One Lovely Blog Award

I want to thank The Veggie Cooker for nominating me for the One Lovely Blog Award.  She has an amazing blog that is packed full of some AMAZING vegetarian recipes!  Make sure that you venture over her way and have a look for yourself…

The Rules:

•Thank the person that nominated you and give a link to their blog.

•List the rules.

•Display the award on your post of the award.

•List seven facts about yourself.

•Nominate (up to) 15 bloggers for this award and comment on one of their posts to let them know you have nominated them

 

7 Facts About Me

Fact # 1: Despite these insane rumors that have been circulating about me, I’ve got a bit of a confession to make. I…CANNOT dance. My baby girl and my sister, however, can move and groove with the best of them. Me, forget about it! I look like a frog with its foot caught in a mouse trap.

Fact # 2: My absolute favorite perfume is Calvin Klein’s Euphoria. It’s clean, subtle, sweet, and musky all at the same time. The perfect combination for me!

Fact # 3: My mama surprised me with a Cricut machine (years ago for my birthday) after I had mentioned during a casual conversation that I would like to have one. I absolutely love my machine, and have used it for a ton of different projects, but I’ve recently found myself longing for a Sizzix machine. The majority of the YouTubers that I watch use theirs for spreads, and they have some of the cutest die cuts! This will be one of my next big investments.

Fact # 4: Despite my many efforts over the years, I have realized that I just was not blessed with a green thumb. I have always wanted a garden filled with my favorite vegetables, but am realizing now that this will most likely never come to pass. I somehow manage to over water every time I try to grow something. Perhaps I’ll just put hubby in charge of the gardening.

Fact # 5: Do you remember this old jingle?

“Comet…It makes your teeth turn green.
Comet…It takes like Listerine.
Comet…It makes you vomit.
So have some comet…and vomit…today.”

When I was a little girl, I remember sitting in the bathroom watching my mama clean the tub. She would sprinkle her green bottle of comet all over the basin of the tub, and would then scrub the entire thing, inside and out. I remember telling her that one day, “I was going to be SO rich, that I wasn’t going to have to USE comet!” I’m surprised she didn’t smack me; I would have! Well, here I am (20 years later) following in her footsteps. I am a proud user of comet (the smell of Ajax reminds me of the concentration camp) and I follow her cleaning “steps” down to a T. I’d be in hog heaven if I could just get to the point financially, where I could hire someone in to do the cleaning; I’ve officially had my fill. But, know this, I will ALWAYS have a bottle of comet in my cleaning closet.

Fact # 6: I decided forever and a day ago, that when I finally had a home with a craft room, that I was going to paint the walls Fire Engine Red. I want vertical stripes that alternate between a matte and a glossy finish, as red entices my creative juices. I also want an “island” in the center of the room with a flat surface on top and a ton of cubby holes and drawers underneath for craft supplies. In addition to that, I want a giant (double door) walk in closet that’s floor to ceiling craft supplies organized in tidy little labeled boxes. I love getting messy with my projects, but at the end of the day, I need a clean and organized area.

Fact # 7: When my mom divorced my first step-dad, we moved into a house without a microwave. Oh, gracious! A teen without a nuke box! Good thing I knew how to cook. At that time, I had an obsession with making a batch of Spaghettios after school, but had never up to that point prepared them on a stove top. But there’s a first time for everything. I threw a can into a pot, sprinkled a nice layer of Tony’s on top and brought it to a boil. Ah! The best bowl of Spaghettios ever! If you’ve never tried it, make it a point…SO good!

So, there you have it.  7 new facts about me, Krista Kemp.

My Nominees:

SusieShy45

Psychedelic Bay

Unique Love Harmoney

Roswitha over at Skizzenbuch/Blog

Tookii

Akshay over at Blog Buster

And I Didn’t Look Back

Scrapbook House

Magny over at A Journey into the Magic of Creativity

The Daddy Blitz

Literally Nataly

Kelzbelz Photography-My Journey-The Good, Bad, and the Ugly

Life as Christine

Pattern$ oF R@nD0mNEsS

Saints West-Just my thoughts for all to behold

Thank you again for the nomination!  This award is greatly appreciated!

One Lovely Blog Award

The sweet Erika Kind nominated me for the One Lovely Blog Award quite some time ago, and I am SO embarrassed that it has taken me so long to put this post together.  I had planned to work on it this past weekend, but I spent the entire weekend in bed sleeping.  Apparently I needed it.  Erika has a remarkable blog, is a fantastic singer, and just recently published her 5th book, now available on Amazon or on CreateSpace.  She is a remarkable woman, an inspiration to everyone that she interacts with, and a source of sunshine in this sometimes cruel world.  Her posts speak to my heart each and every day.  I am SO lucky to have run across such a genuine and loving soul!  Erika, thank you SO very much for this nomination!  It is GREATLY appreciated!

