Cherry on Top

Everyone loves to be recognized, but when you are recognized by another blogger whose site you enjoy, it's a real treat. Like the cherry on top!

So thanks to Tamara at Thyme for Tea for presenting me with the Cherry on Top Award! As you can see, it's for beautiful blogs with that "little bit extra!"

The rules that come with this award require me to:

1. Answer this question: If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you, and what would it be?

Oh, dear! What wouldn't I change! And yet, things worked out the way they were supposed to. I can "regret" that I didn't leave Lansing after college or even mid-point in my career, but there were key reasons why I stayed, and if I hadn't been so close, I'd be like so many of my peers who are dealing with family relationships, and particularly with aging parents, from a great distance. I wouldn't have liked that.

I guess I can only think of one thing. Retirement planning.

When I started working at the TV station 29 years ago, I figured I'd only be here short term. Maybe five years. And I had student loans. So, I never joined our TIAA-Cref plan at the basic five percent, which the university would match. After five years, I kicked in at the minimum, not aware the U would pay up to 13 percent match. I can't remember when I changed it to max it out, but I know I would be retiring a lot sooner and in a lot better shape if I'd paid better attention.

When we're young, we don't always think of things like that. SO, if you are a younger blog reader and have the opportunity to do an IRA or 401K or whatever -- all I can say is "Do it. Do it now." Fact is, all of us are living longer (or hope to) and what we thought would be a lot of money back then -- well, will it take us to 90? I'm not so sure!

2. Task number two! Pick six people for this award and let them know.

This isn't as easy as it seems -- some bloggers I adore have "award-free zones" and so I can't really present to them. Others received awards from me in the past for their terrific blogging, and while I'm far from opposed to pile on the accolades, some others newer to my list should have a chance.

So, here are six blogs I've discovered somewhat recently and really do enjoy!

Christine of "Christine's Blog."

Suzanne of "Privet and Holly."

Sandy of "It's a Jungle Out There"

Bellarum of "The Culdesac Chronicles"

Dogwood of "Pink Dogwood Blossom"

Maegan of "Plus-Size Barbie"

3. The third and final thing is: thank the person who gave me the award.

Well, duh! Thanks, Tamara! It's lovely to discover bloggers who are new to me -- which I have with you. And even lovelier when they "like" you back! It really made my day.

Great Minds!

Well, great minds like Debbie and Joyce must think alike, because I recently the same wonderful award from all of them! It’s the Kreativ Blogger award!

Thank you so much! Debbie hails from Australia and her blog includes her beautiful photography, photos of her sweet pug and often thought provoking commentary. Joyce is from British Columbia, CA, and has marvelous poetry, an oft-illuminating look at her world and with a URL that includes the words possumkitty, it's no surprise a lovely feline is pictured!

To have this award is to pass it on – the instructions are as follows:

1. Thank the person giving the award (or in this case, the persons!)
2. Copy the award graphic to your blog (check the sidebar at the right!)
3. Place a link to their blog(s) – Debbie’s and Joyce’s are most certainly worth a visit!
4. Name seven things people don’t know about you (bel0w).
5. Nominate seven bloggers you admire.
6. Place a link to these bloggers.
7. Leave a comment on their blog notifying them of the award.

That “seven things” part is pretty tough, given that I generally spill whatever is in my mind on The Gypsy pretty regularly. But here goes.

1. I often wear hand warmers in my office at work and at home.

2. I used to be a bookkeeper for the health department (and if you know me, you know that was a professional stretch.) I also used to dispense pills at a pharmacy -- and while I'm used to taking my share, I can't believe they let me do that. Rules and regs were a lot different in the 70s!

3. I used to stand with my friends in the yard of my parents' home at Christmas and we would make our own mechanical-dummy Christmas pageant, moving with painstaking slowness and mechanically for what seemed like hours in the end in the cold as people would drive by during their Christmas light rounds.

