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!

6th Star: Blog of the Year 2013

boty-banner6starClick HERE for the rules!

bth_dividers

Today catnipoflife received another star. A huge thank you with a big hug and heartfelt gratitude goes to

Dear Kitty. Some Blog

.Blog of the Year Award 1 star jpeg

Kitty, you just brought catnip’s star count to 6!

Blog of the Year Award 6 star jpeg

6stars

To those who awarded catnip her stars,
here’s another back for you

Joseyphina’s World

Forever Poetic

Taylor Fulks

Lori Foroozandeh

Raani York

And of course, there’s Kitty who already has 8!

ThankYouKitty

10 Comments »

The Hug Award

hugaward

The HUG Award Unites Globally

Catnip is all for HUGS! Hugs are universal! Thank you, Joseyphina @ Joseyphina’s World, for bestowing the Hug Award onto catnipoflife!

I am deeply honored and delighted to be considered worthy for such an award. But the best part of being nominated is the opportunity to share this award with other amazing blogs whose posts never cease to bless, encourage and enlighten.

Here is a little information about the Hug Award…

The HUG Award© was initiated by Connie Wayne at A Hope for Today at http://ahopefortoday.com, which promotes hope, love, peace, equality, and unity for all people. The HUG Award© is for people with an expectant desire for the world, for which they: Hope for Love; Hope for Freedom; Hope for Peace; Hope for Equality; Hope for Unity; Hope for Joy and Happiness; Hope for Compassion and Mercy; Hope for Faith; Hope for Wholeness and Wellness; Hope for Prosperity; Hope for Ecological Preservation; Hope for Oneness. “

People do not have to give up or compromise their own religious, spiritual, or political beliefs to qualify for the Hope Unites Globally HUG Award©. They qualify for the HUG Award© when, without bias or prejudice, they use their resources and gifts to make the world a better place for everyone.” For more information on this award, please visit: http://ahopefortoday.com/2012/01/14/hope-unites-globally-hug-award-guidelines/

I was humbled when I read about the Hug Award and deeply moved for catnipoflife to be considered a recipient. It is a great honor to pass this noble award to the fellow blogging friends whom I believe share in the same vision as the creator of this award. It is my sincere prayer that together, we can all spread hope to each corner of the earth with our inspirational messages of hope and peace.

SPECIAL NOTE FROM SHARLA: It is impossible to select only a few recipients for this award. I am so grateful for each and every one of my readers and followers. Today my heart goes out to all of you as I bestow the Hug Award to be posted on your site from catnipoflife. It is my sincere prayer that together, we can all spread hope to each corner of the earth with our inspirational messages.

A BIG Kitty Hug to You!

15 Comments »

The Dragon ’s Loyalty Award

dragonsloyaltyaward1I have always been fascinated with dragons and Dragonheart is one of my favorite movies! So, when catnipoflife was honored with an award from Marilyn @ Serendipity that none the less featured a dragon, I was elated!  In actuality, it is two awards that have been packaged into one. The two awards, the “Very Inspiring Blogger” and the “Versatile Blogger”, have combined their powers to become….. (wait for it!):

The Dragon’s Loyalty Award

Catnip humbly accepts the compliments of “Very Inspiring” and “Versatile”.

Usually, there are a few rules that go with awards and this one is no exception:

  1. Display the Award Certificate on your website
  2. Announce your win with a post and link to whoever presented your award
  3. Present 15 or so awards to deserving bloggers
  4. Drop them a comment to tip them off after you’ve linked them in the post
  5. Post 7 interesting things about yourself.

To me, a Dragon is a fighter, strong and mighty without a sword. Here are those I deem Dragons but they are mighty with a sword, aka a pen and/or camera!

