I am honoured to accept the Liebster Award nominated by Lita from

http://litadoolan.net/2014/02/13/liebster-award/

Lita is new to the blogging world and describes herself as “Emerging Writer, busy emerging.” Although Lita may be emerging in the blogging world I would say she has emerged in the world of theatre both writing and producing plays, with wonderful names such as “Dad sold our house on ebay.” Lita is making herself known in the blogging world as well with her visits and comments.

The Liebster Award originated in Germany with the earliest record of it being found in 2010. It is an internet award given by a blogger to a blogger. The meaning of liebster is dearest, sweetest, kindest, nicest, beloved, lovely, kind, valued, pleasant, cute, welcome, sweetheart, endearing; all terms which I would be happy to have associated with me.

The nominee can either accept or not however the benefits to the blogger far outweigh the time taken to fulfil the requirements. I for one love awards and enjoy getting to know other bloggers that have not come across my path in the normal course of events. Already I have found a site that I really enjoy from Lita’s list of nominees.

The original rules stipulated that the award was to be passed on to bloggers with less than 3,000 followers but variation has been made over time to the rules and in 2014 I have managed to find instructions which have the number of followers to vary from 200 to 1000. The rules Lita sent me said 200 but as at the time she nominated me I had 246 followers I am going to alter the rules myself and change it to 300.

The really nice thing about the Leibster Award is that it is an award designed to find/recognise new bloggers and welcome them to the world of blogging. A little like taking your basket of scones and going across the street to welcome your new neighbour. It is a really nice thing to do. So thank you Lita for your welcome and welcome in return.

The rules

Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog

(2) You must answer the 10 questions given to you by the nominee before you.

(3) Nominate 10 of your favorite blogs with fewer than 200 followers and notify them of their nomination.

(4) Come up with 10 questions for your nominees to answer.

The 10 Questions I was asked:

(1) What is your favourite building to look at?  

The Alhambra in Granada Spain. I love Moorish architecture and this building, built in the 1300s, is a great example.

(2) Is there a city that has changed you in some way (if so which one)?

New York. I fell off the kitchen table when I was about 18 months old and bear the scar on my forehead.  My presence in New York permanently changed me.

(3) On a day off what museum or gallery would you visit?

Georgia O’Keefe museum in Santa Fe because I am quite taken with her art and also I love desert landscapes. To my knowledge this is the only museum dedicated to a female artist.

(4) If you were putting a raft together to survive the floods what would be your secret building material (it can be crazy or practical)?

If I had to build a raft at my house knowing what I have around I think that pool noodles would be the way to go. These can be tied together with whatever I can find first string, pantyhose or whipper snipper cord. Possibly a use for the hundreds of sparkling mineral water bottles that are in the recycling bin also.

(5) If food had no calories what would you fill your table and plate with?

Most definitely biscuits, desserts, and chocolates. I’m assuming no calories also means that you won’t get sick from overeating.

(6) What is your favorite method of transport?

Shank’s pony

(7) Do you remember the first time you smiled and around what age were you?

No I don’t remember. Probably quite young as I was a happy baby. Probably the first time I was conscious of a smile (its just not something I ever really thought about) was when I was in a Peter Pan musical at around 4 years of age and we had to sing “Never smile at  crocodile, never tip your hat and stop to talk awhile ……” and our instructions were to smile and then stop smiling.

(8) What (who or where) inspires your writing? I have always written. I don’t know that anyone inspires me although there have been some very encouraging people in my life. I love reading some of the literary greats and other superb writers but they don’t inspire me – I know I will never be able to write like them (although I’d love to) but they have their voice and I have mine.

(9) What is your favourite body of water (ocean, pool, spa…)?

To look at probably a river followed by the ocean. To swim in most definitely a pool.

(10) What advice would you give to your younger self (fun, fictional or factual)?

Chill out.

My Nominees  (are all fairly new to the blogging world)

http://milankasfinefood.wordpress.com/

http://snapshotsofawanderingheart.wordpress.com/

http://carojesu.wordpress.com/

http://yuktakher.wordpress.com/

http://paradiseofstrangers.wordpress.com/

http://upasnamattoo.wordpress.com/

http://l6mmelehtofnettleweed.wordpress.com/

http://101challenges1001days.wordpress.com/

http://lizard100blog.wordpress.com/

http://writinghome.me/

The questions I am asking my nominees.

1) When did you start writing in general?

2) Why did you start this blog

3) What is one of your talents?

4)What is a great memory from your past

5) What is your favourite season of the year?

6) What makes you smile?

7) What do you think about the self-publishing vs. traditional publishing debate?

8) What do you think the future of books is?

9) If you have some spare time, what do you do?

10) Are you a planner or are you spontaneous?