award

Do Opposites Attract?  The “LOVE / HATE Blogger Challenge” Awaits!

Every once in awhile we are asked to take a look at our distinct personality and the opinions that make us unique in our own right. It’s not always easy to take a self-critical unbiased view, especially when the statements can be based on emotional reactions. But I took a deep breath and decided to oblige. Besides, inviting conversation is usually very interesting. Since my associate blogger friend over at http://thesunshineisours.wordpress.com (whom I do not know on a first name basis) included me in this challenge, I thought I would set foot into the ring and share a little more about myself.

The rules ask that you list ten (10) things you LOVE followed by ten (10) things you HATE. So here I go…..
LOVE LIST:

(1) I love to listen to French music when I am cooking in my kitchen.

(2) I love to surprise people with gifts of food.

(3) I love to travel with my husband when he goes away on business.

(4) I love to impulsively send handwritten notes to others.

(5) I love that the word “Hope” is always part of my vocabulary.

(6) I love it when God uses me to be a blessing to others.

(7) I love Stargazer Lilies with their hypnotic fragrance and alluring beauty.

(8) I love bicycle rides and sunrise surprises.

(9) I love romance and being in love with my husband.

(10) I love to iron tea towels and clothes with a light lavender starch. It makes me feel as though I am ironing in the south of France.
HATE LIST:

(1) I hate that Forgiveness is sometimes conditional.

(2) I hate seeing loved ones and friends struggle with illness.

(3) I hate hearing God’s name taken in vain.

(4) I hate the excuse, “I’m Busy”!

(5) I hate to see people cry.

(6) I hate a messy house.

(7) I hate spiders, especially fuzzy ones. And jumping spiders.

(8) I hate being the first person to enter a room. (Second child syndrome.)

(9) I hate it when people talk loud on their cell phones.

(10) I hate verbal, emotional, and physical abuse.
Now that my lists are complete, I have the pleasure of issuing the “Love / Hate Blogger Challenge” to ten lucky people. Read on and Pay It Forward!

http://smilingnotes.wordpress.com
Joy
Peachy
Kim
Ted
Reeanna Lynn
Julia
http://filmandgarlic.wordpress.com
Alecia
Leslie
That was easy.  Now, tell me, Do Opposites Attract?

HOW SWEET!! The “Sisterhood of the World” Blogger Award

HOW SWEET!!! The “Sisterhood of the World” Bloggers Award
What an incredible opportunity it is to belong to a community of women linked together by a common interest in communication and expression! I am proud to be nominated by Kritika, who is gifted in the fullness of verse. Thanks very much. I deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness and grace. And I really enjoy your blog!

 “In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips.” ~ Author Unknown. 
RULES:

* Thank the giver and link their blog to your post.
* Answer the 10 questions given to you.

* Pass the award on to 7 other bloggers of their choice and let them know that they have been nominated.

* Include the logo of the award in a post or on your blog.

Here they are:

1. On the bad days, how do you cheer yourself up?

A- I count my blessings and then try to figure out a way to be a blessing to someone else. Sometimes that means heading to the kitchen to make a special dessert.
2. Which is your favourite food?
A- POPCORN!
3. How do you let go?
A- I pray and remind myself that God has a plan for everything. “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord.” ~ Romans 8:28.
4. How much do you value ‘silence’?
A- It is in silence where love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control are manifested.

5. Will you hurt someone intentionally or lie to make them feel better?
A- I do my best to never hurt anyone intentionally.
6. Do you have faith in humanity? why or why not?
A- Yes, I do have faith in humanity because God believes in us.
7. One thing you really wish could come true?
A- Only one thing? (lol) I have discovered when I cannot make up my mind…. God has given me the “desires of my heart.” I once received THREE birthday wishes because I could not make up my mind on only one. True story.
8. If you had to sum up your life in 10 or less words, what would they be?
A- Life is a gift and God is Great!
9. How do you express anger?
A- Internally. Or with tears.
10. What is the one thing that will turn you completely off about a person?
A- Manipulation.
My List of Nominations Include:

1. Lina

2. Stephy

3. Estelea

4. Melinda

5. Andreas

6. Viera

7. Sharon

Blessings and Peace to you.
Gail

Simply Stated: “No Strings Attached” Award

What an interesting concept. To be connected to bloggers All Over the World, and yet to feel no obligation to make the noted recognition conditional. I was in awe when I discovered a single blog post can touch others in lands I only dream of visiting. What a treasured perspective to encounter new friends through the blogosphere of WordPress. It is with heartfelt thanks I acknowledge my peer, Kritika Vashist, of “From the Soul to the nib of the Pen”. Her penchant for poetry and photographs touch my spirit in ways that I look forward to on my journey of balance and grace. Her encouraging words sustain me as reinforcement of persistence and creativity. Thank you, Kritika, for visiting http://www.snapshotsincursive.com  as I journal “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet” filled with recipes and photographs. It is a pleasure to know you.
My list of nominees consists of both seasoned bloggers as well as those fresh on the scene. I am intrigued by the diversity of topics and look forward in anticipation to expanding my interests. After all, Life is a journey that is filled with interesting stories about everyday moments. Everyone has a story to tell.