Gys @ Love Poems French & English by Gys

Arlen @ arlenshah.wordpress.com/

Raani @ http://raaniyork.wordpress.com/

Alastair @ http://kattermonran.com/

Texas, a Cat in New York @ http://texascatny.wordpress.com/

Penny @ http://thewhyaboutthis.com/

Wendell @ http://foreverpoetic.me

Ute @ http://utesmile.wordpress.com/

Len @ myownheart.me

Mark @ Maleko’s Art

Lesley @ http://inspirationimport.wordpress.com/

Rosemary @ http://extraordinaryireland.blogspot.com/

Micki @ http://mallie1025.blogspot.com/

Life in the Foothills @ http://salmonfishingqueen.wordpress.com/

Grace @ http://graceunveiledblog.wordpress.com/

There are three I want to mention that have opted out of award acceptance but I encourage you to visit their sites. You will NOT be disappointed!

Amber: Lady Lovely Blogger @ http://ladylovelyblogger.wordpress.com/

Bob: Northwest Photographer @ http://pacificnorthwesttravelerdotcom.wordpress.com/

Don: Don in Massachusetts @ http://doninmass.com/

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 I have run out of interesting things about myself Frownso I will leave you with this thought:

“My husband says I am SO funny when I don’t know I am being funny!”Wink&Smile

21 Comments »

Awakenings: Reality Blog Award

See on Scoop.itAwakenings: America & Beyond

Awakenings was honored in January with the Reality Blog Award from Alastair. My sincerest apology goes to Alastair for being so late in responding to this wonderful award. January was indeed a hectic month since January 22 was the official release date of Awakenings from Then ’til Now.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Thank you, Alastair! Now I get the pleasure of paying it forward! Awakenings passes it on to … You must go to Awakenings to find out!

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

5 Comments »

Most Influential Blogs 2012

On December 31st, catnipoflife was honored by Len @myownheart.me with being one of the Most Influential Blogs of 2012. Thank you, Len, but it is YOU who truly inspires me!

The Most Influential Blogs of 2012 Received from Len @myownheart.me

The Most Influential Blogs of 2012 Received from Len @myownheart.me

The first to be honored with this award from catnip was Arlen Shahverdyan who received the award on New Year’s Eve. Now it is time to pay it forward to a few more.

But, first, aren’t there RULES to follow?

CrystalDivider

Surprise!

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The rules are there are NO RULES except you MUST pay it forward, and that means, sometime in the next six (6) months you “should” choose the blogs you deem worthy of your label of The Most Influential Blogs of 2012. Those that have influenced you the most!

That’s it, folks, no ifs, ands, ors, or buts! The envelope, please…

Marilyn @Serendipity

Alastair @Alastair’s Blog

Wendell @Forever Poetic and A Taste of Bliss

Penny @The Why About This

Pat @Source of Inspiration

Amber @LadyLovelyBlogger

Raani York @raaniyork


26 Comments »

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

So blessed with this award being bestowed on catnipoflife by Len @myownheart.me:

Welcome to the Sisterhood!

There are rules for this award which are basically the same as for most any blog award received. The last part, deciding on recipients for this award, is exceptionally difficult. How does one choose from all those who have visited and provided support for catnipoflife? To me, you are all my ‘sisters’ (of course, there are ‘brothers’ too but their honor will need to come in a different form). For a sisterhood, why should some be selected while others are left out? Since there is no other criteria for selection other than choice and even though this is not exactly the intention of the rules, it is the decision of catnipoflife:

All of my ‘Sisters’ are Welcome to the
Sisterhood of the World Bloggers!

Acceptance is contingent upon the following:

1. Leave a comment that you would like to be a member of the Sisterhood.

2. Grab the badge for posting to your blog, thank catnipoflife for this award and provide a link to her blogsite.

3. Answer the same questions as posed to catnipoflife (see below) in your blog posting.

4. Nominate and provide the links to 10-12 blogs that you find a joy to read OR follow the same procedure as catnip. [If you choose to bestow the award on special sisters, be sure to kindly let the recipients know they have been invited into the sisterhood.]

