And The Award Goes To......

Imagine my surprise when it went to me?  A lovely lady by the name of Madeleine Maddocks, who writes a blog called Scribble and Edit, left me a message to say that she was presenting me with an award with the quirky little name: One Lovely Blog Award.  I was taken aback to be sure because I've only been writing this blog for such a short time and as far as I knew only a few people have popped over to visit and Madeleine's name wasn't one I recognised.  Over the course of the morning, I've been thinking.  Now bear with me because the way my brain works (it does? I hear someone mutter) is a strange and wonderful thing.  I've been reading, following and posting on blogs for over twelve months now - blogs from all over the place and it's fantastic picking up little turns of phrase or sneaking peeks into people's writing, and personal, lives.  But for some reason, the idea that someone from the other side of the world (omg omg omg) has read my blog, really blew me away!

Anyway after coming to terms with the reality of my work (albeit mostly bathering about shoes and competitions and writing) being of interest to others, it suddenly struck me how amazing it must feel to have a book out there.  Now I'm REALLY (yes it does deserve all caps) pumped about writing!!!! (and yes it does deserve all those exclamation marks).

So getting back to the award.  Now (anal retentive that I am) I did a bit of research and I was able to trace it back to the lady who created the award back in 2008.  Her blog can be found at Works of Art by Sara.  As it has been passed on the rules have been changed slightly so I'm going to follow Sara's rules:
1.Add the logo to your blog
2. Link to the person from whom you received this award
3. Nominate 7 or more blogs
4. Leave a message on their blog, letting them know they have "One Lovely Blog"

I've done 1 and 2 so here's my seven or more nominations and my reasons for nominating them (not necessary according to the rules but I always like to add my two cents worth):

Maisey @ Maisey Yates
Maisey is an incredibly talented women who manages to combine motherhood to three gorgeous kids, a hunksband (her description, but let me tell you, it's very apt!) and dishing out spoonfuls of delicious wisdom on her own blog and over at the Seven Sassy Sisters blog while churning out amazing books at a truly dizzying pace.  What a woman!  And my guru. (and my hero but don't tell her I said that).

Lacey (of course) @ Lacey Devlin
Lacey is one of the sweetest bloggers you'll ever meet.  While we were all sweating over our NV entries, Lacey was busy making badges for us to display on our blogs and setting up a Wall of Fame for us.  And then she put in her entry and boy was it a doozy (that's another way of saying 'fabulous' in Australia).  So thanks Lacey, for all your efforts and for dedicating part of your blog to others - so unselfish and truly deserving of a Lovely Award!


Nicola @ Nicola Marsh 
Nicola blogs almost every day and for blog junkies like myself that makes her a dream come true.  But along with all her insightful tips and inspirational stories, Nic also gives a lot of herself: what's happening with her family, her health and her football team.  All of which goes to make her a very special, talented lady with a great deal to offer.

Jackie @ Jackie Ashenden
A sinfully sexy blue knitted octopus.  A Voice of Doom.  Crows of Doubt.  Dr Jax.  All these elements go to make up Jackie's blog - an intriguing, beautifully honest and generously offered blog that captures all of Jackie's highs and lows on her way to being published.  And take my word for it, we will all be sitting around smiling smugly to the irritation of our friends and saying "Oh I knew her BEFORE she was famous!" very soon.

Romy @ Romy Sommer
The South African beauty with an alter ego (gotta love that!) with a penchant for the 1920s and doesn't mind being called a Minx.  Romy's blog is a warm, comfortable place to have a chat and she is always promoting South African (I can't abbreviate it or people will think I'm talking about South Australia) writers.  Additionally Romy took the time (when she really didn't have to) to provide a newbie with some pointers on my NV entry.

Lorraine @ Lorraine Wilson
I've only just started reading Lorraine's blog and I'm hooked.  She has such an honest, fresh take on things and I really love her voice (did I just hear someone groan? must be a NV entrant).  But seriously Lorraine's blog is a great read and I have really enjoyed going through her archive and I've laughed and learnt stuff - winning combination in my book.

The Girlfriends @ The Girlfriends Book Club
The Girlfriends are relative new too (just like moi) but boy what they don't have in longevity, they sure have made up for in content.  It's a blog for women writers and they have guest bloggers posting something new very regularly and it's not fluff and nonsense stuff either - really meaty, get-your-teeth-into topics as well as providing some great things-I-have-learned-as-a-writer stories.  And I'm not just saying this (why would I?) but they do actually treat you like one of their girlfriends - definitely worth a lurk and then you'll be hooked.

Now all this talk of awards has me thinking (I know, I know - two lots of thinking in one day, I need to slow down before I do myself a damage) BUT I have encountered such wonderful, talented, generous people since I discovered blogging that I'm tempted to create an award myself.  I'll let that one simmer for a while and post about it soon. 

Off now to let my nominees know about their award!