THE RULES:

• Thank the person that nominated you and give a link to their blog
• List the rules.
• Display the award on your post of the award.
• List seven facts about yourself.
• Nominate (up to) 15 bloggers for this award and comment on one of their posts to let them know you have nominated them.

7 Facts About Krista Kemp:

1: I have been pregnant 3 times, which has resulted in my 3 children who I wouldn’t trade for the world!
2: I have been married 2 times, and have decided that I will never marry again.  My husband is my perfect match, and no one will EVER be able to fill his shoes!
3: One of these days I am going to teach myself to play the violin.
4: I LOVE Mexican food!
5: My favorite colors are Purple and Kawasaki Green.
6: I USED to love kids!
7: I have always held extremely high aspirations, which have resulted in a substantial amount of disappointment over the years.  I refuse to give up though…

My Nominees:

April4June6: A Journal of Self-Transformation
Kerfe and Nina over at: Method Two Madness
Belinda over at Changing my World with Words
Life Experiment Blog
Getting Through Anxiety
Michelle over at: Michelle, Books and Movies Addict
Sally over at: Smorgasboard-Variety is the Spice of Life
Puppy Lovers’ Blog
Lillie-Put
Diya over at: Pen2Needle
A Frank Angle
Carl over at: I Know I Made You Smile
Pearls and Prose
Never Trust a Jellyfish
Spearfruit…it’s my life

Erika, I thank you again for this nomination!

The Miranda Sings Award

I was recently nominated for the Miranda Sings Award by the amazing Erika Kind.  Erika, thank you SO very much for nominating me for this fantastic award! It has been an absolute honor to receive this.  Make sure to visit Erika’s blog.  It will change your life!

This award was created by Claudia’s Thoughts.  It’s sole purpose is to celebrate YOU.  Let all of your blogging friends know what makes you happiest when thinking about yourself.

Rules:

• Announce your win with a post and link the blogger who nominated you.
• Include the featured image on your blog post.
• Nominate 10 bloggers (or as many as you can think of) and link your awardees in the post.
• List 7 things you love about yourself (This can be about your appearance, your personality, your achievements, etc.)
• Don’t use negative connotation. (I.e. Don’t say things like – I’m prettier than an average person or People have told me I’m smart. You ARE pretty. You ARE smart etc!

7 Things I LOVE about myself:

1: I love my CREATIVITY-It provides beauty in my otherwise crazy world.
2: I love my DETERMINATION-It keeps me on track and allows me to hone in on my beautiful future.
3: I love my COMPASSION-My bleeding heart keeps me humble.
4: I love my CLARITY-Having a clear focus allows me to continue on my path without getting bombarded by the road blocks along the way.
5: I love my EXPERIENCE-These moments have prepared me for my journey in life.
6: I love my CONVICTIONS-I stand firm; saying what I mean, and meaning what I say.
7: I love my STRENGTH-This has allowed me to face each catastrophe in my life without faltering.

My Nominees:

Gretchen over at Drifting Through My Open Mind

Maria over at Four Mariah’s

Trying Not to Hate over at Deep Breaths

Alamelu over at Silk Quilling Colours

Lori over at Lori Greer in Portland

Mia (a.k.a. The Wheat and Tares) over at The Grizzle Grist Mill

Lisa over at Lisa Talks About…

Inked Thoughts and Midnight Monologues

Lynn over at Lynn Thaler: Random Life Thoughts

Erum Explores

Erika, thank you again for this nomination!  I sure do appreciate this honor!

The Versatile Blogger Award

The beautiful and talented, Mrs. Erika Kind, nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award some time ago, and with the crazy hours I’ve been putting in at work, prepping for our unforgettable Thanksgiving, and getting a head start on Christmas, my brain has been in overload, and I have had a difficult time coming up with 7 interesting facts about myself. I’ve been a “mom” for so long, that a lot of “ME” has fallen by the way side. I hope that the facts that I have managed to conjure up don’t bore you to tears.

The rules:

1. Thank the person that has nominated you & Include a link to their blog
2. Nominate at least 15 blogs of your choice
3. Link your nominees and let them know of your nomination
4. Share seven different facts about yourself.

