Sweetness & Sunshine

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inAwards, Sunshine Award, Super Sweet Blogging Award, William Arthur WardTags:, ,

Over this past month, I have been honoured to receive several celebrated blogging awards.  As I write this post, I am reminded yet again, that with every post and every comment, we create a dynamic and diverse community brought together by technology, which allows us to correspond in different languages across, what I call, “blogger” miles. We are continuing a tradition shared by previous generations who used papyrus, parchment, inkwell and chisels: the exchange of knowledge, experience, and wisdom.  When we contribute, we light a pathway for those generations yet to come.

Blogger awards are about recognizing individuals who have inspired our journey. We have a common goal to make a difference in the lives of our families, friends and extended community, local and global.  Many years ago, William Arthur Ward gave us this insight:

“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.” 

Super Sweet Blogging Award:

A warm thank you goes to Anarya Andir who nominated me for the Super Sweet Blogging Award. Anarya is a self-proclaimed non-conformist Adult Third Culture Kid searching for meaning in life.  I am following her on her search, which has swept me into her adventure that includes travelling, photography, poetry, history, art and literature.  Anarya celebrates being a world citizen – she recognizes the unique beauty of diversity in languages and cultures.  Drop by for a visit – you’ll want to stay on…

The rules include answering 5 questions and nominating others for this noteworthy award.

  1. Cookies or Cake?  Answer:   I love both – ask my scale, who knows how much I love sweets.
  2. Chocolate or Vanilla?  Answer:  I really don’t think it is a good idea to play favourites.  I like them both the same; in fact, they make an excellent duo – Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting.
  3. What is your favourite sweet treat? Answer: Ice Cream, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Raspberry Tart. Oh, that’s right – only one.  Hmmm! There is always room for more than one sweet treat, isn’t there?!!
  4. When do you crave sweet things the most?  Answer:  I’m not certain I understand the question. I like them all of the time.
  5. If you had a sweet nickname, what would it be?  Answer:  Ginger (I have red hair)

Every blogger wants to attract more readers because it is the conversation, the exchange of ideas that makes blogging worth while.  Sweetness entices, catching the attention of even the most hard-to-reach readership.  Once you eat the first “chocolate chip cookie” post, it is difficult to let go of something that feeds the mind, heart and soul.

My Nominations:

1)      Leaping Tracks – An extraordinary music blog from Edinburgh  UK, which covers the full spectrum of music!  Every time I visit, I am humming a new song.

2)      Marsella’s Book Ends I love books – and when I find someone, like Marsella, with the same obsession, I follow to see what books are inspiring her. She always has a great post!!

3)      Bubbles From My Pen: A writer that shares her story and thoughts generously and passionately.

4)      Postcards from Budapest:  A journey to Budapest with a nomad that creates an adventure everywhere she goes.  Stop by and be amazed.

5)      Soulsnet: An online retreat of daily inspiration for the bruised, the bothered and bewildered.  A great blog to visit.

6)      Poetry & Musings:  Kathleen is a fourth generation poet who generously shares her wisdom.  Every time I visit, she feeds my spirit.

7)      AshiAkira’s Blog:  The story behind this blog is as amazing as the Haiku poetry that graces the pages.

8)      Everything About Flowers: A joyous blog about flowers, music, poems and nature.

9)      It’s There for a Reason: A Kiwi living in ever-green Ireland, who loves people, writing and inspiring people to live every moment to the fullest.

10)   Views From My World:  A beautiful photo blog that captures stories in every photo.

Sunshine Award: 

My dear friend, Cristi nominated me for the optimistic Sunshine Award. The Sunshine Award is a “thank you” from one blogger to another for all the work that goes into creating and sustaining a blog.  Cristi exemplifies the Sunshine Award with his generosity and profound insight.  I never miss a post. Since I met him, I have travelled the world several times over and filled my Pinterest Boards with his amazing photos.

The rules include

1)      Linking back to the person who nominated you:  Cristi

2)      Post the award image to your page.

3)      Tell seven facts about yourself.

I am Canadian living in Vancouver, Canada, where we have plenty of liquid sunshine.  I have 4 pairs of rubber boots (yellow, black, rose and leopard), about 7 umbrellas that I have collected over the years (various colours to match the boots). I love wearing hats, my latest one being red to go with my purple cloak – just like the poem!  I’m on an exercise program that involves walking with a pair of walking poles.  Every morning, you will see me on the Vancouver SeaWall, with my iPod, listening to an audio book.

4)      Nominate 5 – 10 other bloggers.

