restfulness and reflective awards

We were up north at my mom's cabin all week last week and I DIDN'T WORK AT ALL. I didn't check voice mail or e-mail or even post (obviously). I read two trashy-ish novels (I will not reveal their titles, not even if you bribe me with chocolate) and made bead necklaces with Stella and napped. I felt nauseous a couple of days, and though this was uncomfortable, it wasn't horrible. It forced me just to sit (or more accurately, lie down), and I hardly ever do this: just lie on the couch doing nothing.

But as is often the case in the aftermath of a vacation, I am now scrambling to catch up at work, and I have two freelance jobs on my plate, and well, I'm tired. There was a huge thunder storm last night and I couldn't sleep because I was convinced that the tree in our back yard would come crashing through the ceiling and smash Stella. I actually got out of bed and took Stella's sleeping noodle body downstairs with me. D., who was still awake, tried very hard not to roll his eyes, but I knew he wanted to, and that was almost as bad.

Okay, enough complaining. I'm pleased to say that I get to dole out some blogger awards. The lovely, talented Mardougrrl tagged me with a Blogger Reflection Award. I'm honored, and would tag her right back, but that would seem ass-kissy. But please check out her blog. She's thoughtful and insightful and so talented.

So now I get to pick five bloggers whom I think worthy of the Blogger Reflection Award.

This Mom: Kyra's prose is so lovely, her posts honest and true, and she has a wicked sense of humor. Sometimes I fantasize that we're the best of friends, but of course that makes me sound like a stalker.

Better Make It A Double: Emmie writes beautifully about her twins and life as a progressive parent. She is never afraid to write what she thinks. I have a great deal of respect for her.

The Little Zygote That Could: Sheri keeps it real. She has been through a lot and always writes about her life with humor and grace.

Moonlight Ambulette: Moonlight is a fiction writer of inarguable talent. Her first novel will be coming out next year, and she does wonderful book reviews on her blog. Lovely Moonlight.

Breed Em' and Weep: Jenn's blog has been around for a couple of years, but it's new to me. We actually went to college together for a bit (before I freaked out at hot-tailed it out of that small Iowa town), but I didn't know she was a mama-writer-blogger until recently. Funny and touching. Check her out.