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!

Awakenings: Did Pilgrims Eat Popcorn?

See on Scoop.itAwakenings: America & Beyond

With Thanksgiving comes a special time to embrace the past. The feast of which we are most familiar took place when the Pilgrims arrived and the Wampanoag Indians gathered in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. This was a time of autumn celebration and that’s right, it took place in the 17th century!

Within the history of Thanksgiving lies nuggets of trivia that nudge at the heart and tickle the funny bone.

Did you know…

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Popcorn is prevalent today as one of America’s favorite snacks but the question is . . .Did Pilgrims Eat Popcorn?

Check it out @Awakenings…

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

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Awakenings: 86,000+ Views!

See on Scoop.itAwakenings: America & Beyond

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

THANK YOU TO ALL AWAKENINGS’ VISITORS AND FOLLOWERS! WITHOUT YOU, THERE WOULD BE NO NUMBERS! GOD BLESS AMERICA! For those who may not know, Awakenings is catnipoflife‘s sister site.

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

10 Comments »

Catnip’s Bouquet Keeps on Blossoming

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!”

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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?

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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!

14 Comments »

A Year of Thankfulness

CelebrationCat

Today is a day of celebration and catnip is all dolled up for the occasion:

catnipoflife‘s 1st anniversary!

This past year has been incredible in the blogosphere! So much joy is received each time a Like or comment is posted with recognition that one of YOU has truly enjoyed my inspirational poetry, novice pictures, impromptu writings and humorous catnip. The purpose for this blog has always been to inspire:

echoes of the heart, remembrances from the past and catnip of life.


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Thankfulness from my heart to yours!

Without you,
This blog would no longer be
Without you,
My words no one would see

Without you,
The cat would cease to purr
Without you,
Catnip would no longer spur

Because of you
The cat seldom whines
Because of you
The sun always shines

Because of you
Catnip whirs and whirs
Because of you
Vision never blurs

You’re the inspiration
Soft fur and sharp claws
Spurring me onward
To write just because

You’re the inspiration
Through which I write
You’re the reason
I’m up late at night

©2013 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

Blessed Day and Sweet Dreams

HugsfromMetoYou

18 Comments »

CONGRATULATIONS 200th Follower!

200

catnipoflife is celebrating her 200th follower! For some, this is only a drop in the bucket. But, for catnip, this is a milestone: she has exceeded the limitations of the Liebster Blog Award and is no longer considered a ‘newbie’, new kid on the block, novice, noobonaught, or nooblet!

With this announcement comes the opportunity to recognize the 200th sign-on: [Drum roll, please…]

Dan @hurdlestohappiness

Here is a little about Dan in his own words:

My name is Dan, and I am currently a student at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Creative Writing and double minoring in Spanish and Hospitality Management. I recently completed my first book, a self-help for teens, with hopes of it being published in the near future. This blog is meant to give you a deeper look into the life of a teenager wanting to become a published author, as well as offer tools and tips of advice to help you ultimately achieve the life-long goal of Happiness.

GiftBoxesGifts of Appreciation in Celebration

As catnip’s 200th follower, she would like to provide a few gifts in celebration. So, Dan, I do hope you will accept with pleasure. . .

First gift…

versatilebloggernominationsThe Versatile Blog Award: catnipoflife recently received this award from Poems French & English by Gys. [This award was the very first award received by catnip last spring. Click HERE for her info.] Having perused your blog, I discovered the categories Achieving Happiness, My Writing Process, Poetry and Travels. With versatility comes accomplishment and accomplishment indeed is evidenced in your many blog awards that honor writing purposely, skillfully and with talent.

As with any award, there are rules:

1. Thank and to link the blogger who nominated you.
2. Show the award logo on your blog.
3. Write a post on the appointment.
4. Nominate 15 other bloggers (or any number of your choice, more or less) and inform each.
5. Tell 7 things about yourself.

Second gift…

super-sweet-awardSuper Sweet Award: catnipoflife graciously accepts this award from Ute Smile. [This is catnip’s second, the first coming from Len @myownheart.me a few months ago. Info can be found HERE.] Everyone loves sweets, some more than others! With this award, comes naming your favorites!

Here are the rules:

Nominate a baker’s dozen of other bloggers and answer these five questions in your own blog posting. Be sure to inform those upon which you bestow the award.

1. Cookie or cake?
2. Chocolate or Vanilla?
3. Favorite sweet treat?
4. Time when you crave sweets the most?
5. Sweet nickname? (If you don’t already have one, what would you like it to be?

