Marcia Strykowski

Spirit Animal Blog Award

spirit animal 2Many thanks to Jennie!  I am humbled and grateful to be chosen for this honor by an exceptional blogger and I apologize for taking so long to announce the award. I often say Jennie’s students are very fortunate to have her in their court. She’s a thoughtful, passionate preschool teacher and you can check out her posts for yourself over at A Teacher’s Reflections.

Spirit Animal Blog Award Acceptance Rules:

1.) Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their page. Done!

2.) Post the award on your blog. Done!

3.) Write a short paragraph about yourself and what your blog means to you.

Back before my first book was released, my publisher suggested I take up blogging. My first reaction was: no way, what in the world do I have to say and who would care? But, I gave it a try. I set everything to private, didn’t allow comments and likes (knowing I wouldn’t get any) and stumbled through my first year of posts. Little by little I got more comfortable and realized there are all types of blogs and no rules. I could pretty much talk about whatever I chose. I finally opened up to comments and started reading other blogs. What a wonderful world of kindred spirits are out there! I’ve learned so much. Who knew so many people reminiscence about the same things, get excited about the same great works of art, love the same books, and on and on. I guess you could say I’m hooked on blogging now.

4.) If you could be an animal, what would it be?

Since Pup the harbor seal plays a big part in my Amy books, that’s who I’ll choose. Plus, you’ll have to admit, he’s pretty cute. Life would be near a beautiful island with a cluster of good pals–not overly populated, lukewarm waters, and NO sharks!

seal

5.) Pick and notify ten nominees.

So difficult to choose ten nominees from all the interesting blogs out there, but here goes off the top of my head. Absolutely no obligation to participate. I just like spreading the word about your blogs/websites and I’m making sure not to repeat from previous shout outs.

Art Norton Photography
The Thankful Heart
Slochman
Anabel
Vijaya
Marianne
Kathleen
Suzanne’sMom
Darlene
Pierr

34 Comments

  1. Thanks so much for nominating me. This is a cool award and the questions are great. I enjoyed reading about your blogging journey. I agree it is a great way to meet interesting folks with things in common.

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    • You’re welcome, Darlene! I’m still in the process of contacting nominees, so I’m glad you saw the post.

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  2. Definitely no sharks, lol! I was really hesitate to start blogging to (three years ago now), but I’m so glad I took the plunge. I wouldn’t have met one of my critique partner’s if I hadn’t!

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    • It’s time consuming, but quite addictive, isn’t it? Glad your blogging has paid off, Leandra, and that I’ve gotten to know you via our common interest.

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  3. Congratulations Marcia, I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more than you do.
    I ditto everything you say about bloggers. They are a warm and welcoming bunch of people. I was just like you when I started blogging convinced nobody would ever visit me never mind stop and say hello, how lovely to be proved wrong.

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    • Thanks, Barbara. I especially appreciate that your kind words come from the creator of one of my favorite blogs!

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  4. Congratulations, Marcia! The award is very well deserved! Your blog is always a joy to read!

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  5. pierrmorgan

    Congratulations, Marcia! I am going to ditto Kath’s comment. I learn so much from your blog – and love your knack for taking us back in time to relive fond memories of our childhood books and activities. Cheers!

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  6. Thank you so much Marcia, that’s great! I’m in the middle of my Toronto posts right now but I will turn my attention to this in due course.

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    • No hurry or obligation at all, I’ve had it on my back burner since January!

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      • That tends to happen with me too!

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        • Hi Marcia, I’ve just written something in response to this! It won’t come out for a week or two because I have other stuff scheduled, but I just wanted you to know I haven’t forgotten.

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          • Oh, no problem, Anabel. It takes me a long time to catch up on these kind of posts, too, and besides, it’s completely optional!

            Liked by 1 person

  7. Congrats on the award! Well-deserved. 🙂

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  8. Congratulations on your well deserved award!😊I’m humbled that you have nominated me. Thank you so very much. I love the idea of being Pup the harbor seal! I’m enjoying reading the other Nominees blog posts.

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    • I’m glad you’re enjoying the other blogs and websites. 🙂 You’re welcome and deserving, as well–thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Thank you Marcia. It’s funny, I thought I’d never blog but here I am 8 yrs later and loving it for the same reasons you do.

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    • It’s a nice way to sort out all those thoughts spinning through our busy minds, as well as connecting with the rest of the world. 🙂

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  10. I LOVE your blog, Marcia! Your award is well-deserved! Congratulations. Much success to you moving forward!

    I’ve only been blogging for a little over a year & I’m so beyond humbled that you would even think to nominate my blog. Thank you!

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  11. Loved finding out a little more about you and your blogging Marcia. The blog is a wonderful way to get to know people you never would have crossed paths with… Love all your truly interesting posts. xox

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    • I agree, Rhonda. Blogging brings together so many people, making our personal worlds bigger, while shrinking the miles between us at the same time (if that makes sense). Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I’ve been blogging for SO long, but I did jump back into it with both feet as my first book release approached. I was told it’s the best way to reach parents, teachers, and librarians. Not 100 percent sure about that, but I’ve met a TON of great people!

    Stephanie

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  13. Bette Norton

    Congratulations on your Spirit Animal Blog Award! You deserve this honor, as your blog posts are so well done! They are full of beautiful pictures and interesting facts! You have taken me to many wonderful places through your blog. I love the posts that take you back to another era or bring back childhood memories. I look forward to reading your blog posts very much! Keep them coming! 🙂

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  14. Congrats on the award, Marcia! What you wrote about blogging hit me in the heart, too. When I started out, I didn’t think anyone would have been interested. So I blogged on things I thought people wanted to hear from an author, and that was painful. When I finally let assumptions go and started blogging on what I love and appreciate in books and life quotes, I love blogging so much more!

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    • So many interesting things to blog about, aren’t there? I keep thinking I’ll run out, but then a new thought will come. Thanks, Claudine!

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  15. Ashley

    Congratulations! Your blogs rock!! Pup is one of my favorite characters.

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