And my thanks go to....

My friend, Maria, over at With My Whole Heart presented me this blogland Arte y Pico award so now I want to pass it on and ask you to do the same. And thank you, Maria, for your kind words about me and my blog.

Here are the rules.

1. Pick five blogs you consider deserving of this award, whether for creativity, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2. Name each nominee and link to his/her blog.
3. Show the award and include the name (and link to his/her blog) of whoever presented you with this award.
4. Link to the Arte y Pico blog so everyone knows the origin of this award.
5. Post these rules.If you already have this award, you only have to accept this additional recognition.

And thanks to the following bloggers who have opened up my world, made me laugh, made me think, and provided me with many hours of entertainment. These aren't in any particular order - well, except for the first one. She always rises to the top of my life

Four Feet More: This is my daughter, Jenni's, blog. She started it when she brought her two beautiful children home from Russia in December 2005. It always brings a smile to me face. Jenni has an amazing sense of humor, is a terrific writer, and has become quite a professional photographer in the past couple of years. Plus, I get to see great photos of my grandkids! Jenni is the one who talked me into starting a blog 18 months ago. To tell stories about our family and to preserve their memories.

With My Whole Heart: Maria, who presented me with this award, writes such thought-provoking blogs. She makes me think, makes me look inside and try to determine how I REALLY feel about things. And she's a warm, loving person.

According to Nikki: Nikki is a very consertive Republican and our views are quite different about many things (!!), but she's a total kick and an intelligent blogger. Her blog is filled with such conviction, such passion. And she loves Tucson. That's a big plus!

Chatti Patti Strikes Again: Patti is another feisty one. She's going through some difficult times right now, but will rise to the top. She has humor, spunk, and a joy for life.

Desert Diva: Diva takes us on her travels - both in her RV and in her heart. She is also an incredible photographer

Fleur de Lisa: Lisa is a single mom who is also an awesome photographer and takes us with her through raising her son, finding relationships, traveling, and just thinking. Always a good thing.

Ira: This blog is written by a lovely young woman who is starting on a very exciting journey in the next couple of months - coming to the US to go to school in the Los Angeles area. Although she doesn't blog often, she and I have become friends via the Internet and I wish her great joy in this next phase of her life.

Thanks to all of you!