catnipoflife

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

Jul 13

Catnip’s Bouquet Keeps on Blossoming

by catnipoflife

Suzanne Detrick

Summer bouquets bring on the sunny smiles! Who would not be tickled pick or blushing red upon receiving wondrous wishes of happiness nestled in the velvety petals of a flower. Each blossom flaunts its uniqueness in color and design. So the same sentiments are felt with blogging awards.

Some are Super Sweet but none are sour
Others Very Inspiring any hour
Many Shine On within the sunbeams
All Part of the Family it seems
When you are Tagged, You’re It!
Quite an honor to admit
Best Moments doth each impart
Hugs for all to warm the heart

The awards that follow are not in any particular order and some were received months ago so please accept my apology for the lateness in responding. It is such a wonderful feeling for the writings of catnipoflife to be recognized for inspiration, joy and often laughter.

Best Moment Award

I would like to thank  Shaun @ Looking for reasoning in a complicated world for the double award. I encourage you to visit his terrific blog, I mean AWESOME blog! Shaun is a Veteran Best Moment recipient!

For the Best Moment Award, I am going to follow Shaun and bend the rules a bit. Often it is the time it takes to prepare the blog posting that prevents or delays bloggers from accepting and paying forward an award. So, here is the rule bender thanks to Shaun:

~Recipients~

If you follow me, visit me, like me, enjoy the catnip, then THIS AWARD IS FOR YOU. PLEASE, Take it and live in the moment. If you accept this award which I hope you will do, all I ask is for you to pay it forward to 10 people. Ask them to live in the moment!

Along with the Best Moment Award comes a rule for an acceptance speech. Read mine HERE!

Tag! You’re it!

Tagging is a game and here are its rules:

    1. Post these rules.

    2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random facts about you (I’ll go with the pic here! Some random facts are below with another award.)

    3. Answer the questions given to you in the tagger’s post. (Pass if you must! I am.)

    4. Create 11 new questions (I’ll save time and play off of Shaun’s.) and tag new people to answer them.

    5. Go to their blog/twitter and let them know they have been tagged.

My pic selection is a peek into the past! The hairdos are a definite giveaway or should I say “sign of the times!”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

You have been tagged…

TaggedJulie @cookiecrumbstoliveby

TaggedGrace @GraceUnveiled

TaggedTerry @terry1954

TaggedSandra @Boomers and Books

TaggedRoSy @sharing me myself and i

********************************************

Your Questions

    1. Where were you born?

    2. What do you consider the American Classics?

    3. If you could go back in time, which year would you visit?

    4. What is your favorite book?

    5. Where do you get most of your inspiration?

    6. If you could go to any concert of your choice, who would you like to hear?

    7. What is the longest trip you ever made?

    8. What do you see in a sunrise or a sunset?

    9. What is your fondest childhood memory?

    10. Do you like sports, if so, who is your favorite athlete?

    11. If you could live anywhere in the world you desired, where would that be?

20130215045341

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

Double time on The Very Inspiring Blogger Award! Thank you Shaun @ http://prayingforoneday.wordpress.com/ and Joseyphina @ http://joseyphina.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/the-wordpress-family-award-the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/

The Rules

  1. Display the award logo on your blog.

  2. Link back to the person who nominated you.

  3. State 7 things about yourself.

  4. Nominate other bloggers (Some rules say 15 but that is flexible.) and link to them.

  5. Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award’s requirements.

 Seven things about myself…

    1. Favorite cup:

      A Micky/Minnie Mouse given to me by a dear friend

    2. Pet:

      Dilute calico cat named Foxie – Calendar Cat of 2010

    3. Game challengers:

      Shooting pool and playing chess

    4. Family:

      4 children (1 son, 3 daughters), 6 grandchildren (2 grandsons, 4 granddaughters)

    5. Favorite sport:

      Golf

    6. Yummy dessert:

      Click Dirt Cake!

    7. Dream vacation:

      Ireland

 ~Recipients~

The Kat and the Falling Leaves Kat inspires through her writing and delectable recipes!

Looking for reasoning in a complicated world Shaun inspires through his writing, pictures and music videos!

Thoughts and Prayers Deidre’s inspiration speaks of trust through a mighty testament of faith.

Northwest Photographer Bob Mielke does not accept awards but he inspires through the most phenomenal photography EVER!

sharing me myself and i RoSy share Whatever Flows and that whatever is always eye-catching and intriguing!

Yves Johnson Ministries Yves Johnson’s Christian fellowship is definitely one to follow – enlightening and uplifting!

Simple Pleasures Cynthia Baker definitely nails the adage “a picture is word a thousand words” with her blog of photography & more!

