At first blush, I thought I was being nominated for a “Lobster” award.
It took a second for my taste buds to recede and to recognize that I’d misread “Liebster” for “Lobster”. Off I went in search of what this meant for me here on the Cutoff. I rummaged around on the internet, learning all sorts of new things. In the end, it was Debra who explained it best.
It was Debra, you see, who nominated me. Liebster means dearest, and the purpose of the award is to call attention to smaller blogs with less than 200 followers. A recipient nominates five others, and so it goes. We bloggers are empowered to nominate others and, perhaps, pick up a few more readers along the way. Please visit Breathelighter and read all about Three Well Beings. I always come away from this wonderful site feeling a little wiser, wearing a smile. You will adore Debra’s darling grandchildren and Beth’s sweet dogs. Take a stroll around the wonderful posts and, if so inclined, do comment and tell Debra that Penny sent you.
Thank you, Debra, for thinking of me, for sharing your stories and thoughts and happenings at Breathelighter, and for becoming such a nice part of my life here on the Cutoff. Dearest – it describes you and you writing so well.
Here are the rules for a Liebster Blog Award:
- Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you
- Reveal your top five picks (blogs with less than 200 readers) and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
- Copy and post the award on your blog
- Hope that people you’ve sent the award to forward it to their five favorite bloggers—the idea is to keep it going!
Now, the hard part of all this fun and opportunity is picking only five blogs. It took me several days to comply. I read so many great blogs about life and books, gardening and decorating, family and friends, history and poetry. They have introduced me up to a vast realm of possibilities and creativity. I just hate to not mention them all. I can’t, so I’ll just stretch the rules a bit here and there, as I sometimes do, and hope that those not mentioned today understand they have my admiration.
Without further ado, here are the nominees:
Sempiterna Me. Until a few years ago, I knew very little about New Zealand. I knew it was “down under” and beautiful, but, I knew little about its people, culture and history. That all changed when I happened upon Joan’s blog, Sempiterna Me. Joan barely knew me, but, when she saw that we were celebrating our Independence Day here, she did the most amazing doodle and posted it for all of the United States. I thought then, and still do now, how wonderful Joan is. From her blog, I came to know to others, whose writing styles and focus are different, but, whose wonderful collective spirit extends across the hemispheres. I’ll just bend the rules a tad by mentioning Marilyn of My Magpie Collection and Juliet from Seasonal Inspiration, both New Zealanders, as I nominate Joan.
A Work in Progress. There are a bevy of bookish blogs that find their way to my computer screen on a regular basis. I love that they introduce me to books I might never have known about and they come by way of England and Scotland, Canada and California. One of my favorites is Danielle at A Work in Progress. I found her through Rachel at Book Snob, whose own blog is always a lovely read. I’ve come to anticipate Danielle’s reviews on books she owns, has brought home from library, and the occasional posts on her exquisite needlework. Danielle also has a regular feature she calls “Lost in the Stacks”; a valiant attempt to rescue seldom read books from oblivion in libraries. Because of Danielle, I find myself looking for older books when browsing the stacks. Forgotten treasures in the literary world. The link is to her most recent “Lost in the Stacks”. Do visit the rest of her posts.
Letters from a Hill Farm If you haven’t met Nan at her farm in New England, you really must. To read her blog is like receiving a letter in the mail (remember those?) full of news, book reviews, music and movie recommendations, and the beauty of rural living. Nan also posts the most scrumptious of recipes, some of which I have made. She posts regularly, something I look forward to with anticipation. Nan changes her banner, often with seasonal photos of her farm, and she gives her readers access to her wonderful lists of books, short stories, authors, and recipes.
bloggingfromthebog.wordpress.com While Janet, who is from the Chicago suburbs, doesn’t write often, her posts are always worth the wait. Janet and her husband have a cottage in County Clare, Ireland, where Janet spends summers in some of the most beautiful spots in the wildness of the West Irish Coast. The old Celtic ruins, the countryside, the pubs, and her adventures always take me to the pleasant and cozy countryside that is her second home. Her posts are often atmospheric, always well written, and bring to me the lilts and lyrics of Ireland. I hope she doesn’t mind my mention here.
johnell74.wordpress.com/ John is relatively new this adventure called blogging, He is the father of the extremely gifted writer and blogger, Kate Shrewsday. John writes poetry, refreshing in this day and age where poetry is not often appreciated enough. His poems are meaningful and often spiritual. I marvel at his talent. He is currently doing an Advent series of pageantry poems/songs for children that I think you will enjoy during this season. Read them aloud, if you dare. I always find poems are best read aloud.
