Blogger awards from around the world

In the past week, I have received two three FOUR blogger awards. Now I don't normally accept blogger awards, politely declining instead, but I simply couldn't refuse the gals "across the pond." The first award comes from Julia at The Stamping Ground. Yep, Julia's the brainchild behind WOYWW. She's always so good about answering my silly questions, especially ones that deal with me not understanding (and her interpreting) the Queen's English. Then just as I was creating this post, Esther of Crafty Effusions, also sent me the same award yesterday. Esther hasn't been blogging long (just a couple of weeks), but she has become addicted to WOYWW and I'm sure she'll be a big splash in the blogging community. She is also from across the pond, living in Suffolk in the UK. The second award was bestowed upon me by Spyder, another person I met through WOYWW. I could have accepted the same one that Julia sent me, but what fun would that be? You see, Spyder had seven awards I could choose from, but I liked the sentiment on this one. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do for it, so I'll just award the same people for this one that I'm nominating for the Creative Writing Award above and spread the love around. According to Julia, these awards go to creative writers who are expressive and/or opinionated. Here are the rules as I copied them directly from Julia's blog: 1. Express gratitude to the blogger who bestowed the award unto you... Did that above. 2. Display the picture on your blog proudly. Also did that above. 3. Be nice and provide a link to the person who gave it to you: Did that above, but will gladly post it here, too: Julia's Stamping Ground and Spyder's Corner. 4. Tell six outrageous lies about yourself, and at least one outrageous truth, or switch it around and tell six outrageous truths and one outrageous lie. So you decide which is/are truth and which is/are a lie.

a. I was Miss Kansas in 1980. I went on to compete in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, but was beaten out in the second (swim suit) round. b. I have a Ph.D. in Human Factors, a combined branch of Engineering and Psychology. c. I have written a book on Zentangles, which includes photos of many of my own examples. d. I have been married three times, and all of my husbands have died of mysterious circumstances. e. I own a red Lamborghini that tops out at 220 mph. f. When I was a young child, I lived and studied in Paris. g. All of the above statements are the complete truth.

You decide! 5. Nominate seven creative writers who might be into doing this, I actually split this award with the Friend award. 6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate and let the owners of those blogs know.

a. The most conversational person I know is Cheryl (The Healing Woman). When I saw the award, I immediately thought of Cheryl. Many of her posts stem from books she has written and her art is superb. She shares her life, her art, and her writings by weaving them in with lovely photos. b. Another conversational person I know is Marlynn (Honeysuckle Breeze). Her art is stunning and often over the top. I think one of the things I love about Marlynn is that lovely red dog Harley, who she takes with her on trips. Both conversational and funny, Marlynn has a real way with words. c. Yet another person deserving this award is Mollye (Down Home With Miz Mollye). I think Mollye changes her blog banner as often as she changes her shoes and she does it with aplomb. Although hers is mainly an art blog, she often sprinkles in stories of her life, subjects on which to ponder, and thoughts about the world in general. Mollye will make anyone visiting her blog think long and hard about whatever the subject of the day is.

d. Melinda (Melinda's Fabric Fancies) is someone you will want to be your friend if you sew. She is one quick and excellent seamstress and she has many projects going at once. She also can spin a good tale, even if it is true.

Because I'm sharing this award with the one that Spyder gave me, the next ones are "to a friend."

e. What better person to have as a friend than Patty Szymkowicz at Magpie's Nest. I always learn so much from studying her art. She is never afraid to try a new art technique and she's always gracious about sharing her techniques. She is also a fantastic photographer and someone I would call a dear friend. f. I call Stephanie of Purple Lotus Art a friend, even though we just met in blogland a few weeks ago over Tuesday Tea. Her art is so gorgeous, I sit and stare at it for long periods of time, soaking in all the beauty, the color, and the composition. Steph lives across an even bigger pond, coming to blogland by way of Singapore. g. And of course, I have met so many people from across the pond, and they all stem from my dear, sweet friend who started me on this voyage. I'm going to turn the tails (not tales) on Julia of The Stamping Ground and present her with this "To a Friend" award. Again, not sure what you're supposed to do to earn it, since Spyder wasn't too clear about it, but I saw Julia didn't have it and I thought it was really appropriate for her. So here you go, Julia! Right back at-cha!

And just as I was getting ready to post this, I received yet another award from Liverpool Lou (Anne), who I had actually considered when coming up with names to pass the above awards to. Anne also lives in the UK, as the name of her blog implies. I love her art and will someday aspire to stamp as well as she does. For this one I'm supposed to tell 10 things about me. That would surely give away my six truths or lies from above if I did, but I'm sure you can guess anyway.

1. I am an engineer, statistician, researcher, and consultant by trade. 2. I am an artist by choice. 3. I have never been married, but have always had a cat at my side, even when I worked and went to school for long, long hours. 4. I love teaching (can you tell?) and would give anything for the opportunity to teach a crafting class. 5. I'm a neat freak, and cannot stand clutter or anything out of its place. However that is NOT the same as being a clean freak. There are times I don't dust for a week, and as long as no one moves any of the fru-frus, no one will even see the dusty build-up unless the light shines on things or I have company coming. 6. I love to experiment with my meager art supplies. 7. I would rather use a found object in my art than something purchased at the craft store. 8. When younger, each vacation I took included a trip to a State's capitol. I now have photos of all lower 48 Capitols, but they are in boxes in my basement, and probably stuck together. 9. I hate the heat and love the cold. You can always layer, but can't always take it off. 10. Honestly, I don't like to wear clothes in the house when it's hot. I only put them on when I go outside or when I have company.

Since I only need three people for this one, I am going to pass it on to the last three above. They can choose the Beautiful Blogger or Friend award. It's their choice. Now you seven may or may not choose to accept the award I have presented you with. You may or may not choose to acknowledge it. You may or may not choose to pass it on. It won't hurt my feelings in the least. Thanks for being YOU though, because you are in my life through this blog and now at least know you were special enough to be nominated. Today's blog of the day belongs to Spyder at Spyder's Corner. Spyder lives across the pond in Hampshire (in the UK). Although her style is totally different from mine, I still enjoy reading her posts. And, she admits to being a bit of a Trekkie (or is it Trekker?). Anyway, stop by and tell Spyder hello today. After all, part of this award came from her. And although they are tremendously appreciated, please no more blog awards. What started out as ONE award, turned into four overnight. I'm overwhelmed, but believe I've reached my limit. My head is too big as it is (grin).

Just to let you know, the only truth is b. I have a Ph.D. in Human Factors, a combined branch of Engineering and Psychology.