The Versatile Blogger Award

I was stunned and excited to find out, on the first day of 2012, that I have received The Versatile Blogger Award by the lovely Naomi of Poetic Aperture! This is what she wrote about me:  I met Fanny at The Art of Mindfulness workshop in Houston and liked her immediately. I love that her humor shines through her new-mother haze. Thanks for the love, Naomi! Right back at you.






For this award, the rules are:

1. Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post. (see above)

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs you enjoy reading.

4. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.

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Here are my 7 things:

:: I am very sensitive to light, and I simply cannot abide lighting that comes from ceiling fixtures, such as ceiling fan lights. Must. Be. Turned. Off. Table and floor lamps only, please.

:: English is my second language. I grew up speaking French near Montreal.

:: I am a mushy-hearted devoted cat lover--love all cats, everywhere--but I do not care one bit about cat-shaped things, or cat patterned things, or anything cat-related that isn't an actual cat.

:: Before moving to Texas 5 (gasp!) years ago, I lived in Victoria, BC for 7 years. I miss the Pacific Northwest like crazy.

:: My husband and I got to know each other through our blogs, in the blogging dark ages of 2004, back when you had to wrestle your own HTML stuff (no fancy widgets!) They are now defunct, but his blog was titled Punch Like A Poet, and mine was Weeds Of Contemplation.

:: I have a hardcore scarf and bag fetish. I shudder to think how many I possess of each. This little green number is my latest addi(c)tion.

:: I was always a dedicated tea drinker. But the hours new mothers are forced to keep has given me a deep and abiding affection for coffee.

::  ::  ::

Now, to spread the love. I adore blogs, and follow lots, but they tend to be biggies (see links in sidebar.) Here is a smaller selection of sites deserving of a larger audience, and two of my dharma teachers, whom I would be remiss not to mention, regardless of how many followers they might already have.

Piles of Laundry in the Holy Land :: Ravyn was one of the most inspiring voices in my yoga teacher training. She has recently moved her adorable family from Austin to Palestine. Her adventures are definitely worth following.

Dollop of Cream :: My real-life friend Stephanie shares her culinary creations (most can be made gluten-free) on this lovely site. Her photography is as mouth-watering as her recipes.

Honest 2 Betsy :: She doesn't post all that often, but her beautifully written and often hilarious posts are so worth waiting for.

Live Free :: I found my way to Nichole's blog recently. It's a quietly beautiful place where I like to hang out, and read about her days with her sweet little girl.

Radiant Reflections :: I just subscribed to Kylie's blog today. I sense a kindred spirit. I'm excited to get to know her better.

Cheerio Road :: I don't know how I would have made it through this first year as a mama without Karen Maezen Miller. Her blog is a fount of real wisdom about this beautiful mess that is our lives.

Susan Piver :: My meditation practice has been the touchstone that has kept this mama sane lo these 11 months. Susan's blog has helped me anchor and deepen that practice.

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What a wonderful, and very fitting way, to start this new year, since more blogging! is right at the top of my list of intentions for 2012. I hope you'll come around and hang out with me as I develop my vision for this site. Here's to health, happiness, and spreading the love for the new year ahead!