Sisterhood

NOTE: I've edited to add MORE sister-friends, because, as I said at the end of the original post, I KNEW I'd forgotten some folks. I was in a bit too much of a hurry..and I left out some special people. So go back down and KEEP reading...

I always wanted a sister; a brother who was 4 years older than me was just not enough. I always ASKED for a pony, but if I'd gotten a sister instead, I think I would have been completely happy. It wasn't to be; I was and forever will be the baby of the family, but I've found as I've traveled through life that the journey is so much sweeter when "sister-friends" walk alongside of me. Since I've started blogging in earnest, I've found a real connection to women that I would never have met otherwise, and I love my newfound sisterhood. So, you can imagine my joy when sweet Rachel at Once Upon a Miracle bestowed the Sisterhood Award on me and some other blog sisters. And, it brings me joy to be able to tag some of my other "sisters" as well! Rachel already tagged Elaine and Dana , so they can consider themselves twice-tagged! Oh.. I guess I'd better post the rules, too, before I go any further:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Okay... so besides Rachel, Elaine, and Dana, I'd like to nominate

Jessica at The Foster Home, who is not just a blog buddy but a dear real-life, flesh and blood friend. Love you, Jess!

Cile at Goulash to Go , my dear friend in Hungary. She's getting ready to do some more traveling, and I love to go with her through her updates.

Pam from Life Through My Eyes has been a friend since childhood. We lost touch for a long time, but through the magic of email, Facebook, and now blogging, it's almost as if we've been good friends all along!

Becky at Sarah Smith's Spot , who I now know "in person" as well as via blogland. I love Becky's writing as well as her heart.

Sue G. at her Caringbridge site. I've come to know Sue through her comments, first at Sarah's Spot and then on my blog, along with countless others. Sue is my "sterling" sister, refined by fire and simply beautiful.

April, at Straight From the Heart has become a dear bloggy friend. Her posts are always so encouraging and upbeat, and I love visiting her blog!

Deb at One Single Minute is another inspiring Christian blogger whose postings always encourage me!

Denise, at Shortybears Place is one of my biggest encouragers; she leaves a comment on almost every post and is usually the FIRST commenter, too. It keeps me going on those days when I wonder why I'm blogging at all. Thanks, Denise!

Mamasita, from The Earley Days is another of my Smith Spot buddies, and one that I've met in real life. It was really neat finding out just how much we have in common.. a sister-bond for sure!

Tonya, from Safe in HIS Arms, is a sweet sister that I met while following her son Brent's Caringbridge site. Brent is in Heaven, and Tonya? Well, she is just simply amazing, and I am so glad we're sisters!

Lorie, from MeMe Lorie's is another faithful encourager and great writer. Her sense of humor and stories about her grandbabies keep me smiling, for sure!

Shanda at A Teachable Heart is such an encourager to me. She is a true Proverbs 31 woman, and I love her blog. I intended to be a regular participant in her Tuesday meme, Titus2Tuesdays, but I've not been much help on that one. I'm going to try to be a better friend!

Pam at You're Gonna Miss This has a beautiful blog.. and a great attitude towards life. I don't know how she juggles all that she does; she amazes me!

Jennifer at Trading Ashes for Beauty is another sweet blogger whose comments and support I've come to cherish. She truly is beautiful, and I'm proud to call her my friend.

And then there's Kim, or KayJay as I know her, at No Longer Buying Ink by the Bucket. She and I met over 10 years ago on an online college listserve and became internet buddies. One thing led to another, and in 2001 we shared a hotel room at our college homecoming (WITH the then-14 month old Bug Hunter.. yes, Kim is one brave woman!). Since then, she has come to visit and spent several days at my house; we even went to the North Georgia Fair together! Kim was a newspaper editor in Mississippi for many years and is now in education. She is an incredibly good writer, and I would REALLY like for her to post more often on her blog. Could any of you please drop by and twist her arm for me? I sure would love that.... ;<)

I could keep on going, but I won't for now. There are so many other sister-friends that make up my sisterhood, and I feel so blessed just by listing the ones here. Please go visit them.. and cherish the sisterhood that you have. I've just now realized that it's one of my greatest treasures! (and don't be surprised one bit if I update this post with more award-winning sisters.. my aging, change-of-life brain has surely forgotten some very important ones!)