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Inspiration At It’s Best

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Imagine you’re a baseball fan, and your biggest hero on the field speaks highly of your attempts to play the game. Your favorite Hollywood actor publicly mentions little ol’ you. Your most revered hero says wonderful things about you. That’s about how I feel. Seriously.

View for Gary’s list of honorees

I have the honor, the privilege, the great joy of having been given the Inspiration Award by one of my favorite fellow bloggers. I’m not exaggerating here, nor dramatically proclaiming something for attention. I truly take this award seriously, especially after the way Gary, of Klahanie, described this lil’ ol’ blog of mine. He is an intelligent man who takes life, all living things, and the real meaning of this world seriously, as much as he may kid around at times. And I apologize deeply for my delay in responding to this award.

Gary writes frequently of the everyday trials and tribulations of Life as it truly is, with a brilliant, yet subtle, command of the power of words. He is an extremely flexible and talented writer. At his site you can find humor, reflection, inspiration, education, creative word play and imagery through the use of the written word that can only be described as true artistry. He can take you up, down, inward, upward – or just bring much-needed smiles or downright roaring laughter to your day.

From his writings, what he shares with the world, I see a Golden Heart. There are not very many of these in this world; they are to be cherished and protected when found. Often those who are most sensitive of nuances, most aware of others, must carry the burdens imposed by such a gift. Gary does so, not by complaining or excusing, but by constantly searching for and finding the Positive, and sharing that with us. What a precious gift! He is inspirational, he is uplifting, he is caring. You must see for yourself, if you don’t already know him – read The Beach of Dreams. His use of language literally transferred me to that very place!


Tell me: did that post move you? And one I found so funny – for it’s truth – was a writing about how we say things differently in various parts of the world. Having grown up in Canada, now residing in England, and certainly having heard plenty of “American” along the way…his take was quite a riot!

Along with Gary is his beloved dog – Penny, the Jack Russell and Modest Internet Star; she and CindyLu have become good friends. I think they have a lot in common! There are times when Penny steals the keyboard, apparently unbeknownst to Gary.

Gary, I most humbly thank you for the honor. (Okay, to you – honour ;p)

Along with accepting this award, there are a few rules:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded this to you.

2. Link posts by you and ten fellow bloggers that you find inspirational.
3. Forward the award to those ten fellow bloggers.
Did I mention this was quite involved?! Now you know why I took so long to respond! 
As for the ten fellow bloggers I find inspirational – a very tough assignment! So many of my fellow writers would surely qualify here. So, if you are one of my bloggie friends, and I don’t mention you here – chances are it’s only due to limitations, not oversight!

