I used to picture the author’s life as a very solitary angst-ridden one. You know, the cursed-ivory-tower with gin bottles and cigarette butts strewn on the floor. 
(Ok, stop laughing, I was raised on mixture of Tennyson and Beat Poetry).
Imagine my delight in discovering that friendship is the key component to the writing life. It builds the community, that supports the writer, who writes the books, which people other than our mothers will buy, once that network of friends gets large enough and strong enough and our writing is good enough. It looks sort of like a feedback-loop circuit if you draw it out. 
Here are two quotes about friendship I want to share:
It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us, as the confidence of their help.
— Epicurus
It is one of the blessings of friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the spirit of both of these above quotes (especially the second one), I want to thank the wonderful blogger friends who have given me the following awards over the past few weeks:
Versatile Blogger Award
This was given to me by two terrific writers. First was Sonia G. Medeiros, who blogs at “Not All Who Wander Are Lost.” Her blog is a wonderful collection of microfiction, monthly writing challenges, and – one of my favorites – Mythic Mondays. Terri Long, author of In Leah’s Wake, blogs about the “Art and Craft of Writing Creatively,” and I’ve had the privilege of guest blogging for her.
And award number two…
Stylish Blogger Award
Perry Block, of “Nouveau Old, Formerly Cute,” did me the honor of bestowing this award (though I’m still waiting for the tiara, Perry, and what happened to the limo?). Perry’s blog is characterized by humorous, quirky reflections upon the absurdities of pop culture, growing old, and everything in between.
Here are the rules for each award, which makes it super easy:
1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
Done!
2. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
- I love hummingbirds
- I have never been skiing (on any surface)
- dogs sticking their heads out of moving cars make me laugh
- I would get a kick out of being part of a flash mob
- Sean Connery is my favorite James Bond (he doesn’t look bad in a kilt or monk’s robes, either)
- I have never been to the Grand Canyon (although I want to someday)
- I love to garden (even now the tomato plants are taller than I am – Help!)
3. Pass the award on to 5 newfound blogging buddies.
These are folks who have been both supportive and inspirational to me (so you guys probably already have these awards, but tough patooties! You’re getting them again. And yeah, two at once! I know you’re up for it).
- Tech guru and writer Jenny Hansen is always on the lookout for “More Cowbell,” and really knows how to throw a
wild partyprofessional conference call. - Tiffany A. White has a fabulous “Ooo Factor” blog, and she’s the go-to gal for the latest juicy inside bits about television and film.
- Clay Morgan at Educlaytion is a history teacher, writer, humorist, and pop culture fanatic. His writing is a pleasure to read and his humor cannot be duplicated (whew!). You haven’t lived until you’ve seen his high school pic as Clayrella (although he’s probably buried that one by now, but there’s another one where he’s sitting on a gator. You forgot the bridle, Clay).
- Renee A. Schuls-Jacobson is both a teacher a writer (hmm, they seem to go together…). Her blog, “Lessons from Teachers and Twits,” covers high school flashbacks, the education system, parenting, and great mash-ups of resources. There’s a little bit of everything here!
- And, last but certainly not least, Leanne Shirtliffe, as Ironic Mom, who blogs about the absurdities and humor of the parenting life. Check out one of my favorite posts of hers, Inappropriate Books for Kids, which had me rolling on the floor. If you know what I mean. 🙂
4. Contact the winners to congratulate them.
Thanks again, to all of you, for the excellent work you do!
Got any favorite bloggers/writers you’d like to share?
Until next time,
Kathy
Thank you so much for including me, Kathy! Most of all, congratulations to you! So pleased to see so many people recognizing your wonderful work!
Thanks, Terri! I couldn’t notify anyone until now because I’ve been away from my computer, out of town. So glad you found it! Thanks for your support and the terrific writing you do!
I’m so honoured, I’m blushing head to toe, if you know what I mean.
You are such a fabulous promoter of others: a true instrument for good.
Thank you.
You picked some awesome bloggers!! Super-supportive AND fun! Congrats on your awards!
(Your reference to Tennyson and Beat Poetry made me laugh!!)
Thanks, Kathy! I <3 You!
I already finished my June #mashup and awards blog this month (posting Friday) but I will thank you in proper fashion in July! Cool?
I've never been skiing; water or snow. I have a bad knee, and I don't think the cost of surgery is worth it.
Sean Connery is my favorite Bond too!
Hey, Jill and Tiffany, thanks! @Jill, I do have your “5 Easy Questions” info, and I’ll get that to you ASAP! Thanks for thinking of me!
@Tiffany, it took me several weeks to work this into my schedule, so whatever works for you. And I’m with you about the skiing! Not interested. 🙂
WOW, Kathy! What a great blog (and not just because I’m on the list)! It’s nice to know that Leanne and I have the same blushing gene. Why does your neck have to flame red when you’re a blonde…that’s what I want to know….
Anyway, I found one new person to study and will definitely hunt down the picture of Clayrella. I had NO IDEA he was soooo versatile in his talents.
Let’s see….
– My first teaching job was with autistic kids.
– I respect large dogs more than small dogs (I feel guilty but it is true).
– My fave exercise is kickboxing.
– I didn’t learn to ride a bike till I was about 10 and I’m REALLY bad at it.
– I will dance on any surface available, alcohol not required (as evidenced by our virtual tabletop performance on #DevilColony last night!)
You are a great blogger and tremendous tweep…keep up the great work!
Thanks, Jenny! Kickboxing, huh? Watch out for the blonde fury, LOL. I really appreciate how supportive you’ve been of me and others as we try to navigate this tech quagmire of social media. 🙂
Thanks for the nice shout Kathy. I will work up a flash mob and you can totally be in!
Let me know, and I’ll be there! 🙂
Hi Kathy,
My internet has been down since Sunday night … grrrr. Anyways, wanted to say that I love hummingbirds and gardening too. Congrats on your awards!
Nancy
http://nancylauzon.blogspot.com
The Chick Dick blog
Thanks, Nancy! What kinds of hummingbirds do you get over your way?
I don’t get very many, which is why I love them so much. Once in a while I see a ruby throat, and that’s a treat!
Couldn’t agree more about friendships in a writer’s life.
Congratulations on your awards! Spectacular and well-deserved.
Thank you so much! I’m honored. The community of writers I’ve met online are so wonderful. Supportive and encouraging. It’s a blessing. 😀