5.  Return to catnipoflife as soon as your posting is complete to provide a link to your blogsite. Those links will be added to this posting as comments of completion are received.

Here are the 10 Questions

1. What is your favorite colour?

2. What is your favorite animal?

FOXIE

BOOTS

3. What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink?

4. Facebook or Twitter? = Tweet me @ awakenings2012

5. What is your favorite pattern? = B&W Check
6. Do you prefer getting or giving presents? 

7. What is your favorite number?

8. What is your favorite day of the week?

9. What is your favorite flower? 

Handful of Daisies

10. What is your passion?

Welcome to the Sisterhood!

 1. Posthumously Sandra @ Dare to Dream Big!
Character books for kids and Kids Can Do It! Dare to Dream Big!

2. Claire Cappetta @clarecappetta
A journey through writing and publishing an indie book and all that pleases and irks along the way

3. Marilyn Armstrong @Serendipity
Popcorn on Main Street

4. Raani York @raaniyork
Beauty/Fashion, Diary of a Cat Prince, Letters to Celebrities. . .

5. Gys @ Poèmes Français & Anglais by Gys
Poignant poetry written in both French and English, as well as an awesome photo blog

6. Who is next? Leave your comment per ‘acceptance’ above…

20 Comments »

Super Swe-e-e-e-et Award!

I lo-v-v-ve coffee, chocolate and sweet awards! Yeah! Super Sweet, Super Easy Awards…just plain fun! I want to thank MYOWNHEART.ME for this award!  What a swe-e-e-e-et surprise! Just looking at the award has me salivating! Speaking of super sweet,  her blog is the icing on top!  Stop by and visit her sometime…you will be glad you did!!

Now, on to the award. . .

Bum-bum-bum, here I come!
What’s your trade?
Swe-e-e-e-et lemonade!
Let’s get to work and get it made. . .

Guidelines:

1. Give credit to the person who chose to nominate you. MYOWNHEART.ME, a wonderful Christian blogger!

2. Answer the “Super Sweet” questions.

3. Nominate a “Baker’s Dozen” (13) blogs.

“Super Sweet” Questions:

1. Cookies or Cake?   Cookies. . .the more the merrier (unless there’s cheesecake…yum-m-m-m!)

2. Chocolate or Vanilla?  Vanilla with ‘Hershey’s chocolate syrup in the can’ poured over the top (That way I get them both!)

3. What is your favorite sweet treat? Cheesecake

4. When do you crave sweet things the most? Anytime

5.  If you had a sweet nickname, what would it be?  My hubby calls me “Sweetee”

My Baker’s Dozen: Special posts on blogs, quotes for inspiration, book sites and much, much more!

Serendipity; Mccavity: The Mystery Cat, T.S. Eliot

A Writer’s Journey: Relatives and Fish

Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler by Mamie: Oh Blarney! A New Word that is used when no other works!

raaniyork: Boobs

DeirdreTolhurst.com: Today’s Simple Prayer

Books That Sow: Project RACE

Kick Back Moments: Favorite Olympic Moment has Nothing to do with Medals

KidsCanDOIT!: 11-year-old girl starts Peruvian Hearts

linneann: Paradise Discovered

JanasDreams: A Tribute to Those Serving the Red, White and Blue. . .Remember Me

Surviving Life My Cats: Max – the Well-Travelled Cat

The London Flower Lover: Joy comes from within the heart first,then give flowers!

clairecappetta: A Broken Ring

That’s not all but reflects only the limit within the confines of the ‘rules’! To all of catnip’s followers: You are AWESOME!

