I’d like to thank my pet rock…

The thing I love about blogging is the community aspect. You read blogs, you comment on blogs and you build up a big group of blogging friends from all around the world. They’re different to your “real” friends. They may not know what you look like or your personality flaws but they really seem to know you. Always on hand with super advice and always willing to make you feel better if you need cheering up. Ever since I started blogging (all those many, many years ago) I’ve found myself as part of a great group of people whom I respect and rely on.

So, it’s always nice when other bloggers (especially those whom you admire) let you know that, somehow, you have made a difference to them too.

Modern Gal, the spirited and damn cool lady from across the pond has kindly bestowed me with this sparkly diamond of an award. And you know how much I want diamonds (N, if you’re reading this, take note)

Apparently, I now have to pass this on to 7 fabulous bloggers. However, in the interests of spreading the love, I’ve decided to hand this out to people whom you may not read at the moment but really, really should. If you’re not included, that means you’re so popular that everyone reads you anyway. So actually, it’s a compliment. If you are included, I just want everyone else to realise how fabulous you are. All bases covered? Burnt all my bridges? Ah well, here we go:

1. Jessica @ Everyday adventures in the city – she may live a couple of thousand miles away but she and I have a lot in common.
2. Hannah @ Blond Moments – she loves gin. What more need I say?
3. Surviving myself - still one of the funniest blogs out there (in my humble opinion)
4. 1,2,3 I love you – a new blog for me but very funny – well worth a read
5. English Mum - I have a feeling she’s already been bestowed this honour but sod it, she can have another one.
6. Africa ExPat Wives Club - one of my favourite Kenyan writers
7. Womble on Tour - a “serious” blog. WOT manages to talk about politics in a way I can’t. Interesting, insightful and knowledgeable. Damn him.

And, because I’m nice…

8. Digressica - only found her, what, yesterday. Already on the blogroll. Fantastic.

Next up, Reluctant Memsahib passed me her own award… The Out There Award.

Her reasoning is “because she blogs regularly and because I, who hurtled past the sign for 40 so fast I hardly saw it, am hugely flattered that anybody so young should read my often Grumpy Old Woman rants”. Personally, I can’t believe that someone who writes so well and with such passion could be bothered to read my blog and so actually, I’m the one who’s hugely flattered. The criteria for passing it on? “Nominees have helped to feel you less lonely when you might otherwise have felt a little bereft of company.” Blimey – that could be everyone I read however I think this award I will pass on to…

Status Anxiety- one of the few bloggers I’ve actually met. Doesn’t blog as much as she used to but when she does, she blogs so well. Drawing you in, everyday occurrences in her life, even things which you and I might view as mundane in our own lives, really come alive.

Ollie @ Dayorama - not a prolific commenter (don’t worry, I’ll have words) but his blog (which he writes with others) is always updated, always new and always has something interesting on it.

Free & flawed - yes, yes, I know she’s very popular but that’s not a reason not to give her an award.

And finally, the lovely Milla (after a bit of badgering and bribery) included me in her “select absolutely the best blog you can think of ever in the whole wide world” meme/award. To pass on that one’s a bit more difficult. There are so many blogs I read which I love and hate (for being too good and why aren’t I that good and why can’t I write that well). So, in order to cheat a little, I’m awarding it to all those people up there.

Hey, it’s my blog, I can do what I want. Sue me.