The Smile Award

Just minding my own business, mind you, when I clicked on to Kristin's blog to find out she named me as a Smile Award recipient! Surprise! Thanks, Kristin J.!

Here are the details:

Characteristics for the Smile Award:

1. Must display a cheerful attitude.

2. Must love one another.

3. Must make mistakes.

4. Must learn from others.

5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world.

6. Must love life.

7. Must love kids.

These are the rules for The Smile Award.

1. The recipient must link back the the award’s creator

2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.

3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.

4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by .

5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient

6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.

7. You must thank your giver.

Here's what she wrote:

Deb: This woman has been in my life since, well, I was awkward and young. Deb has put a smile on my face ever since we met. As a kid she would come and spook my sleepovers just at the right time and tell us stories while at the same time being disguised. (She is an amazing storyteller and I am surprised she hasn't written a book yet!) Deb loves to laugh and she is contagious with her smiles and laughter. When I got married, she played a practical joke on me that lasted years........She is a delight both in person and in the blog world- I am so thankful for how she makes me and many others SMILE! Posted by Kristin Jag at 11:28 AM View my complete profile

Okay, so here goes. It is easy to think of these five people lickety split.

Anne is the smiler I have known the longest from this list. Even as a wee one, her smile was infectious and her hearty laugh amazed those who heard it. She is a cheery gal with twinkling eyes as well and let's talk about loving children!!! To see her with a child is to see joy. She is the inspiration behind my own blog starting; she's quite an encouraging sort. Though she certainly learns from others, there are many who learn from her in her role as teacher and church counselor. Truly, she inspires me!

Samara is another inspirational person, and I was introduced to her due to her friendship with Anne. Samara is one who truly exhibits love for others as she opens her arms to embrace those from all walks of life. At this young age, she's a wife and mother and has had to cope with her own mother's death recently. She remains cheerful while doing this. Samara is a talented writer and honestly describes her own life journey with love, courage, humor, depth and clarity.

Melissa goes into each day with a passion! Whether it pertains to culinary conquers, photography, faith, friendships or relationships, she gives it her all! I admire her many talents, and am glad she has become my blogging friend. To read her many blogs is like encountering an artist with the beautiful pictures she snaps...I love to enter her world through discerning eyes and heartfelt messages.

Sarah is an artist as well. Read her blog and smile no matter what she writes about...the cartoons of Agnes, the quilt fabrics and projects she chooses, or the mouth-watering pictures she posts with her love for food and Martha. I was fortunate to get to work with Sarah at the library and she's not only baking the cookies but IS a smart cookie, recently completing her MLS! She is well on her way to saving the planet, one day at a time.

Heather works with me at the library and obviously loves children from the excitement she gets in programming for them! If there would be a category for loving cats, H would be at the top of the list! Her blog is like eating the best chocolate with all the creamy, tasty, smooth details she gives in her posts about her adventures with her husband and travels. (Even if he likes the group KISS.) And, no matter what the situation, she stays the course and is kind about everybody even behind their backs!