Once upon a time, about a thousand years ago, a dear friend awarded me a very special distinction. It’s called the “Stylish Blogger Award,” and I was honored and humbled to receive it.

(I’d like to sidebar here that Wikipedia wants to ensure that “style” is “not to be confused with stylus.” I agree that’s a very critical difference.)

Along with my stylish (not stylus) award came some instructions as to what the proper, Emily Post-approved next steps were.

And being the rude and self-absorbed ass that I can sometimes be, I promptly went about my business. The result? This very appreciated award got lost in some of the lesser known cracks of my feeble and overloaded brain.

Shmee, I am so thrilled that you chose me. And I’m so thrilled that I finally remembered to respond. And I’m equally thrilled that I actually found the old email (dated January 26, 2011 — not exactly a thousand years ago, but close) that explained what I was to commence doing.

Better late than never, huh?

Rule Number One: Acknowledge My Awarder

This is not a difficult task for me. I’ve loved Shmee (aka, Andrea) ever since a mutual friend said, “You’ve got to meet this girl. She’s witty, she’s fun, she’s a fabulous writer, she’s your soul-mate.” And although I’d never had an “online relationship” before, that’s precisely how we met. We then discovered that we lived very close to each other, we both enjoyed a good pour of Cabernet, and we can spend hours upon hours eating and chatting and solving all of the world’s problems. And then our husbands met and they liked each other, too. It was a match made in heaven.

The best part of the story, though, is that I’m currently part of a program Shmee is conducting called “The 90-Day Power Play.” It’s a motivational coaching extravaganza that is pushing me — and nine other very lucky participants — in new and different directions. I was uber-excited to be part of the inaugural program. You might be next. Keep reading Shmee’s blog, follow her on Twitter, “Like” her on Facebook, laugh at all her antics, learn from her generous and giving soul. She’s the Real Deal.

Rule Number Two: Share Seven Things About Yourself

Just seven? Really? That’s so… limiting… for an over-sharer. But here goes…

1. When I was little, I wanted to be a “negro or a horse.” And yes, that’s how I said it. And I said it often — to my mom’s friends, to my neighbors, to my teachers, to anyone who would listen. I never quite understood why everyone was so amused by my ambitions. And apparently, I’ve never been one for political correctness.

2. I had always intended to be an unmarried, childless, high-powered career woman. Interestingly enough, I was married to the love of my life at age 24 and proceeded to have four children within five years. Career? What the hell is that?

3. I am severely geographically challenged. I like to place the blame on Sister Veronica Ann and her unconventional middle school instructional methods, but the truth is — I was not interested in learning about Sri Lanka. I was far too busy mooning over Adam Ant and perfecting my jump shot. And the less I learned, the more I fell behind. Now, at age 40, I’m a hot mess when it comes to geography and general directional awareness. It’s a source of great embarrassment for me. I’m working on it. But it takes a long time for old dogs to learn new tricks.

4. I have raised, nurtured, prepared Easy-Bake Oven treats for, and said goodbye to more than 20 hamsters in my lifetime.

5. My greatest guilty pleasure as a young child was hiding in my apartment laundry room and reading stolen copies (pilfered from my sister) of V.C. Andrews’ books.

6. My greatest guilty pleasure as an adult is buying, collecting, and reading every work of fiction that I can possibly afford (or not) or get my hands on. I am a fiction whore and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Oh, and I feel the same way about shoes and purses — but to a slightly lesser degree.

7. I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the universe. I have a beautiful Mom who raised and nurtured and fashioned me into the human being I am today. I am married to the man of my dreams. I have four lovely, sarcastic, smart, witty, and healthy children who make me laugh daily. I have a wide and deep circle of friends whom I love with all my heart and soul — and who love me back unconditionally. And that is more than enough blessing for anyone.

Rule Number Three: Award Five Recently Discovered Great Bloggers

1. Nicole Ross – The Year of Exploration. Okay, so she’s not recently discovered to me. But perhaps she’ll be recently discovered by you. And that’s the whole point, I think. Want to step out of your comfort zone? Witty, sarcastic, super-smart, and true-blue Nicole will lead the way.

2. Kirsten DeHaii. They don’t come much brighter than this girl. Amusing, brilliant, and self-admittedly “geeky,” Kirsten can cover subjects from motherhood to travel to social media and marketing with grace, candor, and a giant dollop of entertainment. And after two kids, she can still rock a bikini. I both love and hate that about her.

3. Logan Fisher – A Muddled Mother. Logan and I met at the San Francisco Writer’s Conference and became instant friends. She is the mother of two teenage boys… and a beautiful baby girl. And she’s got some great — and artfully rendered — stories to share.

4. Kyran Pittman – Planting Dandelions. Okay, I don’t know Kyran personally. And she’s definitely not new to blogging. But I happened upon her blog over a year ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. She has a magical way with words — beauty and effervescence shaded with just the right amount of humor and irreverence. You can’t help but love her.

5. Alice Bradley – Finslippy. Again, Alice is a well-established blogger who doesn’t need me to promote her. But I can’t help it. She’s just so damn funny. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I visit her site. And I’m never disappointed. I don’t know Alice personally, either, but when a blog makes you feel like you do? I call that damn good writing.

6. Dawn Pier – Dawn Revealed. Dawn and I also met at the San Francisco Writer’s Conference. She’s amazing — both in person and on the page.  But what I need from her? More blogging. More, more, more. So, this is my own personal push for her to get off her surfboard and get her fingers on the keyboard. The world needs you, my friend.

7. Mary. This is my “honorary” award for my dear friend, Mary. She doesn’t currently blog — and possibly never will. But when she writes… watch the fuck out. She has such insight, passion, and undeniable talent. She can tell a story that can bring me to my knees. Yup, she’s that good. And her laugh? Second to none. I hope someday you’re all lucky enough to read what she has to say… and to laugh with her. Both are true gifts.

So, without further ado, I leave you to your blog reading. I’m going to go wallow in my own stylishness for awhile.

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4 Responses

  1. Giggle-inducing post…well done. Congrats on your Stylish Blogger Award!

    And thanks for the blog nod and bikini-with-black-socks appraisal, friend.

    Question: Did any of the 20 hamster deaths have a direct correlation to the Easy Bake Oven treats?

  2. I forgot all about this! Thanks for all your kind words and for pointing people in my general direction. The feeling is definitely mutual! So glad we found each other!

    I too wondered if your cooking skills caused the death of all those poor hamsters… or if by “nurtured” you actually meant “conducted scientific experiments on”. Twenty dead hamsters and an Easy Bake Oven sounds a little sinister. I’m just saying.

  3. Okay, I’m a little slow getting to this. And even slower at posting on my blog. And slower yet at writing my book. Thank you so much for the undeserved inclusion…and much needed PUSH. 😛

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