I’ve had the honor of being nominated for the Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award by the following lovely and talented ladies:  Melody, of Meals With Mel; Lisa, of Rebirth of Lisa; Ritu, of But I Smile Anyway; and, Momma, of A Momma’s View.  Each of these creative, dynamic, and inspiring women have blogs that are interesting, informative, and a joy to read.  I hope you’ll take the opportunity to see what they’ve been up to lately.  Many thanks to all of you for your consideration.  It is greatly appreciated!

The Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award is given to women bloggers, by other women bloggers, to showcase the unique voices across the world.  As a recipient of this meaningful award I will answer the ten questions asked by EACH of these ladies, nominate seven bloggers, ask them ten questions, and include the award badge in this post.

Melody’s Questions:

1.  What is the first thing you reach for in the morning?

I always reach for a glass of water first thing in the morning.  I’ve read that it’s a healthy thing to do.

2.  Name an animal you think you are most like.

I think I am most like a dog, because I’m generally a people-pleaser.  I’m also affectionate and loyal, and I don’t hold grudges.

3.  You are stranded on a desert island and can have three types of produce to cultivate.  What would you grow?

I would plant the Three Sisters:  Corn, Beans, and Squash.  According to Iroquois (Native American) legend, corn, beans, and squash are three inseparable sisters who only grow and thrive together.  Interplanting corn, beans, and squash in the same mounds is a traditional system that lead to long-term soil fertility and a healthy diet.  Corn provided a natural pole for the beans to climb.  Beans have nitrogen in their roots, adding nitrogen to soil for future use.  Bean vines also provided stability to the corn plants, keeping them from blowing over in the wind.  Squash vines become a sort of living mulch by deterring weeds (shaded) and help retain moisture; this is important to the crop’s survival in dry seasons.  Prickly squash leaves also help to keep critters away from the beans and corn.  Corn, beans, and squash compliment each other nutritionally as well.  Corn provides carbohydrates, the dried beans are rich in protein, and squash has vitamins.  Cultivating three vegetables that grow well together in dry conditions as well as balance each other nutritionally is a good combination, especially if your’e stuck on a desert island.

4.  What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I really enjoy the creative outlet that blogging provides, but I LOVE all of the kind, interesting, and inspiring people I’ve met and converse with every week.  I met Judy, author of Edwina’s Episodes, in November last year.  We’ve talked to one another almost everyday for six months.  Judy is one of the kindest and funniest people I know.  She’s also a fantastic writer, poet, and blogger extraordinare!

5.  Where has been your favorite place to travel?  And Why?

My favorite place to travel is England.  I was fortunate enough to get to spend a semester there when I was a student, and I feel in love with it.  I love that everything is green.  I love the gardens.  I love tea with scones or tea with Victoria sponge.  I love the trains (even the Tube).  I love seeing the sheep grazing in the fields as I go by in the trains.  I love the prawn-flavored crisps (we don’t have those here).  I love the history–there’s always something interesting to learn.  I love all of the National Trust sites I’ve visited, I love the hustle and bustle of London (for a little bit)–fantastic museums, etc.  I love pubs, pints, and fish and chips.  I love English manners (I mean, who doesn’t love a people who respect cueing and know how to do it?).  I love English organization and common sense.  Their Sudafed products are also definitely better.  And, English instant coffee is actually GOOD!  I could really just go on and on.  It’s one of the most wonderful places!

6.  What are your top five movies?

My top five movies are as follows:  Tea With Mussolini, Priceless, Under The Tuscan Sun, French Kiss, and Sweetland.  Elizabethtown is pretty great, too (Thanks for the recommendation from Joeyfullystated).

7.  What is the most used tool in your kitchen?

I like cooking when I have time, and I especially enjoy making simple dishes.  But, I’m certainly not a gourmet cook.  So, I would probably have to say……corkscrew.  “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.”  ~W.C. Fields

8.  If you could be any character in a book, who would you be?

I think I’d be Karen Blixen from her memoir, Out of Africa. Karen Blixen lived her life with passion, determination, and grace.

9. You were selected to go on a reality show…what show would it be?

I don’t really watch television.  So, I’m not familiar with reality television shows.

10.  What is one word that describes your blog?

I hope that word would be UPLIFTING.

Lisa’s Questions:

1.  Which Sex and the City character are you?

While we’re not exactly alike, I’d most identify with Charlotte York of all of the characters.  We both graduated from women’s colleges.  We’re both fairly idealistic and share similar views on love and relationships.  We both believe in good etiquette.  And, we’re loyal friends.