1. Kenzo the Hovawart – Leo is a man on a mission in Denmark. His blog is named after his dog, Kenzo; I’d never heard of a Hovawart before I was lucky enough to come across his blog. He writes much about Kenzo and the Hovawart breed. More importantly these days, BSL in Denmark has to rank among the most insane out there. While 26 breeds of dogs are banned, and any that are found (including those from breeders) are killed – even puppies – breeders are allowed to continue uninhibited. With his love of dogs bolstering him, and the support of many in the blogging community and beyond, Leo perseveres in his dogged attempts to enlighten his government and the country’s press. This is one of his latest updates; Danish Breed Ban Rests On Historically Thin Basis Please visit him and lend your support to his cause!
2. Brian, at Brian’s Home, is a man-cat on a mission of his own…to see the day when no pets are without their own homes. He, his four sisters, and his dad, Terry, work very hard toward that goal. Rescue and foster are everyday realities in his home. A dedicated and loyal blogger friend, he provides us with daily goings-on, pets in need, plenty of photos that make us feel as if we’re right there with him, and inspirational stories about the animals he helps. One such post, Blog the Change: When An Angel Hops By, is such a story. By the way, congratulations are in order for Brian and his family; they’ve just adopted another sister – pretty Precious!
3. Hawk, at browndog cbr, is a handsome, well-mannered Chesapeake Bay Retriever. He and his human astound and delight us daily with the most amazing photos. The beautiful surroundings of where he lives and the love of Nature and it’s beauty are captured so artfully, you feel as if you’re there (or wish you were!) Hawk regales us with his daily activities, training expertise, special friends of his in need of their own home, even his own reflections. He’s one very intelligent dog! See for yourself; this one I not only enjoyed, I learned something new from – Sunday’s Sightings.
4. Hilary, at Feeling Beachie, is a personable, talented writer disguised as a finance executive. Her blog is always entertaining; her greatest skill perhaps is the ability to write as if she is speaking only to you yourself. You can tell by the many comments she receives each day, her individualistic style is well-received! Hilary’s writings about everyday occurrences from a unique viewpoint and the idiosyncrasies of our fellow humankind are reflective, inspiring, or downright humorous. Oh, and she is joined by her cat, Alex, who provides occasional material for her, as in Take Note.
5. Kim Clune, of This One Wild Life, is a multi-faceted writer, photographer, videographer, web designer, activist, avid traveler…in part! She is President of Mixed Media Matters, co-founded Be the Change for Animals with Amy Burkert, and has traveled far and wide volunteering in under-served rural areas with Village Volunteers. Her talented skill, expertise, intelligence and humor combine in her blog to offer an incredibly informative, entertaining and witty feast for the eye as well. I first stumbled across her site when she was presenting her Alaska series; from the start I was hooked.  Here’s one: Kim Clune’s Alaska – Juneau She leaves you feeling as though you’ve traveled and experienced it yourself!
6. In Go Pet Friendly, Amy and Rod Burkert are an amazing couple. Imagine – you leave your jobs, sell your house, and hit the road with your two dogs to travel the country in an RV. Camping in parks, combing for pet-friendly businesses and activities wherever they go, this couple has dared to be different. Go Pet Friendly is more than a blog; it’s a personal itinerary, a tried-and-true guide to the best places to go with your dogs. No need to leave Fido at home; you can check with Go Pet Friendly, then vacation with your Best Friend confidently and comfortably. Their latest blog post (imagine, blogging on the road!) included an unexpected surprise toward the end! Pet Friendly Prescott.
7. Facing 50 with Humour’s Carol indeed has a great sense of humor; add that to a keen look at life and people, and fabulous writing – and her blog  is irresistible. Dishing her spin on Hubby, her mother, her French friend, Solange – or any of the everyday events in life is not just entertaining, it’s enlightening and inspiring. If only we all could have such fun with our views, the world would surely be a happier place! A good example of this extraordinary mix of talent can be experienced in “Thank You For the Music”.
8. little dogs on long leashes This blog about a not-so-little-dog, Georgia Sweet Pea, is a beautiful blend of human, canine and everyday life trials-and-tribulations. Plenty of photos make you feel as if you’re right there with them in Australia. There is a simple sweetness in both the stories and Ms. Pea herself (not to mention the writer!) that is truly charming, endearing, and ultimately uplifting. Life has meaning even in it’s smallest of moments; and life goes on. Each visit to this blog feels like a journey, and one where time is well-spent. Visit Georgia Sweet Pea; her older “brother” Rufus (Mr. Thumper) passed on a month ago, and life is just beginning to move on again for the family. I guarantee, you’ll feel like you’re good friends, or even next-door neighbors! Mr. Thumper Gets a Letter From Home.
9. If I didn’t have a sense of humor’s Barbara most definitely has a sense of humor; one that never fails to make you smile – if not laugh out loud. Another woman who reminds us to not take life too seriously, and to laugh whenever we can! Her interesting take on the little things of life, her use of vintage ads, and her unfailing sense of humor truly inspires and entertains…like You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out. Seriously, Barbara, where do you find these things? Never mind, I won’t want to go hunting (haha) for them – I’ll just read your blog! 
10. Alex Carrick is an economist and author of short stories, two books (Two Scoops is Just Right, Three Scoops is a Blast!), recipient of Honorable Mention in the 2010 Lorian Hemingway SS Competition, and author of a blog by his name, Alex Carrick. Along with a plethora of short stories covering a wide range of subject and voice, he offers an occasional diversion for the spice of variety. Although his writing tends to be of a more serious tone, one of his current posts had me laughing aloud – A Dozen Answers To One Obama Mystery. Enjoy!
Gary, to have been granted the Inspiration award by one who himself inspires me – I say, Thank You immensely, I am truly honored!
The post I was thinking of choosing from my offerings, turns out to be the one Gary chose –   Horrible! Disgusting! And – ?
Have an inspiring kind of weekend!
And since it’s Saturday…it’s time once again for the Saturday Pet Bloggers Blog Hop, hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume.  Enjoy the many offerings!

