Versatile Bloggers

I’m not sure how to incorporate this into a blog about teenagers and raising teenagers so I guess it might just end up being a very brief interlude so to speak.

I was very nicely identified / nominated – I don’t know what it’s called - for the Versatile Blogger Award.  It sounds like you basically list 15 blogs you have recently discovered and enjoy, tell a little bit about yourself (7 things) and that’s essentially it.  I think you’re supposed to link back to the blogs or tell the people you’ve nominated but that’s where I might get a little big lost on it.  I’ve seen a few different posts of these around and the rules are a little different depending on which site you read them on.

So I thought I would ask my kids to see what are the 7 things I should post about myself.  What an interesting question to pose to your children.  It’s funny to see how similar and different their responses and what qualities they identified as being admirable or important.  I would highly recommend it. 

So based on my various children’s responses, here is my list.

1. I sing, play guitar and used to be the singer in a rock and roll band.  No seriously, I was.  Health issues prevent me from doing that anymore but hey, such is life.  I’m probably getting a little old to be out until 4 in the morning playing gigs anyways!

2. I still love rock music, listen to it everyday (not all that old classic stuff either, lots of current things) and while I love to sing it, I prefer to play classical on my guitar. 

3. I went on a 6 day kayaking expedition trip on the Pacific Ocean.  I kayaked with a group of strangers and we camped every night on a different island while we worked our way back to the mainland of British Columbia.  It was very cool and I saw (up close and personal) seals (so cute!!), whales, eagles, star fish the size of my head and all kinds of various wild life.

4.  I have two very large dogs that are the equivalent of pinky and the brain in real life form.  One is highly intelligent and probably understands English but just hasn’t bothered to tell me and doesn’t see himself as inferior to humans in any way.  You have to earn his respect.  The other is as dumb as a stump.  Took 6 months to train him to sit.  He will love you unconditionally though no matter what.

5. I have an art brain (as does most of my siblings, my extended family and my own children).  I used to draw but now spend a lot more time with photography and love all things art related. 

6. I still have my own pair of tap shoes.  I’ve taken most forms of dance at one point or another and my absolute favourite dance class, hands down was belly-dancing.  A lot more fun than I thought it would be.

7. If you asked my kids to describe me, they would say I was laid back, observant, like to help others and that they are still a little itty bit scared of me and you know, I’m okay with that.

Blogs that I would nominate -

1. http://www.wantadumpsterbaby.com .  Just like the link says, the title of the blog is “I want a dumpster baby”.  I’m particularly fond of the article about Fear.  You really should read it if you want an inside look into the head space of some of the kids I’ve worked with (and raised) over the years.  Excellent job on that post.

2. http://textisles.com/ .  This site is title needled and the author does a great job of posting about knitting, photography, and life after having had a major stroke.  She obviously handles her life with much grace and class.

3. http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/ .  This author has some pretty stuff she covers.  My favourite is the cartoon titled ‘dog’ that is on the right hand side of your screen when you scroll down a bit.  You really should read it if you’ve have a dog or have ever had a dog.  It’s pretty funny. 

4. http://glassoffancy.com/  The author does a lovely job covering book reviews, posts on fashion and lately a wonderful section on finances.  Good job!

5. http://www.chookooloonks.com/ .  This is a lawyer turned photographer / professional blogger.  She covers some very interesting things.  Very “feel good” type of site.

6. http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/nyregion/1-in-8-million/index.html  This isn’t a blog but I love this site.  It’s a multitude of little stories about everyday people.  So awesome!

7. http://mimismartypants.com/ .  Funny lady. 

8. http://thebloggess.com/ .  This lady is definitely not safe for work.  Remember the kid I described as ‘bat-shit crazy’?  Yeah, she could have written half of these posts.  Funny but not the same thought process as the norm.

9. http://www.thechloeconspiracy.com/ .  If you’re into fashion, you’ll love this one.  Pretty interesting lady as well.

10. http://our-story-begins.com/2012/01/23/hidden-memories/  This is the fellow that listed my blog as one you should check out.  He’s doing an excellent job under the circumstances and there are a couple of you that I know will love this blog.

11. http://allrainydaysarentgray.wordpress.com/  .  It’s the art-brain thing I was talking about earlier, what can I say.  Love some of the stuff she finds!

12. http://jerry-mahoney.com/ .  This site is titled ‘where to gaybies come from?’.  Funny stuff and reminds me of my life with my kids when they were younger.

13. http://photosatthespeedoflife.wordpress.com/  .  I once tried a photography competition where we had to go for a walk and take one new photo a week.  I love stuff like that. 

14. http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/author/lesleycarter/  A lady after my own heart, what can I say?

15. http://www.playingforchange.com/  Again, not a blog but you’ve got to check this out.  In particular, I love their version of Gimme Shelter and Stand By Me.  Seriously, you have to watch those two.

enjoy!