To our total delight, we learned we were awarded The Versatile Blogger Award and the Shine On Award.
First we want to thank Alison and Don at Adventures in Wonderland for nominating us. They are kindred spirits to us because they also like to wander. They say,
“We sold our car and apartment, sold or gave away all our stuff, and set off to discover the world. And ourselves…We will continue traveling until it’s time to stop – if that time ever comes.”
We particularly like their post The Nomadic Life – Staying Grounded. Thanks Alison and Don for the lovely awards and sharing your adventures with all of us.
Both awards asked us to share 7 interesting tidbits about ourselves. Here goes …
1. James did a solo 1,300 mile bike ride from St. Augustine, Florida to Beaumont, Texas. He camped all the way and inherited ravenous fleas from a friendly campground cat.
2. We give names to all the cars we’ve owned. Betsy, Beanie, Cecil … and now Snick (short for “Snickerdoodle”)
3. Terri walked 172 miles in London one week. Since it’s her favorite city, she was bound and determined to do every self-guided walking tour she could find.
4. We sat beside Francis Ford Coppola in a London Fish and Chips Shop.
5. James could have been a drummer in another life! Seriously. When he hears music James will beat, bang, and thump on any surface that stays still long enough.
6. Terri was a tap dancer as a kid. In her final performance (age 10) her costume came untied from around her neck, fell down, exposing very little. Mortified, she ran off stage and has not tap danced since.
7. We saw a grizzly bear and cubs – while waiting for a bus! At the Glacier Bus Stop in Juneau, Alaska we heard a commotion nearby. A huge grizzly bear emerged from the brush, swung her head warily, then fixed her gaze on us. Oh great! Then she motioned for her 2 gangling cubs to cross the road. With a final glare at us, she disappeared into the woods behind them. Whew!
These awards also asked us to share some of our favorite bloggers with you! So please check these folks out. They will make your day!
THE VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD* shines the spotlight on bloggers who are adept at creating and handling change – whether it’s their life or the lives of others. They’re versatile! We chose the following blogs to inspire you to realize your dreams:
Tricia A. Mitchell – The first photo I saw of Tricia, she was paddling a round basket boat. Now that’s the definition of versatile! She believes in the power of citizen diplomacy, and is now on an international sabbatical to help make the world a better place.
The Expat Almanac – Louise and Tom are intrepid. Their blog is the “saga of two people who have abandoned everything that is comfortable and secure, who have packed one bag each and are embarking on an adventure without end.” We love these two!
Live Blissful – This beautiful blog documents one young woman’s transition to a vegan lifestyle. Her recipes are incredible with fabulous photography. We were charmed … and you will be too.
Travel Relapse – Joseph planned for 4 years, saving for the adventure of a lifetime. After many twists and turns, he finally took the plunge … and now he’s living the adventure in Europe. If you want to know how to turn your travel dream into reality, here’s your inspiration!
Counting Down From Zero – There’s just one word for Kortni – awesome! She’s decided that it’s not things that make her happy, it’s people and time she cherishes. She chronicles her family’s journey to be car-free, debt-free … and be sure to ask about her chickens.
THE SHINE ON AWARD* highlights bloggers who are shining stars in the vast array of available blogs. We chose the following blogs as shining-star, smile-inducing folks who will earn your respect … and return visits.
JUMP FOR JOY! Photo Project – Eyoälha (Eee-YO-Lah) has a grand vision. She wants to create an art photo book of 1,000 photos of people jumping for joy around the world and a photography exhibit that showcases a select few of the best JUMPING images. You will love it.
Life Out of the Box – Quinn and Jon gave up their lives in California to move to Nicaragua to start a business that gives back to the community. These two twenty-somethings have an incredible tale that will blow your mind.
Thoughtful Pop – Mitchell is a stay at home dad with two wonderful daughters. “When he’s not cooking, cleaning, dancing, reading, teaching, playing or protecting his eyes and groin,” he’s writing about his whole experience in all of its ridiculousness.
