Please allow me to begin by saying that this post, though longer than my typical posts promises something special, if you humour me a few moments while I take care of some much overdue business. I am honoured and truly delighted whenever someone Kindly offers an award in Friendship. Blogging Awards are neither easy nor quick to respond to, however, I have always appreciated them, both for the pleasure they bestow and because I know, first hand, how time consuming they can be. (this one took nearly two hours!) And although I will confess that I am pathetically overdue in responding to this latest round of awards, I do want to Thank Most Wholeheartedly my friends who have given me such brilliant gifts.

Amreen of Paint the World with Words Blog at: http://painttheworldwithwords.wordpress.com has honoured me with the Being the Light of the World Award. What an amazing thought! To be a Light to anyone is such a Blessing indeed, and it muddles my thoughts nearly every day that this humble, non-descript little blog has reached out across the continents and oceans to touch over 140 countries world-wide. Astonishing and a Miracle, Everyday. Yet Amreen’s blog reaches out as well, filling the world with Light and Joy. Her blog teaches, challenges, Inspires and brings writers together by painting the world with words. Do take a moment to stop at her blog.

Patty of Petite Magique at : http://petitemagique.wordpress.com has also honoured me with the Bouquet of Friendship Awards, which includes The Sunshine Award, The Lighthouse Award, The Dragon’s Loyalty Award and the Liebster Award. No Rules, Just Love from Just Patty! If you have never stopped by her blog, you really are missing something very special. From Light to Dark, From Beauty to Night, Patty spins a web of Magic that encircles and enchants. Don’t miss another day of her marvelous writing, stop by today !

Eric of The Hunt For Truth found at: http://hunt4truth.wordpress.com has Graciously offered me an Inspiration Awards Bouquet, which includes The Dragon’s Loyalty Award, The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award, The Shauny Award for Blogging Excellence, and The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Eric’s blog is filled with philosophical insights, peaceful meditative verses, Bright Mirth, Music and more. Always Fascinating, ever inspiring, his is a blog that I enjoy every day …and you might as well. Do stop by and check out what he is doing.

Callum McLaughlin of: http://callummclaughlin.wordpress.com/ Has blessed me with the Beautiful Blogger award. What an honour, truly. I do aspire to fill my blog with Light, Love, Hope, Peace and Joy, but this is a wonderful honour to be given. Callum’s blog is, in his own words, “a collection of snapshots from my experiences working as a writer and self-published author. I hope it will therefore appeal to anyone who works – or hopes to work – within the same area, but also to anyone with an interest at all in books, writing, publishing.” And I have truly found it interesting and insightful. Pop by and check out what he’s doing, you won’t walk away sorry.

And finally, Robin or Reocochran found at: http://witlessdatingafterfifty.wordpress.com has Delighted me with the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. She says “ My ‘byline’ is: Relationships reveal our hearts.” And I think that is very true. What we seek, what we hope for, who we long for show our inner secrets, with or without words, yet she paints these and other emotions and thoughts with joy, mirth and beauty that create a fun, interesting and enjoying place to visit. Stop by, sit back with a cup o’ something hot (or cold) and have a look around.

There….PHEW!!!!!

Ah, Award Posts. Long winded, fairly run-o-the-mill, and, unless you are personally nominated, somewhat uninteresting (come on now, confess it, it’s true!) OH don’t get me wrong, it’s wonderful to share the wealth of love and friendship, and its marvelous being able to showcase a few, possibly, little-known blogs that others might enjoy as much as you do, but in all honesty these posts are A LOT of work and I see more and more people politely bowing out of them altogether.

But it IS wonderful to Share the Wealth of Love and Friendship! SO, after thinking about this paradox for a LONG time, I have come up with my own solution. You may agree with my resolution or you may scoff and shake your head, but I am offering it up as a possible alternative should you find yourself facing the same conundrum. (honestly, I don’t even know if I’m “allowed” to do this, but I’m doing it anyway…that’s the way I roll)

I hereby Create: The Crème de la Crème Award.

Simple and to the point, this Honour is awarded to ONE person. No more long lists, no more hours and hours for one post. Received by One, Given to One for being the Crème de la Crème, the Cream of the Crop, the Pick of the Litter, the Best of the Best. Rules? Sure you can have a few rules:

• Select your Honouree and notify them. You Must Pay the Honour forward, (rather than just giving it back to the person who gave it to you.)
• Showcase their blog in the Best manner you choose.
• Include the Banner/Badge in your Post.
• Share your post with the world.
• Never forget to Thank the Person who Honoured You.

There, That’s Simple, quick, painless (I hope!) and still allows you to Share the Wealth of Love and Friendship.

That ALL Being Said: Please Permit me to begin by Honouring the very First Nominee for the Crème de la Crème Award: Richard Ankers of http://richardankers.com

Richard’s blog is a Marvel of Poetic Wonder that I look for with Purposeful Intent every day. He never fails to Impress me. His words Always Impress Me. The Emotion and Honesty of his writing Often Moves me, either to tears or to laughter, bringing a smile, a growl, or a gasp. Richard is Extraordinarily Talented and I hold it a Great Honour to count him amoung my Friends.

In his own words: “I love reading, writing, all sport, and walking through beautiful scenery. If I lived in view of a mountain with a stream running through the bottom of my garden, I would probably never again surface to the outside world. One year ago, I resigned from my job so that I could spend the rest of my time on the writing I love. Regardless of if I make a success of it I will never have made a better decision in my life.”

Take a Moment to Sample some of his marvelous works. Here are some that have truly spoken to me.

http://richardankers.com/2014/03/24/my-own-conductor

http://richardankers.com/2014/02/28/the-creative-process

http://richardankers.com/2013/12/31/my-ocean/

To me this is what Writing and being a born Author is all about: Loving the Written Word more than Loving the World and Following that Passion wherever it Leads you.

Congratulations Richard. YOU ARE the Crème de la Crème!

~Morgan~