Sharing our Heart and Soul in Writing; the ‘We Still Blog’ Awards

It’s not often that life surprises me these days.  After surviving some earth-shattering shocks in my past, or witnessing them through years in the television news job I held, I truly feel I’ve seen it all at this point, and can get a pretty good feel for what’s coming my way.

But I recently discovered I’m wrong.

You see, I was recently recognized among some of the best writers I know as part of the ‘We Still Blog’ awards for the Type A Conference.   I know it sounds trite, but just getting to share the stage with these other writers who I follow and adore…writers I am always telling others they MUST read because they’re so incredibly talented…well, being nominated with them was enough for me.

Go ahead and roll your eyes, just like I’ve done each time I’ve heard that line recited in an awards ceremony hosted on TV.  Yeah, right.  But I MEAN it. REALLY.

So, as I sat at the ceremony this past weekend, listening to these writers share their phenomenal posts with the audience, I wanted to shrink a little in my seat.

There was no way my writing compared to what they poured out of their souls.  I didn’t even want to read my post.  In fact, I kind of had to go to the bathroom, so I was thinking of just sneaking out altogether.  But I didn’t want to miss a word of what the others were reading.

Then, after introducing me, the judges announced my post as this year’s award winner.  They shared this just as I was about to read my article to everyone…and stunned me with their praise.

Maybe it’s because I had no expectation whatsoever of receiving this recognition, but I cried.  No comment matters more to me than to hear someone say they  believe I’m a good writer.  It’s my therapy in life. My heart and soul. And it’s the greatest compliment you can give me.

It’s possible the judges had sleep deprivation (that’s common at this conference) in making the choice, or maybe they miscounted the votes (not even sure that’s how the decision was made), but I appreciate it nonetheless.

At a time when blogs are criticized for all of their sponsored content, it’s good to see we’re still sharing our life experiences with each other on our sites.

To prove to you that I’m not crazy…that these other writers are incredibly talented (and I argue more talented than me for sure), I’m listing their posts below.  But I warn you, grab a box of tissues before you start reading them.  Every post is going to make you laugh or cry.

Every single one.

The post that I read is listed last.

http://dadscribe.com/2014/03/26/the-field-trip/

http://www.thethirdboob.com/2013/09/failing-as-mother.html

http://www.motherhoodthetruth.com/a-sky-full-of-paper-lanterns/

http://mandarinmama.com/can-you-get-ptsd-from-taking-your-kid-to-the-dentist/

http://redswrap.wordpress.com/2014/04/14/at-my-mothers-knee/

http://semiproper.com/bright-lights-and-brothels/

http://itsmeamanda.com/2014/05/01/because-life-isnt-fair-amanda/

http://www.home-ec101.com/death-organ-and-tissue-donation-and-grief/

http://abugandabee.com/?p=1357

http://www.confessionsofafatgirl.net/blog/2014/07/fat-girl-on-a-hot-day-summer-just-sucks.html

and mine…

https://stressfreebaby.com/2014/02/invisible/