Liebster Award – A Wonderful Way to Introduce Myself

Do you like surprises? And Awards? I do! So you can imagine how excited I was to learn that Shellie from the FABulous Journey had nominated me for the Liebster Award for new bloggers a couple of weeks ago.

I must admit I was snowed under with all of the work I was doing preparing to sell my former business building and I really didn’t have time to properly thank Shellie for this nomination. So let me take a quick second to do that. Thanks much Shellie! Shellie has been one of my constant supporters in this wide world of blogging. Both of us are new to this adventure and we are learning as we go.

I did a little research on the Liebster Award and found it has evolved a bit over the years, but the basic premise is still the same. The award is given to  bloggers upon recommendation of other bloggers. I think this is a wonderful idea. If you are new to the blogging world, you know how difficult it can be to make connections and grow your blog. This gives bloggers  an opportunity to introduce themselves to others and make new blogging friends. Now that sounds like a wonderful idea to me!

One of the best parts of blogging to me is the new friendships I have made.

If you are nominated and you choose to pay it forward, you are asked to write a post in which you:
• Thank the person who nominated you and link their blog.
• Copy and paste the award to your blog.
• Answer the questions supplied by the nominator.
• Provide 11 random facts about yourself.
• Nominate 5 – 11 bloggers who have less than 1000 (used to be 200) followers, and link them.
• Create 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
• List the rules in your post.
• Notify the bloggers you nominate and provide them with a link to your post, (they might not have ever heard of the award).
If you want to know more about the Liebster Award, you can get a great explanation from Lorraine at Wording Well HERE.

The Liebster Award

So here we go! These were Shellie’s 11 questions for me:
1. How did you decide on the name of your blog?
I wanted something that would encompass everything that I would be blogging about – everything that surrounded me. So the name just kind of evolved out of that desire to include everything in my surroundings. Once I decided on the name, I then had to come up with a logo. You can read about that journey HERE.

2. Where does your blogging inspiration come from?
I am inspired by my love to create. From a very small age, I have loved making things and creating special places. My 40 years as a floral designer and gift shop owner gave me the opportunity to use my love of decorating and creating. The holidays have always inspired new ideas! After closing my business, I needed a new creative outlet and blogging has given me the opportunity to share those loves with others. My cooking skills are one I am still in the process of fine tuning however! On this site you will most likely see simple recipes!

3. What is it that you love most about blogging?
I love connecting and sharing with others – fellow bloggers, friends and family. I love reading comments and interacting through sharing.

4. What is your favorite food?
Anyone who really knows me, knows I have two favorite foods – cheese and potatoes. So…. if I have to pick one favorite food it would be – cheesy potatoes!

5. What is your favorite thing to drink, (alcoholic or not)?
I would have to say peppermint tea. I drink it all the time and generally hot – winter or summer – always hot!

6. What is an item you cannot live without?
Hmmm – I would like to think there is no “item” I couldn’t live without. But if I have to choose one, it would probably be my computer. I use it for blogging, to do my job, to correspond with friends and share time with my grandbabies.

7. What are eleven random facts about yourself?
• I was the tallest one in my 6th grade class – and that included the teacher.
• I bought my own floral and gift business at the age of 22.
• I am a Christ follower – but if you aren’t, I’ll love you anyway.
• I love my puppies – Bristol and Blaze – they are my constant companions.
• I played the violin when I was younger – but not very well.
• I work from home, but if I were to drive to work, it would take me 8 hours.
• I am a grandma to 9 lovely little munchkins, 3 boys and 6 girls.
• I really love cheesy potatoes – did I already say that?
• I love to read – I used to read books so quickly when I was younger my parents would give me quizzes when I was done to make sure I really read them.
• I love to plan events and entertain – weddings – birthday parties – showers – golf outings – you name it!

8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
No question on this one. I would live right next door to my daughter, son in law and grandkids!

9. If you could meet anyone from history, alive or dead, who would it be?
Jesus – and I hope to do that some day!

10. What is your favorite outdoor activity?
I love to sit in the sun with a cool breeze reading a book. Is that an activity? (insert smiley face) If not, then it would be gardening. There is nothing better than digging in the dirt and seeing the emergence of new life.

11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Retired and blogging full time – it is what I love to do! And maybe even have a few more of those munchkins who call me grandma, nana or grandma yellow hair!

Here are my nominations to receive this award. These are all wonderful bogs!

Amy from Sweet N Sour Gumballs
Ashleigh from Simply Wright
Benita from Chasing Quaintness
Kimberley from Seaside Ave
Sandra from Sweet Sensations

Here are your 11 questions:

1. How did you decide on the name of your blog?
2. What was your first “real” job?
3. What is it that you love most about blogging?
4. What is your favorite food?
5. What is your message/tip/recommendation to all the new and hopeful bloggers out there?
6. What gets you out of bed in the morning?
7. What are eleven random facts about yourself?
8. Where is your happy place?
9. What are three words that describe you?
10. Do you plan to fight aging or age gracefully?
11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEW NOMINEES OF THE LIEBSTER AWARD:
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to do the following:
Write a post about the fact that you’ve been nominated for the Liebster Award.
In this post, link back to and show some love to the person who nominated you, also nominate 5 to 11 other new blogs that would not have more than 1000 followers. Let these nominated bloggers know that you have nominated them and provide a link back to your page to ensure that they are familiar with the Award.
Display the Award in your post and in your side bar.
Answer the questions about yourself.
Put your post with your nominated  blogs for the Liebster Award on social media. Spread the love!
Thank you once again to Shellie of the FABulous Journey for nominating me for this award.

I treasure the opportunity to share this with others!

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