Sunshine Blogger Award II

Posted on by jonicaggiano

I am both honored and humbled to have been nominated for the second Sunshine Blogger Award. I was pleased that fellow blogger, friend, and talented young woman, Akanksha Singh, AKA Bulbul – My Bubble, to whom I affectionately refer as “Bulbul,” was the one that nominated me and I am very thankful for this opportunity. Her writing is both beautiful and artful, and this blogging community, especially myself, feel privileged to have found her and her work on WordPress. She is also a well-deserved editor for the online creative, collaborative magazine, The Finest Example.

My Answers

  1. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?  I would be an eagle. The eagle is one of the largest birds and has excellent vision seeing up to two miles away. It builds its nest higher than any other bird. The eagle is mentioned 34 times in the Bible, and it is also a symbol of the importance of honesty and being truthful. As a child, I dreamed of flying, and it was the most beautiful gift and the most fantastic feeling. 
  2. What was the first-ever creative effort that you remember being proud of? When I was very young, I played in the woods a lot on my own for hours. I created an imaginary family with dolls and made little structures out of sticks and branches from trees. I lined the rooms of my small house with stones and other goodies I was able to find in the woods. I spent days making mud pies and other beautiful dishes for my dollies. I often ate the mud pies myself. This experience allowed me to learn to enjoy a meal. When I would get there, I would feel a sense of pride in my safe house and little family.
  3. If you could choose between true happiness or a greater creative skill, what would you pick? I have felt the heavyweight of misery at a very young age, so for me, there could never be a price on true happiness. Happiness is a precious gift – I would always choose happiness.
  4. Does politics have a place in the arts? Absolutely. I feel like creativity is one of the most powerful ways to express how people think about all issues assaulting or creating beauty in our world today and throughout history. 
  5. What gets you out of bed in the morning? The sound of one of our two doggies outside the door wakes me up. Then my husband coming into our bedroom with a great cup of coffee, along with a smile and a kiss. I know it sounds made up, but he has been bringing me coffee in bed for at least twenty years, and, yes, I do know how blessed I am.
  6. Where and how do you do most of your writing/art? I write in my bed because there is a beautiful view of all kinds of trees, wildlife and the sounds of nature coming through the windows. I like to write in the morning when I am fresh, and I can see all the critters as they do inspire me. Other times I put on great music by Lisa Gerrard, and the words eventually come.
  7. What famous work do you wish you had created? “The Old Man And The Sea” by Ernest Hemmingway. I read this book when I was very young, and it left a great impression on me. I liked how, in many ways, his writing was simple yet so eloquent. Yet there was so much implied content within each sentence. He was a true lover of the sea and a fisherman. He wrote about what he knew, and he did it so beautifully and with lots of symbolism. Also, it has indeed stood the test of time. 
  8. Is there anyone in the world that you actually hate? There was a time when I was young when I felt hate for another human being. I am not proud to admit this. She was cruel to me and that I could take, but she was also cruel to my child, and that was difficult to endure. There were things she said that were brutal. It was someone I had to be around, unfortunately. I explained to my daughter that it was this person’s misery that caused her to be this way and that she couldn’t help herself. My daughter was very young, and her feelings would get hurt, and a couple of times, she cried. However, I prayed about it, and God helped me to overcome this terrible feeling. I was so grateful, too, as I learned quickly that the only person I was hurting was myself. 
  9. Where is the furthest you have been from home? I was born in Munich on a military base. As an adult, I saw pictures, and it looked beautiful, but I was still a baby when we left.
  10. Would you prefer to wake up early or stay up late? I am a night person. I’m not particularly eager to get up before 8:00 a.m., and I typically would prefer to stay up until 11:00 p.m.
  11. If you could give a writer who was setting up a blog, one piece of advice, what would it be? If you want to write your first book, I would try to blog for at least a year before starting your first book. My reason for this is that the amount of talent in the blogging world is hard to believe. There is so much to ascertain from so many gifted artisans. The talent is endless, and it is free to learn from people who have already made their mark. I am not talking about the number of followers or books published necessarily. However, that is undoubtedly an indicator of someone’s gift, but all those remarkable artists we have never heard of are out there as well. 

