Imagine my surprise when I received a message saying that I had been nominated for the Mystery Blogger Award.  Wow, what an honour was my response to the amazing writer ‘Dicemaned’ who nominated me.

His work which is filled with enquiry, humility, sometimes humour, is always expressive and uniquely his own creations.  I love stopping by to see what jumps off the screen to seduce me into reading more.  I found this particular ending to his post ‘Diceman Sayeth #3’ very thought provoking.

‘Why cant I spend an afternoon as a nun, and an evening as an astronaut?’

Cast a die, live a lie.

My personal favourite poem that he wrote is Daily Poem #3 which can be found on his blog Writing with Probability.

As I am very new to the world of blogging I was totally unaware that Awards are something that this community shares as a way to encourage fellow bloggers.  I have seen an amazing amount of support and friendship developing between many writers and feel very humble that I too have been the receiver of many a like and comment.

As I understand it the originator of the Mystery Blogger Award is Okoto Engima, who believed that “there are a lot of amazing blogs out there that haven’t been discovered, yet. And, most of these blogs deserve recognition.”  This is what she has to say about what the award itself –

WHAT IS MYSTERY BLOGGER AWARD?
“Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion.
– Okoto Enigma

So to honour this award, let me get started.

The Rules:

  • Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
  • Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well.
  • Answer the questions from the person who nominated you.
  • Nominate other bloggers.
  • Ask your nominees 5 questions of your choice.
  • Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog.

My questions posed by Dicemaned

Q. What kinds of writing habits or strategies do you use?

My answer: I have to be honest here, I have absolutely no formal training whatsoever. My creative writing didn’t get started until mid August 2016 shortly after my dear friend and mentor passed away.  In the weeks following his death I would wake very early in the morning and would find myself nursing a cup of coffee reflecting on life without him.  As my patio is covered and sheltered my old dog and I would curl up on the sofa with rugs, enjoying the solitude and waiting for the sun to rise.

My writing started to flow in the form of simple rhyming poems and as it was still dark I adopted my iPhone Notes app as the best way to record the words that just seemed to tumble into my awareness.

This continues to be my habit today, most of my thoughts flow early morning and my iPhone has become my treasured collector of my work.  The other habit I have adopted is to hand write all of my work into journals (just in case!)

Q. If you could travel anywhere in the world for free, where would you go and why?

My answer:  Years ago if you had asked me that question I would have said Macchu Picchu or Egypt.  Today without a shadow of a doubt I would go straight to the UK.  The reason being I want to go and hold my two daughters and six grandchildren in my arms as I haven’t been able to do that in a long time.  My son passed away at the end of 2016 and I will never get to hold him again.  Since that time I have become so acutely aware of every moment that I am missing to be able to do that with my amazing daughters and the rest of my family and friends who also still live there.  Life has a way of changing our priorities – mine now is simply to love and appreciate my family and friends and to make the most of every precious moment.

Q. When you aren’t writing, what kind of hobbies do you enjoy?

My answer: I love making things, especially crafty gifts to give as unique presents to family and friends. I find focusing on making a gift for someone else very relaxing.  I love cooking, again if it is to share with others, my best creations often happen then. Many a time I have thrown things in with total abandon, to then be asked later – “Can I have the recipe?” “Oops can’t quite remember what I put in there” would often be my reply.

Reading is a love and a must, keeps me fresh and informed.  I love fantasy, sci-fi, murder mystery, spiritual, self-growth, ancient history – to name a few.

I also really enjoy walking on the beach and in nature and spending time with my three amazing dogs.  But most of all I get a real buzz from writing, the connection that happens in those moments for me is like touching the heart of creation.

Q. What kind of blogs are you interested in?

Anything that stretches, questions, and has passion.  People who love what they do and do what they love are the most passionate people on the planet.  I love that, I want to soak up some of that.  I also like to look for blogs that encourage and support others whatever their subject matter.  I have had some very interesting people like my posts and I always visit to see what their blogs are about.  I find it is a great way to expand my horizons and gain different perspectives.

Q. Which novel has had the most impact on your life… and why?

One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kessey.  I read this when I was just 16.  I was very naive and remember thinking how awful Nurse Ratched (The Big Nurse) was.  To be honest she scared the heck out of me.

The impact of that novel did not hit me fully until I was older and went to see the movie adaptation with my brother.  As the scenes played out, my worst imaginings conjured up by the script, of abject cruelty and control perpetrated on another by another was so well acted, I was doubly scared of The Big Nurse for a second time!!  But the beauty of the relationships that developed between Randle and The Chief still moves me today.  The free spirit that Randle portrayed and encouraged out of his inmates was deeply moving and funny.  It is a very poignant story about the duality of life, and one that I am still keenly aware of today.

Sadly my big brother who took me to see that movie in 1978, went on to suffer with some mental health issues and left us in 1982 through his own suicide.  This became one of my most defining moments as a result.  I promised myself that I  would strive to learn all I could about the mind and emotions, and to be there in the future to listen to those that need someone to listen to them, not judge, just listen.  All of my studies and self-growth then centred around psychology, hypnosis and healing.  This carved out my career choice, and after raising my family of four beautiful children, I became a Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master.

My nominee’s

The following blogs are my nominations for The Mystery Blogger Award because each of them has either inspired me, moved me, uplifted me, caused me to stop, reflect and question and often laugh out loud.  Each of them are unique in their offerings and I have really enjoyed reading what they all have to share.

My questions for the nominee’s

  1. Outside of blogging what other interests do you have?
  2. Do you have a favourite place that you visit, and if so why is it your favourite place?
  3. If you could spend the day with someone from the past or present, that you don’t already know, who would that be and why?
  4. Where do you draw inspiration from for your blog?
  5. What do you most love about blogging?

Thank you again, Dicemaned for your comments and the opportunity to share a little about myself through your nomination for this award.  I feel like I have found a place to call home, where beautiful creative people share and encourage.  The feeling of genuine caring is deeply comforting and I feel so blessed to be a part of this community.

Cheryl