7 Facts About Me:

Fact 1: Let’s being by saying that I am NOT a minivan kind of mom! But, with a family of my size, which is continuing to get larger, family trips are becoming troublesome in our car! For the past 12 years or so, my “dream car” has been a Honda Pilot. The 3 row seating would REALLY come in handy, and it’s small enough and sporty enough to be cute AND save on gas. Perhaps one day soon…

Fact 2: I have been collecting stickers for as long as I can remember, and even started my own “sticker club” in grade school. Our objective was to trade stickers and to come up with the most impressive collection. I still have my first sticker albums tucked safely away. Remember the ones that you could buy at your local Hallmark stores? I always begged my parents for more of the sticker sheets, and I recall getting quite a few “no’s” as answers.

Fact 3: As much as the desire has been there, life has never blessed me the opportunity to own my own home. For 13 ½ years, I very patiently waited, and finally found myself in the position a few years ago to rent a house. I’m hoping that my next move will involve buying property. Here’s hoping!

Fact 4: I detest shopping; I mean with a passion! BUT, throw me in a craft or book store, and you may as well go on home. Time loses ALL meaning, and I take my sweet time roaming each aisle, looking for the absolute best deals/finds.

Fact 5: Have you ever paid attention to all of those cheesy television commercials for jewelry stores? How giddy those little girls get when hubby man surprises them with a new piece of jewelry? Not me. I think it’s an absolute waste of money! I have a few nice pieces, but prefer my Boho fashion jewelry any day. If hubby dropped that kind of money on a dinky piece of jewelry, I’d be compelled to smack him upside the head and ask him what the hell he was thinking. But, that’s just me.

Fact 6: Ok so, whether you want to admit it or not, we all have a same sex crush. Mine are Drew Barrymore and Kate Hudson. I have always loved Drew’s cute little hippie chic persona, and Kate is more of a sophisticated hippie chic. She inherited her mama’s (Goldie Hawn) spunky nature, and she works it. I love these girls!!!

Fact 7: One of my favorite stories from childhood can be found in, The Sneetches and Other Stories by good ole’ Dr. Seuss. The story is called, “What was I scared of?” I absolutely loved it! If you’ve never read it to the kiddos, you should definitely head to your local library; I’m sure they have a copy. Everyone should read it at least once in their life.

My Nominees:

I nominate…YOU!

Erika, I thank you SO very much for this amazing award, and I hope that you can forgive me for taking so long to accept it. I am truly honored that you passed this torch on to me. Again, thank you!

The Respect Award

Carolina over at Yesterday After has nominated me for The Respect Award.  You are the sweetest little thing Carolina, and I love you for this!  Thank you, I am truly honored!

by Robert Goldstein

“The “Respect” Award is my personal award for fellow bloggers who consistently reach out to other bloggers, offer support, are kind, struggle to understand differences in people, and who treat themselves and other people with kindness and respect.”

-Robert Goldstein

About the Award:

• You don’t have to do anything for this award.
• You can choose to copy the Award Picture from my post and give the award to the people who have earned your respect or you can do nothing.
• This is my way of saying thank you.  You have earned my respect.

My Nominees:

Sarah over at Sarah’s Attic of Treasures

Vic over at Just Plain Ol’ Vic

Stephie over at Stephie’s Beads and Baubles

Lynz over at Lynz Real Cooking

Tingting over at Empower Love

HeartAFire over at House of Heart

Rashmi over at Mind and Life Matters

Usha over at Creative Crafts-DIY

Leslie over at Normal is Out There

Danny over at Dream Big, Dream Often

JK over at K_Frames

Thank you again Carolina!  You are the best!

One Lovely Blog Award

YouMeanMe from Saving Without Scrimping, has nominated me for the One Lovely Blog Award.  She has a fantastic blog that focuses on living and loving life on a budget.  She has some very informative posts that are well worth the read!  Head on over and check her out; you just might learn something new…

One Lovely Blog Award Rules:

• Display the banner/sticker/logo on your blog.
• Share 7 facts or things about yourself.
• Nominate 5 bloggers that you admire and inform nominees by commenting on their blog.

7 Facts About Me:
1: Despite my nearly grown children, my wifely obligations, my full-time job, and my business ventures, I sometimes forget that I’m an adult!  While I realize that I’m a grown woman, and can go and do as I please, sometimes it just strikes me, and I’m like “Oh, yeah.”  Does anyone else experience these moments?

