I Think I'd Like to Live in the Land of Blog

Aww shucks... I'm blushing.

Yesterday, Rachel from Lessons Learned awarded me not one, but TWO blog awards. I'm humbled and flattered... especially considering how whiny and pathetic I've been (or at least felt) since you found me. And I have to say, if you hadn't just been awarded these two yourself, I'd be listing you down below as a recipient of each. I've loved reading your blog every day, and I look forward to getting to know you even better. Now on to the awards...

First, I've been awarded the "Best Kept Secret" award, which celebrates good blogs that are relatively unknown. All I can say is, I love to write... and I've loved blogging more than I ever would have imagined. It's thrilling to hear someone actually enjoys it and considers what I write worthy of being read. And here are my nominations for "Best Kept Secret" :

1) Anton from Deliberate Industries. Anton's a good friend of mine and is actually the person who inspired me to start my own blog. He's been blogging for quite some time now, and I wish more people knew. He's an aspiring filmmaker and has had some of the most extraordinary experiences and adventures... most of which have been documented right here in the Land of Blog. If you get the chance, check him out.
2) MJ from Goddess in the City. MJ is one of my oldest blog friends, and was actually my first MIRL (meeting in real life). I went to New York City last New Year and met her in Manhattan for coffee. She's a professional writer, and I was eager to meet her and ask her a million questions... all of which she gladly answered. She was as wonderful in person as she is here. I think many of you would enjoy what she has to say and find the same inspiration I do each time I visit.
3) Jamie from These Are Words. He doesn't seem to write much anymore, but if you're ever in the mood to read some phenomenal poetry (most of which are actually songs), take a few minutes and read some of what he's posted. I'm awed every time I do, and I'm certain you'll be as well.
4) Miranda from The Never-Ending Randomness of Thoughts in My Head. Miranda was my roommate my senior year in college, and let me tell you... that blog title couldn't be more perfect for this girl. She doesn't blog often enough (Miranda!!), but when she does, it's worth every word. Random -yes. Enlightening -also yes. Read her when you get a chance.

The second award is the "Community Blogger Award." I don't think I can say it any better than Rachel did, so I'll just sort of reiterate what she said. Without community, the whole notion of blogging would be null and void. This is our chance to write and be read and to read what others have written. This has truly been one of the most significant blessings in my life, and that is only true because I've gotten to know all of you. So here are my nominees (recipients? hmmmm....):

1) Red (my first committed blog reader)
2) * asterisk (you came along shortly thereafter)
3) Franki
4) Adam
5) Shea
6) Z
7) Magdalene-Sophie
8) Britt
9) Cara
10) Christina
(Angel, Puss & Pool... I would definitely consider you part of my community, but Rachel already awarded this to you. Just know you're in here, too. Oh, and honorable mention goes to Daddy, who reads every morning.)

And to everyone else who reads on a regular basis... I know you're out there because you've either told me or my site meter has told me so (or you're one of my friends, and you just do it because you're my friend)... I appreciate your stopping by. As much as I wish I just did this for myself... I do it because you guys read. So thanks.