Third gift…

AwakeningsHRsmAwakenings from Then ’til Now: catnipoflife‘s sister site Awakenings recently featured The Next Big Thing highlighting the soon to be released Awakenings from Then ’til Now. An additional gift to you is a copy of this book signed by me, the author. To receive your signed copy, I will need a mailing address. Should you not want to publicly display your address, you may email it to me @poetrybysharla@gmail.com . There are no rules, of course, in acceptance of this gift but perhaps you might consider a review.SmileySm

Fourth gift…

AwakeningsBookmarkA Bookmark: What is the gift of a book without a bookmark! Yep, one is included so when you take a break from reading you won’t lose your place in time. The book covers five centuries from the 17th century to the 21st century. What does the past whisper to you? opportunities for reflection occur intermittently throughout each chapter. Happy journeying and journaling!

Five is catnip’s “number” so there is a Fifth gift…

TheNextBigThing2The Next Big Thing: An invitation is extended to you for an interview to be included on catnipoflife and Awakenings as an addition to The Next Big Thing, which is a series of blog posts where authors talk about their work using the same ten questions. At the end of the blog you can tag other authors who will do the same thing a week later. So not only do others get to find out more about your book but you also connect your site to some other interesting writers. The Next Big Thing is a hot topic in the writers’ world so say ‘yes’ and tag along!

Before closing, catnip thanks all of her followers for their time visiting and leaving comments. Any day is a good day to gather a little catnip of life!

19 Comments »

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

Within the month of December, catnipoflife has been honored with three nominations for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Marilyn @Serendipity (who also bestowed this award upon catnip’s sister site Awakenings), Ute @Ute smile and Gys @French & English Poems by Gys. That leaves me breathless and thereby virtually speechless.

Almost. . .

It has been less than a year since catnip entered the blogosphere. She has been elated and overwhelmed by the acquaintances and friendships gathered along the way. Every journey in life takes one down many paths…some in the right direction and others take unexpected turns that keep perspectives in order and provide avenues to explore in different facets of life. Within each directional turn comes encounters that leave a lasting impression – most often positive but occasionally questionable. C’est la vie!

catnip is very pleased to accept this award with the utmost gratitude and thereby pays it forward to a few who continuously inspire her. Understand each blogsite/weblog/cyber diary shines with its own light of inspiration…some endearing, some picturesque and others humorous, while many encompass all three!

But before the list comes…

The Rules

bth_dividers

SmileySmDisplay the award logo on your blog.

SmileySmLink back to the person who nominated you.

SmileySmTell at least seven things about yourself that you would like to share.

SmileySmNominate other bloggers for this award and link to them. [Your choice and number]

SmileySmNotify your chosen bloggers of their nomination and the award’s requirements.

Seven

Things about myself that I haven’t explicitly said before (hopefully)

bth_dividers

1. I enjoy helping my husand in his wood-working shop any time I am allowed:>)

2. My favorite movies are ghost stories (without all the fake blood and gore).

3. Caligraphy is my specialty.

4. Boston is a city I want to visit on the way to getting Maine lobster. (Yummy! Don’t have to fret about NY cheesecake…hubby bakes the best ever!)

5. Can’t wait until the next fall festival to ride the carousel.

6. If I had my way and the means, I would have a Jaguar. (Nothing wrong in having dreams!)

7. In my next life, I will return as a cat. (Aren’t you surprised?!.)

My Nominees (the envelope please)Envelope

bth_dividers

Alastair @Alastair’s Blog

Arlen Shahverdyan @Arlen Shahverdyan. the author’s blog site

Barbara @ Life in the Foothills

Christine Hannon @A Hairdresser’s Diary

Deirde Tolhurst @Thoughts and Prayers 

Diane @The One Thing I Know for Sure

Hot Rod Cowgirl @Hot Rod Cowgirl’s Blog 

Len @MyOwnHeart.me

Lesley Fletcher @Inspiration Import 

Mary Helen @greatpoetrymhf 

Rosemary Adkins @ Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler  

The Team @The London Flower Lover

ThankYou2

14 Comments »

Blog of the Year 2012: 6 Stars! Now, 7 and beyond!

Blog of the Year Award 6 star jpeg

In the original blog post about the Blog of the Year Award 2012, I extended THANK YOUs to

Jana @cjanas Dreams for my first nomination of the “Blog of the Year 2012” award,

Penny @TheWhyAboutThis for my second and

Alastair @Alastair’s Blog for my third.  