2: I read a blog post the other day, from Escape Adulthood, discussing our desire to become millionaires. (To see this post, click HERE) It was a fantastic read, and it got me thinking. I have never been obsessed with becoming a millionaire, nor having an abundance of wealth; my desire has always been to reach a “comfortable” status. I don’t want a BIG fancy mansion to live in (too much to clean!), I’m not concerned with a bright, flashy car (it’s just a means of transportation), and shopping sprees don’t interest me in the least. I only want to get to a point where there is more than enough to pay the bills each month, money to set aside for the children and their futures, and to be able to go to the grocery store and not have to tally up what each item costs. I want financial freedom (of sorts); relief from a lifetime of struggle, that’s all.

3: Since becoming an adult, and living out on my own, I have never made an attempt to get social with my neighbors. While I know hundreds of people around town, who each know me by name, I like to keep my life private.

4: The Twenty Something Social Recluse wrote a post last week about being a people pleaser (see post HERE). As much as I hate to admit it, I am a bit of a people pleaser. I always put the needs and wants of my family over my personal needs, and I try to keep the peace among my friends and co-workers, but I only allow others to push me up to a certain point. I detest being taken advantage of, and will eventually stand my ground if I feel it needs to be done. I know that I need to exercise a bit more authority, but I have always been taught not to rock the boat or burn the bridge, and to NEVER bite the hand that feeds you!

5: I have been driving for 20 years now, and can honestly say that I have never been involved in a wreck that was deemed my fault.

• My first wreck, at the age of 16, was when a State Trooper flew in front of me before school and slammed on his breaks to avoid missing his morning stop at the awful Waffle House.
• The second, I was stopped at a red light after school, when two vehicles plowed into the back of me, causing me a painful case of whip lash.
• The third, was a Holier Than Thou, Private School mom, who side swiped me. She informed me that “she forgave me, but that she hoped that the Lord would do the same.” Really?!
• The fourth, I was coming home from work, going slowly through my ghetto apartment complex, when an attorney peeled out of his parking space, thus smashing into the side of my car. He never looked to see if anyone was coming, and was in too much of a rush to exchange insurance information with me.
• The fifth and final wreck, happened just a few years back. I was taking my son to the orthodontist when I was rear ended by a drunk who wasn’t paying attention to traffic.

I was not the cause of any of these accidents, but I AM responsible for every one of my speeding tickets over the years. I have a bit of a lead foot, and I am faced with too many tasks to tend to each day. I don’t have time to get behind the joy riders or the blue hairs that monopolize the road. I zip in and out of traffic, taking advantage of every “hole” that comes available. Just for the record though, my last ticket was in 2005. I am LOVING my “good driver” insurance rate!

6: I started collecting candles when I was 14 years old, and have obtained some really neat ones over the years. I also have an obsession with incense. I have been buying and burning them for as long as I can remember. My favorite scent is Patchouli.

7: While I was born cursed with these “Big Bones,” I was blessed with my tiny hands, feet, and stature. My engagement ring is a size 5 (and twirls around it is so loose), and I wear a size 4 in little kid shoes. I save a TON of money when it’s time to invest in a new pair, as kid’s shoes are generally half the price as their adult versions!

At my last doctor appointment, I measured in at 5’2. I haven’t grown an inch since 5th grade, and my oldest 2 have been taller than me for some time now. You win some, you lose some…

My Nominees:

Georgia over at Destined For Grace

Robyn over at Robyn Christi

Elle over at The Persistent Platypus

Deep Philosofi.

Ifrah over at My Frame of Mind

Thank you again YouMeanMe.  I really appreciate your nomination!

The WAKUWAFU Award

I am so pleased to announce that I have been nominated for a new award.  Nimmi over at Soul Mate’s-So Near, Yet So Far nominated me for The WakuWafu Award.  I am so honored to receive this, and I am digging all of this blog love!  Nimmi has a fantastic blog, full of raw emotion, relationships, and thought provoking poetry.  If you have never visited her lovely blog, make sure to give it a visit.  She is an absolute delight!  Thank you again Nimmi, I sure do appreciate you thinking of me!

What is this award all about?

This is quoted directly from the award creator, WakuWafu…

“The idea behind this award is to motivate other fellow bloggers and to act as a token of appreciation – just as we ourselves felt motivated and really felt good about what we do. It is a small gesture that we hope goes a long way. One other thing we will be doing, however, when the award is awarded, we will be posting a link to the nominated blogs on our own website, so that people can actually find these blogs. I feel that there are so many awesome people to chat with who are blogging too, and it can be hard to find people easily, so I hope through these people who want to find new bloggers can do so more easily – just comment on the Wakuwafu award page when you receive it and we will put up a link to your blog. The rules of the blog won’t be too long, but they will let you get to know one another more!”