Global from Home – Elise is a study abroad advisor who has traveled extensively, and now wants to explore the world around her within a 30 mile radius of her front door. Check out her 100 Global from Home Ideas.
Transplanted Tatar – This creative blog specializes in travel of the hidden-treasure, off-season variety. It’s filled with weekend escapes, wanderings, wildlife, and festivals. So much to choose from … so little time!
Wander One Day – Jen grew up in a family that loved to travel – and it rubbed off on her. Today she’s married, travels every chance she gets, and has a great 5-point travel philosophy.We also love her postcard collection, and you will too.
Restlessjo ~ Roaming at home and abroad - Jo claims she “can’t be still for too long, unless of course it’s sunny and I’ve got a good book. I love to travel and to explore our world.” And she will take you on a marvelous journey out there, just embracing life.
So there you have it. Enjoy!
Terri & James
* P.S. These are the Recipient Guidelines for both awards. Please feel free to adapt!
1.) Show appreciation of the blogger who nominated you and link back to them in your post.
2.) Add the award logo to your blog.
3.) Share 7 things about yourself.
4.) Nominate 5-10-15 or so bloggers you admire.
Congrats!! Love the 7 things about you!
Hi Laura, and thanks. I’m loving all the great NH photos on your blog. I’ve fallen in love with Greenville from afar. Must be that awesome waterfall. Thanks for stopping by. ~Terri
Congrats! Well deserved!
Thanks tuttacronaca! And these folks we nominated are awesome!
I am sure of this: I am curious to find out these blogs!
Thanks Terri and James for your kind words.
Loved/impressed by your 7 things – cycling 1300 miles wow! and equal wow to walking 172 miles in a week.
Poor 10 yr old Terri – you must have been devastated.
And the bears OMG you were lucky – lucky to see them, and lucky to be alive. I used to cook in wilderness hunting and gold-mning camps in northern BC and Yukon so have seen many bears, but none that close. They are magnificent animals. And so exciting to see in the wild.
You used to cook in wilderness camps up North! That’s incredible! Now there are some stories I want to hear. Have you written about those experiences? Although I’ve tent camped forever, I must say I find bears pretty terrifying, so observing them from afar is just fine with me. What’s the old quip on fleeing a bear? “I don’t have to run fast, just faster than the other guy!”
Oh yes, many stories about my years camp cooking. I’ve never written about them. It almost seems like another life now, though I do remember quite a lot about those years. Maybe I’ll write about it one day.
I was never scared of bears (through sheer total ignorance) until I moved to Canada and started cooking in camps. Then I heard so many bear stories, and encountered a few myself, that I soon developed a great respect for them, as in – be afraid, be very afraid. And stay the heck out of their way.
Also done a lot of tent camping. In bear country my backpack with the food in it was always at least 100 metres from the tent.
Congratulations for these well-deserved awards! I enjoy your blog immensely and am not at all surprised that I am not the only one.
Thank you also for mentioning me. I am breathless and elated! Can’t wait to check out all the blogs you recommended–thank you for providing such an excellent overview of each one.
You are so welcome! And so well deserved. We always look forward to your new posts. All the best, Terri
Great job James and Terri! I was nominated for this award a week or so ago, but I had a terrible WIFI connection and wasn’t able to complete the prerequisite conditions (albeit, I did write him to say thank you). I love the 7 things you wrote about yourself – thank you for sharing!
Thanks Steve. It appears that you’re squeezing lots of action into your trip so far. It’s funny hearing you talk about the heat in NZ. When we were there (March) it was autumn, and we had lots of cloudy, windy, and rainy days. Wellington was particularly windy. Party on Garth!!
Love reading your posts and learning more about you. We name our cars also.
The description of the bear with her cubs…wow. Can imagine how that must’ve been.
