The gracious and generous Rachel Anne at Home Sanctuary kindly bestowed upon me the “You Lift Me Up” award. I can’t tell you what a thrill this is, because that’s just exactly the kind of thing I like to do–encourage people, lift them up, offering ideas and hope. I’m thrilled she has occasionally felt that way when she reads these crazy zigging and zagging posts.Actually, that’s what Rachel Anne did for me when she included such generous words about me in her post along with the award–she lifted me up, demonstrating her own right to the award that was bestowed upon her by Laurel.In fact, I feel so lifted up, I’m practically floating.You know, last week someone asked me what I find so appealing about blogging. I tried to explain it to her, but she rarely uses a computer or even does much research online. I think I sounded ridiculous, trying to explain this virtual world and my irresistable desire to write, read and comment on blogs.Today, when I learned that I’d won something, I realized that for me it’s not the awards or any kind of acclaim–it’s the way we encourage one another, even though we’re usually not personally known to one another. It’s the way people open up and pass along insights. I love the ideas we glean and struggles we share–struggles that make us not feel so alone in our own. It’s as if we have immediate access to a dynamic library, with everyday people as the authors, blogs as the ever-growing books, and posts as the chapters.At any moment, we can pop over to check out someone else who’s written a “chapter” on a certain topic or in a certain style. We can find a tidbit one day and a long essay the next. I like all of that, and I’m honored to be part of it. If I’ve ever actually been able to lift up a reader, as Rachel Anne claims I have, I’m humbled and delighted. I’m part of this odd and evolving thing called blogging, along for the ride, offering my own little contribution as often as possible.I’m pleased it’s been helpful.Thank you, Rachel Anne.