Liebster, Schmiebster

There are two crazy, but endearing sisters whose blogs I have begun to follow at the positive pessimist and in my mind, it's always funny.

I imagine, when they're together, they're like Lucy and Ethel, but I can't verify this.   They're witty and tender-hearted and generous.  This week, they each (independently) gave me this blog award.

I had no idea what it meant (what the heck is a liebster?), so it seemed fitting coming from the crazy sisters.  Thank you, girls!

I did some research and learned that this award is given to up-and-coming blogs that are full of genius and promise.   OK, I added that last part, but the up-and-coming part is true. 

I did some more research and learned that the award was named for Gwendolyn Liebster, who was the first woman to work for an American newspaper in 1857.  Widowed at twenty-six, with one young child, Gwendolyn began writing for the Boston Chronicle for just nickles a week.  Her son grew up to become a successful editor.  Gwendolyn is credited with being a little-known single mom and a trailblazer. 

OK, I made all that up.  But, isn't it a great story?  It gives the Liebster Blog award depth and significance, which it needs because nobody seems to know what the title really means.  

So, I'm sticking with Gwendolyn.  

As the rules require, I'm posting seven things about myself and then passing the award to five other bloggers who I think are also full of genius and promise.   

1.  Today is our first-born's birthday.  He lives on the other side of the world in Arizona, so I don't get to squeeze him as much as I'd like to.  You can read about him here:  WHO'S ON FIRST?
I mistakenly mailed his birthday gift to Louisiana. 

2.  I will never eat octopus.

3.  I rarely make my bed.  

4.  I could not have had a better father.  My tribute to my dad for Father's Day (which is tomorrow) is here:  THANK YOU DAD

5.  The best advice I ever got was this:  When people show you who they are, believe them.

6.  I hate that I can't eat what I want and stay healthy.   

7.  I'm writing a book about a Christmas project for families.  I see it in my head, complete and colorful, on a Barnes & Noble shelf.  If this vision ever becomes a reality, I will cry.  And thank every person who ever read a sentence I wrote. 

I'm passing the Gwendolyn Liebster award to: 

1.  Lisa at All Things Campbell
2.  Jaime at Awakenings and Reflections
3.  Brenda at It's All Good!
4.  Suzi at Make a Joyful Noise!
5.  Juli at Surviving Boys

Have fun, ladies!