I don’t know how we got in the habit of naming our cars! I think it started with James and the first car he ever owned. After that we couldn’t stop ourselves! And as to the bear – as a longterm tent camper I’m very leery of bears, so I was glad she moved on. ~Terri
When I was in college I lived with a friend who had a cat named Max who slept with me (Max, not my friend, lol). When Max passed I was devastated because in a way he was like my very own first fury kid. I named my VW bug after him and I’ll tell you when that car died I named my next Honda Civic after Max again. I really loved that little fury guy. Now we’re on to different names, like Joy, Willie, … fun conversation. Have a great day. Paulette
AWESOME!
Congratulations
Thanks Ioana!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MY FAVORITE SHARING COUPLE TERI & JAMES. LIVING NEXT TO YOU YRS
AGO WAS AN EDUCATION IN. CREATIVE HARMONY
Hi Lin, It’s so wonderful to hear from you. Happy New Year! And thanks so much for the lovely compliment. You know we feel the same way about you, our Wonderful Neighbor. What creative projects are you working on these days? Love, T
Terri & James, I’m flattered by the nomination, and enjoyed your funny, personalized description about my piloting that Vietnamese basket boat.
Thank you very much for the recognition; I cannot wait to explore these new sites.
172 miles in a week? Your tradition of blissful travel together inspires me. I hope my husband and I will be able to continue to follow suit!
Hi Trish, You are very welcome. I knew the minute I saw your photo in the basket boat that I was going to love your blog … and I do. That boat must have been really tricky to maneuver! It sounds like you and your husband are having a blast traveling together. Isn’t it cool! All the best, Terri
Congrats on your awards.Loved reading the interesting things about you both. “Ravenous fleas” sounds horrific.
James said he didn’t discover the fleas until he got in his little tent to go to sleep – then they went to work. Yikes!
Hi! There’s another award for you!
http://tuttacronaca.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/inspiring/
All the best!
Hi Tuttacronaca, Thank you so much for the nomination. We were pleasantly surprised and thrilled that you would think of us. All the best, Terri & James
Congratulations! So glad I found your blog : )
Thanks so much Snapfairy! I love the birthday party you threw for your 3-year-old cutie. It looked like a lot of fun. All the best, Terri
Aww thanks…but that was not for my son. I took those for someone else. The one I threw my 4 yr old was the Thomas train party – All aboard post. I just keep forgetting to add more photos to it. Keep up your fantastic blog! Blessings : )
Wow! Thank you so much. Such wonderful company I find myself in! My feet have just literally touched the ground and I’m up to my ears in washing, etc (the bits nobody mentions in a travel blog), not to mention my daughter’s wedding this Saturday. I’ll come back for a proper visit soon as I can.
You’re so right – bloggers don’t talk about the washing, yet someone has to do it! Awww -a wedding. That’s wonderful! Please wish your daughter all the best. And you are welcome back anytime. ~Terri
You two are everything we have come to expect. Our Dad, speaking of Terri’s incredible incredible academic success said: “I always felt sorry for you and Nancy, having to follow Terri.”. ’nuff said. We figured out totally pedestrian ways to shine, while Terri and James lit the universe. We love, honor and admire you two, all the time knowing where the pictures, rice for your suitcases, and stories about the old days reside. Never have two people led so many into the quest for what makes us special…thank you. we love you.
Well Ellen, I’m totally gobsmacked … and speechless (and that doesn’t happen often, as you well know)! Thank you so much. And trust me, there is nothing pedestrian about my sisters who are able to adopt kids, support worthy causes, and change careers without breaking a sweat. You are my heroes – now and forever. We love you too, T
Congratulation on your award. Your blog is beautiful.
Susanais9 Thank you for your very kind words. Much appreciated. All the best, Terri
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Hi Jo, Thanks so much for your very kind mention. I love your 7 Things, and thanks for introducing the great bloggers you nominated. As always, you Shine On! ~Terri
Just discovered your blog and loving it!
Well deserved award and thanks for the tips on new great reads
Hi Layla, I’m so glad you’re here! Thanks for your very kind words. What an absolutely beautiful blog you’ve created. I can tell already that I’m going to be wandering around in it for weeks on end. You provide such an incredible insight into your life. Thank you. Wishing you all the best, Terri
Thank you Terri that means so much to me!
Hope to see you around