Catnip has now reached the top of the pyramid with 6 STARS!

Hugs and a huge Thank You goes to each of the following. . .

Lori’s Song 4th star

Raani York 5th star

Seetarn 6th star

In addition, catnip received a message this morning that awarded her even a 7th star: Thank you…

Gys 7th star 

and then,

Micki Peluso 8th star

plus Wendell Brown 9th star

While there are many, many stars in the blogosphere, one shines brightly from Heaven above. Rest in peace Sandra McLeod Humphrey . You will always be a shining star, our guiding light, an inspiration for all! We miss you immensely!

Update: Since catnip has exceeded the 6 stars, she would like to bestow additional stars to the following:

Pat Garcia

ThankYou1

“The true art of receiving is being able to give back to those who have given so much to me!”~catnipoflife

18 Comments »

10,000+ Views

I have been very blessed to have received such overwhelming response to catnipoflife. I initially entered the blogosphere on February 25, 2012 and had absolutely no idea what to expect. The term ‘blog’ was a totally new experience, in fact, a new word in my vocabulary. I have been overjoyed with your reflections and thoughtful praises through varying awards, which are so greatly appreciated. Thank you for becoming such wonderful friends!

Your visits, Likes and comments bring joy to my heart on a daily basis.

“May you always know peace of heart, love for a lifetime, light from above and laughter within the soul.” ~catnipoflife

Always remember to 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! That is the epitome of catnipoflife!

16 Comments »

One Lovely Blog Award & Tag! You’re it!

Heartfelt thanks are extended in appreciation!

A double THANK YOU is extended today from catnipoflife.

Brenda Fraser

Claire Capetta

On July 5, not one but two nominations for awards were received here at catnip.

How wonderful to be recognized by fellow writers in a way that truly touches the heart! As each of us ‘puts pen to paper,’ it is always in hopes that someone somewhere will feel the warmth, love, pain and passion set forth in writing. Life is a journey and we all have our own unique stories to share whether in fiction, non-fiction or poetry. Since each of these awards have their similarities and differences a tidbit from each one will be shared periodically adding to this post. Afterward, catnip will graciously release her nominations. . .

1} Thank the blogger that nominated you.

Thank you to  Brenda Fraser for nominating me for the One Lovely Blogger Award.Her new book Creative Power is finally finished and available as an e-book on amazon.com . The print version will be available in a few weeks.

2} Give 7 random facts about yourself

1~ I start my day and end the night reading my Bible!

2~My favorite actor is Gene Hackman. His sly grin reminds me of my husband. LOL:>)

3~  I LOVE digging in the dirt and don’t mind getting dirt under my fingernails. Gloves help when I remember them!

4~ Cats are my joy, but you probably already know that!

5~ The best TV shows: America – The Story of Us and Chiller. Quirky combination, I know!

6~ I always get my words twisted/backwards, like. “Had enough to eat, Catfood?” [Cat’s name at that time was Taz. Always hungry. LOL:>)]

7~ Waited until my 50’s to experience my first broken bone. Tripped, fell flat with an armload of books right in the midst of a group of teenagers changing classes. YEP, I was the teacher. Now I am literally screwed after surgery on my left elbow! OUCH!

3} Nominate 15 blogs

Please leave a comment so I will know you received notification! Blessings to all!

Jeanette S Andersen

Kick Back Moments – Peggy Strack

Solid Happpiness – Kate O’Mara

A Writer’s Journey – Micki Peluso

Thoughts and Prayers – Deirdre Tolhurst

I.O.U. Sex – Sandra Nachlinger

Terry’s Thoughts and Threads

Geezer Guys and Gals – Linda Rondeau

Some Assembly Required – John Sealander

The Fat and the Skinny – Carole Di Tosti

A Taste of Bliss – Wendell A. Brown

Surviving Life – Sunni

Aspire. Motivate. Succeed. Daily

Greatpoetrymhf’s Weblog – MaryHelen Ferris

Last, but by NO means least. . .

The Thoughtful Life – Debbie Hope

* * * * *

I may not always leave a comment but I try to Like when the link is available letting you know I stopped by for a visit. Having been honored myself with this award provides me the opportunity to let you know I have been reading YOUR words. Have a blessed day!

* * * * *

TAG – YOU’RE IT WILL BE A NEW POST!

29 Comments »