Kurt Rees Poetry Kurt’s poetry goes beyond inspiration to nestle right in the center of the soul!

The Sanctuary of My Heart Skye’s inspiring words, music and photo blog provide an amazing journey through life!

prodigal daughter The Prodigal Daughter inspires us with knowledge that God alone is sufficient.

Thank You to each of you for bringing sunshine into my life! Now, be sure to click HERE! and also grab the Shine On Award from catnip!

http://carolynhughesthehurthealer.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/super-sweet-blogging-award.jpg

Super Sweet Award

Sincerest heartfelt thanks goes to Gys @ http://lgyslaine.wordpress.com/ for sprinkling such sweetness upon catnipoflife. Catnip actually received this award just recently from another blogger so the same rules as the earlier nomination apply here:

 Questions/Answers:

    1. Cookies or Cake?

      At one point in time, I would have automatically said ‘cookies’. Now, I will take either one at any time of the day!

    2. Chocolate or Vanilla?

      Um-m-m? Does vanilla topped with Hershey’s syrup count?

    3. Favourite Sweet Treat?

      Cheesecake, definitely Cheesecake!

    4. When do you crave sweet things the most?

      Night time when I should NOT have it!

    5. Sweet nickname?

      Sweetee:-)

ALL of YOU, my blogging family, are Super Sweet! How can I possibly award some and not others? NO WAY! You are all deserving of this award. Grab it, display it on your site and pay it forward!

Awards/Nominations

14 Comments »
Jul 13

Free Write Friday #24: Ponder This…

by catnipoflife

free-write-friday-kellie-elmoreWelcome to Kellie Elmore’s Free Write Friday. Here is today’s FWF prompt…

Today you have been granted the opportunity to go anywhere, do anything, meet anyone, travel in time…whatever you wish, it is yours. Now, there’s a catch. (Isn’t there always?) When you wake up tomorrow… you will not remember any of it.

Like a Lost Dream

Photo by HeartbeatLoveQuotes.com

Do you remember—
Childhood fantasies of the past
Beginnings of the day
Visions for the future?

What have you forgotten—
Yesterdays’ lost loves
Today’s wrong words
Tomorrow’s hopes?

If given the chance
To do anything you please
Would you readily accept
Only to remember to later forget?

Is it remembering
That is important
Or grabbing the moment
Before it’s lost?

Like a Lost Dream
Quickly fading in the morning
With the only memory
Being you know you dreamed

 Mysterious yet fascinating
Leaving questions, few answers
So, given the chance
Go for it, if only for the moment

©catnipoflife

“Want not, waste not treasured moments that life sends your way.”

Other Contributions:

lozzypower says:

My offering: http://ofbatsandbutterflies.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/the-catch-laura-power-kellie-elmores-free-write-friday/

dorothychiotti says:

Here’s my take on this week’s #FWF: http://dorothychiotti.com/2013/07/12/free-write-friday-ponder-this-no-thank-you/

Terry says:

Hi Kellie!!
http://terry1954.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/fwf-free-write-friday-ponder-this/

Annie (@txstarkeeper) says:

Kellie — you do love to make us sweat!!! Here is my response…
http://www.anniestexasmusings.com/the-promise.html

neenslewy says:

Great to be back and to see how popular FWF has become – loved this prompt – here’s mine
http://awritersfountain.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/fwf-free-write-friday-and-thats-why-we-have-memories/

Lorraine says:

Had some fun with this one! Thanks Kellie:
http://thetruanttrain.wordpress.com/

Heidi says:

Here is mine for this week. I’m a little off today. My response will explain.
http://www.anauthorandhermuse.com/the-price-of-memories.html

Pink Woods says:

Here’s mine! I love this topic… I get to really reflect on it. :)
http://pinkwoods.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/take-me-to-the-sky/

Mark says:

Free Write Friday PoetrybySharla

10 Comments »
Jul 11

Just for Laughs

by catnipoflife

Laughter: rhythmic beats of the heart that invigorate the soul ~catnipoflife

Humor Video Clip

5 Comments »
Jul 10

❤Happy 29th Anniversary!❤

by catnipoflife

That’s wedding, of course, not blogoversary! Even with my husband’s 63rd day of hospital confinement in a critical care facility, we can still celebrate 29 years together. July 10, 1984 marked the beginning of our marriage that has definitely had its share of ups and downs but weathered the storms always welcoming the rainbows of better days.

To my Jim. . .Happy 29th Anniversary!

