Belated Blogging...Awards!

I was the recent recipient of two lovely awards and I have been such a slacker in both acknowledging them and in passing them on. First off, my blog-buddy Heather (Madame Rubies) from way back in my earliest days of blogging, awarded me this "You Make Me Smile" award. Aww shucks Heather - right back at 'cha! Your wit, intelligence and warmth have made me smile too...you are such a wonderful writer - keep using that God-given gift girl!!

I also received the "You Lift Me Up" award from one of my newer blog-buddies, Becky (Sweet Cottage Dreams). She was gracious enough to pass that on to me and sweet Lallee for sharing Bible passages on our blogs and for "taking the time to open their hearts to the world and for making my heart and soul feel better." Thanks Becky!! Your warm and inviting cottage(this home you gotta see) and heart have been open to me since I first met you an I have loved being welcomed there so openly! Your joy in the sweet simple things in life is contagious! Hugs to you!

So now, I will pass these 2 awards jointly to the following inspirational, smart, thoughtful women and their beautiful, uplifting blogs:

• Toni (A Spattering) - Toni is an INCREDIBLE artist/calligrapher/naturalist and all around wonderful lady I have the privilege of knowing through blogging for quite a while now. Check out this gorgeous butterfly painting as just one recent example of her awesome talent. Thanks Toni for sharing your view of the world with all of us!
  
• Erin (White Shoes) - I am so glad to have found Erin Sherman's little home on the web through our joint affiliation with Illustration Friday. Her art is so fresh and cool (and CUTE) - Check out the detail in her latest work for IF's "Grow" topic - love all those neat textures! And here's an ode to absolute cuteness! But it's as much the message behind the images that inspires me, and for that, Erin, I thank you!
  
• Tracey (Notes From a Cottage Industry) - This entrepreneurial genius of a woman is a real inspiration to me in so many ways! She can turn ordinary junk into fabulous treasures with such grace, and she is very generous with sharing her tips and tricks. And from her kid's weddings to the Tumbleweed Cotillion - this gal can plan an event - my oh my - the glorious details! On top of it all, she always takes the time to reflect with her weekly "Words to Live By". Thanks Tracey!
  
• Geninne (Geninne's Art Blog) - This incredible, colorful artisan and craftsman scatters delight and sunshine with everything she creates. From her elegant watercolors to her finely sewn crafts, Geninne's work always inspires and uplifts! This latest commissioned trio of Scripture-inspired images is my kind of art - LOVE them! And an extra-special congratrulations to Geninne, who's artwork for "Open" was selected as one of the top 25 illustrations for an Illustration Friday gallery show in November...apparently there are a lot of other of Geninne's peers who think her work is awesome! Congrats Geninne, and thank you!

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Those are just a few of the many, many wonderful men and women who inspire me daily out here in the wonderful world of Blogland - please explore my ever-growing set of links for lots more! And thank YOU for taking time out of your busy day or night to stop by here and look in on my little spot out here in the universe - it truly means the world to me!! Hugs and blessings to you all!!

Love,
Becky S.