I felt surprised and blessed to receive this nomination. More so when it was followed by yet another very soon after. Unfortunately this came at a time that was very busy for me, with illness, performing and examinations all at once. I feel I used to live in a dream state with Lupus. I barely suffered, rarely needed check ups and only had one specialist. The last two years has seen the incline steepen constantly and left me little room for rest between flares. I want to use my experiences, my knowledge, to help others in similar predicaments. More importantly I want to dissolve the divide between the well and the unwell. The divide isn’t intentional, and yet I see it often. Invisible illnesses have the blessing of allowing sufferers their appearance to hide behind eyes of pity, but they also create space for people to be fully unaware of the extent of these illnesses. That is the intent behind my maintaining my blog, as well as explaining to my people what is going on with me and why I withdraw and disappear sometimes.

I cannot say how much this nomination has lifted me up. Thank you My Experience with Lupus and Autoimmune Warrior!

Here are the rules for accepting this award:

• Thank and link the amazing person who nominated you.
• List the rules and display the award.
• Share seven facts about yourself.
• Nominate 15 other amazing blogs and comment on their posts to let them know they have been nominated.
• Optional: Proudly display the award logo on your blog and follow the blogger who nominated you.

Seven Facts About Me:

1) I am only 5′ 1″, or 157cm, tall. I am a throw back 3 generations in any part of my family for body type and illness. My family are all a foot or more taller.

2) I was born a natural athlete. I love running, cycling, swimming, jumping…well you name it really. I had a desire to start training for marathons and Iron Man competition at an earlier time of my life.

3) I grew up in a country with a population of less than 500.

4) I collect rabbits. No two are the same in finish or pose.

5) I had vocal training as a teenager for singing, and I can read sheet music, play guitar and basic organ music.

6) My favourite flowers are the Arum Lily and Calla Lily. Neither is an Arum, a Calla or a Lily. I only like the Calla in white or the Arum in Purple. these perfect one petal blossoms captivate me in design and class.

7) I love obscure artworks and encouraging emerging talent.

Fifteen Inspiring Bloggers:

Please forgive me, as I do not know that many bloggers to recommend. But I have tried.

1)  My Experience with Lupus who nominated me. Rather than comparing ailments I feel much support from her and appreciate the shared experiences.

2) Labeled Disabled who also nominated me. Showing strength in the face of difficulties, I find a great read here often.

3) So I Have MS…Now What? Catherine writes about here life with MS, very inspiring and interesting.

4) Autoimmune Warrior A dual-diagnosed Lupus patient that reveals parts of herself I don’t think I would have the courage to.

5) Triumphant Wings the blog of a Lupus patient also diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

6) Life of a Lupie a courageous young woman with Lupus

7) Rhyanna VL this is not a blog, but she has been one of the most inspiring person in my life these past few years. Showing me the path of hardship can be used constructively to assist others and find deeper contentment within myself Rhy’s words and gentle nature have led me to grow in so many ways.

8) Nick Vujicic  proving that the only thing holding us back is ourselves. His biographies have been important to me and regardless of ideas of faith, I find strength in how Nick held close his beliefs and overcame obstacles, using his experience to help others.

Unfortunately, this is all the writers of blogs, and still more that aren’t. I hope this will suffice.