The Versatile Blogger Award

Thanks to Joe Iriarte and Steven P. Watson for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award! They're both awesome; check them out (click their names to view their blogs)! 

Joe is the rarest of people: a native Floridian (which killed me because nearly all of my family fall into that category -- what were the odds?). His blog features in-depth, thought-provoking posts with a pinch of cynicism.

Steven and I bonded on Twitter over LOTR. I heart nerds (cause I am one), and we share geekiness. Relatively new to the blogging community, he blogs mostly about writing (Five sentence fiction, nano, etc).

So here are the rules:

1. In a post on your, blog, nominate 15 fellow bloggers for The Versatile Blogger Award.

2. In the same post, Add the Versatile Blogger Award.
3. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.
4. In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.
5. In the same post, include this set of rules.
6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

As per the rules, 7 facts you may or may not know about me:

1) I was born in a tourist state (Florida), and I live in its tourist-state mirror (Montana). Florida gets 9 months of summer; Montana gets 9 months of winter. People go to Florida to escape the cold; people go to Montana to escape the heat.

2) I became a widow less than two months after I turned 23. My daughter was 8 months old.

3) I love sushi so much, I learned how to roll it at home. Rolling sushi is especially fun with friends (also cheaper because we each buy one of the ingredients).

4) Pets: I've kept a fishtank for years; fish are very easy pets, especially betas. Last June, I got a kitten. He sleeps on my arms while I type (it's awkward, but he's too cute to refuse). My daughter (now 4) treats him like a sibling -- she's even threatened to "tell mom" on him. No kidding.

5) Now I'm a writer and freelance content editor, but I've had a wide range of jobs: programming engineer (fancy way of saying computer programmer), web designer, personal finance consultant, secretary, waitress, janitor, burger flipper (while pregnant, ugh), and retail employee (cashiering, floor, and flow). I found something to like in every job, but I think I finally found my niche!

6) I'm about as fluent in French as anyone who hasn't lived in France can be. I studied French literature (including classics from the middle ages and Renaissance), poetry, and European history at University using French textbooks.

7) I'm getting married this July (on Bastille Day, but that's a coincidence).

And the 15 bloggers I am nominating for the Versatile Blogger Award ...

Walk Slowly, Live Wildly - Sara Janssen loves God, family, health, yarn and eco-friendly living. She used to live in an RV that ran on veggie oil!  She also (as if that isn't enough) has awesome dreads and an inspiring fashion sense.

Linguisticali Speaking - Vegan, feminist, dreadhead, and linguistics nerd, Ali blogs about life with humor.

Romancing the Palate -  Rebecca Lynn blogs about her journey to becoming a published romance author and her food obsession. And yes, the two do mix! Yum, foodie romance.

Veronica Scott - Veronica Scott is a new author (her first book, Priestess of the Nile, comes out next week!) who loves ancient Egypt. Her books combine her love of Egyptian culture with romance and fantasy.

Ruminating in the Desert - Guy Harrison blogs about self publishing (his self-published novel Agents of Change is scheduled for release next month). He offers tips for new authors.

Unintentionally Brilliant - Roxie is an editor, but her blog focuses more on her personal life - single parenthood, etc - than her profession.

The Writer Librarian - Karen McCoy writes about writing from a unique perspective: a librarian's perspective. She is currently seeking representation for a YA fantasy novel, Triskeleon.

Squidink - Sarah Robertson's blog is a fun mix of adventures in writing and random interests (like music -- she's provided me with a few song addictions).

Writability - Ava Jae gives writing advice.

Dasia Has A Blog - Dasia's topics are random, unified by her sarcastic voice.

Between the Sheets - Heather Webb is an author and foodie with detailed advice for writers, including how to navigate not only the pages, but also the daunting world of publishing and promotion. She will be seeking representation for her novel Becoming Josephine: The First French Empress soon.

Anonymous Legacy - A writer who wishes to remain anonymous - so I won't give her away by naming her - blogs about writing with a hint more spunk than most.

Robin A Burrows - Writer. Poet. Dreamer. Want to read her poetry book? Links on her blog.

Bookish.nu - Jenny Adams is a writer who loves medieval French literature, cupcakes, web design and purple. She's engaged to be married in June!

The Scribbles of Girltaristhan - Hannah J blogs about life as a Christian, wife, geek, nerdfighter and more.

Holy cow, that took a long time! I pity everyone I just nominated. Hard decisions ahead for you! ^_^