For the Love of You

With the dawning of each morning
I awake amid yawns and smiles
Thinking how much I adore you
How every moment’s worthwhile

Rising amid sunbeams or teardrops
Melodies stir within my heart
Reviving songs of togetherness
Even more so now we’re apart

In times of minor differences
Okays override any nays
Such as life’s phases come and go
We keep happy most of the days

A gaze outside the window
Catches sight of misty rain
There is no sun to be seen
Just grayness, dowdy and plain

Toward the distant horizon
Gray skies disclose bits of blue
A crystal-clear ray of sunshine
Glistens for the love of you

You are the smile
Still warming my heart
Inspiring, loving
’Til death do us part

“Here’s my love, take it. Here’s my soul, use it. Here’s my heart, don’t break it. Here’s my hand, hold it and together we will make it forever.”

—Author Unknown

5thAnniversary

PoetrybySharla Reflection

19 Comments »
Jul 7

Sea, Shells and Smells

by catnipoflife

Summer

Summer shouts VACATION & what better vacation than a trip to the beach—

the essence of the . . .

Sea, Shells and Smells!


A trip to the beach implies—

Seagulls in flight, crashing waves, sandy toes
Ocean spray in a gaping mouth
 Tangy sea air infiltrating the nose

 A walk on the beach uncovers—

Sand castles, starfish, sand dollars, seashells
Sea crabs among beds of sea grass
Aromatic scents of salty sea smells

 A day at the beach commands—

Sun-drenched skin, tan lines
A picnic on a beach blanket
Undertow warning signs

 A ride along the beach means—

Fresh air slapping the face
Sea smells blowing in the wind
Smiles all over the place

What is this pungent sea smell
In the air, in the sand
Among dead crab-shells
Spreading from sea to land?

It’s tiny pearls of inspiration
Scattered along a seashore of decay
Bits and pieces of nature’s poignant gifts
Waiting to be found any given day

 It’s the flight of imagination
Inhaling, exhaling with the tide
Nostalgic moments to be captured
Freeing emotions once held inside

 ©catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

“Once your feet have touched the warm sun-drenched sand of the seashore
you will never be the same.” ~Patsy Gant

PoetrybySharla

11 Comments »
Jul 5

A Summer Bouquet Blossoming with Awards

by catnipoflife

This one took a lot of time so don’t stop until the very end! HUGS to all my blogger friends!

Flowering Bouquet by Nikki Dalton

Catnipoflife has truly been blessed in the past few months with many awards from her visitors and followers. With every award comes obligations that take thought, time and effort in expressing gratitude and paying each forward. For catnip, delays have resulted in postings because of personal reasons and limited time online.

It is especially important for everyone to know how much I am truly grateful for all visits, Likes and comments but most importantly for so many intercessory prayers during what is now Day 55 of my husband’s hospital confinement. When I first entered the blogging world November 18, 2011, Awakenings became my first venue. A seed was planted and out of that experience came the birth of Awakenings’ sister site, catnipoflife. From the moment of inception, the blogging community became a family!

So, without further adieu, catnip shares her joys with her family!

Best Moment Award, web awards, blogging awards, winners, nominations

Awarding the people who live in the moment,
The noble who write and capture the best in life,
The bold who reminded us what really mattered –
Savoring the experience of quality time.

catnipoflife has been honored not once, but twice with the Best Moment Award. Thank you, Marilyn @Serendipity and Ute @Ute Smile, for this wonderful award! Here is a little information about both wonderful ladies. I encourage you to visit their blogs where you will definitely be enlightened!

Marilyn Armstrong @Serendipity

Marilyn is an extremely brave woman who has overcome many battles in her lifetime. She is unique. She is funny. She is a GREAT photographer. She calls herself a geek and that may be true for she is Grand, Enjoyable, Energizing, Kind all rolled into one!

Ute @Ute Smile

Ute is all about smiles…making people happy, offering inspiration and sharing her passion for music and dance. She is a very positive, upbeat person and don’t just take my word for it…visit her blog!

RULES:

Winners re-post this completely with their acceptance speech. This could be written or video recorded.

Winners have the privilege of awarding the next awardees! The re-post should include a NEW set of people/blogs worthy of the award; and winners notify them of the great news.

My Acceptance Speech:

I am not much into speeches but do feel strongly about showing gratitude. It is indeed an honor for catnipoflife to be recognized as one about the moment…that which is captured or perhaps even lost in the blink of an eye. It is the smell of the rain, the soft tender kiss of nature, the rhapsody of the wind; it is openness of the mind, gentleness of the heart. May each of you, her readers, go forth and follow the motto of catnipoflife: Observe life at its best, listen to life’s songs, embrace life’s bounties, breathe the breath of life and savor life to its fullest! Don’t miss a moment! Thank you heartfully and soulfully for your visits, Likes, comments, shares and of course, the awards!

