When I began writing this blog less than a year ago, I didn’t know if anyone beyond my faithful Ya-Ya’s might read. I remember the first “non-friend” comment I received. I screamed out to my girls who celebrated with me that I had been read by a “stranger.” With each post, I’ve grown more comfortable with the writing process and uncover a bit more of my authentic voice. This blog has become as much a tool for excavating me as it has a tool to help me through a period of transition. And, as I had hoped when I clicked “publish” my first time, it has helped others along the way.
This past Monday morning, I was surprised to find a comment by a blogger I read regularly. HappilyEverAfterorSomething nominated me for “The Versatile Blogger Award.” I almost fell off my chair. I mean I had seen awards on other blogs, and truth be told, coveted those awards, but never expected to get one myself. And, I certainly never expected to be offered this recognition by a blogger I really enjoy following. I was absolutely humbled. I read the post (twice) where she nominated me, along with several other pages I really enjoy, and noted the directions to “pay it forward.” I promptly added it to my “to-do list.”
Only a few hours later, I was humbled again by another blogger I faithfully follow. BelieveAnyway writes wonderful posts, sharing her faith and charcoal drawings to inspire her readers. She awarded me the “Candle Lighter Award” she created to recognize inspiring blogs. Like HappilyEverAfterorSomething, she notified me of the award via a very sweet comment in response to one of my posts. My week was off to a fabulous start!
Now here it is, Friday, and I still have yet to “pay forward” the Versatile Blogger Award. Only last night did I get either award linked to my blog. (You can see them there, on the right. :)) I had thought I would have had both done by Tuesday. Clearly, that didn’t happen, which in no way minimizes my appreciation.
It has been one crazy week around here. Sick kiddos, holiday preparations, end-of-the-year business, and preparing for a special, surprise visitor have robbed my schedule of the free-time I reserve for writing. My guest arrives this morning. It is my one of my closest Ya-Ya’s, that happens to also be my sister, and an incredibly special aunt to my girls. Due to health reasons, it may be her last visit for some time, and why this visit is so very important to me. That said, I am taking a short break to enjoy my week with her.
It’s hard to believe we are already heading into the last week of 2011. There are many posts “floating around in my thoughts” that I thought I would have written before today. But, as I wrote on Wednesday, sometimes we just have to roll with the bumps in life and let go of what we thought our days/weeks/schedules would or should look like. It’s during those times, we must really focus on our priorities. For the next week, playing with my family and creating memories that will last a lifetime with my sister will fill my days. My posting (including my nominations for the Versatile Blogger Award) will resume after she has safely returned home and I have taken a long winter’s nap. ( In other words, in a week or so. :))
Until then, a very Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Blessed Holiday Season to all! With a humble heart, I thank you all for reading.
by Mary Lanzavecchia 
It has been so nice to meet you, m’dear.
If only it weren’t so late in the year.
But you know what? It’s all right
after the 31st at midnight
I get to find you again, right here! 😉
LikeLike
I simply love your poem! Thanks, Renee! So glad to have met you, and I’m looking forward to sharing the year ahead together in this bar we call the blog-o-sphere. 🙂 Happy 2012!!
LikeLike
Congratulations! I know I enjoy following you. Looking forward to reading you more in 2012. Have a great weekend!! ~~Bliss
LikeLike
Thanks, Bliss! I hope your holidays were nothing less than magical and that your 2012 is a wonderfully blessed year!
LikeLike
Oh dear Mary – so proud I am of you! From watching your dreams unfold over these many years of our friendship to witnessing the actual manifestation, I am so very happy for you. As you have supported me in my book awards, it is such a pleasure to now be able to congratulate you on yours. Much love, much joy . . . and many, many more dreams.
LikeLike
Dear Ashi,
Your friendship and support have been so integral to my journey and I am so grateful to you for your continued support and love. I have been inspired by you in so many ways, not the least of which has come from watching you manifest your dreams. Much love back to you and blessings for an abundant 2012! (Which I think is already unfolding.) ♥
LikeLike
You my love are truly a gifted writer whose words brighten and enlighten those lucky enough to read it…..you deserve an endless collection of awards! Thanks for doing what you do and making the world a bit more sparkly!
LikeLike
Thank you so very much! Your blog, your art, and your spirit all make my world more sparkly. 🙂 Happy 2012!
LikeLike
You are a wonderful blogger, and I am so glad you’re getting that affirmation via these much deserved awards! I will forever be grateful to Deb for sharing your bully post on facebook… the one that led me to find you!
LikeLike
♥ Thanks, Christine. I am so glad I have found your wonderful blog, too!
LikeLike
I Just love reading your blog and I’m so glad you enjoy mine as well! I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New year!
LikeLike
Thanks, HappilyEverAfterorSomething. Ours was a wonderful Christmas and we are off to a great year! I am wishing you and yours a most wonderful 2012!
LikeLike
You deserve an award! I always enjoy your posts! So glad your surprise guest arrived safely! Praying y’all make lots of family memories!
LikeLike
Thanks so very much, Michelle! I love your blog right back! The surprise was more fun than I could have ever imagined and our visit was once that shall live forever in my heart. I hope your holidays were spectacular!
LikeLike
You deserve all your awards and more!
LikeLike
Thank you, thank you, thank you! ♥
LikeLike
thanks for the thanks, sweet friend. have a wonderful ya-ya time and Merry Christmas! If you are afraid you will lose the thoughts for the posts you plan, here is what i do at those times when i will be ‘away from it’…i pull up one new post, throw a bullet list on it of those thoughts, entitle it ‘future posts’ and click save drafts. BOOM–no more lost thoughts (in theory). Blessings to you
LikeLike
Thank you, again, sweet Kate for the award and for the great tip!
Blessings to you and yours for a wonderful 2012!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas to everyone at your home and to your Ya-Ya sister too! I am so glad that you got the rewards, you are a great writer : )
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Marsha!
I hope your holidays were nothing less than fabulous and that you are enjoying a restful start to 2012!
LikeLike
It doesn’t surprise me at all! I love every one of your posts and expect you’ll have a long train of awards coming your way.
Merry Christmas to you! I can’t believe I’m typing that–“It’s hard to believe we are already heading into the last week of 2011” indeed!
♥ (Also, thanks for the reminder to find and share your Ya-Ya post!)
LikeLike
♥ U Deb!
You have always been such a wonderful cheerleader for which I am so grateful! Thank you so much for your support and your wonderful blog that always inspires me.
Happy 2012!
LikeLike