I sat down this afternoon to read, & knew I was losing the battle to stay awake, so I just let myself go, & had about 90 minutes sleep.
I have been surprised & flattered to have been given 2 awards. I don't really 'do' speeches. I say very humble Thank You to Bren of "Pieces From Me" for the badge "You Lift Me Up".
The following is the message that came with the award, from the person who wrote it initially
The thing that I love most about blogging is that I learn so much about a person just by reading his/her blog. I have met MANY wonderful people with wonderful stories to tell and I am grateful every day for each person whom I have the pleasure of crossing paths in life with. I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell, and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement. Although there are MANY people I want to give this award to at this very moment, I am going to choose ten bloggers:Please grab your badge and wear it(with a smile) proudly, and pass it on because you inspire and encourage me, thank you.
I always find these things very difficult, & just cannot limit myself to a number for passing these things along. Obviously, if I read your blog I enjoy it! And I try to leave comments where possible, to let people know I have been to visit, & pass along my admiration.
So while accepting my award with surprise, I will not pass it along. I feel everyone I read, lifts me up in some way. Or, allows me to share their pain, grief, or joy, or talents. Which is a priveledge, to be allowed into other lives, & share their ideas, & Oh! the Fun!
My other Award, or Medallion, was from Rev. Anaglyph, of "Tethered Cow". This was a great fun exercise, & I had so many laughs from all the witty suggestions. I was chuffed to get the chance to play, & was so surprised to see I had won! I am still working on trying to get it properly onto my side bar! When I first tried to do it the way it should work, it wouldnt show up, so I must be doing something wrong... Which is not all that unusual!
Thank you Rev!
******
Further laughs from yesterday, included a lone man sitting at his vendor stall, with
Another vendor of "Old Wares" was situated outside in the courtyard, & he fitted the bill, as far as appearances go. He had large bushy eyebrows, laughing brown eyes, behind 'gran'pa' glasses, & wore a large Tweed Cheesecutter hat! His curling grey hair, peeked out over his ears, under the cheesecutter. A potential customer offered him some chips, & he confessed to me, that he was going to have to go & get some for himself. I couldn't see who would mind his stall, while he was absent. I fleetingly thought to offer to mind it, then thought better of it... what if I got robbed! DJ was taking the opportunity to have a quick smoke, so she was not available for 'duty'. He had beautiful cup, saucer, & plate sets, so dainty & pretty. And pricey, though not outside their worth, I would think.
Perhaps the saddest of the day, was the obvious 'Weekend Dad'. He had his smallish young son, & they were perusing the "50 cent sale" shelves, & he was giving a great show of generosity, telling the boy to choose what he wanted. There was slightly forced, 'hearty' laughter from WD, & unsure nervous glances from Son. Who knew, when the chosen 'prizes', might be snatched away, or mocked.
There was a Grandma, who seemed to be WD's mother, & she was attempting to keep things "real." WD was being the 'fun guy' trying on silly hats, posturing with masks, & holding up odd & ends, poking fun. Son was not-quite-sure, about all this 'fun'. Grandma was reassuring.
Somehow DJ & I could see the balance of the afternoon unfolding, once they got home. The WD, who had held it all together, for the outing, would relax, & 'reward' himself with a few 'bevvies'*. The Grandma would referree. At handover time, we could almost see the mother's stiff disapproval, the stilted greetings, the eyes not met, & the son, feeling guilty, wishing his parents were still friends, at least. Feeling it was somehow all his fault.
* 'bevvies', is an Aussie name for beers.
Eric Clapton, Tears In Heaven.