Well this “blogging” experience  for me has been really cool.  Everything has been great, and the blogging world (actually called a blogosphere) has been amazing.  When I go into my dashboard, I see there are stats showing people coming and going, and then there are those that “drop in” and make a nice comment.  Such as Megan did from Meaningful Mommy. I don’t know how she found my blog, but I am glad she did.  Not only is she a fellow blogger, she is also now a friend.  Shortly after I posted the blog “The Stigma of Mental Illness”, (the one blog I feel SO vulnerable sharing), Megan stopped in, said some encouraging words, and mentioned she wrote a blog with the VERY same name a while back.

 

Just recently, Megan dropped by, and me and mentioned she had nominated me for the “One Lovely Blog Award”.  I did not know what it was, but as I looked into it, I am finding it an honour to be given this award.  Thank you Megan, I do graciously accept.  Please do check out her blog. With categories such as “Mind and Body Health”, “Parenting Tips and Tricks” or “Adventures and Travel”, there is something for everyone.

The rules for accepting this award are simple.

1. Thank the person who has nominated you. Provide a link to his/her blog.

2. List the rules and display the award image.

3. Include 7 facts about yourself.

4. Nominate 15 other bloggers and let them know that they have been nominated.  This is a way to introduce others to bloggers that you love.

5. Display the award logo and follow the blogger who nominated you.

Now Here Are the 7 Facts About Me

1.  Although my blog is called “The Old Fellow Goes Running”, my 1st love (other than God, my wife and family) actually is bicycling, which I have done my entire life.  Most years, including this year, I would bike 2,000-3,000 km a year.  I also am finding it great cross training to go with my running.

2.  Am a bit old fashioned when it comes to electronic gadgetry. I do have a cell phone, (a “hand me down” from my daughter), an old LG KP100, and just turn it on to see if the battery needs charging.  But I usually have it with me in case my car dies.   My daughter has another “hand me down”, an old Blackberry, (I think that’s what it is) if I am interested..  Should I go for it???

3.  I have a real weakness for dark chocolate. (they say it is good for me). I “try” to be disciplined and limit myself to a piece a day, when I get home from work, and I usually do.  But there has been times, if it has been a “bad day”, I would go overboard.  A year ago I gave up chocolate for the 40 days of Lent.  It was one of the toughest things I have had to do.

4. I can’t play any instruments, or sing very well, but absolutely LOVE music.  As a Christian, I do not miss many Christian concerts that come into the area, and feel it is important to support these people who are using their musical gifts and talents as a ministry.  Whether it is worship music, country, pop, or hard rock, I love them all.  When it is the “hard rock” Christian shows however, the “Old Fellow” will attend and enjoys on his own, as the family ALWAYS declines.

5. When I was 26, I took an intense 3 month outdoor leadership course, with emphasis on mountaineering and rock climbing.  The interesting thing is, is that I had never seen a mountain up close before (having lived in Central Canada all my life).  It was one of the most challenging, yet growing periods of my life.  Even though I have not continued to pursue it, mountaineering has over the years been in my blood, and am often found reading up on it.  Hoping when I retire, I would like to get back into climbing, but it probably will not be with the same intensity.

6. My 1st car was a 1968 Buick Wildcat.  I paid $50 for it, and with the work to have it certified for the road, it ended up being $250. The car was HUGE, had a big block 430 cubic inch engine, and sucked back gas like 12 miles per gallon.  But with gas back then selling for 45 cents per Imperial gallon, the cost of gas was not an issue.  Back then, most cars were either HUGE or were the muscle cars that are so collectable today, both types very thirsty for gas.  Nowadays, if I could manage it, I would not have a car.  Just don’t like the impact on the environment.  But living in the country, and I work in far side of the city nearby, a 38 kilometer commute, it is just not possible.    Reading up a lot on the viability of electric cars.  We’ll see!

7.  I grew up on a farm that was only about 11 miles away from where I now live.  When I was 15, my dad died of a heart attack (he was 47), but the impact he left in those years has molded me the way I am.    Unlike the “factory farms” today, my dad really cared for his land.  He rotated his crops, and gave his animals LOTS of space.  He had a respect for nature, which was definitely passed on.  During harvest time, my dad would hire 2 or 3 mentally challenged people.  The dignity and respect my dad showed them was just amazing and left a HUGE impact.  Although this #7 seems to be more about my dad, he is the one whose legacy has made me the way I am.  I love my dad, and miss him so much.

So, the next part is my list of the 15 bloggers who have most impacted me, during these couple of months I have been a part of the “blogosphere”.  I want to say THANK YOU, and would like to nominate YOU for the “One Lovely Blog Award”

Here Are My Nominations

1. Walking the Walk

2. Erin Glenys

3.  Emily and Her Artist

4.  My Story, My Song

5.  Simply Natjtan

6.  Turn a Page

7.  Love Plunge

8.  A Really Full Life

9.  The J Guide

10.  Notes From the Bathroom Floor

11.  Inspire Me

12.  Stories of Our Boys

13.  Perfect Strangers

14.  Capsule Creations

15.  Fat to Fit

So there you have it, all of you lovely bloggers really deserve this award.  You have put a lot of time, thought and creativity in your blogs.  Trusting this award will bring many others your way to enjoy the fruits of all your effort.

*There is no time limit to passing this award onto others*

Keep Up The Great Work!!  🙂

Blessings,

Carl