Thank You, Terrell!

Good morning, lovies!

Did you know that a new, treasured friend of mine sent me an award the other day?

Sweet Terrell from Frou-Frou Decor (froufroudecor.blogspot.com)

surprised me with this!  

It came wrapped in a warm hug!

Thank you, Terrell!  

Ok.  So, this is what's supposed to happen:

1.  Thank and link back to the person who gave the award.

2.  Share 7 things about yourself that others may not know.

3.  Pass the award on to at least 4 other bloggers who inspire you.

4.  Let them know you gave them the award.

SEVEN THINGS ABOUT MYSELF

~One~

  

I worked in a high school office for 21 years as athletic department adm. assistant, principal's adm. assistant, and guidance department adm. assistant. - and loved my jobs, the students, and the teachers. 

(It wasn't bad having 8 weeks off during the summer, either.)

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~Two~

I've been a member of Gun Lake Community Church since 1985; sang in the choir and the praise team, was on the Design Team, and worked in the office. I've watched membership grow from 30 people to over 500. God has blessed us!

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~Three~

I have sailed twice on the Windjammer, "Polynesia", from St. Maarten. 

It was a beautifully awesome cultural experience, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
(After I lose 10 pounds....)

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~Four~

I ADORE lavender! 

The plant, the fragrance, and the multitude of things you can do with it.

(I should take out stock in those Air Wick plug-in thingies in Lavender scent.)

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~Five~

Blogging has become a complete addiction for me.  Visiting my friends' blogs is like looking through incredible decor magazines - which is another addiction I will own up to. 

(I have yet to seek help for this.)

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~Six~

My mom and dad are my heroes.  My mother has always been a role model for me; surviving many surgeries, a tumor on her pituitary gland, and is legally blind due to radiation treatments on that tumor. Dad has been her rock and support through it all.

I love them with all my heart and soul.

~Seven~

My dream would be to live out the rest of my days with hubby on Sanibel Island,

and blog my days away with my butt in the sand.

(Remind me to get that money tree planted soon...)

FOUR SEVEN BLOGGERS WHO INSPIRE ME

1.  Debbie at House at the Lake.  She is my soul-sister and my 'junking' buddy.  She has been a faithful supporter, encourager, and friend for over 20 years. I love her dearly.

2.  Diana at Nana Diana Takes a Break.  She makes me laugh...all the time.  She warms my heart with her friendship.  Did I mention that she makes me laugh?

3. Debbie at Love of the Sea for her thoughtfulness, kindness, and love of our furry friends. I envy how close she lives to Sanibel Island....  :)

4.  Trina at A Country Farmhouse because I love her house and her sweet nature.

5.  Jo at Secret Garden Cottage.  She is a talented decorator with amazing style. I covet her home and treasure her friendship. Her comments always bring a smile to my face.

6. Rita at Beach House Living.  Her photography is beautiful.  She lives the beach life I hope to someday live.

7.  Rebecca at A Gathering of Thoughts.  She's another animal lover, her home is sweet and romantic, and her faith stands strong and true.

Thanks again, Terrell, for this award.  You humble me!  :)

{Hugs!}

~ laurie

Passin' On The Love!

Good morning!!

Bloggy Love.
That's what I'm feeling.

My day was made extra special by being honored by my second blog award.
I'm humbled to say the least.

It was given to me from a sweet new friend I made in blog land.

Diana, over at Nana Diana Takes a Break writes a blog that you must visit.

Really, you must.
Seriously.
I mean it.

Her sense of humor ('wicked' as she so devilishly puts it) is pure joy and will have you giggling all the way through her prose.  Yeah, it's one of those blogs where you must hit the little girls' room before you sit down to read it (as someone said so perfectly in one of their comments to her).

So, pop in and meet her here!

Ok.  I'm supposed to list seven more things you don't know about me....

Hmmm....I think I'll share some "Girlie Wisdom" with you that I believe in
and live with daily:

1.  I can eat a 2-pound box of chocolates and gain 5 pounds.  (yeah, go ahead and tell me how that happens...)

2.  The best way I forget about my troubles is to wear tight shoes (preferably stilettos, please).

3.  I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting my panties on fire. (don't ask)

4.  I hung a new dress in my closet a year ago and when I pulled it out the other day, it had shrunk two sizes. (sigh! guess I've got to go shopping....again, darn it!)

5.  I hate it when people say that they 'forgot to eat'.  What?!  I haven't the slightest idea of what that's like.

6.  Seriously...I'm so very addicted to blogging, I'm scaring myself.

7.  I am SO BLESSED to have met all of you wonderful gals (and guys) who follow my blog; who share your world with me through your own blogs; who inspire me and make me laugh and cry and dream with you; and who continue to encourage and support my addictions (read: shopping, decorating, and blogging just to name a few...
I just tell hubby it's all your fault). 

Now, I'd like to pass this lovely award on to four other sister-bloggers I love and cherish!

* Maria at Dreamy Whites because she's created a home that I have always dreamed about and she's sweet and wonderfully talented. (And did you hear?  She's opening a new online shop soon! woohoo!)

* Tracey at French Larkspur who is not only just as sweet, but she's made me fall in love with all things French (and inspired the French in me).

 *Tia at Cottage by the Sea because the stories she tells of her house transformation are always so funny and creative.

* Anne at Fiona and Twig who is always sweet, supportive and encouraging.

*  Meredith at The Weathered Bungalow for her creativity and giving heart.

* Tamra at The Gilded Barn for nudging my creativity and to take risks.

All right....so that's six.  But I could go on and on, you know.
There are SO many other gals out there that deserve this, too!

Check them (and all of my other favorite homes I love to visit) at my sidebar.

Thanks again, Diana!  Love ya, girl!  xoxo 

Oh, and your rocker is waiting for you on my deck...along with that glass of FatCat*HappyDog wine I promised you...  :)

{{Hugs!}}

~ laurie