And The Lemonade Award Goes To....

I was very touched to receive the wonderful Lemonade Award from fellow blogger, Laughing Stars over at Stark Raving Bibliophile. I "cyber met" Ms. Laughing Stars during her book promotion of Frankie the Walk N Roll Dog. She is a very talented writer, writing coach and publicist as well as an avid reader. As an avid reader myself, have enjoyed her amazing and well-written book reviews on Stark Raving Bibliophile! I always check out the books she recommends!

In receiving this award I also get the exciting privilege to PASS this award along to bloggers who inspire me with their attitude and gratitude.

The Lemonade Award is a feel good award that honors blogs that demonstrate great attitude or gratitude. Here are the rules for accepting this award:

- Put the Lemonade logo on your blog or within your post.
- Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.
- Link the nominees within your post.
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Here are my nominees for the Lemonade Award!!

If you do nothing else in your entire life, go and read Claire's blog, Life With A Severely Disabled Child. Seriously. Now. It is phenomenally powerful, provocative, insightful and real in that stripped down, gritty, real way that you seldom see. Because few can really "go there." But Claire does. Her posts began several years after her typical 5 year old daughter had a stroke and became severely disabled. This is more than the story of life with a disabled child... it is what is in Claire's head and her heart. There is inspiration in her honesty and courage not just in what she deals with, but that she shares her struggles with the vulnerability of her own humanness. When I read her posts, I am both shattered and redeemed. Heartbroken and inspired. Filled with both pain and with awe. And often she is just so flippin' funny and sardonic I laugh outloud! Full of important medical information, honest opinions, and the daily challenges of non-typical parenthood it is also full of brilliant writing, evocative metaphors and imagery, and is often richly spiritual. When I read this blog I am deeply and powerfully changed.

And, while I am on the topic of phenomenal writing, I HAVE to include Elizabeth from A Moon, Worn As If It Had Been A Shell . First of all... the best blog title - Ever! She loves poetry, so I would love her simply for that. But oh, there is more! A seriously talented writer/published author, she can move me to tears, touch my heart, make me smile, and comment with intelligence and sharp wit on a social issue. She is funny, sensitive, poetic, genuine, and mesmerizing to read.

The inspiring Fully Caffeinated blog is where I go to feel grounded, enlightened, and joyful... like I am taking a big, meditative, cleansing breath. I love Carrie's snippets of life with her son Rojo and her photos and reflections on life's "big picture" resonate deeply with me. She keeps it real when life gets her feeling down, but in her honesty her perspective always brings her back to center. She is a breath of fresh air and a superb talent.

The MINUTE I went to Tanya's blog, Teen Autism, I knew this woman was a phenomenally talented writer and quite an amazing individual. I was hooked by her first post and remain quite an addict! She has accomplished so much as a mother, as an advocate for her son and for all affected with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. In fact, she just went to TIBET on an amazing philanthropic/educational/awareness journey. Her writing style is sensational and her posts poignant and honest.

Michelle at A Day In My Life literally takes you through a day in her life... or should I say a day in her head... and I laugh myself silly! In her style, which is reminiscent of Erma Bombeck, this mother of 2 little boys and a jack of all trades, gives you a window into her life as a stay at home Mom and you realize that someone else out there thinks the same silly, fun, mommy-brained way as YOU do.

When I go to the beautiful site Rhema's Hope (Autism In A Word) I literally cry. Every time. CRY! I'm not exaggerating. Rhema and Hope are beautiful twin girls, one neurotypical, one with Autism. Rhema and Hope's amazing mother documents what her girls teach her about love, life, and motherhood with such attention to detail, deep faith in God, poetry, and emotion. It is impossible not to be moved and strengthened by her wisdom, courage, and how she faces moments of challenge. Her spirit is beautiful. Her writing phenomenal. Her words always powerful, moving, and quietly inspiring.

Calling The Shots is a newer blog and I am so glad to have found it! Beth is a wonderful writer, breast cancer survivor, and a fountain of support, encouragement and information for educating people on how to advocate for their own medical care. Candid and wise, Calling the Shots provides expert advice from her own experiences and is a must read if you or anyone in your family is sick.

I am so IN LOVE with my newest discovery, Michelle at Just Eat It. This is a blog I want to eat up... totally devour. Michelle's style of writing is so conversational, natural, familiar, quirky, funny, and true that you feel like you are having coffee with a good friend when you read her posts. It's like, I want to BE her good friend, but she's like really far away. And, I'm probably too lame for her, because she's really cool and down to earth and sassy and intelligent and her kids are like the world's most beautiful children. She's super funny and truly gifted as a storyteller. She's totally authentic too and really open about sharing her ups and downs. You just got to visit her!

I totally struggle with parenthood, feeling balanced and in harmony and serene. What I love about Mama Om is its unique slant on addressing the idea of finding peace, engaging in "peaceful parenting" (a phrase she defines on her blog) and being positive. Stacy is very insightful, humorous and relatable. This gifted writer and mother of 2 helps me feel like I'm not the only one trying to find the garden of Zen in the minefield of motherhood! You'll love her too.