Blog Awards - Creative Blogger

Yes, I know. But I couldn't post the title with a K for the word creative. I tried. Twice. Nothin' doing.

I'm going to participate in this one because I really like the concept behind it. It's a nice way to wrap up the year and acknowledge the blogs that have become a part of the person that you are. Blogging is interesting in that it connects you to people you normally would have never met and are delighted to find. I've shared my life as you've shared yours and I value the friendships that I am building.

Both Carrie at Books and Movies and Calon Lan at Dwell in Possibilities nominated me for this award for being discerning, thought-provoking and encouraging. I'm honestly encouraged by these kind words and am ready to turn around and do the same!

The purpose of the award is to recognize values that are important to us and that we appreciate in others. Below I have listed six values that are important to me, as well as six qualities that I dislike.

Six Values in Others That are Important to Me:

Honesty
Loyalty
Sense of humor
Dependability
Determination
Humility

Six Things I Do Not Appreciate in Others (or myself for that matter):

Thoughtlessness
Self-Centerdness
Harshness
Rudeness
a Hypocritical spirit
Untrustworthiness

Now without further ado, here are the six bloggers I choose to recognize as being exceptional for various reasons:

The most helpful and selfless blogger I have found yet: Jennifer at Snapshot has been the most encouraging blogger I have had the pleasure of interacting with. As the managing editor at 5 Minutes for Books she has patiently answered my questions and directed my thoughts and words in such a way that I am truly grateful. She has influenced not only my blogging but my LIFE (for which all my in town friends and family have benefited) and I am truly thankful for her.

The Deepest Book Reviews: I'm going to have to join in with Carrie at Books and Movies in tipping the hat to Calon Lan on this one. As Calon Lan mentioned on her blog, we've been friends since we were little kids. It's no joke -- our parents were friends when we were in diapers. We grew up in the same circles and I always though CL was super smart and therefore intimidating. Her blog proves she's smart - and approachable. She is constantly challenging me to tackle books I thought were beyond me. No book is too big for her to conquer and I love hearing her thoughts on great literary masterpieces.

The most real blogger I know: Lisa at Lisa Writes . . . Through her I have learned that honestly in life is the best policy. I've learned that it's ok to hurt sometimes but important to press on. When she thinks she's at her weakest, I find her to be my strongest inspiration. I can't say enough good things about Lisa. So I'll just move on.

The Best Mom Blogger: Stephanie at Stephanie's Mommy Brain. I'm only just now getting to know her but we're finding we have so much in common. She's a busy mommy AND still has time to read AND blog. I aspire to this. (grin)

Most Thorough: Again, I'm going to agree with another blogger and go with Sarah at Library Hospital. Sarah's husband and I went to the same law school (but were in different classes) and I never really got to know Sarah very well. We had a lot of mutual friends but weren't very well connected ourselves. Then she started blogging about books and we finally made the connection. Her reviews best mine so much that I feel compelled to read books faster than she can or avoid the books she's already read. I know she'll review them better than I ever could so why bother? She gives history behind the book, lets you know whether the book is a keeper or is better off being borrowed from the library. We have the same reading style and she pushes me in new directions. (See my fling with Wives & Daughters.)

Best Community-Building Individual Blogger: I'm going with Sherry at Semicolon. Where would any of us be without Semicolon's Saturday Review of Books!?!? I wouldn't have met half of you if not for Sherry! A fabulous home school mom, she appears as if she can do it all. I cannot BELIEVE how many books this woman chomps through in a year. I bet she doesn't reeeally have it all together but I'm still impressed and grateful for her Saturday posts. Thanks, Sherry for your work and care!

For the nominees who want to pass on the love:
Mention the blog that gave it to you.
Comment on her blog to let her know you have posted the award.
Share 6 values that are important to you.
Share 6 things you do not support.
Share the love with six other wonderful blogging friends.