Nominees

This was one of the hardest things I have done since I started my blog. There are so many people that I would have like to nominate for this award. It is difficult to choose only eleven so I had to use my own creative sense of elimination. I love all my fellow bloggers and have found so many wonderful friends here and have been blessed because of it.

There is no obligation for the nominees to participate; you are free to drop out if you want.

Questions for Nominees

  1. What was your initial motivation for starting your blog?
  2. After blogging for some time, did your initial motivation change, and if so, how?
  3.  If you were the leader of your own country, what would be the first thing you would change?
  4. What historical figure do you admire the most and why?
  5. When you need a break from your art form, what do you like to do most?
  6. Where would you like to retire if it could be anywhere in the world?
  7. Can you practice your art form when there are distractions, or are you able to tune them out?
  8. Who do you go to when you want an honest opinion about your work?
  9. What are your habits when you are working on a piece of art? Do you like to snack, drink coffee or alcohol, listen to music, etc.?
  10. Who has influenced you the most in your predominant art form?
  11. How do you balance work, family, and blogging?

 

35 thoughts on “Sunshine Blogger Award II”

      1. Thanks for the nomination–I stopped doing blog awards years ago. They were very fun to receive, and give, the first 3 years that I blogged–but I tended to make a huge production of them: posting music and a “banquet menu”–as if everyone were actually showing up physically for a rewards ceremony 🙂 So now there’s a “no awards” widget on the right side of my blog 🙂 I am happy for everyone who continues to enjoy them…I just don’t have the time and energy to devote to it 🙂 Love you too!

      2. Oh I am sorry I missed that. I totally understand. I was honored. However it created a lot of stress because I didn’t want to leave any one out. I spent 8 hours doing mine. I am still too sensitive for my own good. Well I love you Rhen and you are an amazing writer. Joni

      3. Oh goodness, 8 hours–yep, it can be stressful…mostly because we are sensitive and want to affirm everyone. Thank you for your lovely compliments–know that you are much loved too!!💕💟💕🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 (a half-dozen rose-bouquet!!)

      5. You’re most welcome–I’m ready for a weekend, though it’s pretty windy this evening…may need the candles and flashlights! 🙂 🙂

    1. You deserve it you are so talented. Your children are too. You don’t have to participate I know you have a busy life. Love 💕 you. I will get back to you soon regarding your question today. It is a great suggestion however. Love 💕 Joni

      Reply

  7. Congratulations Joni well deserved. I really liked your answers. I used to make mud pies when I was little. Eagle great choice for animal or spirit guide visionary. Thanks for the nomination and have answered the questions.

    Reply

    1. Yea! That is great. Thank you for your kindness. I appreciated the nomination from Bulbul or My Bubble she is a great writer. It is hard to chose, it took me hours as there are so many talented people out there. You are very gifted my friend. I always look forward to reading your work. Love you 😘 Joni

      Reply

  9. Congratulations Joni! You most assuredly deserve it! And I fully agree with your answer reference politics in the arts. I do think artists should express opinions on politics and strive to present their truths. All the best to you and have a lovely day filled with love, peace and creativity and above all, happiness!
    Francisco

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Francisco you are so kind to me. I appreciate your dear words so much. They bring an immediate smile to my face. Yes, I am glad you agree about politics and art. I think it is one of the most profound and provocative ways of expression. You too, be blessed my dear friend. Hugs and love ❤️ Joni

      Reply
  10. Pingback: Sunshine Blogger Award nomination (III) – The Unnecessary Blog

    1. I am so excited to read your answers to my questions so that I will know you better as will your blessed followers. You are very deserving of this nomination. Thank you CD for your very kind and generous words they mean a lot to me. Love 💕 Joni

      Reply

  11. This is just epic! My best friend is being recognized for her work beyond family & friends, this is so special & I am so glad to be on this journey with you Joni. You are so talented & it is very special that you are being acknowledged as a writer & poet, I am so incredibly proud of you. it just feeds my soul. Love you so much & keep sharing your work, it matters!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Janette. Your words are so dear to me as you have been such a constant encouraging friend from the start. I love you always dear friend. Your words are truly humbling. Hugs dear Janette. Joni

      Reply

    1. You have a blessed new year my friend. Thank you for your support and kindness over this past year. I wish you blessings, love, and happiness for you and your family Tangie. Love ❤️🤗❤️Joni

      Reply

Leave a Reply