I want to thank Terri Webster Schrandt who writes “Perspectives On . . .” for nominating me for the Very Inspiring Blogger award. I humbly accept. To pay it forward, I’m going to nominate some fellow bloggers as well.

I started blogging on Word Press in September 2014, and it has been a great source of creative comfort to me; actually, it’s kept me sane (whatever that is). Having spent 2012 and 2013 developing and performing a play about my mom who has Alzheimer’s disease, I needed another venue to explore new ideas and stories, and found it here. Yay!

I have been inspired and supported by other writers on Word Press, and their colorful, unique perspectives on the world and their personal corners of it, whether domestic or international.

It’s been mostly a good year, and a challenging one, both personally and in the community (New York / New Jersey). Citizens have taken to the streets to protest police brutality, and specifically, the murder of innocent black men and boys. Two innocent police officers were assassinated in their squad car by a mentally ill man. The NYPD and Mayor de Blasio continue to struggle to find a common cause. I am inspired by the protesters (not those calling for violence against the police), and I hope for a continued dialogue and progress towards justice for all.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the dear friends (will not name names) who are going through very trying times who inspire me daily with their strength and courage.

Here are the rules for accepting this award (purely voluntary):

1.  Thank the person who nominated you by including a link to his/her blog in your response, and display the award logo on your site.

2.  Nominate 15 other blogs (more or less). Include links to their blogs on your post, and inform them about the nomination.

3.  Mention three things that inspired you the most this week (you can talk about last week’s inspiration too or before that).

My nominations for the VIB award are as follows:

http://almostiowa.com/

https://brewsandviews.wordpress.com/

http://theimperfectcaregiver.com/

https://deadcatcomesback.wordpress.com/

http://dirndlskirt.com/

https://hairballexpress.wordpress.com/

https://benjaminherman.wordpress.com/

http://katzenworld.co.uk/

http://lateforfruitcup.com/

http://lifeinluciesshoes.com/

http://listentothebabe.com/

http://marysmith57.wordpress.com/

http://phoebemd.com/

http://nutsrok.wordpress.com/

http://pagetostageblog.wordpress.com/

https://frangipanisingaporenicum.wordpress.com/

Please check out their blogs when you have a moment, and see if they inspire you too.

Happy New Year to all!