I’m Off To Hair and Makeup

In a month of Sundays I never thought I’d be nominated for the same award on the same day. Twice. Yowza! I love the blogging world!

The award up for grabs is none other than the Liebster.

This award is generally passed to younger blogs to let them know they’re doing a great job and to encourage them to keep going. Liebster is the perfect name for doing just that. It is a German word meaning “darling” or “sweetie.” The gals who nominated me are both the epitome of darlings or sweeties. So before I dive into answering their questions let me tell you a little bit about them.

First off – the wonder that is Beth who spins, weaves and creates magic over at  The Writer B is Me. In my books she’s the Queen of the Darlings. She was the first established blogger to reach out to me in the land of the blogosphere and she continues to be both wonderfully  positive and  encouraging. I absolutely adore her blog. She’s funny, irreverent and a whiz of a writer. Time stops when her blog hits my inbox. Thank you Beth. You’re a gem.

Secondly – my fellow westcoaster Mo. This is the second award nomination I’ve received from the delight that is Mocadeux. The first one was the Sunshine award. I truly see her as the Queen of the Vineyards. Her writing is informative, engaging and entertaining. Whether she’s talking about the best wine pairing for Saturday night’s pizza, her latest catch up with her college pals of old, or highlighting the recent visit with her grandbabies, I always come away feeling as if we’ve had a cozy chat over coffee or wine. Thank you Mo.

OK. On to the envelope of questions.

Between the two of them a total of 22 questions should be answered. WAIT! Don’t leave. There is no way I would submit you to such Kelly overkill. In the spirit of being a Liebster I shall answer five of Mo’s and five of Beth’s and then … randomly pick one of either of theirs to answer. Sound fair? I think so.

1.  Have You Ever Seen a Ghost?

Not that I can remember. However, my mother says that when I was about four I came up to her one night as she was washing dishes and asked “What does it mean when myself passes me on the stairs?” Further questioning revealed I was sitting on the stairs (inside our house) and saw a smiling Kelly coming up, passing me and then going on upstairs. I come from a long line of “seers ” so Mom wasn’t concerned. She took this as the start of my personal journey. However, I haven’t seen myself since… except in the mirror.

2. Would You Rather Visit Alaska or Hawaii?

Easy. I’ve been to both and I’d rather visit Hawaii. Living in western Canada, I have my fill of rain, towering cedars and picturesque peaks. It is a treat to bake on the sand, slap on the sunscreen and simply sit on a flower bedecked deck and listen to the coo of the Hawaiian doves.

3. Switch Lives With an actress. Who do You choose?

Hands down Meryl Streep. I love everything about her. Heaven would be to live her life. I’d love to chat with her husband, meet her kids, drink wine from her sofa … be filmed on set … just do every thing that is Meryl. She is the epitome of quality to me.

4. What Piece of Advice Would You Give a Friend Who Wants to Start Blogging?

Park yourself in a chair and start writing. Write what you know. Don’t write for everyone else’s taste. Write for yourself.

5. Tell Me Something Embarrassing

Oh which of the 1002 incidents shall I choose? Ok. I have to choose two.

I majored in theatre at university. At my first audition, being more nervous than nervous, I walked quietly into the room and sat down in front of the director. He asked me my name and I, Kelly Robinson, took a deep, sobering breath and said “Relly Kobinson.”  Had to do the entire audition as Relly. Needless to say, my focus was on that and not the part. Didn’t get the nod for that role.

Also in first year, I was late for my Sociology class after a relaxing, yoga like Movement Class. Frantic that I was arriving ten minutes into the lecture but feeling rather relaxed from the previous class,  I pulled  open the door and stumbled. I fell head over heels down the long flight of stairs. Rolling, tumbling, and sliding with my books winging out in all directions, I finally came to a halt. At the feet of the prof. Looking up her skirt. As the horrified class of about 200 first years rose to their feet as one, I picked myself up and bowed. Total embarrassment.

6. Were You Named After Someone?

Yes Grace Kelly. Naturally because of our astounding similarity in looks. Apparently it was either Kelly or Dorothy. I’m glad my parents chose Kelly. I’m dotty enough as it is.

7. What is the Craziest Thing (in your opinion) You’ve Ever Done?

Oh again, which one to choose? Hmm. I guess I’d have to mention that time on the tour boat in Milford Sound, New Zealand. I was in my early 20’s and had enjoyed several glasses of NZ’s finest port. As our tour group boarded, the captain came over the loud-speaker and announced “Please, whatever you do, don’t go up top. It’s not safe.” Red flag alert. My pal and I scurried up top to see for ourselves. Walking across a series of skylights, one of them gave way. I plummeted through and fell about eight feet. I plopped safely into the only empty chair in the room. Moments later  my friend appeared, sobbing with worry. She thought I’d fallen overboard.

8. Favourite Dish at Thanksgiving?

Turkey. Turkey. Turkey.

9. Do You Have Any Tattoos?

Nope.

10. Have You Ever Met a Celebrity?

Yes, several. My favourite was Hal Linden of tv’s Barney Miller fame. He came into our antiques shop and bought some stuff. He and I  spent the entire time pretending he wasn’t who he was. Delightfully funny and kind fellow.

11. You Go to the Movies – do you get a) Coke, or b) Pepsi, a) popcorn, or b) no popcorn, to see a) chick flick b) action/adventure c) horror movie?

No popcorn or drink while I’m watching the chick flick.

And there you have it. My answers to the Liebster and Liebster. Done like toast.

Ok time to bestow the Liebster on others.

Because I so recently nominated several others for the Sunshine Award, I was a weensy bit concerned about asking them again. After an in-depth consultation of the official rule book on the Liebster I’ve determined it’s ok if I nominate just five. My little darlings that I nominate are:

Karen Main

– she captures the breathtaking in the familiar

Harmony With Animals

– she celebrates intuitive animal communication

La Free Boheme

– she creates amazing jewellery

Blue Heron Weaving

– she weaves gorgeous textiles

A Flash of Inspiration

– she has a passion for photographing all things vintage

My Questions for My Nominees

1. A Perfect Afternoon – sedentary or mountain climbing? Why?

2. A Perfect Saturday night – wine or warm milk. Why?

3. A morning spent blogging or reading anyone’s blog but your own. Why?

4. Are you a ball gown gal or a jeans and sneakers gal?

5. What is your favourite guilty sin?

6. What lie do you regret the most?

7. If you had to be a vampire or werewolf, which would you prefer?

8. Do you prefer a visit to the doctor or dentist?

9. If you could play a professional sport which would it be?

10. Which do you prefer – movie or live theatre?

11. Have you ever seen a ghost?

Ok my Liebsters. Should you accept the nomination these are the rules to follow.

Should you choose not to accept, no problem. I won’t hunt you down or stop visiting your blog. Promise.

Thanks again Beth and Mo. I’m off to hair and makeup.