To visit WakuWafu’s blog (the originator of this award), click HERE

Rules for the award:

1. Thank the person who has nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
2. Choose any 3 things you would like to say about yourself to your fellow bloggers.
3. Answer the 3 questions set by your nominator, and think up 3 new questions for the people that you choose to nominate.
4. Give one piece of advice to your fellow bloggers.
5. Make sure to tell WakuWafu (click HERE) that you have been nominated (and/or completed the award) so that they can list your blog on the WakuWafu page.  Make sure to tell them the name of your blog in the comments section.

Let’s see…3 things to share about myself:

1:  I am a workaholic-I work Full-Time as a Preschool Teacher, and then tackle my blog and Etsy business once I get home from work.

2:  I’m an old soul in a young woman’s body. I listen and learn from my elders, and I enjoy sharing experiences from my chaotic life with others, so that they can prevent or learn from my mistakes.

3:  I believe, by all that’s right in the world, that it is NEVER too late to make a positive change in your life. You may have royally screwed the pooch, but you don’t have to accept those mistakes as your destiny. You have the power to change, and if you want it bad enough, you can create the life that you have always dreamt of. You don’t stop learning until you take that last precious breath of air, and your possibilities in life are endless up until that point.

 Nimmi’s Questions for Me:

1.What is your goal of blogging today? My blogging goal is to touch and make a difference in the lives of millions around the world. I would like to eventually monetize my blog, so that I can work from home and care for my husband and children. From there, I want to reinvest that monetary profit to go towards an organization for Single Mothers and their babies. There are a TON of women out there who are ineligible for government help, but who are struggling just to keep the house afloat. I want to make life easier for these women! I have been in their shoes, and I know how financial struggles can entice a feeling of failure. Being a single mom is hard enough without having to entertain these thoughts!

2. What do you love most about blogging? My readers! They are the reason I write! I can write advice ALL day long (like I have for the past 11 years), but without an audience, who am I helping? Absolutely no one! My readers have impacted my life in such a positive way over the past few months, and I will forever be grateful for their love, support, and compassion. Each of you hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to the growth of our friendships!

3. What is your inspiration for your posts? The inspiration for my posts come from real life; things that I have done, seen, and experienced during the course of my existence. There are no illusions here; no sugar coating on the facts. Each lesson is, as it’s called, a LESSON. It all goes back to “write what you know.”

3 Questions for my Nominees:
1: What do you wish you had known prior to beginning your blog?
2: What is the newest blogging tip, trick, or technique that you have run across?
3: Which of the blogging awards and challenges that you have received have you enjoyed the most?

My 1 piece of advice for my fellow bloggers would be to always write from your heart. If your heart isn’t in what you have to say/share, it’s evident in your content. Be true to yourself, and true to your message.

My 5 Nominees:

Blogging World

YadaDarcyYada

Simplify022

Dreamspinner Extraordinaire

Hummingbird Redemption

Nimmi, thank you again for this fantastic nomination!  I have truly enjoyed it!

Versatile Blogger Award

Tricia over at From Sometimes I Cook has nominated me for the “Versatile Blogger Award.”  She has an amazing blog full of yummy recipes, fun projects (Make sure to check out her Majora’s Mask DIY post-she did a fabulous job!!!  I LOVE Zelda…), posts on life (home, fashion, seasons), and her travels.  You will truly enjoy your time there!  Thank you Tricia for the nomination, I truly appreciate it!

Rules for the Versatile Blogger Award
-This award is meant to celebrate the bloggers who bring the most joy into your life.-

• Thank the person that has nominated you
• Include a link to their blog
• Nominate 15 blogs of your choice
• Link your nominees and let them know of your nomination
• Share seven different facts about yourself

Who is Krista Kemp?
So, are you guys sick to death of hearing about me yet?! If so, I’m sorry, and if not, here are 7 more facts to get you going…

Fact 1: My daddy was a bit of a gypsy when I was growing up, so I had the opportunity to travel all across the United States as a kid. I have been to the majority of the 50 states, and have loved every moment of it! Each state holds its own mystique, and I am so thankful that I was fortunate enough to explore them. I look forward to the day when I can begin my travels again.

Fact 2: I never went to the Prom. Like most little girls, I dreamed of attending my prom. The magic, the music, the fun, but I was cheated out of that experience. I had the guy (my ex-husband), but I guess he just didn’t deem me worthy enough to take. It’s just another one of the many disappointments that have occurred in my life.

