"Sharing the Love"

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July!

(No, this is not my photo--I downloaded it from Google images.) We had a quiet day yesterday, although we did have a cookout with my sons and family, which we enjoyed very much--all five grandkids running around and having a good time. Second Son and his wife invited me to go with them to the fireworks afterwards, but frankly, I was too tired and spent the rest of the evening watching a great Cubs game. Husband and I are becoming couch potatoes, I'm afraid.

Last week I received an award from my Welsh friend Liz at Finding Life Hard. Before I explain the award, I just wanted to share a few of my feelings about awards in general. A few months ago I received an "E" award, and I felt a little sheepish accepting it. My blog was new, my photography is not the greatest, and, as I've freely admitted, I am no expert on gardening. Then I felt even more humbled when I tried to pass it on to others, as I realized that most of the blogs I read had already received it! Does the fact that nearly everyone else is recognized as a special blog make the award meaningless?

This time, though, I thought more about the meaning of this award and had a revelation. These are not the Pulitzers or the Academy Awards or any other award where there is only one "winner." That is not the intent of most of the blogging awards you'll see on most people's sidebars. Granted, there are probably a few--the Mouse and Trowel awards come to mind--where people actually vote and choose the best blog, the best post, and so on. But most of the other awards are a way of honoring people whose blogs we enjoy for one reason or another and who often we consider to be good blogging friends. They are a way of saying, "I always enjoy reading your blog, and I appreciate your coming to visit me and sharing your thoughts on what I have written." Looking at it from this perspective, I realized it doesn't matter how many people receive a particular "award," because a person can never have too many friends.

I don't remember how I stumbled upon Liz' blog, but I do remember I was taken in by her photos and stories of George, her Golden Retriever puppy, whose antics reminded me of dogs I've had (and have). She writes witty posts about all kinds of things, including just recently problems all women "of a certain age" can relate to, like mustache-lightening cream and anti-aging creams. But there's a serious side to Liz, too, when she writes about the plight of the elderly or the homeless. I have certainly enjoyed getting to know her and feel honored to have been included in her choices for this award.

This award was created by Crystal at Memoirs of a Mommy in honor of the heart donor who saved the life of Crystal's young son Noah. (After reading Noah's story, I made a mental note to make sure my organ donor card is up to date.)

Crystal says: The rules of this award are: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. **All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same**

It's difficult to narrow down my choices to five when there are so many wonderful blogs I like to read, but I've finally decided on the following five, in no particular order:

1. Beckie of Dragonfly Corner. Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile know that Beckie and I are more than blogging friends. We have been lifelong friends who have shared many ups and downs in life. Beckie is a great friend who will always give you a shoulder to cry on, listen to your venting without judgment, or laugh with you at life's little misadventures. Her blog shares scenes from her own garden and from her family life as well as some of the gardening adventures we've shared the last few months.

2. Lisa at Greenbow. Lisa's was the first blog I ever read, so Lisa, I blame you for this addiction! (Lisa has a good sense of humor, so I know she understands I'm only kidding...) Lisa is an avid birdwatcher and shows many photos of birds, including some unusual sightings, as well as scenes from her garden.

3. Cheryl at My Wildlife Sanctuary. Cheryl was my first UK blogging friend, and I feel as if I've known her for ages. Her blog title says it all: Cheryl has created a haven for wildlife in her back yard and shares her love of all of nature, particularly the bees, through her photographs and thoughtful narrative.


4. Gail at Clay and Limestone. Gail shares her vast knowledge of gardening, particularly native wildflowers, in an interesting and informative way. I think Gail should win an award for blogging etiquette: she faithfully replies to every comment on her post and leaves encouraging and helpful comments on all the other blogs she reads.

5. Mary at Mary's View. Mary writes about many topics, including the "Licker Sisters," but her main passion is for the birds who are pictured so beautifully on her blog. I know many of you are regular readers of Mary's posts and share my appreciation of her sense of humor. If you have read her last post, you also know that Mary and her family could use some extra love and prayers right now.


Ladies, thank you for making me smile and sharing your thoughts with me. Now it is your turn to do as you wish with this award: share it with 5 other bloggers who make your day, simply display your award, or quietly accept it without any fanfare.


And a final, personal note--another blogger I would have honored with this award, had she not already received it, is "Suburbia" from Moments from Suburbia. She writes about her everyday life in a usually funny, sometimes poignant way. Suburbia, since I have no other way of getting this to you, I wanted to share this ad I ran across the other day in a magazine with you. It's not an award, but the moment I saw it, I thought of you. Apparently, you have to come to Illinois to escape from the suburbs (but we have them, too!).

Wishing everyone a wonderful rest of the weekend. Back to the garden next week!