Last night I learned that I was a recipient of a blogger award.  Vicki at wordsandcats bestowed the Inspirational Blogger Award upon myself and this blog.  Thanks Vicki!  In doing some research on this award, I was able to track down its origin at the blog Writer’s Reviews.  I have printed out the award rules and information about each of the five awards below.  Also, I have bestowed five awards to bloggers I have come to know and appreciate over the past couple of years in the appropriate award description.  There are no cash prizes involved, unfortunately, but I do hope to bring a smile to each of the bloggers listed below.  Concerning the awards she created, blogger ChristyZ writes:

Writer’s Reviews Blogger Awards

I have thought about creating these awards for a very long time now. It was my hope to create an award series that would give unique, caring, brave, and positive bloggers the recognition they deserve.

Award Rules

1) If you have received an award simply choose either the dark or light background image and save it to your files, then post it proudly on your blog!

2) Pass the award on to five other people, you can choose any of the awards from the series, you do not have to pass out the exact award you received. Choose whichever of the awards below that you’d like to give out. You can give out one of each or five of the same one, whatever you prefer.

3) You can change the size and color of awards to suit your blog, that’s up to you, it’s your blog, just leave the titles the same.

4) Please link back to this post so that people can read these rules and so that the meanings of the awards will not be lost.

5) If you feel that you or a friend are deserving of an award and no one has given one to you yet then email me at sayhitochristy(at)hotmail.com and tell me about your website.

 

The Inspirational Blogger Award

For those bloggers who inspire others through their words and actions. With a positive attitude, and an uplifting spirit these bloggers make the blogosphere a better place, and encourage others to do the same. This award is for bloggers who rise up to set an example but continue to reach out and support others.

In this category I give an award to Alan Creech, whose writings and spiritual journey are an inspiration to me.  Keep up the good work Alan!  And I anxiously await more news on the rural monastic community you and some of your friends hope to develop in my beloved homeland of Kentucky.

 

The Courageous Blogger Award

For those bloggers who are battling or have battled with physical and mental illness, those who are survivors of abuse, poverty, or who have overcome other challenges in life. Those who serve in the military or work/volunteer in dangerous situations in order to provide a service or to help others. This award is for the strong, the brave, and the courageous.

 

The Charity Blogger Award

For those who use blogging to help others and to raise awareness of those in need. Those who post missing persons posters, charity links, or who are involved in fund raising campaigns, or who make posts about charitable causes. Those who care enough to help others deserve this award. 

I give this award to Julie of Lone Prairie Blog in recognition of her recent efforts in this year’s blogathon (in which she raised money for Joni and Friends).

 

The Thoughtful Blogger Award

For those who answer blog comments, emails, and make their visitors feel at home on their blogs. For the people who take others feelings into consideration before speaking out and who are kind and courteous. Also for all of those bloggers who spend so much of their time helping others bloggers design, improve, and fix their sites. This award is for those generous bloggers who think of others.

I give this award to Jim at serotoninrain, who does a much better job than I of interacting with his readers and keeping his visitors “feeling at home.”  For a sample of his blog at its best, I recommend this post.

 

The Creative Blogger Award

For those who bring unique and creative elements to their blogs. For those who incorporate art, music, creative writing, photo’s, and other beautiful visual effects into their website. For those who put a unique spin on things and come up with new ideas. This award is for the artsy, the funky, the inventor, and even the rebel. This award is for those creative individuals who stand out from the crowd.

In this category I give awards to two people:  Julie (yes, Julie again) for all of her blogs at Lone Prairie.  Her main blog never fails to inspire, but Julie also several other blogs under her domain at Lone Prairie.Net, including Lone Prairie Studies, Lone Prairie Journal, Lone Prairie Library, and the Lone Prairi
e Shop where you can view and purchase her art and crafts.  This is one busy woman!

I also give this award to Loren at In a Dark Time . . . the Eye Begins to See.  His photography and reflections consistently inspire me.  Simply put, he has a beautiful blog.  Lately he has been re-reading and reflecting on the classic Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig.

So there you have it.  Five blogger awards to four deserving bloggers.  And if you haven’t done so already, make sure you go and pay them all a visit.  And to the one who gave me an award, Vicki, to her I bestow the award for being my most faithful reader and commenter.  Thanks again Vicki!