Fact 3: I was introduced to Greek Mythology in the 8th grade, and have found it fascinating ever since. The stories contain so much magic! I always thought it would be neat to name my daughter “Persephone” (The Flower Child), but was ridiculed by family members when I suggested it. I also find the renaissance era intriguing. I suppose that is why I enjoy movies from that time period. I would never want to live during those times (poor things had to piss in a pot and toss it out the window), but the ambiance that surrounds that time is dark and romantic.

Fact 4: I was born in Orlando, Florida (The Sunshine State) and lived there until I was 6 years old. We then moved to Tennessee which is where I grew up. At the age of 19, I was packing up my house and moving overseas to Germany with my son, Kody, on my hip. I returned home to Tennessee at the age of 23, only to discover that it was not the same as I had left it. I have been stuck here since, and am longing for the day when I will be able to move to Orange Beach, Alabama. This white sandy beach calls my name and welcomes me home. Soon…

Fact 5: I have always had an eclectic flair, and Mr. Tim Burton helped me to realize that. I enjoy abstract pieces of art, I wish to adorn my home with bohemian decor, and my hippie spirit demands simplicity and freedom. Throw it all together, and you’ve got me. There is no general “theme” in my home, and there is no rhyme or reason. I have what I like, and I throw it wherever it is going to make me the happiest; simple as that.

Fact 6: I LOVE going to Amusement Parks! I love the thrill of the roller coasters, the food is divine (All Junk!!!), and the excitement that’s in the air! When I was little we had season passes to Disney World, and while living in Tennessee, I had a season pass to Opryland (before they shut it down to build a freaking mall). I have visited several other parks, and have loved every one of them. They are exhilarating, and they bring out the best in everyone.

Fact 7: Ever since I was a little girl, I have been intrigued by psychology. To know the mind, how it works, and to realize how each of us tick is beyond fascinating! The brain is such a complex organ, one which mystifies. To understand why people do what they do, say what they say, or to think the things that they do, is phenomenal. Due to this fascination, I took every psychology course that was offered throughout my schooling. After all, knowledge is power!

My Nominees:

1. Michael over at Michael’s Origins
2. Chantelle over at All About Chatelle
3. Izza over at A Touch of my Saint!
4. Danny over at Dream Big, Dream Often
5. Cathy over at Cathy Lynn Brooks
6. Kenneth over at Baja Moto Quest!
7. Ramona over at Ramona Crisstea
8. Sarah over at Sarah Learns Life
9. Christian over at Maxed Out Muscles
10. Mardeline over at Confessions of a Pastor’s Daughter
11. Ros over at Free From Him
12. Moxie over at Moxie Luster
13. Melissa over at In Between Moderation
14. Annie over at Gentle Kindness
15. Talya over at Motherhood: The Real Deal

Thank you again, Tricia.  I am honored!

Starlight Blogger Award

Vic, over at Just Plain Ol’ Vic has nominated me for the “Starlight Blogger Award.” Thank you SO much Vic for the nomination! I have had a great time answering these questions! I’m sure that by now, you all know how awesome Vic is, and what a fabulous blog he has, but for all of you newbie bloggers out there, you have got to make your way over to his site! His wit, his knowledge, and his compassion make him one of the coolest guys I know! You will not be disappointed with this fella, I promise!

This Award is created to highlight and promote Inspiring Bloggers…

So here are the rules:

1. Thank the giver and link their blog to your post.
2. Answer the 3 original questions and then the 3 new questions from your nominator given to you.
3. Nominate your 6 favorite bloggers! In your nominees I would like for you to think at the light emanating from the stars the ones that truly touch your soul with their work, the ones that are the light for you a true STARLIGHT Blogger.
4. Please pass the award on to 6 or more other Bloggers of your choice and let them know that they have been nominated by you.
5. Include the logo of the award in a post or on your Blog, please never alter the logo, never change the 3 original questions answer that first then answer the 3 new questions from your nominator and never change the Award rules.
6. Please don’t delete this note:

The design for the STARLIGHT Bloggers Award has been created from YesterdayAfter. It is a Copyright image, you cannot alter or change it in any way just pass it to others that deserve this award.

Copyright 2015 © YesterdayAfter.com – Design by Carolina Russo”

Originally Posed Questions:

What was the last TV show you watched? Was it good?

