faith in reaching new heights.’

My interpretation of the award is for all writers to ignore limits and keep dreaming and working towards their goal. Your dreams are infinite!

Rules for the Infinity Dreams Award:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and make sure you link back.
• Post the award badge and rules.
• Tell 11 facts about yourself.
• Answer the questions that were set for you to answer.
• Nominate 11 other bloggers and set questions for them.

11 Facts about me that you probably don’t know and I’ll admit, I’m nervous about sharing:

1. I love reading and when I’m absorbed in a book, I never want it to end.
2. I cry at sad movies and when reading touching stories.
3. My day is empty without music and it’s my sanity-restorer.
4. I absolutely love Snoopy and Woodstock and I still have them on my bedside table.
5. I enjoy all genres of movies: comedy, romance, adventures, sci-fi, detective, mystery, sagas.
6. I can’t swim – I drown! Definitely no Titanic for me.
7. I used to sing in the shower as a kid– and loud! This kid had no need for a mic! 😛
8. I power-walk and also do a mini walk with my dog after.
9. I have to be dragged off the dance floor as I love dancing.
10. I’m grateful I was born in Burma as I love durian, guavas, custard apple, lychees, mangosteen
11. I still have the first pair of red Jane Debster high-heel shoes I bought soon after working.

 

My Responses to Afrika Bohemian’s questions:

1. Do you enjoy the City or Country more

I love both the city and country life. I love the vibrancy of city life and especially the cafes, coffee spots, art galleries, shops, the quay area, the theatres, cinemas, parks. I also enjoy the vast open spaces, the cattle and sheep, the country-town feel and the fresh smell of country life.

2. The Movie or the Book

I love reading so books are my first choice. I do however love a good movie and there appears to be a spate of good movies out at the moment.

3. Home cooked meal or take out

Nothing beats home-cooking, especially my mum’s so will choose that over a restaurant anyday. I do however, enjoying eating out at my favourite restaurants and cafes. I’m not a bad cook myself.

4. Which super villain would you choose to be

None that I aspire to but I’d star alongside Keanu Reeves any day.

5. Love is …

Definitely my family.

6. How do you like to spend a rainy day

Curled up under the quilt with a good book.

7. Can you share one quote or saying you love, that keeps you going in life?

That’s a tough one as I DO love quotes but I think Ann Landers’ words are comforting no matter the scenario: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and repeat to yourself the most comforting words of all: ‘This, too, shall pass.’

8. If you were mayor for the day, what three things would you change about your city?

We need a theatre for all the local talent so I would be involved in establishing a spacious one with good seating, lighting and acoustics.

The commuters need a larger parking area at the railway station and it is a necessity, not a luxury. I would therefore, utilise the space above the station by creating a multi-storeyed car park.

The many fine, historical homes in the area are being knocked down and replaced with modern houses or apartment blocks. I would do my best to restore the historical homes and gardens.

9. What’s the most anti-establishment thing you’ve ever done?

I was new to the Westchester area in New York, got lost, was then running late for a paediatric doctor’s appointment and had my baby daughter with a raging temperature in the car. I took a wrong turn and ended up on the ramp to the park way and turned my car around and tried to go back up the ramp. Needless to say, New York’s finest caught me! My misadventure is recorded on my blog, under the title “Driving in New York – Part 2: Caught by the NYPD”.

10. What’s one favourite thing you do by yourself?

Singing (with the windows up) to a favourite CD while driving.

11. Share one thing you didn’t understand about the world when you were a kid.

I read Uncle Tom’s Cabin and found slavery upsetting and repugnant and wondered why there was such inequality in society. Even at that young age, I found it thought-provoking!

 

My nominees for the Infinity Dreams Award are: (Big drum roll)

• Big Red Carpet Nurse (Big Red Carpet Nurse)
• Jean Sasson (Jean Sasson)
• Live simply, travel lightly, love passionately & don’t forget to breathe (Lena)
• Worldiction Arts (http://worldiction.com/)
• Daily Inspiration (Alchemist)
• The Flexi Foodie (juliemontagu)
• Jambo Robyn (jamborobyn)
• Artfully Aspiring (https://artfullyaspiring.wordpress.com/)
• Weaver Grace (http://weavergrace.com/)
• Art by Rob Goldstein (http://robertmgoldstein.com/)
• Ann Koplow (https://annkoplow.wordpress.com/)

 

My Questions:

1. Do you love your career or work?
2. Name your favourite author or book?
3. What’s your guilty pleasure?
4. Who inspires you and why?
5. Favourite food?
6. Relate your good or disastrous travel experience.
7. Sunset or sunrise?
8. Your favourite pastime.
9. Who would you like to accompany you on any adventure?
10. Something you did that your parents don’t know about.
11. If you were the President/Prime Minister/King or Queen what particular policy would you change in your country?

Thank you for nominating me Afrika!

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool,
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out to another is to risk involvement,
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self
To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss
To love is to risk not being loved in return,
To hope is to risk despair,
To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. ~ William Arthur Ward

Disclaimer: The images are not my own but from the internet. My thanks go to the various artists or photographers for their work. Oops: Let’s rewind a bit – the above photos of Snoopy, Woodstock and my red shoes, ARE my own work. Yay!  🙂

(c) Wendy Robinson November 2015