Sunshine Awards

I'm so amazed at the calls, comments and emails from yesterday's post.
Here I was in my little cocoon, thinking I was the only one.

Of course, I'm not the only one.
Thank you for helping me put the ugly stepsisters in their place. 
I can't even tell you how much better I'm feeling wrapped in your support. 

After baring the dark corners of my soul yesterday,

I thought it best that we lighten things up around here.  Don't you think?

Have y'all met Jenn at A Country Girl's World?

She is absolutely adorable!  So smart, sweet and down to earth.

She is just one more reason why I so cherish the connections from this blogging world.

She recently nominated me for a Sunshine Award and absolutely made my day.

(On a side note... these grapes are in my back garden!  The vines are from the neighbors yard, but these are growing over the fence.
They make me very happy.)

Here are the questions that Jenn asked.

1. What is your favorite and least favorite place you have ever traveled to?

Least Favorite?  I haven't blogged about our week in Morocco yet.  (Bad Blogger)  I'm so glad that we were able to visit.  But I'm not in any hurry to return.  I struggled a bit during our time there and I'm still processing it.  

Favorite?  This one is really tough.  I loved Turkey, but we were there for such a short time.  Spain feels like home and I would love to live there someday.  But, Ireland.  Ireland was magical and I felt it in my soul.  I felt such a deep connection to the people, the music and the land.  I can't even explain it.  I can't wait to blog about my time there. 

2. What is one random fact about you that your readers may be interested to know?

I have a deep, deep aversion to mustard.  I can't stand to see it, smell it or even think about it.  I find it more disgusting than baby poop.  (Just wavin' my crazy flag for all to see.)

3.  If you were given the chance to go anywhere in the world (money is not an object), where would you go?

Right now there are two places at the top of my Money is No Object List.  Southeast Asia and African Safari.  I would love to spend about a month experiencing each of them in depth.  Third on the list would be Australia.  Matthew lived in Australia for 6 years and even has dual citizenship.  He absolutely loves Australia and would love to live there again someday.  I need to check it out. 

4.  What are a few of your favorite books that you have ever read?

This one is tough.  Gone with the Wind was a childhood favorite and the first book I really fell in love with.  I just love all books.  I love the way the smell and the way they feel.  

Right now I'm excited to read The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert.  I joined two very dear girlfriends for a much-needed, healing day together this week.  Afternoon tea, bottle of wine at the pub and then we went to Hatchards Bloomsbury Book Club to hear Liz speak.   (We're now BFFs, so I can call her Liz.)  What a rockstar!  She is wicked funny, clever, smart and ballsy.  So comfortable in her own skin.  I was deeply inspired by her words and attitude to life.

5. What is one (or more if you'd like) TV show that you just can't miss?

This one is a bit embarrassing to answer.  It's not all great quality, but great for some mindless entertainment.  Emmerdale.  Great British Bake Off.  Downtown Abbey are all in the weekly TV rotation.  On Hulu, I watch the stuff that I don't want Matthew to know about or comment on.  America's Next Top Model.  So You Think You Can Dance.  Nashville.  The Real Housewives of Wherever.  Law & Order SVU.  

6.  What is one goal that you have for your life?

I've never been an athlete or terribly fit.  I've always struggled with my weight.  I've never like this about me.  I want to be fit and healthy.  I want to feel good in my own body, to know each muscle and how it moves.  I want to practice yoga.  I want to run.  I realize that I'm in complete control of this and I'm deeply frustrated that I haven't made it happen yet.  I am totally my worst enemy.  But, I want to go into my 50's comfortable in my skin.  I went for a run yesterday for the first time in ages.  I've signed up for a beginner's yoga class starting next week.  So, we'll see if it sticks this time.  

7.  What is your absolute favorite holiday?

Christmas is probably my favorite.  I love the festivities, food and decorations.  Last year, I went to the Christmas Markets in Germany for the first time.  It's like Christmas on steroids!  I love the family connections of Christmas.  And I love buying gifts for people.   

8. If you could pick one food for each meal that you had to live on forever, what would those be?

Let's see.  For Breakfast?  Yoghurt, fruit & granola.  For lunch?  Wendy's Apple Pecan Chicken Salad.  Damn, I miss that salad.  I ate it everyday for lunch for years.  For dinner?  Steak and Chips.  With A-1 steak sauce.  And a side salad.  And wine.  

9.  I really like this question so I am going to ask it, too.  Who is your celebrity crush?

See #4.  

10.  If you could become fluent in one language, which would you choose?

If I'm being practical, Spanish.  If I'm dreaming big, Irish.  When we were in Ireland we heard the most amazing band sing some great modern songs in Irish Gaelic.  I get goosebumps when I even think about it.  You have to take a look.

Magic, I tell you!  They performed at the TBex Welcome Party at the Guinness Storehouse

and blew everyone away!  I can't wait to go back to Ireland.

I had so much fun answering Jenn's questions that I'm going to use them, too.  

 1. What is your favorite and least favorite place you have ever traveled to?
2. What is one random fact about you that your readers may be interested to know?
3.  If you were given the chance to go anywhere in the world (money is not an object), where would you go?
4.  What are a few of your favorite books that you have ever read?
5. What is one (or more if you'd like) TV show that you just can't miss?
6.  What is one goal that you have for your life?
7.  What is your absolute favorite holiday?
8. If you could pick one food for each meal that you had to live on forever, what would those be?
9.  I really like this question so I am going to ask it, too.  Who is your celebrity crush?
10.  If you could become fluent in one language, which would you choose?

And my nominees for Sunshine Awards are anyone who has ever commented on this blog.

I love getting your comments and hearing your thoughts.

Blogging can feel so solitary sometimes with little immediate reward.

Your comments are definitely the most important part of this. 

So, if you've commented on Oh, the places we will go!

then I nominate you for a Sunshine Award!!

I can't wait to read your answers.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE | BLOGLOVIN