You'll Never Guess What Made Me Tickled Pink Today ...

I have received an AWARD!!

This is beyond exciting, as it is my very first bloggy award ... truly, I am doing a few cartwheels inside and smiling like a goober! :)

Donna, from Donna's Art, has presented this award to me. Now, she is just the sweetest gal (and not just because she gave me an award!! I'm not that kind of person - Gracious!) - but truly, if anyone radiates beauty and warmth from, not only her glorious smile, but also her gracious way of sharing her artful life, it's Donna! She's a very talented artist, and one of my favorite aspects of her paintings (among many) is how she captures her love of two adorable pups, Otis and Riley ... Just Delightful! You must pay her a visit, for you will stay for a spell I'm sure!

This award is based on displaying great attitude or gratitude (she must have caught me on a good day .... LOL!) Now, to share the love, I am to follow the rules for this award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show GREAT ATTITUDE &/or GRATITUDE!
3. Be sure to link your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love & link to this post & to the person from who you received your award.

So, Donna - you, of course, would be on my list - so back at'cha! :)

Like Donna, I'm going to bend the rules a bit and list four, as it would take forever to add all the blogs that I frequent and am inspired by their unending creativity, gracious hearts and cup-runneth-over gratitude. Bloggin' Ladies surely are gems of the earth!

Cynthia from Cynthia's Cottage Design - she is like the warm, vibrant pink in a sunrise or a bright, lovely cardinal atop your windowsill. Visiting her spot just warms your soul with inspiration! I truly marvel at what she creates and adore her decorating style. She's similar to a magician in her creativity ... she'll take ordinary items and turn them into extraordinary treasures - just like herself!

Catherine of Catherine Holman Folk Art - her art is such a source of inspiration to me. Not only does she create the most breathtaking paintings of such detailed folk paintings, but she also writes the most heartwarming and whimsical stories to go along with them! Again ... Inspiration at its finest!! She paints of a time that lives within my heart ... that perhaps is why I'm so drawn to her work ... well, that ... and she's just too grand for words!

Nicole at Life is Beautiful - and you know what ... so is she. She just has this gentle spirit about her. Her art carries on life of its very own. She reminds me of stillness and peace within the early morning forest ... and then her art brings such beautiful light that awakens your world around you and your senses seem more keen. She applies such layers and depth to her work ... just lovely!

Gwendolyn from All's Fair in Love and Chocolate - This gal is a literary comedic genius - without even trying! She's a sitcom in the making. She lifts my soul with her stories. Her blog is well titled ... Gwendolyn's writing is like that last Hershey kiss that you didn't know that you had, and thank the Dear Lord that you do, because you're having major "Something Sweet Withdrawal" that only a nice bit of Chocolate will do ... She's always that pick-me-up - even if I have to reread posts!! (*smile* Gwen-do-lyn (I'm singing this) ... 10 days between posts is killin' me! You've got to tell me what Mucous Boy is up to! LOL! I know, I'm not much better, but you're just so much more entertaining!) You'll be hooked, once you've visited ...

Again, Thanks a bunch Donna! What a lovely way to embrace 2009!

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.

-Johannes A. Gaertner