4. My earliest memory is of a fire in our house at Christmas; I was about three (this was our Christmas card that year).


5. I used to be a pretty darned good singer till my sinuses messed me up!

6. Rick and I met because I was evicted because of my illegal cat (Stimpy).


7. When I was a nine or ten-year-old kid and we all talked about what actress we would be if we could, everyone wanted to be Sandra Dee. I wanted to be Judy Holliday.

Naming seven inspirational bloggers is tough, because I think most of you I've passed awards onto in the past. So, while the rules say fill out the seven questions, if you've already done this, please accept the award and offer it up to "anyone." Meanwhile, I'll nominate:

Nathalie of An Artists Legacy -- Her art is beautiful and her Etsy store is terrific!

Ruth of syn-chro-ni-city -- Take eloquent use of language and combine it with thought provoking words and astounding photos. You'll love it!

Janet of Just Me and My Art. Janet used to have The Lavender Loft (and I need to change her blog name on my blogroll!) Recently, she's been going whole hog on her art and her growth is astounding, her inspiration amazing.

Bobbi of My Muse and Me writes some of the most thought provoking poetry I've read in blogs. And she's prolific at it, too, which is an inspiration in itself.

Relyn of Come Sit by My Fire may be one of your old friends; she came to me this past year and I revel in her lovely posts.

Patty of Magpie's Nest always has new art. Always. I don't know how she manages to produce so many beautiful pieces, but she does and I am in awe.

Sonja of Secrets of a Stamp Stash Collector is another dedicated artists who works often and whose blog is a joy.

Well, now I feel bad I didn't single out some of you others. Really, if I didn't find inspiration in your blogs, I wouldn't visit! You are all Kreativ (and Creative!) bloggers!

And again, thanks for your concern on the past post! I'm much improved, still getting energy back but feeling very nice indeed!

How I Named My Blog Day -- The Marmelade Gypsy

NOTE:! Welcome to December! All month, at least one holiday image (it may be the only thing in the post!). AND over at Chopsticks and String I'll be posting an ongoing holiday survival and fun series -- some of my favorite tips for the holidays from movies and books to party fun to present wrapping! Check regularly (or look for updates in my sidebar here on the Gypsy.

Today Ruth is celebrating "How I Named My Blog" day over at syn-chro-ni-ci-ty.

Hopefully, you are participating too, because she is offering a "major award" -- and besides, I want to know how you named your blog!

The Marmelade Gypsy didn't begin as a deliberate decision. You all know that Mr. Gypsy Rose is my overly sweet, needy, orange cat. And you probably know that orange cats are on occasion called "Marmalade Cats" for their rich color.

So, it seems obvious. But the first name for the blog was "Le Chat Orange" (The Orange Cat). It was a play on the French series of cat work by Steichen called "Le Chat Noir" (black). I thought I nabbed that name for Blogger --but who knows? I could never find it or whatever address I had at that time to synch up! All I know is that when I went to "claim it for real," Blogger said it was taken. And I've never found another with it.

So, I made a test blog -- The Orange Cat. I still have this as not-public to experiment without fear!
Ah, but the "Marmelade" part. It seemed like as good a name as any -- I often called him my "Marmy Boy." In fact, lots of you think that's really his name and now it has become one of them!)

(It will come as no surprise to you that the musical "Cats" and T.S. Eliot's poetry collection that inspired it, is one of my favorites. If it's one of yours, you'll know how "The Naming of Cats" poem/song lists all a cat's names -- and one can have many! Gyp's include "Gyppy," "Mr. Gyps," "Gypadedoodah" "Gypadoodledoo" and "Punky Monkey." When they were a team, Gypsy and Stimpy were my personal "Mungojerry and Rumpleteaser" whose song in that show is my favorite!)

Boldly, I typed it in, claimed my Blogland identity, and didn't stop blogging from that moment on.

I don't know why I never noted that spell-check kept questioning my spelling. Or why, when I googled myself, it would say "Do you mean 'marmalade'?"

