black widow blogger.

whew.

I was worried there for a bit. it occurred to me that shortly after dining with the stars otherwise known as f.o.t., she-weasel and B; the three of them nearly simultaneously discontinued blogging.

Of course, you readers were way too polite to mention it. And I was way too paranoid to draw attention to the fact. But I actually did begin wondering ... checking my breath ... watching my step ... sniffing my pits ... and generally becoming more and more self-conscious about the situation.

After all, here were 3 gorgeous women, all talented writers in their own write, sharing a mutual admiration society for all things French ... and then, kind of at the last minute, they invite me to their little summit and afterwards ... poof! presto-change-o! they are all mysteriously afflicted with a case of the au revoirs.

Thankfully, two of them, f.o.t. and she-weasel were recently and miraculously resurrected. Some sort of anti-JNRR serum was administered and the black widow bite swelling apparently reduced enough to bring them back.

Unfortunately, B is still missing in action. She was the tiniest so maybe my venom did her in.

*sigh*

Arte y Pico

Wow. It seems I have received an award. what better Bon Voyage than recognition for my angst and random streams of consciousness ? or (un) ... All of my best finery is packed and on its way to France, so I guess I'll just have to wear this old thing. (use your imagination, I'm sure it will be better than any description I could provide!) 

So. Not only do I get to have an amazing adventure and write about it and actually have people read what I write and sometimes even comment but now someone, namely Utah Savage, goes and gives me an award! An Arte Y Pico award. With rules and guidelines and stuff. Man, I forgot to write a speech. Or I wrote a speech and left it in my seat. or my purse. or my car. or the bathroom. So I'll just have to make do with thanks, and coming from a completely talented and gifted writer such as herself, it is quite amazing!

Now then. to the fine print. Apparently here is where I tell you more about the honorable award and what rules that are meant for you to abide by.  Since no one is the boss of me, you'll know that rules aren't exactly my bag.  But it is what it is.  So.

Upon accepting this award, one is asked to 1) select five blogs that they consider deserving of the award. Criteria is creativity, design, interesting material, and for contributing to the blogging community in any language.

2) Include the name of the author and a link to the blog, for each award designated,

3) Award winner must display the award graphic and put the name and blog link of the blog author that gave the award,

4) Include a link to the "Arte Y Pico" blog, in order to share the origin of the award.

My goal was to include some of my favorite blogs that haven't already been nominated or that some of my stateside readers might not have yet discovered. I couldn't find any references regarding declining the award, so get ready recipients ... that just ISN'T an option.

So, I've already covered numbers 3 and 4.  Now for the remnants.  And recipients.

My first award goes to Bête de Jour...an ugly man's guide to life, love and happiness. An Englishman with a wry writing style who demonstrates a voice unafraid of revealing raw emotion when sharing his past and present experiences.  I was hooked with the first read and I'm sure you will be, too.

Secondly, I would like to introduce you to Nunhead Ramblings, nunhead mum of one. Nunhead's blog is easy reading and you are quickly engaged with the goings-on of life, home and family; all presented in a friendly, humorous style that draws one in. The feel is similar, in my opinion, to Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City".

Third for me would be The Bloggess, like Mother Teresa only better. Now The Bloggess isn't for everyone, only crackpot madpeople such as myself with entirely warped senses of humour. This is one of the few blogs where I get withdrawals between posts. The Bloggess may be too big of a celebrity for my humble recognition ... but even so, if you haven't read her and you are twisted and sick and crazy ... do yourself a favor and do it DO IT!

Fourth on my list to share is Missing You Already, also known as MYA. MYA is a London expatriate living a life in Southwest France, sharing anecdotes and local color, while also writing a book. She makes me chuckle ... and can simultaneously make me take pause and long for my move abroad.

My fifth introduction would be Halfway To France. One discovers endless tips on the french relocation experience, peppered with unique insights of an American transformation to French ... and all the steps along the way. All provided with generosity, humor and kindness.

While I'm sharing this great idea called Arte Y Pico, I'd also like to introduce another blogging recognition site called Post Of The Week, where bloggers nominate their favorite posts for recognition. Check it out, all!

exits stage left.

did I mention?

My blog was featured on France Tales, a great site I began reading not long ago. Owen and his partner Jean-Jacques live in Toulouse, one of my favorite French cities. Ahhhh, all that lovely pink stone.....

Owen has lived in many great U.S. cities and we recently discovered we have both lived in the bay area, specifically Oakland. What a small world the blogosphere represents!

I was so flattered to be featured and for those of you who haven't come across their site, please check it out!