36 Comments »

Beautiful Blogger Award & Liebster Award

Since entering the blogosphere and finding my place in blogland, I have met some amazing people  not only from the United States but from around the world – India, Belgium, France, New Zealand, Endgland, Canada – places I have only visited in my dreams (maybe National Geographic, of course). Now, I find myself communicating with ‘friends’ across countries and oceans on a daily basis. During these visits, I have laughed and cried finding myself drawn into families that have endured hardships and overcome adversities beyond measure. So, before I graciously accept and pay forward two new awards bestowed upon catnipoflife, a HUGE THANK YOU goes out to all of my followers and visitors. Your support and inspiration are daily beacons providing a guiding light for my writing. I do try to reciprocate as often as possible with visitations across the web letting you know I visit your site by Liking or commenting. Should I not pay you a visit in a reasonable amount of time please drop by catnip and give me a little nudge♥

Onward to the awards. . .

Just recently, catnipoflife has received nominations for two awards. Instead of doing two separate posts, I’m going to combine the two together mainly because of time constraints in completing the requirements. Each have their own set of ‘rules’ but instead of treating them independently, I am going to let my nominess select the one they would like to sparkle on their own website. The Beautiful Blogger Award received does not contain any question/answer specifications. However, the Liebster Award does. Since catnip has previously received this award click Liebster Award or the Liebster Award logo and refer to its rules and questions. Should you find your name in this previous list and you have not responded, remember, there is no time limit. It has not expired!

The first award is the Beautiful Blogger Award honoring sites that share inspiration.

Received from Shirley Sorbello

Catnipoflife is shining in the heart of one of her followers, Shirley Sorbello, which makes catnip gleam in return. Shirley has been inspired by the writings on catnipoflife and has graciously nominated her for the Beautiful Blogger Award. It is always so heart warming to know when catnip’s thoughts, pictures, and/or videos have touched someone in a special way. Thank you, Shirley!

A BIG HUG AND THANK YOU, SHIRLEY!

The requirements for the Beautiful Blogger Award are:

  • Copy the Beautiful Blogger Award logo and place it in your post.
  • Thank the person who nominated you and create a link back to their blog.
  • Nominate 7 other bloggers for their own Beautiful Blogger Award.

The second award is the Liebster Award honoring sites with 200 followers or less.

Catnipoflife is deeply moved to be nominated by Christine Hammon. Christine is the author of A Hairdresser’s Diary which has received 5-Star reviews. Her story carries you on a journey from a life where she longs to be loved to one where she is not only loved but adored. It embraces accomplishment of her dream only to see it shattered most unexpectedly. You will find yourself at the intersection of many life-changing events where you will want to reach out to her, share in the moment, and lend a helping hand when so urgently needed. You will laugh at the incredibly funny stories, cry at thoughts of the uncontrollable pain, and share with her the most memorable endeavors.

As mentioned earlier, click Liebster Award or its logo at right for access to information and its rules.

 
 Now, I get to pay the award forward to those that have inspired me! Such awards are really great for they hold a two-fold purpose: It is not just the receiving of the award…it is the giving of the award! What a wonderful way to build an online community!
And the nominees are. . .

Serendipity

My Own Heart

Valerie Davis

Kick Back Moments
 
A Taste of Bliss
 
GREATPOETRYMHF’S Weblog
 
Fortyteen Candles

shadetheraven
 
this man’s journey
 
Mondrak’s Blog
 
linneann
 
The London Flower Lover
CONGRATULATIONS to all but most of all, hugs to all of my devoted followers!
Please LEAVE A COMMENT so I know you have received the notification and accept the award!
 
30 Comments »

Not one, but two – Liebster Blog Awards!

Click HERE!

Catnipoflife is honored to receive the Liebster Blog award from, Janice Richards @JanasDreams and Rosemary Adkins @Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler.

Before engaging in the ‘rules’ for the award, I would like to introduce you to both of these wonderful women. Each of them brings their own unique perspective to the blogging world.

