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Saturday, 16 April 2011

Embracing The Inspiration.

I've had the great honour and privilege to have the following award bestowed upon me by a truly remarkable blogger.  With much gratitude, I accept the award.


So, here are the rules :


1.  Thank and link back to the person who awarded this to you.
2.  Link posts by you and ten fellow bloggers that you find inspirational.
3.  Forward the award to those ten fellow bloggers.


So, first of all, I wish to thank Nas at the following site Closing Pandora's Box  for thinking me worthy of the 'You are an...INSPIRATION! Award'.  Nas writes one of the most beautifully crafted blogs that I've had the great privilege of reading.  Thoughtful and articulate stories can be found at his intriguing blog.

And now for the ten fellow bloggers that I consider inspirational and an inspiring example post by them.

1.  GEM at this blog site, the modern day spinster....  has been a most delightful and thought provoking discovery.  GEM writes intelligent and amusing stories that address the issues that a lot of would like seeing challenged.  That would be the labels and stigma that so many of us encounter.  Inspiring post example: Bachelors have more fun....?  
2.  David, over at, A Day in the Life is a man who writes with great passion and great intellect in his ongoing quest to see the elimination of the unfair stigma that still surrounds mental health issues.  Inspiring post example:  Dave's Progress. Chapter 116: Feeling Liberated. 
3.  Heather, who writes at, Soundoff  is clear and profound demonstration of  "Looking for the Positive in ALL things!"  Inspiring post example:  Am I sad?  
4.  Joylene, who can be found at, Joylene Nowell Butler, author ONE MOMENT AT A TIME ON CLUCULZ LAKE  is a highly informative and supportive published author who also has expert advice from guest writers.  Inspirational post example: What Inspires You to Write?
5.  Kelly, who hangs about over at, Psycho Carnival  writes in various genres and I'm a big fan of his zany stuff and his serious writing.  Inspirational post example:  Controlling Your Show of Emotions and Imagination  
6.  LilPixi, can be discovered over at, It's A Lollipop World  This brilliantly funny young lady also shows a most caring and sensitive side.  I also know that she is going through a very stressful time and her courage and resilience, despite of it, shines through in her latest posting.  Inspiring post example: ICU Too, You're A Fine Nurse, But This Can't Be Happening 
7.  Kim will be found over at, CindyLu's Muse  This thoughtful site is the very epitome of kindness and compassion for the vulnerable creatures on our fragile planet.  It is a clear display of proof that our friends in the animal world demonstrate to us, unconditional and non-judgemental love.  Lessons that we humans could learn from.  Many issues and worthy causes can be read about at this remarkable site.  Inspiring post example:  Horrible? Disgusting! And - ?  
8.  Rebecca writes a satirical blog at this site, THE SNEE  What makes Rebecca such an inspiration is because her satirical writing is testimony to her own resilience.  I have a lot of respect for this kind and dear lady.  Inspiring post example:  PETA CONDEMNS BIBLICAL TEXT! Sacrificial lamb must be deleted!  
9.  Henry at this delightful site, Count Sneaky's Journal provides entertaining and humorous musings that gives one food for thought.  Inspiring post example:  No. 48
10.  And finally and fittingly, I conclude this list of ten fellow bloggers with a glowing accolade for our little blogging buddy, Lenny, who, if you haven't already visited his wonderful site, can be found here, Lenny's World  This incredible young man is what inspiration and the ability to remain positive, is truly all about.  Inspiring post example: show and tell...


In conclusion, if you are someone who has just recently visited my site because you found out about my satire alternative postings that took a good natured poke at the 'A to Z Blogging Challenge! and think that I only do tongue-in-cheek postings, I leave you with this and I do hope you take the time to read it.   May you embrace the inspiration and be awash in the soothing calmness.   The Beach Of Dreams.  
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42 comments:

  1. Kelly16 April 2011 at 01:24

    Hooray! First to comment. :)

    I can't think of any other blogger, really, that fits the bill as inspirational like you do, Gary. When I've feel down at times and have come here, I know I can always count on words of inspiration, comfort and humor. It's a real honor to know ya, man, through this blog and our other interactions. I want to thank you for passing this award on to me, as well. I'll write up a post on it, Sunday. I will indeed check out the other recipients of this award. I like a good inspirational read.

    Have a great weekend, Gary. Thanks again.