My Awardees:

Arlen Shahverdyan @Arlen Shahverdyan. Author’s Blog

Arlen is Armenian. His personal author’s blog is a unique combination of website and blog, which has been active since April, 2011. Since June 2012 he has translated his articles into English, thereby featuring both the Armenian and English translations. Here you will find published books, works in prose and poetry, research papers, paintings and photographic preferences.

Barbara Beacham @Life in the Foothills

Can you imagine Life in the Foothills? I can! after visiting Barb’s blog and her exceptional photography. With just one look, you will be hooked! She will draw you into the lowest valley one minute only to take you to the highest mountaintop the next. She will enlighten you with the wild side of the countryside!

Penny Coho @The Why About This

OK, this is a tough one…the award is The Best Moment Award and Penny’s site is full of best moments! Of course, upon reading what this award is all about it is obvious why The Why About This fits it to a ‘T’! Thank you, Penny, for your creative thoughts and insights in life and its why!

Raani York @raaniyork

Raani York? What can one say about Raani other than remarkable! Her wit is surpassed by none, especially when it comes to jabbing celebrities. Then, of course, for the purr-fect fur-iend, there is Jake, the Cat Prince, whose diaries will make the least cat lover into an avid follower!

Taylor Fulks @Taylor-Made Thoughts and Doodles

Taylor is a writer/author but more that than she is a survivor. Here are Taylor’s own words, “I have had numerous blessings throughout my life. Some were planned, like the conception and births of my wonderful daughters, and some have come at a high price to me personally…overcoming fear, shame, and darkness.” Check out her award-winning novel My Prison Without Bars.

                                                                         

super-sweet-award

Super Sweet Award received from The Call of the Pen http://theencouragingscribe.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/sunday-morning-sunshine/

Just a few questions/answers to share and ask you, my recipients, to pass along to your nominees:

Questions/Answers:

  1. Cookies or Cake?
    At one point in time, I would have automatically said ‘cookies’. Now, I will take either one at any time of the day!
  2. Chocolate or Vanilla? 
    Um-m-m? Does vanilla topped with Hershey’s syrup count?
  3. Favourite Sweet Treat?
    Cheesecake, definitely Cheesecake!
  4. When do you crave sweet things the most?
    Night time when I should NOT have it!
  5. Sweet Nick Name?
    Sweetee:-)

Recipients:

You, my visitors and followers, are all Super Sweet! How can I possibly award some and not others? NO WAY! You are all deserving of this award. Grab it, display it on your site and pay it forward!

                                                                         

A Twofer for Moi! Word Press Family Member Plus The Sunshine Award from Serendipity! http://teepee12.com/2013/06/25/wordpressfamily-and-sunshine-award/

wordpress-family-award SunshineBlogAward

The Sunshine Award also received from Ute @utesmile.wordpress.com/!

The RULES that apply here are the usual question/answer typical questions. So, I am going to follow Serendipity and provide/answer with pictures. Photography says it all without the necessity of a plethora of words!

Favourite colour?

Favourite animal?

Foxie2

Foxie

Bootsie4b

Boots, aka Bootsie…RIP (May 30, 2009 – June 21, 2013)

Favourite number?

Five

Favourite non-alcoholic drink?

My passion?

poetry1

Prefer getting or giving presents?

Gifts

Favourite days of the week?

FavoriteDays

Favourite flower?

Recipients:

There is no way for me to know at a moment’s point in time which of my followers are WordPress or not. If you are a WordPress site and have not been ‘invited’ into the family, then by all means grab the badge I Am Part of the WordPress Family, post it to your site and pay it forward. Why do you need an invitation anyway? You ARE part of the WordPress family!

As for the Sunshine Award, see the Shine On Award. I am combining the two…make a choice or grab them both!

                                                                         

ShineOn

The Shine On Award from Raani York @http://raaniyork.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/shine-on-award/

THE RULES ARE:

1. Display the award logo on your blog.

2. Link back to the person who nominated you.

3. State 7 things about yourself.

4. Nominate 15 (more or less) other bloggers for this award and link to them.

5. Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award requirements.

7 Things About Me
1. I have an uninvited guest in my bedroom: a snake! Any suggestions on how to find and get rid of it?
2. I enjoy cooking! Right now I have a Succulent Southern Pecan Pie cooking in the slow cooker…that’s right…Crock Pot Pecan Pie!
3. Painting is one of my hobbies.
4. My shoe size is 7.
5. Favorite time of day: Sitting on the back porch in the morning.
6. Least favorite food: Beets but I do like rutabagas!
7. My favorite sport is playing golf. Before I ever got a birdie I got an eagle on a Par 4…go figure!

