Noblesse Oblige

Pseudo at Pseudonymous High School Teacher just graced me with this little award:

This award is one of the more thoughtful ones that I've seen or been given.  It's got a purpose behind it that really makes you think about why you're blogging and who has influenced you. And of course it comes from a blogger whose insights and work are creative and humbling.

The recipient of this award is recognized for the following:

1) The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.
2) The Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage, and offers solutions.
3) There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture, Sciences, and Beliefs.
4) The Blog is refreshing and creative.
5) The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following steps:

1) Create a Post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.
2) The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post.
3) Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts to support.
4) The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.
5) Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.


Thank you, Pseudo.  I'm honored. Memory is not my strong suit, so I'll admit that I'm unclear on how I found your blog.  Mostly like it was through Jen's Spin Cycle on Sprite's Keeper . Whatever it was, what I found there kept me coming back. Partly, it was living vicariously through you and getting a glimpse at paradise.  Your frank talk about your breast cancer journey is full of not just hope and laughter but courage as well.  One of my favorite posts is Sometimes, There Are Worse Things Than Nipplage.  Laughter is really sometimes the best medicine.

And I'll admit, too, that I love it when you visit cause I get this really cool little dot in my map in the middle of the Pacific that's all because of you.

So, like most of us out there I had no idea what I wanted from this blog when I started it .  It was really cool to "be published" even if no one saw it. I only blogged sporadically those first few months but I didn't find my voice until September of last year when things were getting really crazy during the Presidential election. I found I simply had to vent my frustrations and was soon up to almost daily posts.  I almost quit when I was convinced that no one but my family was reading anything I wrote and I was making no impact at all.  It wasn't until October 29 and my first comment from someone not related to me that I realized other people really were reading it. It was a few more weeks before I started getting regular commenters but let me tell you, the knowledge that other people were reading what I wrote and being interested enough to comment was like a drug.  And like any addict I wanted to find ways to get more readers and more commenters.  Changes in design, regular features , lots of dog pictures , participation in other blog's memes . I did it all.  

But what I found in diving head first into the blogosphere was a community of diverse people.  I've made blog buddies from all over the country. I have political blogs I read regularly, both big and small. Mommy and Daddy blogs and personal journals.  All them have been way to connect with a wider world that was refreshing and inspiring.  And they've changed me.  I am a stronger, happier person for blogging. I've become a vocal advocate and ally for LGBT issues.  I know that I am not the only person in Texas that thought Bush was a tool or who voted for Obama. I've found others who feel the way I do about LGBT issues. And I've even been attacked by a troll or two. 

In short, though this blog is far from a full time job, it is some of the most important work I do.  It's not always serious. Sometimes it fails to be entertaining at all. But sometimes I manage to express myself in a way that I hope is worth reading. 

Now to share this award.

First on the list is my first commenter, D at Political Morsels and Other Droppings. She kept me going when I was thinking of quitting. 

 

Next is Skyewriter at November Fifth. This is a great political blogger who researches her posts and writes intelligently. She's had her share of nut jobs visit her blog but she's persevered all while completing her dissertation.

Cathy at A Time for Change is another great political blogger who for some unknown reason likes my blog.  How I ever caught the attention of such a passionate writer is a mystery.  Her blog is always informative, forthright and thorough.

Keely at The Un Mom is absolutely hilarious and has this great shared meme. Her writing is fresh, funny and her meme has created quite a community.

My last recipient goes to Val at Monkeys on the Roof . This blog has the best writing of the ones I follow.  She is able to transport you with her words and images.  I encourage you to visit her blog and look around.  I think you'll be amazed at what you find.

Thanks again, Pseudo.