PROXIMITY AWARD

My new friend Fiona from "A pot, a thought and a smidgen of dirt" has given me this Proximity Award. Thank you so much, Fiona. (I recently "met" Fiona, who is from Nottingham, England, as is her mum, Margaret from "Margaret's Ramblings.")

"Blogs who receive this award are 'exceedingly charming' say its authors. This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!

"Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award. According to the rules I must mention eight more bloggers with whom I wish to share this:"

At this point I would ordinarily politely decline to accept an award, or give the award to all my readers who wished to accept it, because I so hate to hurt anyone's feelings.

But this one's easier. I don't have to show favoritism by hinting that this person or that person is a better blogger. This award is about Proximity, and I feel there are some of my Blogland friends who really fit that profile, by becoming more than just a commenter. These people are "there" for me, from sending me gifts, to e-mailing me, to giving me a boost - or a shove - when I need one, and even phoning me, in a few instances.

I got lucky because Fiona had already nominated one of my dearest friends, Leanne from "Somerset Seasons Dorset Days." Leanne, you are my anam cara, the heart and soul of England, my "adopted" country. How I would love to explore your beloved woods with you.

Lila of "Indigo Pears" - my first blogging friend,

Gemma of "Wild Woman in a Desert Garden" - my ancestral sister,

Carmen of "Writing From Life" - a creative mermaid.

I love you three, closest of all to my heart. We are the Four Musketeers, all for one and one for all. We're mostly the same age but we have one young'un too. Sorry, ladies, that I cannot participate in the round robin with you this time.

Mary from "Across the Pond". You have such grace, taste and class - and most importantly, empathy. If you had only done just one thing - sending me the book about "The Girls Who Went Away" - you would have been my friend for life. You saved my life.

Annie from "Bimbimbie". The thousands of miles between North Dakota and Queensland, Australia, cannot hinder our friendship. Our love of nature is our bond and our seal. What a difficult time you are having now, leaving Bimbimbie, "The Place of Many Birds." Thinking of you.

Anna from "Nature Girl". Anna, another nature lover and photographer whose pictures equal the words of the finest poet. Such kindness (and roses) you have shown me. Anna, I'm praying for you and your dear mother through this difficult time.

Rowan from "Circle of the Year", my kindred spirit and wise teacher. You know that I was a changeling, separated from my ENGLISH family at birth! You give me back the connection. I hope to walk the lanes and stately homes of England with you some day.

Vicki from "Victoria Station", her new blog that is just now under construction. Vicki, you have had the worst thing ever happen to you this year and yet you still continue to be my friend, even when I didn't deserve it. I fervently hope you are back writing soon.

Mary from "Back of the Moon". We started as co-creators of an art challenge and are now fast friends. Dear Mary, I'm so glad we ventured this, for look what it brought us! Keep creating your collages and your jewelry!

Janet from "The Lavender Loft", you are one terrific lady and I am proud to call you my friend. I look to you as a source of inspiration with my art. Just looking at your picture makes me smile. It shows your wit and whimsy which shine through in all you do.

Annie "Elf" from "In My Dreams". What would I have done without you on one of my worst days ever? You have the biggest heart! How I admire you for exploring your spirituality and reaching for the stars. You are always growing - don't ever stop.

Joyce from "The Secret Gardener". You knew even before I did that a NoDak gal and a lady from the Bayou could be fast friends no matter what parts of this country we're from. When can I come to one of your famous tea parties?

Colleen from "Utah Grammie". We are certainly soul sisters, so you really know when I need uplifting. Thank you so very much for the poem you sent when Penny died. And, your sense of humor is the best. You are droll, witty and just plain funny!

Okay, so I broke the rules by naming more than eight. I am a rebel, you know, though mostly a quiet sort.

Thank you Fee (may I call you Fee?)

Links to all blogs are on my sidebar.

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Added later: I went to Anna's (Nature Girl's) blog to tell her that I had given her an award and learned that her dear mother - her December Rose - has peacefully passed on. If you know Anna at all, please go add your condolences.