Thanks Audrey...with gratitude

The Noblesse Oblige Award

First I want to apologize to Audrey, just in case you were thinking that I was ignoring your kindness for bestowing me with this Noblesse Oblige Blog Award. Nothing of the sort. And I guess, similar to the way you were thinking, I was scratching my head wondering why you would pass this on to me which required some additional thinking. But, also like you, it won't prevent me from giving it a quick polish and hanging it up on the wall! For those that don't know Audrey, this is how I would describe her. A woman of courage, intelligence, humour and wit who, despite being faced with the realities of a life threatening disease, has decided to share her journey with the blogging community. Audrey has shared the experiences she has had in dealing with the medical community, the literature she has read and the knowledge that was gained from the experience of others. A remarkable woman who has continued to appreciate all that life has to offer. (Insert applause here and take a bow Audrey)Thank you very much for the recognition Audrey. It is truly appreciated. Big Bear Hugs to ya!

Details of the Noblesse Oblige Award:

The recipient of this award is recognized for the following:

1. The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs.
2. Their 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, Cultures, 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:

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 as support.
4. The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.
5. The Blogger must display the Award at any location at their Blog.
   

Believe me, when I started this froth, I was not thinking about awards. Just about writing and getting in touch with me, my feelings, my thoughts and how these things made me tick. This blog has no definitive agenda. Sometimes memories dictate what I write, some good, some maybe not so good. Other times it could be that something gets triggered, opening a wound which requires a suture or two. Or, it could be what is going on in society; the laurels and brickbats. It may even be what is going on in our own backyard. For years, most of what I am writing about has been locked inside of me living up to the old stereotype whereby men do not show, let alone share their emotions. The cost for bottling up these emotions and the damage incurred is immeasurable. Remember that every time you look at one of your sons and you see him staring off into another world, for he may be wishing that is where he wants to be. I have come to realize that I too, deserve to be happy and if writing helps me to achieve that, then so be it.

Here is where I have to wholeheartedly concur with Audrey, the Blogging community, with which I have come to know and love has been extremely supportive, caring and dare I say loving. Not only does it feel like I have so many new friends but given the number of women who follow this mish mash, it feels like I have gained the insight of sisters that I didn't know I had. My goal with this blog is to hopefully help those who feel that they have wrapped their Inner Child like a mummy, to find a way to unravel the bandages, let the scars heal and embrace them. It is that inner child within all of us that allows us to blossom into better, stronger, wiser, more compassionate and more empathetic human beings. I would like to envision this blog sharing as though we were all assembled on a beach, circled around a huge bonfire, sparks climbing to meet the stars. Complete with music, marshmallows, hot dogs and your beverage of choice. (I'll have a San Pellegrino with a lime wedge) Sharing our sorrows with tears and hugs; and our happiness with laughter and joyousness. If anything, I just hope to create an atmosphere whereby if you come here to read, that it also makes you think.

And now, with this wee disclaimer, this Award appears on many a blog which I visit and I could and would bestow it upon them yet again. However, I am going to present it to only two recipients for the time being, reserving the right to add to this list in the future. And they are:

Michelle Frost of Crow's Feet (check out her blog and tell me I'm wrong!)
Lori of My Life Interupted (the reason are obvious)