I want to thank Kim over at Cravings of a Lunatic for awarding me a shout out and adding me to her list of "readables." I have never seen myself as much of an inspiration and still find it amazing that anyone would be at all interested in what I have to say. For the past year I have managed to say so little and now that I have been recommended, I feel a bit more pressure to produce! Thank you Kim! You were just what I needed to get me blogging regularly again. I must say, however, that I would rather read about food and try your amazing recipes than read about the day of an Army soldier which, truth be told, can be kind of tedious.
I started this blog to help my husband more efficiently inform family and friends of what was happening during my Army Basic Training, and also update them on addresses to write too, etc. I never expected it to be inspiring - I mean, really, who gets inspired by the daily grind of Basic Training! I have enjoyed it though and I love hearing how it has inspired others to take up the cross of the American Soldier; to try things they never thought they would, or could; to pursue their own dreams no matter how old they were. These things are what keep me going now. While I will be very honest about life in the Army; and let's face it, these days the life of an American Soldier can be trying at best, and down right hell at its worst; I have to say that I still manage to see the silver lining in almost all situations. I mean, really... who wants to hear a soldier whine?
As part of this award I am to tell you 7 things about myself. Yes, SEVEN.
1. I am a Gypsy. Truly. I believe that my father's family tree has them, and if it does not it is missing branches. We traveled across the United States 4 times and I have been to all but 3 states, which are Oregon, Washington and Alaska. I have lived in 9 states, the longest being Georgia. See? A Gypsy.
2. I am certified in 2 therapy programs for those who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. One is Memories in the Making, an art therapy program and the other is Timeslips, a storytelling therapy. I don't know why I feel called to this but I do. I plan on using them to help soldiers.
3. I want a horse. Someday I am going to have one. I want to ride across the United States as a fundraiser for wounded soldiers.
4. I love to try new foods. Even crazy kinds of foods... but I cannot bring myself to try the silkworm larvae that they boil here in Korea... it's just too much. I could see myself as a world traveler trying foods all over the globe. That would be an amazing adventure.
5. I am Level 1 Certified in Art Clay Silver and make whimsical jewelry for friends and family. I don't sell much but when I do it pays for itself. I am also Level 1 Certified in Combatives. I am now able to take down the uneducated... somehow I don't think these are remotely related.
6. I love all things art - I draw, paint, sculpt, do lithography, prints, and write... occasionally.
7. I am a tomboy and a weapons junkie. I don't have to know all the specs to the weapons - just that I can use them and hit what I am aiming at.
I don't follow a lot of blogs, unfortunately, I just don't have the time to devote to it. But I will list the ones that I do. Follow them at your own risk.
First and foremost is my husband's blog - The Worst Boy Scout Ever - I wish he would write more. He really is a funny guy. Maybe you all can convince him to write since he won't listen to me.
I would like to list my son's blog here but he hasn't updated his in ages... he comes by it honestly.
You must check out the blog of the superwoman who gave me this award - Cravings of a Lunatic. How can I best say this? Yummy. If I lived near this woman I would now be approaching 300 lbs.
The woman who knows all things Art Clay and who is the best teacher of it in the world - really - has a blog called Here There Be Dragons. She doesn't write often but when she does it is great! Scroll down to the bottom and you can access her gallery as well as the blog of her sister Eva Moon. So very worth a visit, or two or fifty...
My dear friend Shay Fabbro has several sites. She is an author and has self-published. Excellent reads - both The Chosen and Dangerous Reflections. I am proud to say that I knew and loved her before she got to be a rich and famous author. She is a very entertaining writer and a scientist to boot! Follow her at The Immortal Words of Dr. Fab and The Adventures of Alexis Davenport
Fearlessly Feminine is another blog I love. This amazing woman was with me during my Army training at Fort Jackson as a Paralegal Specialist. Every Friday we had the coffeehouse to go to to unwind from the week of madness that is mass training. Andrea also turned me on to the best kept secret at Fort Jackson - Victory Ranch sponsored by Cadence Ministries and run by a dear couple, Ron and Pam Weinzapfel. Andrea, Ron and Pam have hones the art of loving on soldiers. Something that is desperately needed during training.
I don't know if I found this blog through a friend or a search... can't remember, but I love her way with words. You can find Karen at karenjonesgowen and Coming Down the Mountain: A Writer's Blog
So, now I have to let these people know I have named them... the pressure builds!
Official Rules of the Award
1) Thank the award-giver(s) and link back to them in your post.
2) Tell your readers seven (7) things about yourself.
3) Give this award to up to fifteen (15) recently discovered bloggers.
4) Contact those bloggers and let them in on the exciting news.
2) Tell your readers seven (7) things about yourself.
3) Give this award to up to fifteen (15) recently discovered bloggers.
4) Contact those bloggers and let them in on the exciting news.
