340 ~ Gargie & Liebster II Awards

So I decided to combine these two awards into a single post. Hope the nominators do not mind as I am making this a hybrid award This one will not be meant to pass on.

Ajay, it feels amazing to receive a nomination from you. The way you view the world and spread that beauty in the midst of sickness and struggles, it is a wondrous sight to behold. Thank you for your continuous support and my heart goes out to you. May your cancer go into remission someday, and whatever infections that plague your body. Even if the body fails, your phoenix spirit rises against all of that.

John, there is something beautiful in that darkness you hold. It is mesmerizing to say the least and I know you have a very good heart, and great taste in music. Thank you for your nomination and know that wherever you are, I will be there too riding the sound waves of the songs we are both listening to.

Now onto the questions.

What first inspired you to start writing a blog?

My first blog created on Xanga was born out of heartache. My first scum bag boyfriend that shattered my heart and soul into ten million pieces paved the way for pure hatred to live there. It was a very dark time in my life, and I was very young and naive. The blog was quite popular back then, but the words I wrote were vicious to say the least. I am not proud of it in any way, but it is a reminder that even if something tragic happens, it should never define me. If life gives you lemons, make grape juice, then sit back and watch everyone wonder how the hell you did that.

What is the biggest challenge you have had to face when writing a blog?

Knowing when the words I write are too much. I do censor myself at certain points, not because I’m afraid of what the readers would think, but because the truth in what I could release onto the pages may hurt me. There are still some things I am battling within myself. Nothing too big that I can’t handle but emotions can get the best of me sometimes.

If you traveled through time, what time would you want to arrive at and why? 

Back to when I was a child. When the only things I worried about were bee stings, and the only wounds I had were scrapped knees from trying to learn to ride a bike.

Do you prefer to eat chocolate, sweets or neither?

Neither. I do not have that big of a sweet tooth although I love baking. That is to benefit others though, not myself. Nothing says inviting, like the scent of fresh baked goods.

Do you prefer to read or write?

Both. Reading helps me to escape – I prefer this over television because my imagination is that much more vivid. Writing helps me figure the mess of thoughts in my head. Seeing my feelings in print, whether it is written by pen or type has been my biggest ally.

What is your favorite genre of writing and why?

I have no favorites when it comes to writing, but they will always be non-fiction. As long as I am honest with myself, then I hope the words ring true to others who may be feeling or have felt the same way.

What is your favorite non-fiction topic to read about and why?

Anything really. Whether it be about travel, fashion, love, life, loss. It opens my mind to another point of view and is liberating.

If you could buy one book that would help you solve a problem in your life, what would it be and why?

Books don’t solve problems, people do. Books are simply ideas and I prefer to find my own way. No book can solve the current problem in my life right now. The heart wants what it wants, and no form of literature will resolve this.

Do you prefer to write at night or during the day?

Whenever the mood strikes. Happens more often at night since I usually have to focus on my job during the day. But I keep my notebook on standby to jot any thoughts, ideas, or songs that I may want to expand upon later when I get home.

If you could be any character from a book, who would you be and why?

As much as I hate Disney (I prefer the true Grimms fairy tales), I would be Ariel. She can breathe underwater, has a lovely singing voice, can talk to birds and crustaceans, and has a trove full of lost treasures. How cool is that?

Do you prefer to read a printed book or an e-Book?

Oh no e-book for me. There’s something amazing about feeling a paper book in your hands, and the smell of the pages as I flip through them. It is intoxicating.

Nominees:

I’m sure they know who they are by now. If not, that is quite unfortunate since I talk to most of them on a daily basis They are writers and/or artists that are wise beyond most people I have met in life. They share ideas, feelings, thoughts, and without their support and encouragement, I would have given up on this project from day 1. Plus I enjoy reading their blogs and follow them religiously.

I shall only link one person as I did tell him I would do this. If you do not know who Ray Ferrer is, then you should stop by his page and see what the fuss is about. If someone can do me a HUGE favor and go here Urban Wall Art. I don’t have a Facebook to cast my vote, but please scroll under the big main picture, click on the big blue Support button and fill in the info. I would appreciate it if you would help send support on my behalf. He has a chance to feature his artwork in Times Square NYC, and each vote will bring him closer to this goal.

Onto the music.

Four letter word
But I don’t have the guts to say it
Smile ’til it hurts
Let’s not make it complicated

We’ve got a story
And I’m about to change the ending
You’re perfect for me
And more than just a friend
So we can just stop pretending