No order of preference is listed:

Jess Nguyen
Janet Sheridan
Andreacfrt

Bill Brennan
Dray0308
Happy reading!

Gail

The First 100 Days of Blogging

“You should write,” was the encouragement I received only a short time ago.  My husband reassured me, my friends gave me a push, and my family nudged me in the direction of expression through a blog.  Since the death of my father, I sought comfort and solace in journaling while traveling with my husband, Gerald.  I began to discover “interesting stories in everyday moments”. I found it therapeutic to shift the focus from my deep sorrow to other people around me.  It seemed everyone had a story to tell.  It was there I discovered a deeper understanding of Life.  Thus, http://snapshotsincursive.com

was born. 

My passion for cooking gave birth to the idea of “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet” along with the joy of presentation for visual appeal.  So naturally, taking snapshots of food created a harmonious balance of artistic expression. I am overwhelmed by the positive response and feedback it has generated! THANKS VERY MUCH! Today I look back in gratitude for the optimism, faith, assurance, and vote of confidence I have received from the WordPress community all over the globe. The awards are amazing!!! Without exception, the definitive link bonds us together regardless of geographic locations and time zones.  Each blogger praises the other as they “Pay It Forward” with award nominations.  For me the thrill and excitement of being acknowledged in four different ways is a laurel of intellectual nourishment.  The first 100 days went fast! In continuation, I look I forward to the engaging companionship on this journey we all share together.  And the new friendships beyond.

Me?  Multi-Faceted? THE VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD

I am thrilled beyond words to be nominated for “The Versatile Blogger Award” by another Midwestern girl-at-heart blogger, Jessica, of semisweettooth.  She manages to balance health, beauty, and food in her active blog.  If you like eating whatever you want without all the guilt, you must see what she has in store!

“The Versatile Blogger Award” is for the blogs that bring special talents to Life.  In choosing nominees, the quality of the writing is considered, the uniqueness of the topics presented, and the level of love displayed in the words on the virtual page. An added quality of authenticity to the photographs is evident through the field of vision.

The guidelines are as follows. Answer the questions you have been given, nominate 10 different bloggers, and feel free to revise a new set of questions for them to answer. Ready. Set. GO!

1) What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?  I enjoy free-style bartending to create unique and special drinks.

2) What is a memory you have from third grade? I was terrified of my Math teacher for putting everyone on the spot with oral speed-quizzes.

3) Do you play any musical instruments, if so, what? Not really, but I can make the best sounding two-finger whistle at a baseball game!

4) Have you had your 15 minutes of fame?  Yes.  First-runner up in a Beauty Contest.

5) Have you ever met someone famous? Yes, if you count Jim Caviezel, Nicholas Sparks, or Chris Isaak.

6) I feel the most beautiful when I ___________.  I am with my husband!

7) What’s something you hope will never come back in style?  I could do without Ladies’ Shoulder Pads in everything!

8) What song reminds you of your high school years? Layla by Derek and the Dominoes (Eric Clapton).

9) Did you graduate from college, if so, what was your degree?  Community College for me plus Life’s experiences.

10) If you could eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Popcorn.


Come closer and discover my Nominees:

1) Christia Harrane

2) Cooking with Twyla

3) HappyHETU

4) Kim L Hine

5) Kimberly Townsend Palmer

6) Lou & Hoshua’s Adventures

7) Marymorphosis

8) Mabuhay

9) Made by Mitza

10) Mosaic Photo Journal

I thought Jessica’s questions proved thought-provoking, so please answer the same questions and continue to bless others with this multi-faceted award. 

Pay It Forward!

Gail of snapshotsincursive

Three Cheers For the Liebster Award!  Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Greetings, Food Lovers!
I have been nominated by Freda https://aromaticessence.wordpress.com for my third award, and it is (drum roll, please) THE LIEBSTER AWARD!  I humbly acknowledge the award and am honored to list it among my accomplishments.  I enjoy Freda’s blog because she has creative recipes with delicious results!  Surprise yourself and become a Follower.  It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow bloggers as well.

The rules are as follows:
1.Thank and link to the nominating blog.
2.Answer their 10 questions and propose 10 new ones for your nominees.
3. Nominate a few blogs and tell them that they’ve been nominated.
4.Write a post containing the questions.
5.Include these rules in the post.

The 10 questions for me to answer include:

1. what is your favorite cuisine? French, of course.

2. Tea or coffee? I love coffee, especially a double shot of espresso over ice with a splash of cream.

3. Your best childhood memory? In a family of brothers, I was ecstatic when, at the age of 12, I got a baby sister!

4. Where would your dream vacation be? and why?  One of my dream vacations came true four years ago when I travelled to the south of France in celebration of the engagement to my husband.  The romance, wine, shopping, and love shared was everything dreams are made of in preparation for marital bliss.

5. What is your most and least liked spice? Call me crazy, but I really like crushed red pepper flakes.  Farther down the list would be anise.