Basically, I'm a pretty good speller -- but not that day. And naturally, I picked probably the most visible platform on which I could ever choose to write. And while it's not so bad a typo as "pubic television" (and yes, it has happened, but not by me), it's still a little embarrassing. I suppose I could change it, but maybe now I think of it in the way people who say "Kool Kats" or take a perfectly easy to spell "Sara" or "Sarah" and turn it into Sarhrahe (the "e" is silent).

So, share your blog story -- and don't forget to link it to Ruth's -- you may learn all sort of fun stuff today!

(And to learn how I named "Chopsticks and String" head over there!)

How I Named My Blog Day

Ruth is promoting "How I Named My Blog Day" on December 1.

Edited Note: Ruth's sign-up post has dropped "below the fold." Here is the direct link to that post and the comments page to sign up! Thanks, Annie, for letting me know!

Much of the copy in this text is based on Ruth's entry but hers is much more fun! Still, read on...

The idea is "How did you name your blog?" Sometimes easy, or a really complex decision that means something powerful to you and intrigues others.

(Why The Marmelade Gypsy -- and why is it spelled that way?) Are the photos in this post clues?

Did you have lots of ideas, or just one. Regrets? Did it launch a new business or path?

Ruth's "inquiring mind" wants to know! So, she's asking bloggers everywhere to take a break from your regular content stream (be it life in general, a thematic blog, a deeply thoughtful series of posts) and tell us ALL how you came to choose your blog name.

Ruth says (and I quote, but really -- you must visit her fabulous blog with gorgeous photos and such delightful content): "On December 1, publish your own "How I Named My Blog"post!!!!

Participate with THOUSANDS - perhaps TENS of THOUSANDS - of Bloggers around the world in this first time ever highly anticipated truly GLOBAL event!

And yes -- she is going to bestow a Major Blog Award to ONE blogger for "How I Named My Blog"

A straightforward name of small proportions may impress her with simplicity, subtlety, nuance and grace?

Or your ordinary name could "unfold a titillating and seductive tale - fiction or non-fiction."

Will your post on this be poetry, humor, essay?

And best of all, she will explain how she named synch-ro-ni-zing on December 1st, too.

(But will she also speak of Paris Deconstructed?)

Ruth says there are no rules or criteria (except no epics), and all are welcome.

Go to THIS LINK (Ruth's) and comment at that post that you are going to participate in posting your very own story of "How I Named My Blog" on December 1, leave the URL for the blog where you will post it, and she will list and link to your blog that day!

Ruth will "read every last one of the posts posted by posting participants and choose a WINNER!!!!

December 1. Be there or be square! Prepost if necessary!

(Really, you must go to the link and read her whole post -- even though I cribbed the top part of it unashamedly. This is a wild and crazy woman on the loose!)

If you want to know more about The Marmelade Gypsy's back story, don't forget to stop back here! And let me know you're playing, too!

Grateful for Something Pink!

Today (and every day) I am grateful for my blogging friends.

You give me a present every time you visit and leave a comment! And I have learned so much from visiting you.

Annie recently gave me this "Pink" Award. The pass-along is that you send it on to 15 blogs you've recently discovered. (Thank you, Annie!)

The rules for sharing are simple. If you accept the award, just post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

The other part of this award is to pass it to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. I simply couldn't choose, so I encourage you to visit my "Blogs I Visit" list on the right, and if there's someone you haven't visited yet, stop by for a second! While it probably could use another update, I did recently add some new links, so it may be worth a look!

If you site particular bloggers with this award, remember to contact them so they know they've been chosen.

Isn't this a pretty graphic? I'll look forward to adding it to my sidebar. Thanks Annie!

I've Been Catching Up on Blogs!

Later in this post, I'll talk about zombie chickens.

No, this particular chicken isn't a zombie (or is it a rooster? I am farm-animal challenged) -- at least I don't think so! They're from Monet's garden in Giverny. But I just wanted to put them in!
Before I forget, I want to tell you that I've posted my thoughts on another foodie-in-France book, "A Pig In Provence" by Georgeanne Brennan, on Chopsticks and String.

And later today, if it isn't there already, you can read my take on another Cara Black Paris mystery, "Murder on Ile Saint-Louis." With photos, of course!