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  2. klahanie16 April 2011 at 01:41

    Hey Kelly,
    Those are very kind words that you have left and I am most grateful for them.
    The interaction that we share has been tremendous inspiration and I look forward to further adventures.
    You were a most notable recipient of this award.
    This posting, with all the links and stuff and pretty different colours, took me almost six hours to do. I'm hoping to now find time to make the blogging circuit and leave some comments on yours and all the other fine bloggers.
    I tell ya man, this can be exhausting work :)
    Thank you, my friend and may you have a most peaceful and pleasant weekend :)

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  3. THE SNEE16 April 2011 at 02:10

    Hooray Second on site! You are so unbelievably kind and generous Gary. The Inspirational Award completely suits you. You are a walking testimony of strength, and give to others so selflessly. It is..well..inspirational. Even linking up ten sites is way beyond what any blogger should be expected to do-YIKES!

    I also loved revisiting your poetic beach posting from last November. I remembered the imagery, and the lapping waves. It's very nicely written.

    Thank you so much for including THE SNEE in this list of illustrious bloggers. I'm incredibly flattered that you would include my crazy, zany blog for this award.

    Your friendship means a lot to me. Be well, and I hope you are hit by an inspiration, not perspiration that will put a huge grin on your face. Tatah! Early plane to catch tomorrow.

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  4. FANCY the Red Standard Poodle16 April 2011 at 02:11

    Hi Y'all,

    Not only your blog is inspirational but the comments you or Penny The Jack Russell and modest internet star leave when y'all visit are inspiring.

    Congratulations on a well deserved reward.

    Y'all come back now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

    P.S. I must race off now to visit the other blogs to which you passed the Award.

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  5. The Wolf16 April 2011 at 02:40

    I am in total agreement with Kelly I can't think of a better blog to fit this. Congrats

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  6. KimT16 April 2011 at 06:59

    I'm seeing Kelly's words, and I have to say I think exactly the same! There is NO ONE more deserving of this award than you!!

    And how can I describe how honored I feel to be chosen on your list? Wow! Floored here. I accept very humbly, but oh, so proudly from you! Thank you!

    Congrats on your award, Gary - and congrats as well to all who have been chosen by you. You are truly an inspiration, and have easily become an important part of our lives!

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  7. David16 April 2011 at 08:11

    Dear Gary,
    Congrats on your award, and might I say you've done the right thing in passing it on to me, being, as I am, an inspiration to thousands and even something of a media whore. Sorry, I meant "star".
    Speaking of which, if all goes to plan you may soon hear my dulcet tones on Radio Stoke, speaking about psychosis and The Pathways Group. But, don't hold your breath as although the folks at said radio station have shown an interest, actually securing an interview has yet to happen. So, my inspirational message may have to stay in blogland just for now.
    Seriously, though, thank you for passing this on to me and, of course, you are an inspiration yourself, having done much to show that having a diagnosis of mental ill health does not mean that it is the most important thing about you. Your humour, kindness and positivity always shine through your blogs.
    Finally, apologies for not commenting on your previous post, but I was just too busy being inspirational!
    Yours with all the best,
    David.
    P.S. I should be in touch this weekend just to iron out the arrangements for your planned visit before you jet off to Canada.

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  8. Old Kitty16 April 2011 at 10:15

    Congratulations with your fab award!!! Your blog is truly an inspiration! Many thanks for the links and intro to these fab blogs!!!

    Take care
    x

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  9. Anonymous16 April 2011 at 14:09

    Congratulaltions....you deserve this award.

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  10. Joylene Nowell Butler16 April 2011 at 17:04

    You truly are an inspiration, Gary. Thank you so much for including me in the group. I love your blog and all that it stands for. So thank you to Carole who steered me over to your blog that first day. And amen brother.

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  11. GEM16 April 2011 at 17:28

    Wow!OMG! I am speechless. Thank you Gary so very much for bestowing on me such a fantastic award. That is testament to your genorosity of spirit that I have recognised in the short time I have been following your blog.I'm also looking forward to visiting the blogs of those other recipients.

    Take Care

    A very inspired GEM :)

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  12. John16 April 2011 at 21:06

    Hi Gary,
    An award that truly fits the recipient. You are truly an inspiration to all, young and old, short and tall and all those people in the middle! Congrats my friend.
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

