When I checked my e-mail Sunday morning I was surprised to learn that I had been nominated by http://willofheart.wordpress.com/ for the Versatile Blogger Award.

If that’s not a boost to a blogger’s day, I don’t know what is!

While self-perpetuating, the Versatile Blogger Awards are a fabulous way to help bloggers expand their audience as they show appreciation and support for other writers and their blogs.

I was very happy that http://willofheart.wordpress.com/ nominated me, so of course I’ll pass it on. It’s particularly gratifying to receive the nomination from a blogger that I enjoy so much. Thank you http://willofheart.wordpress.com/ for nominating me! I am honored and touched.

The Rules

As with everything in life, there are some rules that I have to follow. The rules for the Versatile Blogger Award are:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers.
2. Inform the bloggers of their nomination.
3. Share 7 random things about yourself.
4. Thank the blogger who nominated you.
5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award pic on your blog post.

Seven Things You Didn’t Know About Me

Since I like to get the hardest things over with first, here are the seven random facts about me that I have not mentioned anywhere else on the site.

1. I am slightly addicted to sugar-free gum.
2. Even though I work out six days a week and eat healthy foods most of the time, I adore sweets. Chocolate in particular.
3. I’m very good at rationalizing that chocolate is good for you. (Hey, there’s research!)
4. I would still like to lose 10 pounds. (Maybe if I cut out the chocolate . . .)
5. I currently don’t want to lose 10 pounds enough to cut out the chocolate.
6. The best decision I have ever made was to marry my husband, David.
7. I spend much of my time focused on appreciating my marvelous life. Life truly is good!

The Nominees

In no particular order here are the blogs that I chose. These are all bloggers that I follow and read regularly, and who have touched and supported me.

http://lifeuntelevised.com

I love the writing in this blog. It’s like sitting down and chatting with a good friend over a cup of coffee. This writer is the epitome of versatile!

http://dabuddies.blogspot.com/

This under-read blog about a woman and her relationship with her five cats is both funny and touching. And certainly, if you’ve ever had a cat, you will be able to relate.

http://counselor77.wordpress.com/

Well written and insightful, this Jamaican writer is worth checking out.

http://jamesdez.wordpress.com/

This blogger is a dreamer who dares to live his dreams—and share his insights with others. Also one of the most genuinely supportive bloggers I’ve had the pleasure of running into.

http://aileenmcgee.wordpress.com/

These short but vibrant posts are like bonbons for the soul.

http://weightlossandcorinne.com/

She’s come a long way, baby, and she’s doing it her way! This young woman’s weight loss journey has me cheering from the sidelines.

http://thebettermanprojects.wordpress.com/

I’m married to a great man who is always striving to be a better man. Maybe that’s why I enjoy this blogger’s journey to be a better man.

http://patcegan.wordpress.com/

This prolific blogger combines beautiful photos and pearls of wisdom.

http://theedbuzz.wordpress.com/

The refreshing blog is written by a school superintendent in Southern California who doesn’t play the victim.

http://danieladamian.wordpress.com/

While the English isn’t always perfect, I find the blogs from this Romanian psychotherapist an interesting read.

http://youcanbreathenow.wordpress.com/

I don’t know much about this blogger, who I’ve just discovered, but I enjoy the practical and insightful posts.

http://esgeemusings.com/

This fascinating blog from a writer in India covers diverse topics ranging from world history and global trends to human psychology and development.

http://lineofserenity.wordpress.com/

You have to scroll down past the ads to find this blog, but these inspiring posts are worth seeking out.

http://rosewinelover.com/

Quirky and positive, this English woman shows that having a disability doesn’t define who you are.

http://sparkylaurie.wordpress.com/

Finding mystery in the mundane, this writer shows we can never underestimate the power of the small things in life.

I hope you enjoy some of these diverse blogs, and will keep an eye out for the blogs they nominate. There are many more that I could have included and many bloggers whose support I truly appreciate.

All that’s left to do now is notify the lucky winners that they have been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award. I hope they’ll find their nomination a great reason to keep writing.

Together we can do it!