Blog Love

Here are the rules:

1. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

2. Name the person who gave the award to you and link to their blog (or hyperlink).

3. List 10 things that make you happy.

4. Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blogs to let them know.

This award was passed on to me by Maggie over at Take a Walk on the Happy Side, where she had some very kind things to say about me. I am flattered, honored, and humbled. It really is so nice to receive recognition, especially from someone I hold in such high esteem. Maggie has a beautiful pair of identical twin boys who each sport a bonus chromosome, and she writes a wonderful blog. If you haven't visited her blog, go check it out.

Ten Things That Make Me Happy (in no particular order):

1. Blog love! Did I mention how nice it is to receive recognition? It makes my day.

2. Writing. Really. Writing is such a big part of me. It's a balm, an outlet, a way to connect to others.

3. Reading. I always have a book going, and I always carry a purse big enough to fit a book into so I can read on the fly.

4. Hanging out with my husband. I know that sounds corny, but it's true - I totally dig him, even after almost 11 years together. He's a great guy, a wonderful father, and he makes me laugh until I pee my pants. Oh, and he cooks.

5. Ice cream. Particularly Ben & Jerry's Half Baked or Brownie Batter. But really, any flavor will do.

6. Catching my kids spontaneously hugging each other. It makes everything else seem worth it.

7. Getting the latest issue of People magazine in the mail every Thursday. Sad but true. That's often the highlight of my week.

8. Snuggling with a kid or three in bed on a weekend morning.

9. My morning coffee. Can't do without it.

10. A brisk, solitary walk on an overcast morning, alone with my thoughts. Very cleansing.

I'd Like to Pass This Award to:

Let me say first that there are so many wonderful blogs out there. My Google reader is full of them! There are three blogs in particular that I'd like to recognize:

The Conservatory For Flittering Thoughts, by our very own Dan of Down With Oz. If you haven't checked out his newest blog featuring his poetry, do yourself a favor. It's seriously awesome.

Bridget's Light - This has been one of my favorite blogs for a long time. Lisa is such a wonderful writer and advocate and, truly, Bridget's light shines through in all of Lisa's writing.

Mirabel Ruby - This is a fairly new blog. Emily gave birth to Mirabel Ruby this past January and has been writing about her beautiful new daughter and the changes her family is undergoing ever since. I really admire her grace and outlook.

Thank you again, Maggie!!