    ReplyDelete
  13. klahanie16 April 2011 at 23:01

    Hi THE SNEE,
    Hooray for you arriving second to comment. Two of the kindest and most inspiring folks to honour me with a visit.
    Thank you Rebecca, for such warm and encouraging words. I do try to inspire and in turn, we all should inspire each other. It took me, as I said to Kelly, almost six hours to do this posting. And being a technophobe, it took a great deal of determination just trying to put the links in and messing about with the change of colours etc.
    Thanks for revisiting that posting about a beach and a dream. I thought it might counteract those who may have the impression that all I do is stir the crap and make fun of blogging 'challenges' :)
    It was my pleasure to include you in that list. Rebecca, I know that beyond your satire, is a remarkably inspiring and dear lady. And, I would emphasise, do not feel the need to put up a posting regarding this award. If you like, and it's completely up to you, maybe just place the award on your sidebar and leave it at that.
    And your friendship is a precious gift, a gift for which I'm truly thankful. I shall endeavour to embrace some inspiration and go make fun of those doing the 'alphabet challenge', or whatever they call it :)
    Have a wonderful time on 'Blog Air':)

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  14. klahanie16 April 2011 at 23:07

    Hi browndogcbr,
    Thank you very much for that. It means an awful lot. Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star and I, delight in visiting y'all over at your 'pawesome' and 'pawsitive' site.
    Thanks for your congratulations and may you have a most pleasant weekend.
    Really appreciate you checking out those most worthy sites.
    In kindness and respect, Gary :)

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  15. klahanie16 April 2011 at 23:11

    Hi The Wolf,
    Thanks man. I reckon we really can all do our bit to inspire and support each other.
    And do I hope the inspiration continues for the Vancouver Canucks. I've timed my holidays in hopes of witnessing a bit of history :)
    Take care buddy.

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  16. klahanie16 April 2011 at 23:21

    Hey CindyLu,
    Your words and those of Kelly and indeed of all, have meant so very much to this guy who just wants to see a world where we are inspired by acts of kindness to all creatures great and small :)
    You write a very thoughtful, very inspiring blog that has my total respect and admiration. You were a very obvious choice as a inspirational recipient of this award. And, as I mentioned earlier, please feel no obligation to do a posting on this. If you so wish to just place the award on your sidebar, that would be just fine :) I mean this was an exhausting posting to do.
    Thanks for the congrats and heartfelt congratulations to you and all those other inspirational bloggers. My dear friend, you are an important and inspiring part of my life. For that, I'm most grateful.
    May you have a peaceful and positive weekend.
    In kindness and respect, your way, Gary :)

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  17. klahanie16 April 2011 at 23:42

    Dear David,
    Why thank you, my intellectual and media superstar! Indeed, I obviously had a fleeting moment of clear thinking and quite rightly, included you in such an esteemed list. In fact, good and noble sir, my own alleged 'fame' pales by comparison to yours.
    Well David, let's hope that you do get that opportunity to speak on Radio Stoke and lull us with your golden toned and syrupy oration. It would be great if you got the chance to talk in regards to 'The Pathways Group' etc. So I do hope that the powers that be make it happen, Now, we wont mention that I was on a major radio station and not some local set up....Seriously, I do hope your voice and your message, does get aired. Even on small time radio! :)
    David, you are most welcome for this award. My friend, we both have an important message that mental health issues are only a small portion of what we are. You and I shall continue to challenge those and educate those who continue to label us with unfair and exaggerated stigma.
    I thank you and I do my best to variate my postings with inspiration and sometimes a bit of alleged humour. It would be nice if some who might think that all I do is take the p**s, would perhaps take the time to read my real ethos and go and have a read of your excellent and inspirational site.
    No need to apologise for not commenting on my previous satire blog about that 'challenge' so many bloggers seem to be 'addicted', almost obliged to do. I mean, you were sitting there and thinking about how inspiring you are.
    For sure, talk to you over the weekend about meeting up before I make my triumphant return to Canada.
    All the very best to you, you inspiring chap, you.
    With respect and kindness, Gary.

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  18. klahanie16 April 2011 at 23:46

    Hey Old Kitty,
    Thank you very much for the congratulations. I do try to inspire, but, if the truth be known, the real inspiration behind this blog is Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star! :)
    Hope you enjoy those fab links to those fab folks.
    Hope you are having a lovely weekend.
    With kind wishes, Gary
    x

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  19. klahanie16 April 2011 at 23:50

    Hi mybabyjohn,
    That's very kind of you. I just hope that we find much inspiration within the blogging community to make this world a kinder, more caring place.
    Peaceful wishes, your way, Gary :)

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  20. klahanie16 April 2011 at 23:55

    Hi Joylene,
    I'm very flattered that you think of me as an inspiration. It was my honour to include you in the list to receive such a meaningful award. I'm very grateful to Carole for making me aware of your kind, informative and supportive blog.
    And of course, you should also not feel any obligation to do a posting on this award. My friend, do as you see fit with it. No, not that LOL
    See ya' later eh! :)
    Kind wishes and an amen sister, Gary.