My Nominations:

A special thank you goes to the following bloggers who work tirelessly to produce amazing blogs.  It takes time, effort, research and creative ingenuity to sustain a conversation that encourages and challenges.  These bloggers are pure Sunshine!

1)     Tom Simard  A wonderful collection of poetry and prose that speaks to the heart and refreshes the soul!

2)      Honest Errors: A remarkable writer who lives in Michigan but travels the world. Richard shares my love for Charles Rennie MacKintosh “There is hope in honest error, none in the icy perfections of the mere stylist.”

3)      Valerie Davis  A world traveller, an adventurer, an explorer and much, much more.  There is never a dull moment when you follow Valerie.

4)      A Word in Your Ear  A storyteller who shares tales of friends, family, animals.  The adventure is well underway…join in…

5)      Wolfgang’s PowerPoint: An amazing blog that unites photography with music to create an inspiring story.

6)      OPreach is a wonderful place to rest and drink in the calmness and beauty.  Once refreshed, you are ready to take on the world.

Blogging celebrates connections and stories. We have an amazing community!

Rebecca aka Clanmother

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

114 thoughts on “Sweetness & Sunshine”

  1. Dear Rebecca, What a beautiful, thoughtful post you’ve written about blogging and the awards. I’m very touched and honoured that you should have nominated me for the Sunshine Award, and am looking forward to exploring the intriguing company I find myself in. Thank you for your very generous description of my blog – strange to see how others see us! Valerie X

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    1. Every time I come by for a visit, I feel like singing. “You are the sunshine of my life…” Thank you so much for accepting the nomination – you are pure Sunshine….

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      1. Rebecca you make me so happy with your loving words,
        I’m blown away by all that you are, having just discovered your Italian on Antonio’s blog, and realised that you are a Charles Rennie Mackintish fan too,
        What fun we would have if we could meet!.

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      2. You never know what amazing adventure we will find ourselves on…the older I get, the more I believe in fairy dust! Remember – second star to the right; straight on til morning…

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      3. So you’re in Canada, and I’m in NZ – it’s five past three in the afternoon – so what time is it with you???

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      5. Something happened when I pushed the reply button, and I’m not sure if you got my message or not, so I’ll try to remember what I said, in case it got lost. ..
        I think I said that your sweet words make me so happy – and how I’m bowled over by all that you are – I’ve just discovered you speaking Italian on Antonio’s blog, and that you too are a fan of Charles Rennie Mackintosh… what fun we’d have if we could meet …XXX

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  4. Thank you for visiting my blog and reading my haikus and the background strory. I’m highly honored that you nominated my blog for the award. I appreciate it very much.

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    1. Thank you so much for accepting my nomination! You are able to capture profound meaning in only a few words that speak directly to the heart. It is a pleasure to stop by and breathe the “fresh air”.

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  5. What an amazing community! None of this would have happened–these acquaintances would have been unknown without the social media we enjoy today. We can say “hello” and learn from friends from around the globe!

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    1. Thank you so very much Alastair! I just started to follow your blog this week. I saw your gravatar so often on the blogs that I follow that I knew I had to come by for a visit!!

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  7. Thanks so much for nominating me. You made my day. 🙂 I will try to do this when I get home in a few weeks. I’m actually traveling right now and am not on the computer regularly.

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    1. I am delighted that you accepted my nomination! No rush on responding – have fun on your travels and looking forward to hearing all about it when you return. You have an amazing blog!!

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    1. So glad that we connected across the “blogger” miles – I look forward to every one of your posts. There are so many stories, ideas, adventures, and knowledge that are shared by bloggers who want to make a difference. In the end, we are participating in the biggest story of all – life…

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  10. Congratulations on more well-deserved awards. You bring so much of yourself and your inner wisdom to the blogging sphere, and so many of us benefit from it. Thank you. May you have a wonderful day and be truly blessed.

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    1. My dear friend, you always start my day with JOY!!! One of the quotes (and you know how I love quotes) that I have on a sticky note on my computer is written just for you: “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust. Thank you!!

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  11. Thank you for your nomination! I am honored. And now I’m working on the post to follow through on those directions. Hmmmm. This blogging business could be come a full time job! 😉 Blessings.

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    1. I know exactly what you mean!! Have a wonderful day! I’m off to walk the SeaWall and thank God for the day he has given us.

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    1. I must confess that I ate two pieces of pumpkin pie today…I tried to resist, but it was useless. I gave in and had no regrets. So tomorrow, I will embrace tomatoes and cucumbers. Thank you so much for stopping by…so very much appreciated!!