2.  If you could be anything for Halloween, what would it be?

I would be Queen Elizabeth I for Halloween.  Yes, I know.  I’m a dork. 🙂

3.  Name your favorite way to relax.

Enjoying a glass of something sparkling in my garden surrounded by some of my critters.

4.  Where is your dream vacation spot?

I would really like to visit Cornwall, England.

5.  Whitney Houston or Celine Dion?

Whitney Houston.  I grew up listening to her and watching her films.  She was very talented.  And, can anyone else really sing, I Will Always Love You like Whitney?

6.  What is playing on your i-pod/CD player? 

My musical taste is fairly eclectic:  Earth, Wind, and Fire; Coldplay; Led Zeppelin; Ray Charles; and Madonna.

7.  Mountains or beach?

Mountains.  I enjoy the cooler temperatures, especially in the summer.  I also appreciate the culture and friendliness of the people who live there.

8.  What’s your favorite color?

My favorite color is teal.

9.  If you could go back in time, what decade would you visit?

I would go back to the 1750’s before the Industrial Revolution got into full swing.  I think it would be interesting to experience that period in history, especially since the Industrial Revolution influenced almost every aspect of daily life.

10.  Why did you start writing your blog?

Last year marked ten years since my husband and I moved to my family’s farm and ancestral home, and we began our journey of restoring and saving it.  I wanted to mark the occasion by remembering and sharing our experience with others.

Ritu’s Questions:

1.  What do you personally think is the best thing about blogging?

I really enjoy the creative outlet that blogging provides, but I LOVE all of the kind, interesting, and inspiring people I’ve met and converse with every week.  I met Judy, author of Edwina’s Episodes, in November last year.  We’ve talked to one another almost everyday for six months.  Judy is one of the kindest and funniest people I know.  She’s also a fantastic writer, poet, and blogger extraordinare!

2. What one thing is guaranteed to make you cry?

A hurt or sick animal.

3.  What would you say is your favorite restaurant?

I can answer this question best by sharing a post I wrote last November about my friend and chef, Scott Lockhart.

https://fourthgenerationfarmgirl.com/2014/11/20/the-weekly-bleat-food-wine-and-fellowship/

4.  If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

I would go to Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, England (the Cotswolds area), and I would walk around the beautiful gardens and visit the aviary.  It’s such a peaceful and lovely place.  Afterwards, I would find the cafe on the grounds and have a cup of tea with a slice of Victoria sponge.

5.  If you could only save three things from your house if it was on fire, what would they be?

Assuming that I’m the only person in the house, I’d save the following:  my pets, photo albums, and my computer which contains my life in photos.

6.  What is the one fashion trend that you won’t be trying this summer 2015?

I will not wear anything from the 1970’s era (been there, done that).

7.  What is your pet hate?

I don’t really hate anything, but there’s plenty that bugs me.  CLUTTER probably being the biggest thing.

8.  What is you favorite scent?

My favorite scent is gardenia.

9.  What word or phrase do you use way too much?

It’s a tie between the following:  “You know what I’m saying?” or “Here’s the thing.”

10.  Where do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself doing something more with our farm, either educationally or agriculturally, maybe even making it a sanctuary for animals at some point.

Momma’s Questions:

1.  What?

Being kind or kindness.

2.  Why?

Because it’s the most important thing.

3.  Why not?

Exactly!

4.  How?

Anyway you can.

5.  Whenever?

An opportunity arises.

6.  Where?

Everywhere!

7.  Who?

Everyone and everything.

8.  Would you?

Most definitely!

9.  With whom?

Anyone, but especially people or animals who need kindness the most.

10.  If

If you’re kind, then you’ve made the world a better place.

**If you’ve made it this far, I’d like to thank you for sticking around and reading all these questions and answers.  🙂

Here are my nominees:  Please visit these wonderful blogs.

Riddle from the Middle

Forever Shannon

A Prompt Reply

Edwina’s Episodes

Almost Farmgirl

An Armchair Perfectionist

Barnraised

These are your questions:

1.  What’s your favorite time of day?

2.  What inspires you?

3.  What’s the most meaningful experience you’ve ever had.

4.  What food comforts you most when you’re stressed out or upset?

5.  Walk away or stand your ground?

6.  What do you enjoy most about a rainy day?

7.  What’s your favorite Christmas or holiday memory?

8.  Spicy or not?

9.  What word describes you best?

10. If you could do any part of your life over again, would you?

**This nomination is a compliment to you.  There is no obligation.  🙂