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  21. Nas16 April 2011 at 23:57

    I think I was totally justified in giving this award to you, as can be seen from many of your comments.

    You were the first person to come to mind when I started thinking of people to award it too.

    Sorry I have not been on blogger much, been working on my dissertation and exam revision, so once exams are over, I shall come back and pay a visit to all those who you forwarded the award to.

    All the very best to you sir! May you continue to be star in the lives of people whose sun's have gone. Keep shining. And stay smiling.
    :)

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  22. klahanie17 April 2011 at 00:11

    Hi GEM,
    My new friend, you are an inspiration and a very obvious choice to me. I like your writing, your humour and your very important theme that challenges those old, out-dated stereotypes and stigmas that need to be challenged.
    Gem, I wish so very much, that more people go and visit your blog, interact and link into your blog. Thank you for such kind words. I hope you find much inspiration from those included in my list. May you inspire and thus continue to embrace the inspiration that lies within the magic of the written word.
    With kindness and respect, your way, Gary :)

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  23. klahanie17 April 2011 at 00:19

    Hi John,
    Thank you, my friend. And coming from a gentleman who writes about and photographs the inspiring wonders of nature, that is high praise, indeed.
    Heck, at this rate, I might even inspire the 'wee folks' :)
    Have a peaceful weekend.
    Kind wishes, Gary.

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  24. klahanie17 April 2011 at 00:28

    Hi Nas,
    I was very honoured that you, a kind man I have much respect for, considered me for such a thoughtful award. I'm very grateful to you.
    Nas, no need for an apology. Good sir, you have a priority with your dissertation and exam revision. Totally understandable and all the very best :) I'm sure you will find those in my list to be most inspiring.
    Dear friend, may we all continue to seek the light that may be clouded by moments of doubt and self-belief. Indeed, may we continue to embrace the inspiration that we can offer each other.
    Thank you again for bestowing this award upon me. May you have a peaceful weekend.
    With respect and kind wishes, Gary :)

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  25. Jemi Fraser17 April 2011 at 01:28

    Congrats on the award! Well deserved :)

    I totally agree with your words on Lenny - he's one of my favourite people! I don't know your other friends, but I'll have to check them out ... once I get my computer back (in a few weeks).

    Congrats again & have a great weekend :)

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  26. klahanie17 April 2011 at 01:34

    Hi Jemi Fraser,
    Thank you very much :) I appreciate your congrats.
    For sure, Lenny is a marvel and one neat, inspirational young dude. He calls me 'Mr. Gary' :)
    I do hope you manage to check out my other blogging friends. They, like you, my friend, have been inspiring and encouraging. I am very grateful.
    I appreciate your effort in commenting, what with your own computer having problems. Bloody computers eh!
    May you also have a great weekend and keep smiling :)

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  27. Lenny Lee17 April 2011 at 03:17

    hi mr gary! hooray for you for getting that cool award. for sure you could deserve it. just look how much people you inspire. you been through sooooo much hard stuff in you life and you could share it and help other people and that real inspiring for sure. you got lots of courage and youre just a real cool and special friend. thanks for passing that award to me. for sure i dont deserve it but its just real nice that you could think of me for being an inspirerer.
    ...big hugs from lenny

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  28. bazza17 April 2011 at 13:25

    Really kelly said it all with the first comment. I agree with evrything he said!.
    Congratulations and thanks for the links. I will follow them all.
    Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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  29. Anonymous17 April 2011 at 19:23

    The delicate flower that is Sir Tom Eagerly says:
    As I sit here watching the sunset and sipping at a largish (OK, enormous) glass of Remy Martin Five Star Brandy, I am thinking how lucky you are to have me. Or maybe I mean that the other way round.
    Anyhow you are simply the tops Gary. Well done sir.
    I'll drink to that!

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  30. Unknown17 April 2011 at 22:02

    Congratulations! I haven't been much of regular here until lately. I was inspired by your efforts for the mentally ill, as I suffer from a mental illness.

    It's refreshing to see someone do so much for illnesses that often go unnoticed.

    I also want to commend your choices of Kelly, Rebecca and LilPixi. I have read their blogs on a regular basis and they are definitely deserving!

    I'll definitely take a look at the others.

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  31. Anonymous18 April 2011 at 11:06

    Ah congrats on the award. Well deserved you always make me smile. Congrats to the awardees too.:O)

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  32. Samantha Vérant18 April 2011 at 13:42

    So many awards, so little time! Congrats! And you are an inspiration...