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and joining the conversation. There are some things that simply should go together like peanut butter and jam, ice cream and bananas, movies and popcorn…the list could go on….

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    1. After many years of reading novels, I turned my attention reading non-fiction. I haven’t looked back! At this moment I am reading “Wikileaks – Inside Julian Assange’s War on Secrecy” by David Leigh and Luke Harding. Other page turners include, “Marie Antoinette – The Last Queen of France” by Evelyne Lever, “The River of Doubt” by Candice Millard and “The Drunkard’s Walk” by Leonard Mlodinow. I am now starting to write down my thoughts as I read so that I remember what I read and how I integrated my learning into daily life. Thank you so much for stopping by and joining the conversation!

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  15. Hi Rebecca

    Thank you so much for nominating me for the Super Sweet Blogging Award. When I am visiting other blogs I often see that they have been awarded awards and have wondered how you get to get one. I was therefore delighted to wake up and find a nomination from you, Clanmother, what a wonderful name. It sounds so nurturing and that is how I feel when we are in contact, nurtured.

    The blogging experience has been so much more than I expected, the reaching out in ever widening circles to touch each others’ hearts and souls. In a world where new technology can leave the more mature amongst us feeling as if we are drowning in a sea-change it is truly remarkable how if we embrace it, it embraces us.

    I am not sure what I need to do as the next stage with the Award. Perhaps you could give me a pointer.

    Have a great weekend, and thanks for your encouragement and support.

    Corinne

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    1. I am so very sorry that you are unable to get the “like” button to work! I’ve check my side and can’t find anything (but then, I am learning myself as I go along). I’m just glad that you came by for a visit. I am looking forward to our ongoing dialogue.

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    1. Thank you so much for your nomination!! I would be honoured to accept. Look for my post in the next few weeks! You have an amazingly delicious blog – so glad that we connected!! I love reading in Italian – a beautiful language!!!

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      1. you are welcome, I hope to improve my english but I’m happy that we can share our thoughts in different languages.
        Splendida giornata a te 🙂

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  20. Hi Rebecca

    What a time I have had accepting the Super Sweet Blogging Award but I think I have finally managed to do it!!

    Firstly thank you for the nomination and secondly thank you for inspiring a new page. I hope you will visit it at
    http://soulsnet.com/community-matters/

    I can’t tell you what a frustrating time I have had trying to get the link to work and in the end all I had to do was trust and click and hey ho it worked!! A lesson in life I think.

    With love

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    1. Well done!!! There is always something to learn as we go along. And thank you once again for accepting my nomination. I am enjoying following your blog and will head over to see your new page!!!

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    1. Thank you so much for your nomination!! I would be honoured to accept. Look for my post in the next few weeks! You have an amazing blog – so glad that we connected!!

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    1. You have an remarkable blog that speaks to shared experiences within community. I look forward to everyone of your deliciously mouth-watering posts. All the very best as we continue the blogger journey.

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  23. Because of the introduction to other blogs such as yours (thanks to “The Crafty Cook Nook”) I have increasingly appreciated the blogger awards, after an initial “who has time for that!” reaction — we learn so much from each other, and the blogosphere allows us to network globally through pictures and words. I have found your posts wonderfully reflective and thoughtful and look forward to following your blog. ~ Kat

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    1. I know exactly what you mean. The first time I received an award, I had no idea what it was all about. History of the Ancient World http://historyoftheancientworld.wordpress.com/ kindly nominated me for the One Lovely Blog Award. Maarit-Johanna makes history come alive, so I was honoured that she had stopped by for a visit. But the best – the very best – part of the award process is discovering other bloggers. I am continually amazed by the depth and breadth of the knowledge exchange that happens on a daily, if not hourly, basis. We have an amazing blogger community that thrives because of our diversity and shared common interest to fulfill whatever destiny has in store for us personally and as a collective force. We are documenting the legacy of our generation. I am so glad that we connected and that we will have an ongoing dialogue.

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  24. Congratulations for your awards, you are deserving as your messages are always on point! Your greatest gift is you always sharing heart! Thanks for always visiting me dear sister!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind and generous comments. It is a joy to follow your blog – I look forward to our ongoing dialogue!! The adventure continues…

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  25. Pingback: Why bother with Community? | soulsnet

    1. Thank you so much for joining the discussion!! I must confess, that if I make some awesome cupcakes today, I will probably eat them all and then have a awesome fight with my scale tomorrow, which I am sure to lose. Looking forward to connecting over the “blogger miles.”

