It was the end of rather a fractious day but then a lovely message popped into my Inbox: France Says had nominated me for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I love unexpected gifts like that! And I was particularly pleased because I always look forward to her very amusing and astute posts which feed the français manqué of my existence. Who am I to refuse? It’s probably very banal to say this but one of the chief pleasures in blogging is this connection to people and their ideas and passions all around the world.
Of course I can only accept the Award if I agree to abide by the Rules but for once these are rules I don’t mind keeping to. The Rules are:
- thank and link to the person who nominated you
- list the rules and display the award
- share 7 facts about yourself
- nominate 15 other blogs you enjoy then comment on their posts to let them know that you have nominated them.
So here I am giving France Says a kiss on each cheek, and saying thank you for not only finding my blog inspiring but also for putting a smile on my dial so regularly.
But what are the seven things I can tell you about myself?
- I’m easily distracted. I started this blog to promote my novel but now I blog about all kinds of things. I’d make a terrible businessman.
- I love buildings of all shapes and sizes and ages. I have to touch a famous building when I see it, like I’m shaking hands with an old friend.
- I tend to see the silly side of life – laughter is the elixir of the gods, surely.
- Although I live in Australia I practically always drink French wine.
- I’ve always been mad about cars. When I was 12 I had a letter published in CAR magazine complaining about the lack of ‘faces’ on the current crop of cars. I signed the letter Cohen de Bizet for no particular reason and my mother said everyone would think I was Jewish, which I thought was rather fabulous.
- My favourite food is Italian. I love its simplicity – a humble dish of spaghetti with oil and garlic was one of the stand-out meals when I was in Sicily.
- I am beyond hopeless at maths.
Now for my nominations for the 15 blogs that inspire me (and in no particular order):
silver painted river – fascinating and thought-provoking musings about colour
the dangerously truthful diary of a Sicilian housewife – life in Sicily beyond the tourist traps
standing ovation, seated – a wonderfully perceptive, sometimes controversial and always amusing look at art
the good, the bad and the Italian – Italian life in Australia (changed my coffee habit, too)
Hecichera – down-to-earth food thoughts and inspiring recipes
Invisible Paris – the vicarious pleasure of discovering Paris’ hidden secrets
Gay carboys – serious car journalism with my kind of bent
Victoria Blake – a published writer and her lovely writerly thoughts
Andrew James – French vocab, Parisian living and good energy
Artlark – a fantastic resource for all kinds of art historical info
Mary Ann Adair’s Is It Art? – serious evaluation of all things artistic
Virginia Duran – excellent resource for architecture buffs travelling the world
Unwilling Expat – more Sicilian musings and lovely photos
Amelia Carruthers – art history, philosophy and more
Rotten in Denmark – good writing and always an interesting take on life
Quite a broad selection there but always worth checking in. (And did I mention France Says?) I hope you enjoy discovering them as much as I did.
Colin Bisset 
Congrats!
Thanks Stuart. It’s a rather wonderful little world, the blogosphere, isn’t it? And now I know your blog!
Wow thank you so much xxx
Dawn Rees 07846 747728
Sent from my iPad
>
You’re very welcome!
Thank you so much for the nomination, Colin!!! I am very flattered! And I think you’ve got a great line-up in your blog selection there. I already know a few of them and I’m looking forward to reading the others.
You’re welcome. Looking forward to seeing your list!
Grazie mille for the nomination Colin. Too kind.
Grazie a te!
Thanks so much for the nomination Colin. What a lovely notification to receive. Have already found a few new favourites from your list and look forward to reading more from them in the future. Thanks! Andrew
You’re welcome, Andrew. I’m happy to promote blogs I enjoy!
Reblogged this on silver painted river and commented:
A very well deserved award!
This is, indeed, an inspiring blog – I’m learning all the time …
Congratulations!
A very well deserved award!
Thank you for the nomination – very touched …
And for the introduction to some new, delicious looking, blogs!
And re No 3 – It’s your ability to laugh at life that I value most.
Thank you so much and you’re very welcome, in that order. So important, that laughter!
Very, very honoured. I love your blog because amongst other things it makes me notice buildings in a completely different way. When we were in Berlin in the summer in Potsdamer Platz I saw a lovely yellow, rounded building and immediately thought of you! I love the look of your list as well. Will definitely check them out. Many congratulations to you very well deserved.
I’m thrilled that you’re looking at buildings with a new way. I’m always boring people by telling them to look up from the pavement because there’s often something wonderful going on above your head. I’m looking forward to seeing your list – it’s such a great way to introduce others to sites you love.
So pleased you were able to pay it forward. Very much enjoyed the fun facts – I’m with you on everything but the cars 😉 Looking forward to checking out some of your nominations! Cheers, Colin!
Thanks to you, Mel! And yes, I think my thing for cars always trips up people!