  • For up-to-date information on what is happening on a daily basis and what each day is noted for specifically (National Days), visit JanasDreams. For example, did you know August 15 is Relaxation Day, August 16 is National Tell a Joke Day, August 18 is Bad Poetry Day, and today, August 21, is Senior Citizen’s Day? Um-m-m? I wonder what ‘day’ tomorrow will bring? In addition, Janice is the author of five books. Visit her @Amazon Author Central for information about her publications.
  • Rosemary Adkins, aka Mamie, is extraordinary. She is the author of Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler. In her own words about her book: “When the opportunity arose to take a trip to Ireland, I poured myself into it and studied Ireland for nearly two years. Part of my dream was to pay tribute to Douglas (my husband) for loving and taking care of me for so long without ever a complaint during the years of my illness.” Visit ‘Mamie’ at Goodreads for more information about her publication.

Now, to the rules. . .

“The rules are that the winners have to pay forward to other people whose sites are worth the recognition and have less than 200 followers. If they accept the award, they should: thank the person who nominated them and link to his/her site; nominate five to eleven (5 to 11) other favorite blogs with fewer than 200 followers, and copy/paste the Liebster Blog Icon into their post.”

In doing some additional research about this award, some say pay it forward to five (5) where others say pay it forward to elven (11). Therefore, I have decided to give my nominees a choice. Also, there are some that present question and answer stipulations where others require none. Since Rosemary provided specific questions I will attempt to answer hers as briefly as possible.

1. What or who influenced you to write?

Writing poetic notes for my husband and for our children (left in their lunch boxes). Also writing curricum in which I wrote a math unit, Poetic Math Challenge.

2. Are you currently working on another book?

Yes! My third book, Awakenings from Then ’til Now, is under publication and hopefully will be released next month.

3. What is your favorite past time?

Playing golf with my husband

4. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Ireland! I want to play on those magnificent golf courses!

5. What advice would you give someone who is thinking about writing a book?

When you have random thoughts write them down. You never know when they may be the beginning of that special story or poem.

6. If you had to select a public office to hold, what would you choose for yourself and why?

City Commissioner – to work on fostering a strong sense of community, maintaining the beautiful, natural environment, and promoting economic growth ensuring opportunities for all citizens

7. Do you have any hobbies?

Sewing, cooking and painting

8. Where is your favorite restaurant and favorite food to eat?

JMichael’s in Panama City Beach, FL – Shrimp JMichael Yum-m-m-m!

9. What is your fondest memory?

Traveling to Europe with a friend for a month. AWESOME!

10. What is your favorite movie or TV series?

Somewhere in Time, Christoper Reeve and Jane Seymour

11. What is your reason for writing?

Following God’s plan for I never envisioned myself being a writer. I am only His messenger.

And the nominees are. . .(drum roll)

I’m actually really excited to showcase some of my favorite blogs. Please take time to visit them, you won’t regret it!

Pieces

shadetheraven

Serendipity

Darby’s story

Potato Chip Cats

My Own Heart

Books That Sow

A Hairdresser’s Diary

Chief Writing Wolf

Darlene Craviotto

Joseyphina’s World

Valerie Davis

poetreecreations.org

My questions for you are:
1. What brought you to the blogging world?
2. What do you enjoy the most about blogging?
3. What do you remember about the first movie you ever saw?
4. What sitcom that has aired its final season would you like to see returned to television?
5. What is your favorite animated character?
6. What is your favorite all-time classic movie?
7. If you had a time machine, where/when would you go and why?
8. What are your interests/hobbies other than reading and/or writing?
9. What is your dream vacation?
10. How would you change the world if you could in one way?
11. What are 5 words that describe your personality?
NOTE: Since not all sites feature stats some nominess may actually have more than 200 followers. If so, please graciously accept the award as a way for you to pay it forward to someone you know that is deserving of its recognition.
CONGRATULATIONS ON BECOMING A
Please leave a comment so I know you have received and accepted the award!
25 Comments »

Liebster Award

Waiting in my Inbox today, I found a most pleasant surprise. catnipoflife had been honored with a nomination for the Liebster Award from Cosmuse. I was only vaguely familiar with this award having seen it on many blogsites but having never taken the time to reseach what it truly means.

