Generosity

I have been thinking about this word ever since Tracy was sweet enough to pass on the Karma Award to me. A generous blogger shares ideas, doesn't look for fame or fortune. Some have the skills to post videos. Many offer generous giveaways in the form of contests or blog candy, or random drawings.

Is this the only way to be generous in the blogosphere? I think not, and though I love to share my ideas and often give my stuff away, I think I have been as guilty as many others in one very important area. Which is the reason for this posting. You know I normally just upload a photo of a project and give some information about how/why it was made and credit to the stamp company/collage image creator, etc. This kind of post is different for me, but I hope you will continue reading.

How can I be more generous? Every day I receive updates in my mailbox from feedblitz. Usually over 20 at a time. I scroll through quickly, read the posts and move on. Useful, a good time saver, but when I don't actually go to the blogs I miss the opportunity to show a truly generous and grateful spirit. I miss the chance to leave a comment.

I am not speaking for everyone, but talking to other bloggers I know I speak for many when I say how much comments mean to us. It makes us feel like we're not talking to ourselves (not always a bad thing; I do it all the time), and that we have, however briefly, touched someone out there.

How many times have I read an amazing blog post and did not take the time to let that blogger know it was amazing to me?

I know, I know, you're busy. We all are. But my vow is to improve myself on this score. If something I read informs me, touches me, tickles me, inspires me, even annoys me, it's all good. It means it made me think and/or feel. So I will acknowledge that posting with a comment. I will take the time. I will let someone know I value what was written. I will let someone know someone was out there listening.

How about you?

The Karma Award

I had a big surprise and an even bigger honor tonight. I opened my email and discovered that Tracy, one of my favorite sisters-in-art has given me The Karma Award.

The wording for this award is as follows . . .
The Karma Award: These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

I am to deliver this award to eight bloggers, and that won't be easy. The list of blogs I subscribe to grows daily, and there are just so many generous unpretentious bloggers out there who deserve this more than I. However, I will name 8 who have inspired me and helped me, whether they knew it or not. Some of these bloggers I know quite well, and some know me. Others will probably be in shock. Who is this woman giving me this award? Well, that's because I don't always stop to leave a comment, but know that I do always stop by to read your blog, and that it has touched me.

1. Betty

2. Wanda

3. Mel (of Mel Stampz)

4. Heidi
5. Teri
6. Shelly
7. Barb
8. Valerie

Do visit the above blogs and you'll see why I feel their authors embody the spirit of The Karma Award,