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  28. Well, for what it’s worth…I came here because I nominated you for the “One Lovely Blog Award.” I see now that you are loaded up with awards, including the one I’m offering. If your interested, you can see the details in my blog post. The awards get around, don’t they.

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    1. Thank you for your generous and thoughtful nomination. I would be honoured to accept that award. 🙂 What I find most gratifying about these peer awards is that I have been able to connect with bloggers of whom I would never have known about. It is a blogger grapevine that shares information, knowledge and experience. Stay tuned for my post in the next couple of weeks…

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  29. Pingback: Room by Room | middlescapes

    1. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments – we have an amazing blogger community that continues to inspire and challenge. I look forward to our ongoing dialogue.

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  31. Copngrats, Rebecca. You deserve all these awards. Again, I don’t know why your clanmother posts did not appear under my reader ( i also follow this blog) and so I missed this post again.

    As you introduced the other blogs, I will take a look at each of them. Whatever you recommend, will be good read!

    I was also trying to comment on your chasing art new post today but couldn’t find the reply button. I like your celebration of the Cone sisters.
    Your post reminds me that last summer (2011) in SFMOMA, we had an exhibition of the Stein’s collection:http://www.sfmoma.org/exhib_events/events/1746.
    And at the same time, there was the movie Midnight in Paris. All the characters: the Steins, Picasso, Matisse…are all in the movie and the exhibition!

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    1. Thank you for your generous comments. Another blogger was having the same problem with the “Likes” and “Comments.” In the end, I think it was to do with the search engine. Are you having problems with any other wordpress blogs? I have checked from my side and everything seems to okay. But I am learning as I go, too!!! I have watched “Midnight in Paris” over and over again. On my “to read” list I have a book by David McCullough: The Greater Journey – Americans in Paris. Here is the quick synopsis given on Amazon: “The Greater Journey is the enthralling, inspiring—and until now, untold—story of the adventurous American artists, writers, doctors, politicians, architects, and others of high aspiration who set off for Paris in the years between 1830 and 1900, ambitious to excel in their work.”

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      1. Thank you, Rebecca, for your wise and inspirational comment. I have seen the Midnight in Paris twice only! I will keep your recommendation of the good read in mind.

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      2. And I will let you know my thoughts on the book when I start reading it. I have it scheduled for my reading list 2013. The problem with my reading lists is that I keep adding more and more to them and then time runs out!! Have a great day!!

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      5. At this time, I am more addictive to blogging! Need to catch up with other things including reading. But even if I don’t have time to read the whole book, I always love to browse at a few pages first when I see a reference from others. I remember I did check out the artist as a young boy before, but somehow I couldn’t find it on my kindle. I have just got it back.
        Happy reading!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and for your encouraging comments…several years ago my husband, son and I studied Italian at Dante Alighieri in Castelraimondo, Marche. I am so glad that we connected!!!

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    1. My dear Cristi – these awards say more about you than me!!! You have an amazing blog and people continue to nominate you because of your generosity and support of our blogger “family. I am so very, very glad that we connected over the “blogger” miles.

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  34. Pingback: One Hundred Not Out « LeapingTracks

  36. Love this post. I know exactly what you mean about “plenty of liquid sunshine,” as my daughter and family lived in’ Riancouver’ for a few years. 🙂 Congrats on the lovely awards.

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    1. What a wonderful comment to receive!! Glad that we connected – looking forward to our ongoing dialogue. There is much to be accomplished and a lot to learn…

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    1. You are the best!!! Thank you so much for building our blogger community. I can think of no other blogger who has been so generous in their encouragement!!!

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  41. Thank you so much for the nomination! 🙂 I apologize for taking so long to get to the acceptance…I so enjoy your blog and was happily “visiting” this morning when, much to my surprise HERE was the reminder! A very sweet surprise!…again, thank you. I am so happy to have discovered your blog and look forward to many happy returns. You are certainly deserving of each award you’ve received – congratulations!
    ~Lyann

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    1. My dear friend, no rush!! I have quite a few thank you posts myself to write. This is the season of giving!!! We are heading into a new year – let’s see where the wind takes us…

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  42. loving the photos of Vancouver, I came to the Island in 1994 for the vommonwealth games at Victoria, unforgettable beauty and amazing generosity of the people there.

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    1. You always give a lift to my day! Your visits and comments are much appreciated! Victoria is truly amazing – next time, come and see Vancouver!

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      1. Thank you I’d like to see much much more of Canada, a country of immense inspiration. Thank you too for all your feedback, which gives light to my efforts. Thank you.. .

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