Thank you again, Debra, and thank you all for spending so much time with me here on the Cutoff.
Now, off you all go to visit with others.
Such very kind and generous words about my blog, dear Penny. Thank you so much.
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I meant them all, Nan. You are quite welcome. Enjoy!
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You made me laugh out loud with the “Lobster” award! I’m quite sure others have quickly read it the same way! I look forward to reading all the other suggested blogs. Each one sounds appealing and complimentary to the topics I most enjoy. And thank you, too, Penny, for such a gracious reciprocal introduction! It is such a pleasure to share with you, and learn from you, too! Debra
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My mind is always on food, Debra. I think you will enjoy each of them. You’re welcome! I never imagined me learning and meeting so many people from all over through this little thing we call a blog. Best.
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Wow, Penny, dad’s going to be so chuffed! Thank you!
I love Debra’s blog: it has a serenity similar to yours and when I need to separate myself from the cares of the day, the tow of you are often my first ports of call.
Congratulations on the award 🙂
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Sorry, the two! Apologies!
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It was my pleasure (though, I had to look up chuffed).
Isn’t she wonderful? That is so nice of you to day, Kate. Thank you. Don’t you love all these interconnections that start happening with blogs?
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Congratulations on your award. It couldn’t happen to a nicer blog.
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Thank you, Fiko. I appreciate your kindness.
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Congratulations, Penny! I am so proud. I have most of the blogs mentioned above bookmarked already, but I will be sure to go through and check to be sure I have visited all of them.
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Thanks, Janet. They are all great to read, interesting, fun, and enlightening. What fun it is.
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Dear Penny,
I’ve just stopped by for a moment to say hello. Congratulations on winning the award. I’m sort of confused about this blogging world. How can I keep it in perspective–that is, have a life away from the computer–when people whom I respect–like you and Debra–keep bringing to my attention new and wonderful blogs? I really am confused. I can’t keep up and I’m not sure what the answer is. Any suggestions?
Peace.
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Congratulations to you as well, Dee.
It is confusing, isn’t it, this thing called blogging? It is a whole new world with new things to learn and ponder – and spend time. Just pace yourself and do what you feel comfortable doing, Dee, and remember, it should be fun and a growth experience.
I so enjoy your writing and your perspectives on life (and your sense of humor). Best of luck to you. Penny
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Thank you so much for mentioning my blog Penny! I am not surprised that you got nominated for a “Liebster” – Lifeonthecuttoff is great!
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My pleasure, Janet. I love your stories of Ireland, especially from your cottage there. Enjoy.
Thank you.
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Penny, congratulations on a well-earned ‘Lobster’ award! I will check out some of your recommended blogs, and many thanks for the mention – much appreciated!
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Ha! Thanks, Juliet. That was the easiest way I could mention all three of you, whom I consider my New Zealand friends.
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Congrats on your award..much deserved.. and thank you for sharing it with ‘us Kiwis’. I will do my best to pass it on!
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I enjoy reading all of you, Joan, and it started with you. Oh, how I have enjoyed your trip abroad. It has been a joy. Thank you.
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Penny, I am honoured that you consider me fit to have this award passed on to me. I am aware of the “find another five” rule, and I will do my best to comply! Thanks
And congratulations on receiving the award in the first place.
John
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I do so enjoy your poetry, John, and your perspectives. You are quite welcome.
Thank you. It is fun, isn’t it, this blogging stuff? Enjoy!
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[…] My post on the Liebster Blog award can be found here. […]
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Dear Penny
What an honor and how well deserving you are of this award. I am so happy to know that there are others who recognize your warmth, your talent including the ability to express so eloquently!!
Congratulations dear friend!
Mary Anne
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