Catching Up

Summertime is such a busy season!

The past few weekends we've been away from home most of the day doing activities with family and friends, so I haven't been able to visit all the blogs I enjoy, so hopefully I'll be able to drop by your blog for a nice visit very soon.

First of all I have to acknowledge some wonderful awards that were passed on to me recently!

Cori, of Southern California and the Gingerbread and Company blog, presented me with this "Perfect Blend of Friendship" award. It was such an appreciated gift, Cori, as you know I enjoy all my visits to your very pretty blog and I enjoy the time I spend there amongst your beautiful photos and quotes, and sharing in your activities and enjoying your sweet friendliness.

I pass this "A Perfect Blend of Friendship" award on to Rosie at Rosie's Whimsey, Donna at Donna's Art, Steviewren at A little birdie told me so, Rue at Rue's Peanutbutter and Jelly, and Diane at A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, Lisa at Lisa's Retro Style, and Laura at Shorehouse Chic. Please pass this award on in friendship too!

Next, Gina of Tasmania, Australia and the Gingerbread blog, presented me with the "Tree Of Happiness" award which says the following: "You have just received the tree of happiness. It is scarcely a small plant, which depends on you to grow firmly and strongly. Plant it on your heart, water it with smiles and kindness, feel the aroma of its flowers, savour the sweetness of its fruits and protection under its shade whom you love."

This award requires me to list 6 things that make me happy right is moment, so in no particular order here they are:

1) Summertime! Autumn is my favorite season, but Summer always makes me happy too, as I love the longer days, flowers growing in my garden, the abundance of fresh produce, and warm sunny days to sit outside and dream. Today is beautiful blue sky day, with low humidity and a mild breeze. It's just perfect, a day to savour!

2) Birds! At this very moment there are quite a few birds at my bird feeder chirping pleasantly, and my cat and I enjoyed watching them this morning as they took turns eating and fluttering around from the feeder to my garage roof where they spent some time preening their feathers or sunning themselves. It's impossible not to feel good watching the birds enjoy a summer day!

3) Magazines! I have two new magazines that arrived in the morning mail waiting to be read! The topics are now turning towards autumn recipes and activities, and I am anticipating reading them later and also enjoying all the beautiful Autumn themed photography.

4) Music! My husband and I went to two different concerts, two weekends in a row, at two different venues -- and I'm still grinning ear to ear thinking about them and humming the tunes we heard! A future blog post, so stayed tuned.

5) Coffee! I do appreciate a big cupful of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, and sometimes I indulge in a second after lunch. Today is a two cup day!

6) Family! We went to a block party this weekend on Long Island, and had a great time seeing my brother and sister-in-law, my nephews and their spouses, and my great nieces and nephews. I spent part of my morning today editing and cropping the photos I took at the party to e-mail them to everyone. Just look at the newest member of the family, my grand niece Aine, only two months old -- isn't she a little darling?

I pass this "Tree of Happiness" Award on to Beverly , at How Sweet The Sound, Dana at The Stone Rabbit, Penny at Lavender Hill Studio, Vee At A Haven For Vee, Sherry at Edie Marie's Attic. I'd love to know what is making you happy this very moment my friends! Please pass this on to other people who make you happy.

Last, M. Kate of Malaysia, and the beautiful La Vie Est Belle blog, presented this award to me amongst the most fascinating blogs. I am so honored and thankful that you feel my blog is a "must see" one M. Kate! You know how much I enjoy your blog and all the places you take me through it, and I always learn something from you each visit, the latest being facts about Sipadan island.

I pass this award on to Nihal of Turkey at Cross Roads, Rima, of Scotland, at The Hermitage, Lavinia, of Canada, at The Birdbath Chronicles, and Pamela Terry and Edward of the USA, at The House of Edward. They are all fascinating blogs written by fascinating women, and I hope they share this award with the blogs they "must see" every day.

Blogs and blogging has certainly made the world a smaller and more intimate place and has enabled us to share our thoughts, ideas and our lives with each other. I hope we can continue to use our blogs as a way to do as Gandhi once so wisely advised: "We must be the change we wish to see in the world." Please spread peace and kindness to all you meet today and do small things with great love.