What is the Liebster Award?

“The Liebster Blog Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The Meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.”

Before delving into the rules for this award, I would like to introduce you to . She is from New Delhi, India and claims she likes writing as much as she likes desserts, maybe more! Now, folks, that must mean she absolutely loves to write! I believe it and you will, too, once you visit her site. She is a very talented, heartfelt writer! Vaishali, I am very humbled and honored to receive this award from you!

There are certain rules one has to follow, and copying them from  Cosmuse‘s blog post, they are enumerated below:
  1. If you are tagged/nominated, you have to post 11 facts abut yourself.
  2. Then you answer the 11 questions the tagger has given you & make 11 questions for the people you are going to tag.
  3. Tag 11 more Bloggers.
  4. Tell the people you tagged that you did.
  5. No tagging back.
  6. The person you tag must have less than 200 followers.
Here goes:

11 Facts about me:

Other than first being a child of God and a true believer in Jesus Christ, I am. . .
1. A Weight Watcher’s makeover
2. A member of G.R.I.T.S. (Girls Raised In The South)
3. Lover of music but the only note I sing is ‘So‘ – Sour only
4. My husband and I share the same middle name – Lee.
5. I’m giddy like a child when I catch a fish.
6. Love to swim and once dreamed of being the next Ester Williams (Visit Awakenings: Like Classic Movies?)
7. Enjoy painting, oils and acrylics
8. Favorite sport is golf
9. University of Florida fan Go Gators!
10. Hate to be alone
11. Love old cars and classic movies
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Answers to Vaishali’s questions:
1]   ‘Checkered blue n white’ or ‘black’?
Let’s see. . .I love blue (my favorite color, in fact),  not too fond of checkered (except the red & white checkered tablecloths at picnics). black, well it is known to be very slenderizing. OK …that does it – Black, definitely black!
2] Curtains or no curtains?
Definitely NO curtains! All they do is collect dust, frogs (yep, the ting green ones) and make rooms too dark. If anything, plantation shutters. . .Let the light shine in!
3]   Hardcover, paperback or ebooks?
Hardcover when it is on sale:>) No doubt about it – paperback over ebook. Love the feel of that book in hand and special bookmarks!
4]   What’s your ambiance while writing?
With and without music, whatever is going on at the time but definitely with my cat in my lap!
5]   Do you plan to publish a novel?
I think every writer thinks about a novel at one time or another but my gift from God is writing poetry and inspirational  words. After all, I am a mathematician become messenger: He gifts it to me and I gift it to others.
6]   Do you like to make a gift for your loved one or do you rather buy?
Much prefer to make but it is not always feasible or possible.
7]   Which is the most beautiful color according to you?
Blue, most assuredly, blue.
8]   What’s your mantra in life?
From Treasures in Jars of Clay, 2 Corinthians 4:18 – “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
9]   Have you ever thought of becoming a soldier in your life?
Not really, but I have the utmost respect and honor for those serving in the military.
10] Do you have stage fear?
Not at all. . .life is a stage!
11] ‘Mickey mouse/ Aladdin/Duck Tales’ or ‘ Shin Chan/ Doraemon/ Kitretsu’?
‘Mickey mouse/ Aladdin/Duck Tales’ especially the first two!
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Because of the time that it does take to complete the requirments for acceptance of this award and because I feel Vaishali’s questions really hit at the crux of this award, I am passing the same questions on to the well-deserving nominees listed below. Each of them has in some way touched my heart and often made my day!While you may not reach the ‘magic’ number of eleven, remember they should be new blogs of no more than 200 followers. Since many blogsites do not display stats for number of followers, it may be possible for some nominees to have more that the required number. If so, please do graciously accept the award as a means by which you can pass recognition along to any newbies who are following you.
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And the nominees are. . .[drum roll, trumpets]
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CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH AND MAY YOU HAVE A VERY BLESSED DAY!
32 Comments »

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