But first, I've been trying to catch up on blog reading and wanted to highlight a few stops I've made. You may want to make those stops, too. (You may need to scroll down to catch some of these specific posts, but it's worth the time to do so!)

(And, I just updated my links. Still working on it, but lots of you are now in place!)

Labor Day may be past, but Shoreacres has a post worth reading any day of the year. In fact, all her posts are worth reading any day of the year! And so are the comments, which really carry on the story.

Qugrainne has been in Bali and has many glorious posts with even more glorious photos about her time there.

Robin Bird has had some most thoughtful posts lately. I direct you to one I particularly mulled over for a bit, but encourage you to check out some of the others.

My cousin Bonnie recently had her first blogaversary over on Mama K. Get in on year two!

Joanne is making the most remarkable and delightful dolls! She's just reopened her website store, and you can get a good look at some of the featured dolls at her blog. Read down a few posts to get the full gist of her creations! Her current post also shows some of the store items. Click on the link in her post to visit!

My pal Judy Winter will soon be going to Fort Bragg to talk with military families about special needs, and in particular focusing on the important role siblings play. For more related to special needs issues, visit Winter Ramblings. This post is especially touching and timely, relating to special needs children and school.

Nathalie -- that talented and creative artist -- has opened an Etsy store. Link to her Etsy store from her most creative and artistic blog!

Janet at Lavender Loft recently had a birthday. So, using her family's vintage photos, she's cruising down memory lane. Lots of September days left to go along with her!

Finally, a big thank you to Diana, aka "Oh" (Oh, Books, Oh Paper, Oh Life!) for sharing with me the "Zombie Chicken" Award.I love laughing, and the description on this one is four-star! (And the graphic is fabulous!)

Here's what it means:

“The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken– excellence, grace, and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.

Five Bloggers who inspire readers willing to brave the evils of a torrid flock of zombied hens in order to read those Bloggers would have to include any of the people above, plus all of the ones over in my blog roll!

Now, I've given up "tagging" people to do this, so don't feel compelled, and if you do -- you can list as many as the rules say (five) or more, or less! The point is, I love the blogs I visit, and I hope you'll visit some of them, too!

Even though I don't get around to everyone as quickly as I wish I could, I still get there!

The Tulip Award -- and a new book!

First, I just wanted to let you know that there is a new book post at Chopsticks and String -- "Murder in Montmartre," by Cara Black -- part of a very good series set in France!

Quite some time ago, Annie from Imagine (formerly InMyDreamz) presented me with the Tulip Award for fun blogs to visit! At long last, I am finally getting around to passing it on!
Thanks, Annie! Your blog is fun, too!

Here's the meme that goes with it! And several fun blogs I enjoy visiting who perhaps will add this award to their stash (and do the meme, too, if they like!)

1. YOUR NICKNAME – My cousins call me Deet. I had it before the insecticide did.

2. YOU ARE – a “cup half full” person, pretty optimistic, trying to see the plus when I can.

3. YOUR MOST SPECIAL PERSON – Rick and the Kids, and the Gypsy, because we all know our pets are people.

4. YOUR FAVORITE SONG – Rodgers and Hart’s “I Could Write a Book.” Today. Who knows what it'll be tomorrow.

5. YOUR FAVORITE FOOD/DISH - Sushi

6. THINGS THAT MAKE YOU STRESS – Arguing/conflict and deadlines (and yes, I work in a deadline-driven business)

7. YOUR FAVOURITE COLOR – Bright apple/lime/chartreusey green (or tealy turquoise)

8. THINGS THAT YOU MUST HAVE IN YOUR BAG – lip balm/chapstick, my camera and enough cash to play with!

9. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED – The week of August 24, when I was so sick with my chronic bronchitis I thought I'd never have a day when I didn't cough uncontrollably again.

