6.16.2012

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! 


23 comments:

Rita said...

Fun to read!
I will never eat octopus, either! LOL! ;)

Tamera Brose said...

I will never eat octopus and I rarely make any beds. I hope you get that book done. I'd love to have a copy.

Chatty Crone said...

Congrats to you! Love your answers as I love to really get to know someone. I have eaten octopus - got sick - and will never ever eat it again. sandie

Funny in My Mind said...

If you think Mel and I together sounds fun, imagine all 4 of us sisters plus our brother plus our husbands plus our 4 collective children (all boys) plus all of the dogs (13)
I have no idea what a Liebster is either so I am going with what you said.
It's cute that you called us tender hearted. We usually are called worse! Ha! You are a kind soul.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

Gosh you are a hoot! And if you don't know Southern slang, that means you are funny and amazing. - Congrats!

We have some things in common: I never eat octopus and rarely make my bed.

And your best advice was really good advice!

Heather Murphy said...

Congratulations! I received this award a while ago but didn't know about Gweldolyn Liebster. Very interesting

Dana said...

Octopus is not for me! Your book sounds fantastic. Good luck with it! :)

betty said...

congrats on the award! I am with you, I just don't think I could eat octopus either! Happy birthday to your son!! I do hope your book becomes a reality some day!

betty

Anonymous said...

http://morningcuppas.blogspot.com.au/p/kind-awards.html

Juli said...

Awe, Thanks! I have to say, I was reading your Liebster award description and thought, OH! That's what it is! And here I was just thinking it went to people with under 200 followers... and then, I found out the truth.... so now I'm claiming ignorance, since ignorance is bliss... and I like your story better.

So, let's just start a rumor, shall we?

OH... and octopus... is not so bad until you realize the texture in your mouth is tentacles. YUCK! Also, I had one as a pet... so eating it now is out of the question...

Melanie said...

Oh, I love Gwendolyn's story! You totally had me for a minute and I was so proud of her. However, I'm sure there were many, many unrecognized women like her out there, so this can be an ode to them! I have to make my bed every day or I can't even think about going to bed at night. I need square corners, fluffed pillows, and organization galore. I'm so glad you grew up with a wonderful dad. Me? Not so much. Maybe that's what makes Funny and me so goofy. I like your advice. I'm going to remember that. And I'm with you on the eating. But that's obvious from my current struggle! I can't wait for your book! I love Christmas and I love family projects!

Lynn Proctor said...

congrats---love your answers :)

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

I like your story for a back story for the Liebster Award it is cool........Good on you getting it the award I mean now you know I am going to check out these so called crazy sisters and see if they are really crazy or if it is all in your head.......meaning your are the crazy one.......lol

Farida said...

Thanks for adding humor to your post. Reading it is more fun and yes, you added depth to the meaning of the award :P

I empathize with #6. I too feel that way too but as we mature, it's much wiser to eat healthily. What I do though is to do it in moderation :D

I hope your #7 becomes a reality! I'd be a sure reader and spread the word to my family and friends.

Have a great week ahead and God bless you! :D

notes4neta said...

Congratulations on the award! I agree with you on #6! And #5 is good..really good!

I do make my bed everyday..old habits die hard!

Kerrie said...

Congratulations on your award!

May you have a blessed, peace filled day and week ahead. {{{KC}}}

momto8 said...

fun to read...congrats on your award!!

Anonymous said...

I will never eat octopus either. When your book hits Barnes and Nobles I'll be there to buy it! I can tell you it's a great feeling.

Judy said...

That cracks me up that you sent your son, who lives in Arizona, a present to Louisiana! hahaha

Octopus looks so so slimey - - good call!

Unknown said...

I hope Gwendolyn gets passed forward as part of the Liebster legend.

Melanie said...

Your parents are so lucky to have you! And I agree about teenage girls' clothing. I cannot stand most of it. Are they shorts or underwear? Does it have to say SEXY on your butt? I mean, if someone had given me clothes that showed cleavage at age 16 I would have fallen over from embarrassment.

Suzi Fischer said...

Hi!
I hope you don't mind....I keep calling you MareBare! :) it's just what comes out of my typing ..ha ha ha.

Thanks for the nomination. I finally sat down and wrote something...it's kind of hard to get in the swing again....the April challenge was a good way to stay on the writing track...I guess I'll have to keep up on my own now. I love your blogs!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Mare, congrats again! I've seen the Liebster award on various blogs but I'd never heard the story behind it. Thanks for sharing that!