Sweet Treat

A couple of days ago I was hugely surprised to learn that Elizabeth at The Garden Gate had awarded me The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award. Thank you, Elizabeth. (Check out Elizabeth's blog - she  has some great posts and writes really lovely poetry).

I have seen this recognition award on other blogger sites, and knew that it was rewarded by peer bloggers, but knew very little else about it. From what I can gather, I am at the very least supposed to post the award, tell blog readers seven things they likely don't know or wouldn't guess about me, and then pass the award on to between five and fifteen of my own favourite bloggers. And finally, I have to let those bloggers know that they are award winners.

So here goes. First, the lovely "award." Makes me crave strawberry shortcake.

Seven Random Things About Me:

• Back in the later 1970s, I worked as a bartender in the Yukon for two years before I was even old enough to be in the bars.
• In the academic world, I am considered an expert in the history of where terminal cancer patients in North America were cared for and by whom, during the first half of the twentieth century. 
• I was recently quite devastated to learn that Laughing Cow cheese isn't real cheese.
• I am perfectly content being alone for long, long periods of time and one day I look forward to seeing just how long I can remain in only my own company. I think I could go for months.
• I am most likely to retire when I turn 72.
• I have survived two potentially terminal diseases in my lifetime (active addiction over twenty years ago, and stage three cancer nearly six years ago). Cancer was easier, for me.
• I can stand and spread my toes so widely apart that it looks like I have webbed feet.

And now...the Award Goes (on to) the Following Ten Bloggers:

Jenni at The Engledow Chronicles because she writes about the everyday, extraordinary ordinariness of family life. And because she was the first person ever to leave a comment on my blog.

Moni at Being Cheap Never Tasted So Good, because her pictures feed my cravings, and her recipes and instructions are even easy enough for *me* to follow.

Julie at Beginning a Life at 50, because she "gets" being fifty and shares it so beautifully. She also reads and reviews great books.

Cynthia at KnowledgeMaven because she is smart, and lovely, and tells wonderful stories about the women in her family.

Tabitha at Tabitha's Blog, because she takes hauntingly beautiful photos, writes short, meaningful truths, and I know from her writing that she too knows what is it to miss a mother.

Corinne at Trains, Tutus and Tea Time, because she shares her amazing photos and writes with a lyrical cadence that just makes me happy and calm. Corinne also has an online Etsy shop called A Soft Landing, where she sells her unique hand-knitted creations.

The Act of Returning to Normal because she reminds me of where I come from in every single one of her posts.

One Crafty Mother: Motherhood, Art & Life One Day at a Time, because I respect the service she does for women who struggle, and I love her writing. You should also check out her beautiful jewellery at Shining Stones on Etsy.

Dawn at Grace Always Waits because she tells it like it is. And because she has a great first name (joking).

And finally, to the author of A Day Without Sushi. Because she is fricking hilarious.

I know there are others who I would recognize if I had more time to dwell on this fun task, but I'll leave it at this for now. Except that...I also want need to acknowledge another blogger who I read and enjoy religiously (and I am not even religious) but who has already received this, The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award:

Kristen at the spirit that moves me for her very thoughtful Sunday posts on the divine feminine, and the gorgeous images provided for each essay.

In the end, I think it's important to say to all of the women who share so freely of themselves in the blogosphere, I salute you. Thank you all for inspiring me.