The last television show that I sat through, was last week’s kickoff to Season 6 of The Walking Dead. I really enjoyed it, but my hubby was getting frustrated by all of the “flash backs” in the episode. I had to explain to him that when the footage is in black and white that it’s a flashback, and when it’s in color that is what is presently happening. I am looking forward to tonight’s episode! (Actually watching it right now-didn’t get around to getting this typed up and posted earlier in the day like I was planning. Too many people to tend to and feed) It is one of the few shows that I watch, and I’m always working on something while I do so. (See…I wasn’t lying!) Can’t manage to sit still for a minute! LOL!!!

Stripes or Polka Dots? Why?

I prefer polka dots. For one, they remind me of coloring with my mama when I was young, and for two, they elicit a feeling of whimsy, of fun, and offer a fresh perspective on things. They remind me of my innocence.

Do you watch YouTube, and if so, what kind of things do you watch on it?

I love YouTube, and watch it regularly. I generally spend my time watching tutorials on new art mediums that I wish to learn, and every time I see a new art journaling video from Vicky Papaioannou, I watch those. It is absolutely amazing what that talented woman comes up with! If you have never seen any of her videos, you have got to check them out! She is fantastic! I also enjoy getting on there to watch music videos. Music fuels the soul, and is fantastic therapy on those “I just don’t feel good” days!

Vic’s Questions:

What is your current profession? Is it your ideal profession, and if not, what would be your ideal profession?

At my “day job” I am classified as a Preschool Teacher. I have been in this line of work for the past 10 years, and to be honest, I am completely burnt out! I worked this job to get through school, not to make a career out of. While it is relatively “easy work,” the mental stress and the physical demands with the special needs children make it utterly exhausting! When I’m not at my day job, I am working on creations for my Etsy shop, Krista Kemp Designs, and working on posts for my blog. I also have several books that I am putting together, and hope to one day earn enough money from my side ventures to be able to work from home. My ideal profession is to become an author, a motivational speaker/life coach, and a shop owner/artist. All of my secondary job titles fall under these 3 categories. I want to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and I know that I can do this with these adventures. Perhaps, down the road I can open up my organization for single mothers and their families.  I would also like to build and operate a motocross race track.

What quote best describes who you are or how your life is currently?

I would have to say that this quote pretty much sums it up…

“My story isn’t over yet”

 

If you HAD to do one of these activities,

• Skydiving
• Diving with Sharks
• Acrobatics in a Plane

Which one would you pick and why?

Honestly, I think that the first two options sound like fun! I have always wanted to go skydiving (it actually holds a spot on my bucket list), and I am fascinated and terrified by sharks, so I think that would be something fun to try. Life is all about living, right?! Acrobatics in a plane, I just find that to be a bit too difficult. While I am super flexible (for a big girl), I just think it would be too cramped on a plane to be able to do acrobatics in.

My Questions for my Nominees:
1: What is the #1 item from your bucket list that you HAVE to do before you die?
2: What do you do to spoil yourself?
3: What is one embarrassing moment from your past?

My Nominees:

Carolina over at Yesterday After-The creator of this fantastic award

Sarah over at Sarah’s Attic of Treasures/Our Neck of the Woods

Erika over at Author Erika Kind

Jennifer over at Jennifer’s Soul Purpose, the Creative Spirit

Tingting (a.k.a. Skydreamer) over at Empower Love

Lyn over at Lynz Real Cooking

Please Note: I would add Vic to this list (as his posts speak to my soul), but I’m assuming that he doesn’t want to answer the same questions again.

Vic, thank you again for nominating me!  I am honored to receive this fantastic award!

One Lovely Blog Award

I have been nominated for the “One Lovely Blog Award” by The 20 Something Social Recluse. Her blog is full of great writings and super useful and informative posts. Make sure to drop by and check her out. Thank you SO very much for this nomination! I am honored to receive it!

The Rules:

• Thank the nominator and link them.
• List the rules and display the award.
• Add 7 facts about yourself.
• Nominate 7 other bloggers and let them know via a comment.

7 Facts About Me:

Fact One: In the past 34 years, I have 5 hospital stays under my belt.

• Stay #1-Weeks shy of my very first birthday, I suffered from a severe (almost deadly) case of Salmonella. As per the story I have been told, my babysitter made me a sandwich with mayonnaise that had been out in the Florida elements for too long, thus causing a very sick and dehydrated baby.
• Stay #2-Giving birth to my baby boy, Kody. The typical 2-day stay.
• Stay #3-Giving birth to my sweet baby girl, Kayla. The standard “hospital stay” in Germany (based on what I was told) is 5 days, but after expressing to my doctor that my husband (ex) was incompetent and incapable of caring for my son that long, I was able to go home hours after giving birth.
• Stay #4-Emergency Cesarean with my youngest son, Kolin. I was doped up on morphine, but believe I was only there for a few days. Unfortunately, my premature miracle baby had to stay for a few days more in NICU. You’d never know it now!
• Stay #5-After being told it was “Just Allergies” by multiple doctors, I finally found a physician who took me seriously. We discovered that I had a massive amount of gall stones, and he suggested that we opt for gall bladder removal. Then I went to my OBGYN and discovered that I had a Teratoma (tumor that resembles a fetus in my ovary which was the size of an infant’s head). I made plans to have these two organs removed as well as a mole from my shoulder (that ended up being cancerous). They ended up taking both of my Fallopian tubes while I was under. I was there for 2 days.

