"YOU ROCK!!!"

Imagine my surprise a couple days ago, when I opened a message - via a fellow-blogger - to view her recent posting to receive "a gift."

I immediately did as she requested, and there my name had been generously added to a list of bloggers she has come to enjoy and personally resonate with. Katherine at Lessons From The Monk I Married is a seasoned and gifted writer....I consider myself one of the new "kids" in this world of blogging, and she has already become a mentor and example to me!

Katherine has traveled and experienced more of the world than most of us will ever even dream about....though I have figured out that I am her "senior" (only in years!), her wisdom and truly enlightened view of our human spirit continues to be an inspiration and education to me.

Because I personally consider this fellow-writer as a mentor and teacher, you can appreciate my feelings of humble gratitude for her act of recognition and kindness. Receiving this small confidence-booster brought to mind something I've always believed in, and try to practice as often as I can. What we consider a "small" word of kindness or encouragement, can mean infinitely so much more to someone who may not realize they've touched your life in some way. Taking the time to extend a thank you, or recognition for a job-well-done, or supporting any form of heart-felt effort never gets old. We all need to hear those words of encouragement, support, and bravo!

In today's world of "I need it immediately" and "what's in it for me," how often do we take the time to thank someone for their hospitality, a friendly transaction, or "going the extra mile?" Many of us have emailed or hand-written notes and letters of dis-satisfaction and complaint. But how often do we remember to verbalize our appreciation or thoughts of "Well Done!" to someone?

For example: There have been a few teachers over the course of our three son's lives that I actually wrote letters of acknowledgement and appreciation to. I wanted - actually needed - them to know how much they had touched that particular child's life. Deep within me, I knew that such letters would most likely become treasured keepsakes and reminders of their life's calling as a teacher for many years.

"Awards" or trophies can definitely be testaments of our efforts - we've all attempted to be "the best" at something. But all the trophies, awards, or certificates of merit can't hold a candle to personal words of praise and affirmation. Particularly when those words come from others we serve, love, and admire.

What a gift - what a treasure - when we are the recipients of such pats on the back. As Katherine Jenkins wrote in a recent posting: "I have heard of bloggers who don't accept awards. I accept them with open arms...why not? When we spread the love and gratitude around, we have more love and gratitude to give."

In that regard, as a recipient of this little blogging recognition, I am to pay-it-forward, by listing 10 things that make me happy, followed by a listing of ten of my favorite blogs:

Ten things that make me happy (in no particular order!):

1. My 3 boys!
2. My husband.
3. Our household of pets (see my profile for a listing of the furry kids.)
4. Singing (& music in general.)
5. A great book- read in a comfy chair, a quiet room, with a hot beverage, my pooch beside me!
6. Organizing/cleaning....(I know, that sounds truly anal, doesn't it?)
7. Writing!
8. Gardening/working in the yard on a beautiful day.
9. Sitting with my feet in the sand on a sunny beach.
10. Making/creating gifts for friends and family.

Ten of my favorite blogs (again, in no particular order!):

1. "Lessons From The Monk I Married" - Katherine Jenkins http://lessonsfromthemonkimarried.blogspot.com/

2. "Mod Podge Rocks" - Amy Anderson
http://modpodgerocks.blogspot.com/

3. "I'd Rather Be Blogging" - Maureen Kuppe
http://www.ratherbeblogging.com/

4. "My Favorite Things" - Molly Elmer
http://thesefavoritethings.blogspot.com/2001/01/my-favorite-things-is-blog-that-is.html

5. "Writer's Rising" - various contributors
http://writersrising.blogspot.com/

6. "One Woman's DayDreams" - Lady Of The Lake
http://daydreamsofanaveragewoman.blogspot.com/

7. "Thoughts Along Life's Highway" - Lois Houston
http://loishouston.typepad.com/thoughts-along-lifes-highway/

8. "The Positivity Blog" - Henrik Edberg
http://www.positivityblog.com/

9. "Dooce" - Heather Armstrong
http://www.dooce.com/about

10. "Ugly OverLoad" - Raging Wombat
http://uglyoverload.blogspot.com/


To those I've mentioned here, I sincerely thank you for allowing me to follow your progress, sneak a peek into your lives, and learn from your example!

Still a newbie in the blogging world, I continue to discover blogs that are inspirational, humorous, moving, fun, and joys to read. Thank you for sharing your talents - and yourselves - with the world.

And to my new friend, Katherine: You are a Blessing and a gift - I look forward to absorbing your wisdom and teachings in the days to come! Peace.

Pay it forward - spread a smile!