10. SIX RANDOMLY SELECTED FRIENDS – Theoretically, these folks will do the meme, but I hate to ask anyone to do these -- so many go around. So, here are six blogs I've recently discovered, but because I'm a bad blog maintainer, haven't added to my blogroll yet. Please stop by and visit:

A2EatWrite -- great food articles from Jen!
Life Through a Lens -- Beautiful things from Australia and Ols.

A Day in the Life of... -- From Joyce in British Columbia
The Magpie's Nest -- Way more creativity than you can imagine from Patty!

Is There a Shadow -- Beautiful art by Julie

MaeFoodBlog -- Wonderful food postings by Mae!

Thank You!

A note: Our office e-mail program has been reconfigured. For a bit, I'm not getting all of my email -- definitely not Gypsy/blogger e-mails, though I am getting a ton of spam. So, if I don't answer your comments, please forgive me! They're working on it!

Many thanks to the wonderful Diana, whom you may know as "Oh" as in Oh, Books, Oh Paper, Oh, Life!

She passed along to me the "I Heart Your Blog" award!

I am so pleased, partly because I love her own blog so very much, and partly because it gives me the opportunity to pass it along to seven others. (How do I pick seven blogs? Especially when I have picked blogs before for other citations -- not to mention that Diana nailed a couple I would want to be sure to introduce to you?)

Well, there is no shortage of wonderful spots to visit, new things to see -- whether they express the visual, the written or life in general. So check out these folks! (And others on my blogroll, too!).

Theoretically, you pass this on to seven blogs. Do your best!

************

Mike Smith at Dissent Decree always has something interesting to say (I recommend scrolling down to his fabulous post about "Snapper" who learns that all the bells and whistles on a camera can't make up for inspiration!)

Jane Rosemont has always had a wonderful web site but she has recently started a new blog, filled with her art and photography. (Check it out often, for as I write this she is in Bali, no doubt shooting beauty with abandon, but probably unable to add new content for a week or two.)

I've recently become enchanted with An Artist's Legacy, by Nathalie, -- a wonderful place to find beautiful things and lovely ideas. I always leave inspired.

Birds of the Texas Panhandle by Dale is one beautiful bird image after another -- with some fascinating commentary as well.

Bead Fluff is Mary T's spot, and she shares lovely things from her life as well as her art -- which is far more than beads, but also lovely drawings as well.

Bobbi of My Muse and Me responds often to some of the writing blog community's prompts, and in doing so through both poetry and essay reveals so very much of her world.

Finally, if you're an ATC fan, visit Maryellen at Liven, Loven, N Laughen for Art. She's a prolific ATC artist (and don't miss her Japanese haiku cards!)

Marie Antoinette Award!

Shortly before Christmas,I received the above Marie Antoinette award from Linda at Linda Jo's Obsessions. I've been visiting her blog for some time now -- she's a wonderful paper artist and the photos of her work always inspire me!

So, it's an honor to receive this award from Linda. It is an award for being an Inspiration in our little creative world and blogging world (and she tagged me for inspiration in writing!) Thank you, Linda!

I promised I would pass this on early in the New Year and the time has come!

So..... here are the rules:

1. Please put the logo of the award (above) on your blog if you can make it work with your format (I added that last part because on some blogs, it might not work with the template!).
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award (Linda's on my blog roll!)
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs.
4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

Here are my inspirations that have not...to my knowledge...already gotten this award:

MamaK's Blog -- The fact that Bonnie is my cousin-in-law has nothing to do with this! Everytime I visit MamaK, she makes me laugh. And when she posts a recipe, you can bet it's a good one!

Qugrainne wrote the most inspiring and creative advent posts I've read, with gorgeous photos and slide shows. Mostly, she write about books!

Anno is another writer and she's also a foodie! So when you visit Anno's Place, you might find talk of food, life, a poem or reading. Or who knows what!

Oh (as in Oh Books, Oh Paper, Oh Life!) brings a wonderful sense of humor, beautiful writing and lots of fabulous inspiration to me!

So does Becca as in Becca's Byline and Write on Wednesday. In fact, WOW is a wonderful spot for finding people who talk about writing (and don't just talk, but do!). So many of the writers I have linked to from this spot have become true favorites.

