The Blame Game

There is a first time for everything and today is absolutely no exception to that rule. This is the first time the Blame It On This Blog award has been given. And before I even explain the award I am going to dive in and present it to Leslie of My Mommy's Place. The Blame she receives is well deserved as she caused me and many others some serious haiku grief these past few weeks as we scribbled and scrawled through the blogosphere in 17 syllables. She knows what she started and she is rightfully proud of the onslaught in 5-7-5 rhythm which began with a challenge at her place.

Thanks a lot Leslie
Haiku has overtaken
my minuscule brain

This button is for you baby!
Awarded jointly by the committee formed to award such things as this.

You know the ones we're talking about. Those bloggers with their memes, interviews, contests.

You can't stop thinking about it.

You keep on entering, or modifying your entry. You think about something else you want to say. You add to what you've written or submit another entry or find yourself tagged yet again for another meme.

Or maybe it's a quiz that you can't stop taking.
Or a post where the comments are fast and furious and you can't stop checking on what else someone else has said.

Suddenly, you find that this whole theme has taken over your thoughts while riding or driving, your quiet time when you should be working, your dreams at night, your blog!

We (a self-appointed committee of like-minded bloggers) decided it was time to give credit where it's due and have developed this very special "Blame It On THIS Blog!" Award.

The rules are simple.

1. Sometimes we all want to blame someone. If you know of a deserving blogger, please submit your nomination and reasons for placing the "Blame" to the Award committee: Jenn in Holland, Soccer Mom In Denial, Not That Different and Fourier Analyst.

No one wants to be "Blamed" for everything, so please limit your reasons for nominating to specific and deserving instances where "Blame" should be given. Recipients of the "Blame" will receive the button to display on their blog along with their "Mea Culpa" at their own convenience.

The Award committee wants to remind all bloggers that they should not be discouraged if their nominee does not get an award the first time as there is plenty of "Blame" to go around and at any future time it may be deservedly placed!.
2. Anyone who has received the "Blame" is also free to pass it on to another blogger, once! We hope all recipients of the "Blame" award will accept it in the humorous spirit in which is has been conceived!

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While we are on the subject of blame, I would like to share a little with the amazing Crystal who blogs at The Song of My Soul and creates amazing handcrafted jewelry at Two Belles and a Bead. I contacted Crystal with a request for a mother's necklace I could present to my Mom on her birthday. Crystal came through with flying colors, or with flying-colored-swarvoski-crystals to be precise. This is what she created for me my Mom:

The beads you see hanging from the center are the birthstones of her children. And the stones threaded into the chain are the birthstones of her 19 grandchildren. The blame I am sharing with Crystal? That's for the tears in my Mom's eyes as she opened her gift.

Thanks Crystal. From the bottom of my heart.

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Further on the discussion of buttons I would like to thank Tori who writes When I Finally Decided to Get It for sharing the Rockin' Girl Award with me. If you are not a regular reader of Tori's, I encourage you to venture in. She is a deep thought, honest emotion writer who shares her journey to grow with grace and elegance. I love Tori's work and get swept away in her writing.

Also, a thanks to Mousey of Say Cheese for the award of Rockin' Girl as well. Mousey's photos are always a delight and her comments heartfelt. I love a photographer and any blogger with Cheese in the blog title!

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Before I go, one more thing about me! The results are in and while the big congratulations for the WIN go to Jami , I was awarded an honorable mention in the Haiku Buckaroo contest at My Mommy's Place. Thanks again to Leslie for hosting the fun. You can be sure you'll be seeing the button on my sidebar soon.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled blogging.

For Those About To Rock

If I talk about the rush you get when you are handed an unexpected gift will you understand what I am trying to say? You know:

• The warm sensation you get in your head while reading those just right words on a Hallmark that someone in your life chose for you?


• The giggle that rises up in your chest when a child hands you a flower plucked from the garden because he wanted to give you something?


• The inner joy that settles into your heart when arms are thrown around you and a big hug with a best friend happens?

This rush.

The rush of opening the front page of one of your favorite bloggers, to find out she's given you something.

A little something, sure.

But big too.

Paige thinks I rock.

It's the Rockin' Girl Blogger award that is winging through the blog world. I was so excited to see my name on her nominee list, but even more astounded by the words she wrote behind it. Meaningful on many levels, but most of all because I think she rocks!

And anyway, I get this cool button.

And I get to pass it on.

Pass the envelope please.

My nominations (listed in no particular order) for the Rockin' Girl Blogger award are:

1. Teri.
Initially, when I typed in the #1 character, I left my finger on the shift key and got '!' instead. I should have left it as it is totally indicative of Teri's blog and personality. She is a firecracker if ever there was one, and she is darn proud of it. On the front page of her blog she proudly displays the warning signs for the content within. She's proud of that too. I am proud to call her my friend.

2. Leslie
I found her blog originally on a Wordless Wednesday and immediately fell in love with her darling daughter. Then, as I lingered there I knew this was a place I would be returning often. In fact, I bookmarked her place immediately upon reading this post which sent me into fits of laughter. I get that giggle every time I visit now, which as it turns out is every day. Leslie is one of those really real people. I am so impressed with her candor and wit but most of all by her genuineness.

3. Allison.
If you've read me for long, you know my feelings for this blogger run deep. She has been my teacher and guide as I have gotten my feet wet in the blogging world. In addition she has been a loyal friend via the email route too. She is wicked smart and a lovely human being who chases the big causes with a passion. She is most passionate about her marriage and her children. I admire her deeply and look forward to the day our paths will cross in the offline world.

4. Kiki.
I met Kiki through the Friday Fifteen and we have a weekly date at one another's blogs. I love to read her thoughts and insights about her life as an army wife (currently) and her personal experiences in the army (recent past). This is another "girl" who is refreshingly honest and openly candid, who fills me with inspiration every time I read.

5. Shelby.
This was one of the first blogs I tripped across after my foray into the universe, I don't even remember how I found her. But I do remember that she already had me linked on her sidebar and that totally blew me away. I thought it was just so nice. Of course, I lingered there enjoying her words, her photographs and her insights immensely. I admire her deeply and I am happy as can be to spend time with her.

Now, Rockin' Girls, it's time for you to pass the torch. Pick five and pass the award along.

And, by the way, I salute you!