Blog Love...and Thoughts on Writing.

I've hesitated writing this post for the simple reason that it seems a tad self-indulgent and quite possibly even narcissistic, but after spending some time thinking this through, I decided that Yeah, I'm gonna post about it anyway. 'Cause I'm all about the Love.

I wanted to take the time to acknowledge the influx of Blog Love I've received recently, but first, a heartfelt thank you to all of you - friends and readers. Thank You for reading along and more importantly, for taking the time to leave feedback. When I first started this public blog last August, I did so with the hope that some of my blogging friends from my days over on Live Journal would continue to follow along reading about my random musings, but I also hoped that I might make a new friend or two along the way. Six, short months later and my life is richer because you are all in it; all of you inspiring and like-minded souls who I am blessed to call friends. I am especially humbled by the outpouring of love and support I received from virtual strangers in the weeks following my little brother's death. Thank you all so much for leaving such thoughtful and supportive comments and for keeping my family and I in your prayers...I truly felt the love.

Blogging has given me renewed vigor and a committment to just write (a lifelong passion of mine). I am finding that with each entry I publish, I continue learning about myself; the small facets that would otherwise go unnoticed had I not taken the time to ruminate over my thoughts, my actions and my experiences. My writing may not always be unicorns and rainbows, but they are MY words, and they are real. Like photography, writing is an art form; a way to capture moments in life, seemingly slowing Life down just enough for you to savor the sweetness a little while longer.

And I wanna savor it. All of it

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This here, little-blog-o-mine has received a handful of awards from some pretty amazing ladies out there; I am flattered that they would take time to read along, comment and share my link with their own readers. Thank you all!

Thank you to Ashley @ Ashley...Plus Three for this award. One of my goals when I first started writing was that I wanted to inspire and be inspired; this award tells me I'm doing something right.

Thank you to Tay @ Tay Talk and Mallori @ Aiukli: Because Life is Beautiful for the Versatile Blogger Award; that my writing is considered versatile is an honor. Thank you!

And finally, thank you to the following ladies for gifting me with the Stylish Blogger Award. Apparently, I'm bloggin' and stylin'. :)

Jenni @ Story of My Life
Courtney @ Vintch
Kate @ Love is Everywhere
Donna @ Write Now, Write Later
Shalyn @ Laugh Until Your Cheeks Hurt
Chelsea @ Free to Be Me
Melissa @ Love & Life

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And because I am ALL about spreading the love and sharing good blog recommendations when I find them, in addition to the links above, I invite you to check out the following five blogs below. I find myself returning to these blogs because they are feel-good blogs that inspire, make me laugh, or just give me good vibes. I'll bet you'll feel the same!:

Roots of She (Girl-Power. Enough Said.)
Kind over Matter (Feel Good = Do Good. I discovered them through the magazine Artful Blogging)
Ruthy Ann @ Discovery Street (one of the cutest love stories, ever.)
Melissa @ Melissa's Oklahoma (she's planning a quaint, winter wedding!)
Laura @ Just For Love (her strong faith is inspiring...)