I’m not a huge fan of hospital stays! Been there, done that just a few too many times.

Fact Two: My favorite flower has always been a daisy. I love the simplistic beauty of it! It ties in with my inner hippie spirit.

Fact Three: I have always enjoyed coloring. It is super therapeutic (for me at least) and it reminds me of my one-on-one days with Mama when I was a little girl. Mama always bought my sister and I Precious Moments coloring books (she collected the figurines and has the most impressive collection today). She would color one side and I would color the other. I was always amazed by how much prettier her pictures turned out than mine. She always took it a step further and added little details like polka dots, swirls, and hearts. By doing this, she motivated me (without realizing) to keep working harder and to never give up until I had reached my desired outcome. Its mind blowing how such an innocent activity can elicit such profound growth!

As the years passed, I discovered that I enjoyed the super detailed pictures, and found that my preferred coloring utensil was Prismacolor Colored Pencils. It is because of these years of coloring that I have morphed into such a detail oriented artist.

Fact Four: When I was in Pre-K, there was a little girl in my class that had double jointed fingers. I thought it was so cool how she could bend her fingers, so I started to emulate what I saw. I’m not sure if I was double jointed prior to my experimentation, or whether I created them, but I now have double jointed fingers. While it is a cool party trick, it can be embarrassing at times, and painful at others. Every so often they lock up. It will be a miracle if I have the use of my fingers when I grow old. I believe that carpal tunnel will eventually seize them.

Fact Five: When I was growing up, I was a chunky girl. I had a larger build (you know, the “I’m not fat, I’m big boned” dilemma) like my daddy, while my sister was super skinny like my mama. I battled with my weight for years, and finally decided in 6th grade to do something about it. Of course I went about it the wrong way, but ended up a size 4 by the age of 17. While I had a slim waistline, my heart shaped ghetto bootie and these childbearing hips made it damn near impossible to find clothes that I liked and that would fit. If they fit over my ass, they were super loose in the waist. So, after years of disgruntled and frustrating clothes shopping sessions, I have grown to despise it! Unfortunately, now my clothing issues don’t revolve around my super skinny waist and ghetto bootie. Those days are LONG gone! I find it easiest just to stick with a good pair of blue jeans (I love my Silver’s!) and a band T-shirt. I stay so cold that I wear a hoodie year round, so why waste the effort trying to look cute? It’s all about comfort these days! And shoes…what girl do you know that’s NOT a fanatic over shoes? Well, you’re looking at one. I have 2 pairs of tennis shoes, 2 pairs of flip flops, 1 sandal, and 2 pairs of house shoes. That’s enough for me!

Fact Six: All my life, my favorite color has been purple; that deep, dark, rich Royal Purple/Indigo shade. Over the past few years, Kawasaki (neon) green has been added to my list. Those 2 colors together are absolutely gorgeous!

Fact Seven: One fact that fascinates me is that I have gone 34 years without breaking one single bone. This blows my mind because I am SUPER klutzy! I have boogered myself up pretty bad over the years (me being the daredevil that I was), but I have never once broken anything. Sometimes my feet get twisted in the sheets/blankets at the end of the bed and I go stumbling through the room trying to regain my balance. All the while my loving hubby is rolling his eyes under cupped hands, shaking his head, snickering, and enjoying the show. AND, sometimes, I forget how big my hips are that I slam into tables, chairs, shelves, desks, really anything and everything within walking distance. My nickname at home is “Grace,” and my lower region is covered with bruises. I couldn’t begin to tell you the cause for any of them!

Well, there you have it; 7 new facts about me, Krista Kemp. Thank you again, The 20 Something Social Recluse, for this wonderful award! I have had a wonderful time sharing these little tidbits from my life.

My Nominees for the One Lovely Blog Award:

Glitchy Artist

Bora Blog

Heena Rathore P.

Through Open Lens

Souldier Girl

Impacted By Life

Joann’s Food For Thought