I like these blog awards. I like them, not because I think they really mean one blog is better than others, but I like them because it is a way for bloggers to support each other and that, I believe, is what we like to call community. I have received a few different awards over the last year and I usually am thankful and all that good stuff, but when I get nominated three times in three days for the same award, well, I can’t just say thanks and carry on.
So great big thanks to Julia at Easy Eco To Go, Krunsdogs and Marisa at Marisa’s Healthy Kitchen.
I had this idea the other day and I am curious of your thoughts on it. I mentioned it to Hannah of Author of My Sweet Vegan and the Bittersweet Blog and she was all for it. The idea came from the premise that we have created a community that is so positive, supportive, informed and inspired to live a most healthful, conscious, balanced and sustainable life and to share this with others who also want to learn and live it. That is really cool.
The thing about this community is that most of us have never had the pleasure of meeting each other. We are spread across the country, across the continent, and come to think of it, more accurately, across the world. What if we were to meet? We pick a place. We pick a weekend. And we all do our darnedest to be there. This would be a weekend meant only to get to know each other outside of the blog world. To meet each other under circumstances that are not necessarily sponsored by our advertisers or by the companies that send us stuff to try, but a gathering, on our own terms with the sole purpose of turning this online community into a real-life community. This is how we can plant massive seeds of change that will grow into pre-demolished Amazonian sized proportions. Are you in? I am thinking Spring 2011. One year away. We will pick a place and then do what needs to be done to raise the funds, start the piggy banks and all that jazz to get us there.
So to play by the rules of the Happy 101 blog as best I can (rules and I have never gotten along so well), here are ten things that make me happy.
Costumes (though some may say I wear one everyday- and yes, that is Vanessa, one of my besties and author of Sleeping Naked is Green)
Chickens! I heart chickens!
Barefoot In Sand
Meditation (and the cutie who took this photo!)
Flowers!
My bicycle
Brett Dennen
Hammocks
Scarves
First dip of the season.
Toronto, the city I call home.
My delightfully wacky family.
So that was 12. See, not good with the rules. What I did notice was that only two of those photos were taken inside, but I know that both Vanessa and Brett Dennen appreciate a good dose of fresh air.
I leave with this from the Dalai Lama’s Art of Happiness:
Now I can’t name names of my top 10 fave blogs. If I were a school teacher, everyone would get a gold star and a perfect grade. Keep me away from rules. Too fun and easy to break.
Congrats on the happy award!!
I love your new blog design layout, looks lovely!
A meet-up weekend would be so much fun (and so delicious)! I do love the community we’ve all created, and I love your photos, so fun!
Congrats on the winning of awards, but more importantly congrats on inspiring people with your blog (like me! lol) I actually blogged about making one of your recipes today (www.boiledfrogs.ca)!
I love love love the idea of bloggers and readers alike meeting up at some point! I would be in for sure!!
LOVE IT….I take a mini vacation every time I come over here !
and a 2011 blogger meet up sounds fun… hope it all works out!
I have read (almost all of it) that book too! it’s wonderful~
Happy Wednesday!
Hey Meghan,
Congrats on the award! I think you are deserving of any award you get! I do see a bit of humour in the picture that goes along with the Happy 101 award though, – not the kind of stuff I think you’d be eating to celebrate! But it sure is cololurful.
I think the idea of community is a great one. When like-minded people get together, there’s no telling what will happen. Imagine all that positive energy in one place! Go for it!
Janet
If I can find the money and can get off of work, I’m so there. I’ll plan to make it happen and envision it in my future, so hopefully all the pieces will come together. I think it’s a WONDERFUL idea, Meghan. I’m already getting excited!!
Is this a meet-up solely for bloggers, or is it for everyone who follows the blogs as well? Although I don’t blog, I think this sounds like a blast!
Whoever! Saying it’s just for bloggers is like calling an event a ‘couples’ thing. I hate that! All would be welcome for sure!
So I am pretty sure this meet up is going to have to take place in the Caribbean. We are on day 4 of the Nourish Your Soul Retreat (check out the retreats tab aboce) and Balenbouce Estate is a health lovers dram come true!
I think that sound like a great idea. Congrats on the award! You deserve it.
I will start saving my pennies now!! Can we do it in March so I’ll be off school??
Love the new blog layout – so perfect for you!
I love your bicycle photo! You’re list is great and looks like your life is full of fun times and fun folks! Congrats on the Happiness award!
I vote for Dominica… a road less travelled, less touristed, caribbean… cheaper than a lot of other caribbean hot spots…. you’ve been there, and know…. however… i am checking out a few more this month, and will bet back to you… and will we meet up in St. lucia next wednesday for that fruit smoothie??
A meetup is such a great idea! I’ve been hoping to attend one for quite some time now–will definitely begin saving my pennies! But in the meantime before 2011, how about a Toronto-area meetup?? I’m happy to help organize is you’re willing! (And the Caribbean. . .enjoy the weather! *sigh*).
As long as the meet up isn’t too far away, no matter what, I’ll bring dessert!
Drool. I would love to do something like that. Depends on those darn pennies, though!
And Ricki, I love the idea of a TO meet-up! I was going to suggest the same!
I love your list! I think it would be so wonderful to all get together! I’ve always wanted to visit Canada!
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