A nomination from Patricia Furstenberg for the Sunshine Blogger Award greeted me on a drizzly day in Wales. Patricia is a talented author and blogger and her kindness shines.
The Sunshine Blogger Award empowers bloggers to celebrate other bloggers who are creative and bring positivity to the blogging community.
Having blogged for three years in March, I am thrilled to receive this accolade and my first award. I never dreamed my blog would lead me to a global community of sunshine people. Connecting with people via my blog has gifted me with some lifelong friends and gives me such a warm feeling.
Here are the 11 questions set by Patricia for her nominees, with my answers:
Share one thing about yourself that would surprise your followers. I have a terrible fear of heights and once tried to get off a ski lift when it was ascending. I soon came to my senses when I saw how small the pine trees appeared from the lift.
Which do you prefer, mountain or sea?
The sea, the sea! I always visit the sea when I need inspiration. I like to let my mind wonder out to the horizon. I love to sit in a pier coffee shop when the weather is stormy.
What is the highest / furthest point you travelled to?
I have managed to walk up Pen y Fan one step at a time. We travelled to Singapore to stay with friends. What an experience! Singapore is so clean and never stops. The food markets were vibrant. I would like to return and then travel on to Australia.
You stand on a 1m high brick wall. Would you jump off or climb slowly?
I was once chased by a bull, made the leap of faith from a high wall and was absolutely fine. I may try it again!
If you would only start your writing career now, where would you begin?
I would begin by writing career by making an application to join the RNA News Writers’ Scheme. The support from the scheme is wonderful for a new writer.
Which animals you feel it represents you best?
I am like a loyal dog who values friendship and kindness, but sometimes I like to be let off the lead to roam free and explore new territory. And at other times I like to crash out in front of the fire and sleep.
Are you an early riser or night owl?
I do get up early but tend to have my writing inspiration in the evening, and I am certainly more creative when I have had lots of sleep.
Was writing your first choice as a career? If not, what was it?
Writing was always my dream, but I pursued a career in education. I thoroughly enjoyed making a difference to children’s lives and inspiring their creativity. I am blessed to have the opportunity to pursue my own creativity these days.
What is your comfort food?
Yorkshire puddings are my comfort food and the best ones taste like sunshine to me. The taste and smell takes me back to the lazy Sundays of my childhood.
Best way to relax and recharge?
I walk daily. Walking untangles any plot niggles, let’s me spend time with my characters and energises me.
What is your favourite word?
At this time of year my favourite word is hygge. The quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being is evoked in one simple word – hygge. Though I am not sure I say this word correctly.
I also discovered this lovely quotation from The Book of Hygge.
“Just living isn’t enough,” said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” -Hans Christian Anderson”
― Louisa Thomsen Brits, The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well
Blogging takes me to a happy place, and I love it when people join me. Thus, it is fitting to acknowledge some sunshine friends by nominating them for the Sunshine Blogger Award.
My nominations:
Jena. C. Henry
Veronica Cline Barton
Angela Petch
Brigit Gallagher
Lizzie Lamb
Anne Williams
Jo Lambert
Judith Barrow
Shelley Wilson
Jan Brigden
Jan Baynham
Congratulations to the shiny sunshine people I have nominated. I want you receive recognition for reaching out with your creativity and kindness. I appreciate you may not have time to respond with a blog so do not feel under pressure. I am happy for you to simply enjoy the glory and celebrate with coffee and cake.
If you choose to accept the Sunshine Blogger Award nomination, there are a few rules:
- Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you and link back to their blog.
- Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
- List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your blog post.
- Nominate 11 new bloggers & their blogs. Do leave a comment on their blog to let them know they received the award and ask your nominees 11 new questions.
Here are 11 questions for my nominees:
Which three photographs would you present to capture your life? Feel free to include these in this post if you can.
I believe laughter is one of the best tonics in life. When was the last time you could not stop laughing?
Explain the last act of kindness you showed to a friend or stranger.
Do you prefer the winter sun or the summer sun? Explain your response.
Describe your perfect Saturday evening.
What sorts of characters do you prefer to meet in novels?
Give one sentence of advice to yourself when you were sixteen.
Is there a friend from the past you would love to get in touch with and why?
What is your food heaven and food hell?
Share your favourite recipe.
If you could travel back in time where would you visit and who would you take with you?
Please see all my Handbag Adventures and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.
A copy of my novel is available here.