A New Blog Award!

My friend, Lee Smith, @ Butterfly Blessings has given me The Circle of Friends Award! The rules are that I am supposed to share 5 things that I love to do and then pass the award on to five other blogs. Here we go:

1. I Love To Read: Surprise, surprise. I can remember as a little girl coming home from school doing my chores, putting my books away, changing my clothes and then the first thing I did when I got a spare moment was to continue reading a book I had started. Then on Saturday mornings I would get up before everyone else and sit in front of the fireplace and read. I also remember a very young age writing a mystery, well I didn't actually finish but I did start it. And to this day I still love to read.

2. I Love to Blog: Now this is something that is new to me. I had heard of blogging and knew that it was similar to a journal, but did not really get interested in having one myself until about six months ago. When I became a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers I realized that all the published authors have their own websites and/or blogs. So I decided that I would create mine in anticipation and preparation for that day when I can say I am a published author. I have had a tremendous amount of fun learning how to blog. Also, I have met so many other wonderful people who also have blogs. And while I am waiting to finish my book what a wonderful way to share with others Christian fiction books I have read.

3. I Love Photography: Photography is something that I had an interest in for many years. I remember the first time I decided to take some pictures of butterflies. This was back in the day of cameras that used film. All of the pictures I had taken were blurry. I asked the young man who was helping me at the camera shop while they were blurry. He told me that I needed a camera that would take close-up shots. That was the beginning of my photography adventure - I had learned the secret of good photography equaled a good camera. My first camera was a Canon Rebel SLR which used film. Eventually, I got a Kodak digital camera which is what I use now and the one I took the picture of the bee on the side bar. Because of my fibromyalgia I am not able to do anything that is very active. Taking pictures in nature is a perfect hobby for me.

4. I Love to Advocate: Advocating is something that I have been doing for the past couple of years. I have two groups that I enjoy advocating for. The first group is for adults with developmental disabilities. We have a group of parents in our community who have come together for the purpose of building housing for the disabled in our town. DIGS (Developing Independence, Growth and Security) has not reached that financial goal yet, but we have come a long way while we are still working on that goal. In the meantime we have developed several activities for our adults. We have an adult choir "Just As I Am" who is very well known in our community and performs many times during the year. We also have an art club and a dance club that meets once a month. If you have a chance go to the site and check us out. The other group that I like to advocate for is NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). This is an area where education is needed for the general population. There is also a great need for education to our religious community.

5. I Love to Write: Last but not least by any stretch of the imagination I love to write. This is something I have always wanted to do since childhood. I believe it was 2002 when I had my first article (Chasing the General) published in Georgia Backroads. I have written and had published several historical article's. I have really enjoyed doing this, but now I want to work on completing a novel. I am not holding my breath and I wouldn't ask you to hold yours because I may be using a walker by the time it's completed. However, I am trying my best to enjoy the journey.

OK - the next part of receiving this award is to turn around and present it to five other people.

1. First I want to give this to Stormi over @ Books, Movies, Reviews - Oh My. Stormi was the first non-relative to sign up as a follower. I have enjoyed getting to know her.

2. Second will be Lea Ann over @ Lea Ann's Garden. I've just met Lea Ann recently and she has shared her story about her wayward daughter on her blog to give others hope and help. I really admire Lea Ann for this and I know it has been beneficial to many others in similar trials.

3. Third, these are in no particular order, is Colletta @ Colletta's Kitchen Sink just because she has the cutest Christmas blog you've ever seen!

4. I'm adding Debra over @ Debra Lynn Collins blog. I've just found out that Debra doesn't live far from me - so we are going to try and meet up dome time. Stop on over and check out her blog. She's had some great giveaways lately - I know because I just won "A Connecticut Christmas". Thank you Debra!

5. Last and surely not least is Jennifer over @ Journey of Grace. Jennifer is just starting out like I am and could use some support. Go on over and sign up as a follower for her.

I'm gong to take a break right now, because my eyelids are slowly closing. I will try and come back and add two more to the list. I want to thank Lee for sending me this award. Lee has been a good friend to me over the past few months. We have a lot in common: especially fibromyalgia and fledgling writing. Thanks again Lee!

HAPPY READING!