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Comments

  1. Hilary says

    Oh Cindy Lu (and Kim) thank you so much for this award and your special words. You made my day!!!! I read Gary’s post and it was so beautiful. I will be thinking of it all day when I am on the beach! I can’t wait to check out all the other posts as well!
    XOXO

    Reply

  2. Kim says

    You’re very welcome, Hilary – I’m so glad we’ve made your day! You’ve certainly earned it. Gary’s post is truly out of this world amazing, that’s for sure. Enjoy the beach!! xoxo

    Reply

  3. Kim Clune says

    Wow. This post gave me loads of warm fuzzies. Congratulations on receiving this award as you, no doubt deserve it. And thank you for listing me among so many wonderful bloggers! Recognizing some that you’ve chosen (Kenzo, Amy and Rod), I look forward to exploring the others at your highest recommendation. The thoughtfulness that went into this post is nothing less than heartwarming. What a lovely way to start the weekend. Thank you, Kim!

    Reply

  5. Kim says

    Thanks, Kim! There was no doubt your blog would be on the list – it truly is inspiring!

    FiveSibesMom – Thank you so very much! 🙂

    Reply

  6. browndogcbr says

    Hi Y’all,

    Just hopped by to be sure I wasn’t missing anything…oh but I was!
    Congratulations! You certainly earned it. We always follow your posts. What a wonderful award!

    And then, yes we did read the post, all of the post! So THANK YOU, thank you very much!

    Yes we know Klahanie well and follow him and Penny too. He does make some very moving posts.

    Y’all come back now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

    Reply

  8. Kenzo says

    Congrats on your Inspiration award, Kim. That is some recommendation you wrote for Gary and his blog. I just read “The Beach of Dreams” and it is beautiful. It is poetry. I also found “Accents and Idioms” and share your enthusiasm. People in Denmark usually ask what part of Sweden I come from, you can understand the confusion when I tell them Holland is unfortunately not a city in Sweden since 1200 AD.

    I am still humbled you send the award on to us. You picked some of my favorites too btw, Georgia little pea, Rod and Amy, and Kim.

    Last but not least, thank you so much for your support in the fight against BSL in Denmark. It warms my heart you fight for dogs beyond what ever border they may be.

    Reply

  9. Kim says

    Wow, Blogger is keeping me from my own blog! How strange…the Blogger troubles continue…

    browndogcbr, Yes, thank you – and congratulations! I truly admire what/all you do.
    Carrie, I’ll be heading back over to enter; I did read your post, but hadn’t entered! Great food to offer!
    Kenzo, dear friend, that is exactly the “funny” post I was referring to! So Holland is no longer a part of Sweden? 😉 lol Keep up the good fight, we are all behind you!

    Reply

  10. sam says

    Hi, sam here from the blog hop, well actually its Sam’s Mom. Cindy Lu, YOU Rock! The only one I know well on this list is Brian/Terry through our Cat’s Blog – Penelope – the Cat From Hell!
    Reading your reviews, I think I have some exploring to do!
    Again, Thanks
    Rrruff
    Sam (and her Mom)

    Reply

  11. klahanie says

    Hi CindyLu and hi Kim 🙂
    Thank you so much for saying such nice things about me, yes, shy and humble me. And, of course, the writer on my blog who has tried to show me how to write better, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star! 🙂
    I truly am flattered by all that you have noted and I’m most grateful.
    You were a most worthy recipient of the award and your kindness and positive interaction is much appreciated by me and Penny.
    Many congratulations to those you have bestowed the award upon. I have the great privilege of interacting with ‘Hawk at browndog cbr’ and I shall duly check out the rest.
    As you know, I’m presently in Hope, British Columbia and my commenting on blogs and blogging itself, has been very sporadic. I’m looking forward, upon my return to England and a familiar computer, to hopefully be more proactive in the great blogging community. CindyLu and Kim, Penny and myself are truly honoured (honored) to know y’all eh 🙂
    All the very best and keep smiling.
    In a peace and pawsitive wishes, your way, Gary and Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star xx 🙂

    Reply

  13. snoopy@snoopysdogblog says

    Hey CindyLu,

    Congrats on your award, woohoo!! Way to go!! You rock!! 🙂

    I can see why it took so long to post, that’s a lot of work there……

    Hope you’re having fun,

    Your pal Snoopy 🙂

    Reply

  15. Kim says

    Hi, Gary and Penny, the Jack Russell Terrier and modest internet star –
    inspiration is a perfectly apt word to describe what your writing is, and means to so many. Don’t worry while you’re in Hope, your friends and fans will all still be here for you when you return – and certainly understand your priorities right now!

    We are all the ones honored to know you!
    Best wishes to you y’all, and thank you so much again for the HONOUR 😉

    Reply

  16. Kim says

    Oh,dear Brian, you look so very dashing these days in your new hat! Bo here is quite jealous.
    You’re welcome – and you should be proud, what you do every single day on behalf of us anipals is amazing!
    Bless you!

    Reply

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