Rockin’ Mama

(Me, at 4 – or it could be Ryder in a dress, not real sure)

It isn’t that I’m not appreciative, I am, I really really am. I am actually completely flattered. This blog love business has gone a good way to making up for some awkward, dorky middle school years! I have to admit though, that the whole thing makes me feel like it’s talent show day and pick your kickball team all at once. I am supposed to bare myself and risk others feeling left out, in one fell swoop. So, it’s taken me a while to acknowledge the fact that I have been tagged and given some blog awards, which I am supposed to pass on.

Here goes:

First to sweet Happy, who tagged me to list 8 things about myself.

Hmmm. How about 8 firsts?

1) My first car was a green 1974 VW Superbeetle. It had cool Ferrari chrome tailpipes and was painted dark metallic teal. I liked to drive with one hand draped over the wheel, blaring the Beatie Boys, cuz I was that cool. My mechanic, Vern, had it more than I did though. I still wonder whatever happened to Vern.

2) I married the man who took me to my first and only prom.

3) My first job was as a grocery bagger, after which I was a dog washer. My first assignment as a dog washer? A Bull Mastiff. How’s that for an initiation?

4) First college major – pre-med. I took ONE biology class for science majors and knew that I was not nearly dedicated enough to follow it through. So I studied education instead. It’s come in handy.

5) First instinct? To be a hermit. I have a handful of close friends and that suits me fine. I’m not into crowds or group activities, but I can fake it if need be.

6) First kiss – Jodi Nichols in the First Baptist Church. You can’t make this stuff up, people.

7) First concert – Billy Joel. I still have a soft spot for the Piano Man.

First love? Well that’d be a three way tie between a boy, some wheels and a horse.

Boy: my little brother, who was born when I was 9. I was so crazy about my little living doll that I actually gave him a hicky on the back of his neck once. I couldn’t help it, he was so kissable. I could have eaten him if I’d had a little whipped cream. He was that sweet. He’s big and hairy now, but I still like him well enough. I don’t kiss him anymore though. Gross.

Wheels: My sweet rollerskates. I really thought I’d make it on Star Search doing one of my roller-routines to Madonna or Cyndi Lauper. I was insanely talented.

Horse: Wilbur, who lived next door to me when I was 10. I gave him grass from my side of the fence and promised him that one day, after I won on Star Search, he’d be mine and he’d live on oats and honey.

Here’s the lot of us, together in one shot:

I told you that I was cool.

Now on to the awards…

The most lovely ladies have given me the “Rockin’ Girl Blogger Award.” I am blown away by their kindness, and a little dumbfounded at how warmly received my rather new little blog has been. You girls amaze me. So Eren (the most kindred of spirits), Leigh-Ann (fun personified, and a talented crafter) and Brit (who I hope to someday quilt alongside, because we’d laugh ’til our cheeks hurt), thanks so much for the award!

There are so many amazing women out here in Blogosphere, that it’s hard to pick just 5 to call “Rockin’”. If I must though, here are a few of the girls who make my corner of cyberspace a happy place:

1) Visty – Whose fab photos and dry humor make me laugh outloud on a daily basis.

2) Molly – Who I really wish lived closer because we’d for sure go on field trips and make jam together. She’s another kindred spirit.

3) Leslie. Her adventures with her daughters give me a little glimpse of life with girls, and her owls… swoon!

4) Sarah. Have I mentioned Sarah? I’m currently making a bid for her to move to Texas.

5) Oh, this last spot is killiing me. There are so many worthy women, that I just hate to leave anyone out. So, you know what? I just won’t. I’m reserving this spot for you, the women who are sweet enough to read, comment, and inspire me each and every day. If you are reading this, you qualify as totally “rockin’” in my book. Consider yourself awarded this pretty pink thing:

Now go and spread the love (and do try to forget that you saw that whole rollerskate thing.)