    (Penny told me)

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  33. Sharon K. Mayhew18 April 2011 at 14:28

    Congratulations on the award, Gary! You did a beautiful job introducing your friends that you are passing the awards along to. Lovely!

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  34. klahanie18 April 2011 at 15:40

    Hey Lenny Lee,
    Thank you for your really cool words, my young buddy :)
    I believe we can all be here for each other, to inspire each other and know we are part of a very caring blogging community.
    I know we both look for the positives in what might seem like a negative situation. Lenny, you are an awesome inspiration and I'm real glad that you and I are friends! :)
    It was my pleasure to pass this award onto you. Please don't think you have to do a posting about it or anything like that. If you just want to put the award onto the side of your cool blog, that would be well neat. Lenny, loads of folks think you are inspiring and you were most deserving of this award.
    Hope you have a really nice week.
    Hugs and smiles, Mr. Gary :)

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  35. klahanie18 April 2011 at 15:42

    Hi bazza,
    That's very kind of you to echo Kelly's thoughts.
    And thanks for the congratulations and I'm sure you will find much inspiration from those I forwarded it too. Of course, you are already aware of a few of them.
    Take care, my friend.
    Kind wishes, Gary.

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  36. klahanie18 April 2011 at 15:50

    Greetings, The delicate flower that is Sir Tom Eagerly,
    Yes, my illustrious friend, I am indeed lucky to the point of exhilarating euphoria, that you would grace this shy and modest blog, with a few carefully typed out words of support and admiration for such an unassuming man as my rather unworthy self.
    To consider me the 'tops' is fine praise, indeed. And thus, Sir Tom, man of distinction and very refined, I say to you 'bottoms up', old boy, bottoms up! :)

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  37. klahanie18 April 2011 at 16:05

    Hi Greg,
    Thank you sir, for the congratulations. I'm grateful and I'm honoured that we have started interacting. Yes, despite some of my rather silly postings, the underlying theme in my blog has always been to hopefully demonstrate that my mental illness is only a small portion of who I am. I try to live with, rather than suffer from, my mental health concerns.
    Thus, myself and a few others, are trying to bring further awareness of mental health issues. To eliminate the unfair stigma that still surrounds mental illness. For, mental illness can happen to anyone.
    Thanks Greg. Kelly, Rebecca and LilPixi are some of the kindest, most genuine folks I have had the delight of interacting with. I know, beyond the zaniness they can portray, are a trio of thoroughly decent people.
    I had a visit and left a comment on your superb site. That would be after I figured out how to comment on your superb site. Yes, I'm a technophobe :)
    I'm sure you will find much inspiration from those others I forwarded the award onto.
    In peace and respect, your way, Gary.

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  38. klahanie18 April 2011 at 16:08

    Hi Madeleine,
    Thank you for the congrats :) I do endeavour to make people smile. I hope my silly comments on your site regarding that 'A to Z Challenge', give you bit of a chuckle. 'O' what letter is next?
    Take care and happy haikuing :)
    In kindness, Gary :)

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  39. klahanie18 April 2011 at 16:14

    Hello, Her highness, Samantha Vérant,
    Ah yes, all these awards and finding the time to pass them on. And me finding the time to check out you folks doing the 'alphabet challenge' :)
    I'm so glad Penny told you that I'm an inspiration :)
    Coming from Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, is very high paws, I mean praise :)
    Take care of yourself, your highness.
    Gary :)

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  40. klahanie18 April 2011 at 16:16

    Hi Sharon,
    Thank you very much for the congratulations :)
    I do hope you manage to check out those on the list that you are not already aware of.
    Keep smiling and stay positive.
    In kindness and respect, your way, Gary :)

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  41. LilPixi27 April 2011 at 05:07

    Oh my GOODNESS!! An award for me, from Gary, and I've just seen it now due to my blogging absence?!

    Wow, this is such an honor! =)
    I am so ecstatic & grateful to receive this award. Thank you so much, Gary!

    Kelly really said it all. =) Now I must add this best award I've received yet to my Flair page.

    This really made my day!! (Or rather, night, as it is over here in the states)

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  42. klahanie27 April 2011 at 20:48

    Hey LilPixi,
    Yes indeed! :) An award for you and I was going to let you know when you were feeling better.
    You are very welcome for the award and very deserving. You, my sweet friend, are truly, an inspiration :)
    Kelly, a whole bunch of bloggers, your good self, have been very inspiring and very supportive of me. I am very grateful for that.
    I'm glad it made your 'night' :)
    With respect and inspiring thoughts, your way, Gary :)

    ReplyDelete

I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.