Blogs I Am Nominating (Two awards means double the recipients! So, for those who gave me one, you grab the other!) Some of you I know have opted out of the awards participation but I wanted to thank you anyway!

Thank you for bringing sunshine into my life. . .

Aditya @Being Chirpy

Alastair @Alastair’s Blog

Alejandro @Chief Writing Wolf

Amber @Lady Lovely Blogger

Angela @angchronicles

Arlen @Arlen’s Author Blog

Autumn @Autumn Sunshine

Bob @Northwest Photographer

Bruce @brucelouisdodson

Barb @Life in the Foothills

Carine @Texas, a Cat in New York

Charles @Marbles in my Pocket

Chris @A Hairdresser’s Diary

Claire @ClaireCappetta

Cynthia @Simple Pleasures

Diane (Coastalmom) @The One Thing I Know For Sure

Dicy @Dicy McCullough’s Blog

DJ @Stutley’s Tales

Don @Don in Massachusetts

Gys @Love Poems French & English by Gys

Janice @Jana’s Dreams

Julie (aka Cookie) @cookiecrumbstoliveby

Kellie @Magic in the Backyard

Len @My Own Heart.me

Lesley @Inspiration Import

Lori @Lori’s Song

Lyn @The Call of the Pen

Marilyn @Serendipity

Mary Helen @Greatpoetrymhf’s Weblog

Megan @Make Something Mondays

Mark @Maleko’s Art

Micki @A Writers Journey

Penny @The Why About This

Poets @Poetree Creations

Resa @Art Gowns

Rosemary @Extraordinary Ireland

Sandie @Sandie’s Snippets

Sandra @quirkybooks

Susan @Women Making Strides

Susie @Country Side Poet

Taylor @Taylor-Made Thoughts & Doodles

Terry @terry1954

Ute @Ute Smile

Valerie @Valerie Davies

Wendell @ Forever Poetic

Thank-You-Dear

Awards/Nominations

52 Comments »
Jul 4

Awakenings: 1 – Happy 4th of July

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

Awakenings: Happy 4th of July   

The American flag: Wave it proudly!   

An icon of American freedom, a symbol of liberty, a motif referring to the United States, a banner for independence––

all symbolize America and the principles upon which she stands. Small flags are displayed on holidays, i.e., Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Presidents’ Day, Flag Day, and of course, on today’s special day, Independence Day. American flags also proudly displayed beside war memorials and next to the graves of U.S. war veterans. They are flown at public buildings and it is not uncommon to find full-size flags flying in the yards of private homes. 

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

We live in America, we rejoice in America’s freedoms, and today we celebrate America’s independence!

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

4thJulyKittyStamp

Awakenings

7 Comments »
Jul 3

Awakenings: 2 – Countdown to 4th of July

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!

One day away from the Fourth of July celebration! Yep! It is tomorrow! As you continue to prepare for the festivities of Independence Day, keep in mind many of our service men and women are stationed on foreign shores where celebration may not be the topic of the hour. They are the defenders of our nation ensuring that the freedom obtained centuries ago remains in tact.

FEATURED VIDEO at Awakenings – Remember me! and MUSIC “For Freedom” by Avalon.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Having a loved one deployed for lengthy periods of time is tough, but it’s especially hard during any holiday. While you might be reveling in backyard BBQs, listening to patriotic music and of course, enjoying the grand finale, fireworks, the day may not be so entertaining for everyone. For those defending our independence, the red, white and blue they carry on this day may only be in their hearts.

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Reflection Video Clip

1 Comment »
Jul 2

Awakenings: 3 – Countdown to 4th of July

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

I pledge allegiance

Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!

Day after tomorrow we will be celebrating the 4th of July. Whew! Seems like just yesterday and we were celebrating Christmas…well, maybe not that far back but time does seem to fly by all too quickly!

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Go to Awakenings. As you watch the video and listen to the words of Red Skelton, keep in mind this was produced in the year 1969!

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Reflection Video Clip

1 Comment »
Jul 1

Awakenings: 4 – Countdown to 4th of July

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!

 Here we are four days away from the 4th of July. Topic for today: Music. Got to have music at a Fourth of July celebration! Of course, a plethora of songs can be found most befitting to this holiday.

But, one stands out over all the rest. . .

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Awakenings features two renditions that will knock your socks off: 7 yr-old Rhema Marvanne and Star Spangled Banner- Music video from AmericaTheBeautiful.com!

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Reflection Video Clip

2 Comments »
«Older Entries
Newer Entries »
Blog at WordPress.com.