When it comes to photography, one of the most fascinating journeys has been Beth's of Doors Are Everywhere, Open Them. It's been inspiring to follow Beth's journey as she has discovered all the options in digital photography.

Winter Ramblings is my friend Judy's blog. She's a tireless, passionate advocate for those with special needs (particularly children). Her blog offers lots of excellent and thoughtful information, stories, updates that inspire. (And her photography is pretty terrific, too!)

These are far from the only blogs that inspire me, so for more, I encourage you to click on my blog links at the right. But do stop by and visit these wonderful women!

Vegas Six! Home Tonight

We'll be home tonight! Meanwhile, imagine us having fun in the bright lights of Las Vegas...(at the Wynn)...


And shopping at the Venetian! (Or simply enjoying the sheer magic of the holidays with their displays!)

And admiring the gorgeous poinsettias in the Bellagio conservatory.

This month will be my first blogging anniversary -- it is December 18! So, I'll be having a celebratory drawing later in the month. (Probably December 31, but I'll let you know if it changes!

Any comments left on The Marmelade Gypsy will be entered to win a packet of prizes -- I'll post them when I decide what they are!

Comment on every post and your name will be included multiple times!

Another reminder for new readers -- my series on grieving continues on Chopsticks and String with part two, Getting Through the Holidays.

An Award!

I was delighted to receive this award from Bobbi at My Muse and Me.

Bobbie is one who always posts on "Write on Wednesday."

Thank you, Bobbi!

I'm passing it on (the rules say you must pass it on to 10 others, or...

"According to Cyberspace rules in the eUniverse of eAwards, acceptance of this Excellent Blog Award requires me to tag nominate 10 virtual victims excellent Bloggers.

From the Heart (Cami)

Nature Trail

Herzblatt (Iris)

The Lavender Loft (Janet)

Jill's Junk to Jewels

A Whimsical Bohemian (Lisa)

Garden Goose (Tina)

From the HeART (Beth)

My Thoughts by Dawn

Linda Jo's Obsessions

Please do stop by and say "hello" to these women!

Taking Care of Business!

In sharing with you our vacation fun, The Marmelade Gypsy has left some thanks and “unfinished business” dangling in cyberspace!

First, many thanks to all of you who knew about my birthday and sent along greetings – either online or in the mail! It was a great day! (Actually, it just keeps coming!)

(And the best part is that Rick gave me a laptop, so you won’t have to hear me carp about the borrowed home computer when the screen goes black and I can’t even log off! I will, however, continue to periodically complain about dial-up!)

He also made a great dinner with carrot cake.

Second, thanks for some blog awards! Janet at Lavender Loft recognized me with the Wylde Woman blogger award! Janet's magical drawings (she calls them doodles, and maybe they are, but I think of them as drawings) enchant me!

Just yesterday I learned from one of my favorite artists, Sandra Everston (who is featured in the newest issue of Artful Blogging), that I had won a doll head in her drawing!

I visited her site today and you must too! Her current post is a sweet treat of art, candy, gumballs, but most of all, her creative words – and it’s a feast for the eyes and a smile for the heart.

I’ve not posted any art lately, but recently completed my first row-house trade with Dawn of My Thoughts by Dawn. These are the ones she received from me!

These went to my new art friend Charline!

The two I did for myself capture my mom and her sisters and my grandmother. I don't have the one of mom and the sisses photographed, but here's Grandma (aka Minniewood).

A few days ago, my pal Judy – who is the advocate extraordinare for special needs – asked if I could mention a new campaign launched by the Special Olympics to raise consciousness about the derogatory use of the word “retard” and how it is often used to insult and demean people with intellectual disabilities. For more about this, please visit Winter Ramblings.

Finally, I will announce the winner of my vacation souvenir package on Monday, August 18, so remember – any comment on any of the posts that begin with the letter “V” for “Vacation (“V1,” “V2,” etc.) are entered!

Next week: Some “craft camp” creations (I hope!)