6. If you could have one super power , what would that be and why?  I wish I could speak and understand fluent French.

7. What do you do to bounce back when you feel really low?  I pray, delve into scripture for comfort, protection, and love.  Then I count my blessings.

8. What have you benefitted from blogosphere? The freedom of creativity and expression have opened up a new world for me among fellow bloggers.

9. Your favorite online shopping site? No brainer…….Williams-Sonoma for kitchen items.

10. Do you prefer reading a book or watching a movie that has been adapted from the same book ? Reading, absolutely.  I enjoy the experience of boundless imagination.

With that being said, here are my Nominees!

1. Ágika

2. Blog-sur-aude

3. Forbidden Jungle

4. Françoise La Prune

5. From the soul to the nib of the pen

These are the 10 questions for the noble Nominees:
1. What is your favorite foreign food?
2. Would you rather eat alone at a fancy restaurant OR own an award winning restaurant?
3. Is there anything you wish would make a Fashion comeback?
4. Are you Romantic OR Realistic?
5. Name 3 people you would share a meal with if your choices were endless.
6. What is one secret about yourself that no one knows, but you wouldn’t mind revealing?
7. If you could live forever at a “Magic Age”, what would it be? And Why?
8. Would you rather be on the cover of a magazine or walk the Red Carpet?
9. Name one thing on your “Bucket List” that you have fulfilled.
10. Which do you prefer—-Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, or Milk Chocolate?

Please accept the nomination and Pay it Forward!

Congratulations!
Gail snapshotsincursive


“The Real Neat Blog Award” Nomination is Beyond Thrilling!

Being nominated for the “Real Neat Blog Award” is moving forward with confidence!

e of authenticitee enjoys my blog enough to nominate me for this awesome award.  Her posts are chocked full of inspiration, encouragement, music, and more.  You must see!!


Though it is not a requirement to accept the nomination, who wouldn’t want to pay it forward?!

These are the rules:

1. Put the award logo on your blog.

2. Answer 7 questions asked by the person who nominated you.

3. Thank the person who nominated you, linking to their blog.

4. Nominate any number of bloggers you like, linking to their blogs.

5. Let them know you nominated them (by commenting on their blog etc.)


~~~ THE INVALUABLE 7 QUESTIONS ~~~


1. Where do most visits to your blog come from?

United States, Indonesia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

2. What is your favorite sport?

Bowling, because you can eat and drink while competing.

3. What has been a special moment for you in 2014?

Celebrating a milestone birthday at the top of the Eiffel Tower…..in Vegas!

4. What is your favorite quote?

“Lo, I am with you always.” ~ Matthew 28:20

5. What was your favorite class when still at school?

English Composition; Big Surprise!

6. Anything you wished to have learned earlier?

It is impossible to survive as a “People Pleaser”. I had to learn to live by the mantra, “What is right for Gail?”

7. What musical instrument have you tried to play?

I tried to learn to play the guitar, but decided I could live without the calluses…..not the manicure!

And now, the Nominees for the “Real Neat Blog Award”, in my opinion, are as follows:

http://facetfully.com

Confessions of a Wanderer

Dee’s Dating Diary

Karl’s Blog, Feelings From the Pit

Vagabond Chloe

You are Bold, you are Visible, you are Acknowledged!!!

The Creative Blogger Award is Food For the Soul

Good news is like Food For the Soul when you hear the words, “You’ve been nominated for THE CREATIVE BLOGGER AWARD!”  

  

With heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation, I am thrilled to receive such an honor by my well-esteemed ally, gabriel360live. Her readership provides support and encouragement in the world of social networking.  And her blog is amazing!  I am intrigued by her poetry, simply because she has a way of connecting thoughts, words, and images in a timeless manner sharing ancient wisdom.  A gifted writer!
Without further ado, the guidelines of such a prestigious award are as follows:  
* Visibility of “The Creative Blogger Award” logo, 
* A link to the one who submitted the nomination, 
* Five random facts about yourself, and the
* Nomination of 5 other blogs.  
Doesn’t that sound absolutely delicious?

FIVE FACTS ABOUT ME:
(1) Sometimes I live in “La-La Land” and people love to visit me there.
(2) Ever since I was in Grade School, I have been fascinated by anything French.  I guess you could say I am a captivated Francophile.
(3) Small children as well as adults tell me I have an exuberant appetite.  Perhaps that is why I appear to be an amateur culinarian who feels at home in the kitchen.
(4) If I could split my life into equal portions, I would live in the south of France, own a small business, write a best-selling novel, and celebrate 50 years of marriage with my devoted husband, Gerald.
(5) I adore whispering to babies and toddlers: “Jesus Loves You!” 


Now for my favorite part.  Here are Five Blogs I’m Nominating…..Drum roll, please!

Check them out by LIKEs, COMMENTs, and FOLLOWing.

The Imperfect Perfectionist

Caroletta’s Treats
Stuck in the Middle With Us
The Food and Life on Spot
Momoseita

Once again, gabriel360live, you’re an angel!