Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile,
a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring, all of which have
the potential to turn a life around.
~ Leo Buscaglia

Who doesn’t like surprises and gifts?

It was Friday morning, November 2nd.  Friday means a busy morning.  It’s my morning to mentor with a group of young moms of preschoolers.  I stole just a minute to check my inbox.

And there it was — just what I needed to make my morning go ever so well.  WordPress had left me a notice of a new post on Kathy Pooler’s blog, Memoir Writer’s Journey.  Kathy has honored me with a “Written Acts of Kindess Award”.

First, Kathy, thank you so much!  I am delighted to be the recipient you chose to pass on this award to.

Second, what is this award all about?

Cate Russell-Cole is a trainer, editor, social worker and author with an understanding of both the psychological and technical aspects of writing. She currently writes and coaches online. Her website communiCATE is filled with resources for writers.

Cate recently decided to develop an award to recognize people who inspire her. Her explanation follows here:

“Success never comes solely from your own efforts. There are always others along the way who give you a hand up; encourage you; or give you that resource, or piece of advice you never could have done without.

From today onwards, when someone inspires me, or if I see someone who is using their writing gift to help others, I am going to take the time to thank them publicly. To do that, I have created this award. I also want to make it open to anyone to use, so they can say thank you for making a difference in the writing community and/or in your life.

“This is not meant to be just another blogger award, with time-consuming requirements for passing it on. This is an award which is meant to be passed on with sincerity. You don’t have to receive it in order to be able to give it. You can take the details and images off this post now and use it to encourage another writer.

“I feel so honored. Life is good. And now I get to pass this award on to someone who has inspired me. Since I have so many wonderful virtual blogger friends who have inspired me, I may be passing this on to others along the way.

Today it’s my chance to surprise someone else with this award, and I’m sharing this post on both of my blogs because of the recipients gifts in both writing memoir and sharing her faith.

Read more here . . .