Loving and Being Loved

Today I am feeling thankful. I am thankful for all the really nice people I've "met" since I started blogging last October, but I'm also thankful for having been granted access to some wonderful writing, different ways of thinking, and very diverse experiences.

First of all, thank you, Angie (Children of the Corn ) and Carolynn (A Glowing Ember), for thinking of me when you wanted to share your "love your blog" award. It just feels really nice to be mentioned and thought of in this way.

I kinda also hated getting this, too, though. Not because it didn't make me feel good. Not because I have to pass it on. No, I hated it for a minute because it forces me to single out individuals to give it to. This always leaves someone without an award and I believe that everyone who puts their thoughts, feelings, and dreams to the page on a regular basis should be applauded in some way.

But, as per the rules, I must now specifically name a few blogs special to me. I would very simply like to say
to the following people:

Solomon over at Things I'm Grateful for.
Solomon pops on to my blog only every now and then, but I love it when he does. He is also the clearest example, for me, of a person who remembers to be thankful for every single day he is allowed to breathe. He also spends a great deal of time thinking of others and doing what he can to make less fortunate folk a bit more fortunate.

Marigold at Goat Philosophy 101. Marigold is, without a doubt, the smartest, most well-read goat I've ever had the privilege of knowing. She has an incredible way with words and a flair for spinning yarns that is unparalleled (not that I don't believe every word you say, Miss M.!) It also fascinates me that she's obsessed with peanuts.

Sarah over at It Blows Here. Sarah's blog just touches me. I love her stories, her writing and her photos. Her kids are adorable. I learn something new every time I'm on her blog. Reading about her life, although it is extremely busy (this woman does *everything*), always puts a smile on my face. She manages her crazy life with such grace that I am always impressed. And, darnit, I'm totally going to make that bean tee pee next year. That thing is SO cool!
Oh yea, Sarah also makes me giggle with her writing. Anybody who knows me knows I *love* to giggle.

Mellimaus at Riding Miss Daisy. Ok, please don't think I'm weird for reading a teenager's (who isn't related to me) blog, but this gal is something special. She is funny, interesting, has a beautiful horse named Daisy, posts the *cutest* videos, und sie spricht deutsch! Did I mention she also plays the violin? She is an incredibly talented young woman who interacts regularly with people much older than she and does it with amazing intelligence, humor, and style. Oh, and she's also a cutie pie.

And, finally, but never at the bottom of my list, Farmer Jen at Mountain Harvest Basket. I consider Jen to be a friend of mine, even though we have never personally met. How odd is this blog world that things like this can happen? She and I have wonderful, if short, sweet and to-the-point, conversations. Someday I hope to get to North Fork and meet everyone she writes about, human and animal. She loves deeply and well and is dearly loved in return. She also throws the world's best half-birthday parties where elaborately wrapped gifts of sausage and zucchini are bestowed upon the very thankful half-birthday person. (Um, Jen? Tomorrow's my half-birthday....)

Thank you all for the good reading!