I'd Like to Thank the Academy...

Wow. I'm honestly so surprised, humbled and flattered right now that I don't really know what to say here. Glamourpuss has nominated me for the Inspirational Blogger Award (my first blog award!).

For those of you non-bloggers who read my blog and might wonder what this means... it just means that someone out there in the Land of Blog chose me from among her/his blog roll for one reason or another, and now I get to put this little baby over in my sidebar. According to Puss, I inspire her to "marvel at what [I have] faced and survived." Thank you so much, Puss. I don't feel inspirational at all most of the time... I worry, in fact, that I wallow too much, and force you lovely blogpals to wallow with me. But I've also been told I'm too hard on myself... and I sincerely appreciate your nomination. Now on to my nominations...

Red from Red Letter Day. You were my very first blogpal, and your friendship means the world to me. I've come to know and love you and asterisk dearly, and think of you as though you were neighbors next door. Your quirky views on so many things are hilarious to read. Your passion for animal rights, as well as equality among all people is beautiful. And your cooking adventures inspire me to spend more time in the kitchen. Truly... stopping by your blog has become one of my favorite rituals. You inspire me to take a closer look at the world and the people (and animals) living and breathing in it.

Adam from Counting Down the Hours. You and I became blogpals not long after I met Red. Your ginormous (that's right... I said ginormous... no other word could capture what I'm trying to say) heart and way with words is amazing to me. You folks who haven't visited Adam's blog... check it out. You'll not find young love written more honestly or eloquently anywhere. You inspire me to be a better writer.

Cara from I'm Feeling Good. We've become face-to-face friends, and in a few short months you've shown me so many things. You're funky. You dance to the beat of your own drummer. You find beauty and joy in what others find mundane. You can turn the bleakest situation into something fun and memorable. And your gentle spirit, on top of all this, constantly puts me in a state of awe. I know you argue with me... but you, friend, do make me cooler; and you inspire me to be myself.

Angel from Superfluous Baloney. Your rants are often hilarious to read and relate to. You write so vividly about situations that frustrate you... situations we've all found ourselves in but have no idea (ourselves) how to express the frustration they create. And while you claim to use your blog as a place to "rant and rave," you also share your soul and take us with you on the journey of your life. You've been through a lot, and yet you've accomplished so much. I admire you, Angel. You inspire me to work harder and be true to my aspirations (and to let loose with a good rant every once and again).

Shea from Shea of the Dead gets my last spot. You're weird and funny and watch more movies than anyone I've ever known. You're always quick to encourage us all in our little comment boxes, and heck, you've even taken steps to help me find a job in Charlotte. Your movie reviews are always entertaining, your admitted geekiness is endearing and your own work in the world of film is inspirational in itself. You inspire me to challenge the odds and strive to produce my own masterpiece (for those of you who haven't seen it... check out Shea's unbelievable film reel. It took my breath away.)

Thanks again, Puss. And as I said in your little comment box... you, dear, inspire me, too.