I’ve made some good friends here on the Interwebs, and feel fortunate that some of them feel the same way about me. About a week ago, two of them, Alice Audrey of Alice’s Restaurant and Barbara of Barbara Bakes, both sent me awards that I take as great compliments. I “met” them in different circles – Alice, while participating in the Saturday PhotoHunt, and Barbara, on Twitter in that circle I now call my “Yum Friends”.

Alice Audrey of Alice’s Restaurant sent me this one:

The rules are to list ten things that make me happy and to pass it on to ten people who make me happy. Before I make my list, I’ll just say that, Alice and Barbara – Your friendship makes me happy. Thank you!

Barbara of Barbara Bakes sent me both that one and this:

This award came with some fun instructions:

1. Post the award on your blog. Present this award to seven others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you.

2. Tell those seven people they’ve been awarded HONEST SCRAP, inform them of these guidelines, and ask that they link back to you.

3. Share TEN HONEST THINGS about yourself.

I think I will do what Barbara did, and share ten things that honestly make me happy (in no particular order, except No. 1):

1. The love of my husband.

2. Sitting in the backyard, watching birds and squirrels at my feeders.

3. Creating something delicious.

4. Eating that delicious something.

5. Blogging about that delicious something.

6. My kitties, JJ and Sly, cuddling up to me.

7. Watching JJ and Sly cuddling up with my husband.

8. Learning something new to me.

9. Planting and watching things grow.

10. People leaving comments on my blogposts – especially if they’re new to me and not spam.

In the same spirit, I’m passing these awards on to ten blogger friends whose acquaintance I’ve made over the last few months, and whose honesty and friendship have really made me happy (also in no particular order!):

Shelley of Shelley Bakes
Casey of TasteStopping and KitchenWitch
Tracy of Sugarcrafter
Janet of LaDue & Crew
Barbara of Vino Luci Style
Judy of No Fear Entertaining
Joy of Gourmeted
Courtney of Coco Cooks
Pam of The Cooking Ninja
Asha of Fork-Spoon-Knife

Thank you, ladies for adding a little something extra to my day and to my experience!

I received this award from Alice Audrey, who I discovered when I began participating in the PhotoHunt meme, about a year or so ago. While the rest of us go through our photo archives or walk around, camera in hand, searching for just the right photo to illustrate that week’s theme, Alice created the world of Jack & Jill and their pets, Gin (the cat) & Tonic (the dog), to photograph entire scenarios and an ongoing storyline. I fell in love with her creativity and warped sense of humor. So, thanks Alice! This means a lot, coming from you.

But, of course, all of these awards come with Rules:

Neno’s Award—-Rules and Regulations

1. As a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging.

2. To seek the reasons why we all love blogging.

3. Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it.

4. Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.

5. Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.

6. Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.

7. Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

Hmm… I never really thought about blogging until my friend, MizShoes, got me into reading hers. The initial attraction for me was that, with a certain degree of anonymity, I could say many of the things on my mind that I couldn’t necessarily in real life. At least without most people in my circle thinking that I was becoming unhinged. That’s morphed into expressing other passions like cooking, photography, politics, and nature. When this all began, I never thought anyone would actually read any of it, but because of blogging, I’ve made friends all over the world who share at least one – if not more – of these passions. There’s nothing more gratifying to me than getting a comment on a post that says: “Really? Me, too!”

With that in mind, I’m passing this award on to:

Michele of Funky Chunks: I admire Michele’s spirit and talent. She not only blogs and cooks, but she makes the finest natural handmade soaps you can get. In fact, some of her seasonal offerings that I purchased recently, are going into certain birthday gifts. I love the quality and especially the scents of the ones I’ve tried: Pumpkin Spice (omg – can you smell pie?); Jersey Love (smells like tomatoes growing on the vine); Mellow Yellow (bananas – my favorite!). She’s got a zillion of ‘em, and is always coming out with more – no limits to her imagination! They’re all vegan-friendly and great to your skin. Michele also has a positive spirit and love of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, and will be participating in the #GreatHallowTweet BlogHop with us, next week – so what’s not to love?

I’m also passing this on to Michelle (Rambling Woods), Elle (Elle’s New England Kitchen), Michelle (Big Black Dog), Heather (BodaciousGirl), Katie (Gonzo Gastronomy), Paula (Dragon’s Kitchen), Courtney (Coco’s Kitchen), Judy (No Fear Entertaining), Deeba (Passionate About Baking), Jamie (Life’s A Feast), and Casey (Kitchen Witch & TasteStopping) – all some of my favorite bloggers and each one worth getting to know. Once you visit them, you’ll know why I’m sending this on to them. Thank you, ladies, one and all!