Well, blow me down! I've been (stunned and amazed) bestowed the most prestigeous (and/or dubious) THINKING BLOGGER AWARD by a most wonderful gal Weatherchazer.

This honor is given for "Blogs that make you think". I thank you mightily my friend. (curses, now I have to think!!) I have been tagged by one of the greats, who not only makes me think, read and reflect, but who originally caught my attention by her gorgeous and breathtaking pics of stormy weather. (everybody knows I'm just a picture hooker at heart)...did I say that right?

SO:

1. If (notice I said IF) you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think- BTW, this is an OPTIONAL exercise and no one should feel obligated to comply... I'm talking volunteer here only, no nipped toes, no hurt feelings if nobody feels led.

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme-

3. Optional: Display the "Thinking Blogger Award" with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative gold version if silver doesn't fit your blog.)

Simple right? NOT! The hard part is finding only 5... you see there are so many that qualify.

I. The very first and foremost, Numero Uno of blogs that make me think is

Waking Ambrose. Doug, fondly referred to as "dry dog" by my friend Javajazz comes up with daily definitions, which stretch my feeble birdbrain to its very limits. His amazing intelligence is not to be toyed with... try to joust with him verbally and you will without any doubt become flayed... drawn and quartered for all to see. He reigns supreme over his court of comments, and in fact draws the most smart people in the entire blogosphere to participate in the antics produced by his wit and yes, humor. I bow in awe (yes, check it out, crows can and do bow) and am usually tumbled claw over beak in the dust when trying to keep up with the brains around there. Besides, I have to say that his disarming beagle mug gets me in the heart every damn time I look at it.

II. My Dogs Daze is a unique website run by Icy and her dog Spot OOPS - I mean Icy & Tom. When I visit this place, I'm alternately charmed, entertained, puzzled, and endeared to a sweet beautiful white dog Icy, her daddy Dusty, and the fabulous graphics (Tom's expertise) which appear in endlessly creative & comical ways. Here too are witty commenters, which make me struggle to think of something which has not been already said or thought in response. It is usually the first place I visit when making the rounds. Nothing makes one think more than a dog and her cans.

Hmmm, does it seem like there are a lot of dogs around here?

III. Inner Voice - otherwise known as Javajazz has a way about her that makes me have to stop laughing after I've read what she has to say! Hold on, this is a good thing... nobody hits my funny bone like she does, with her honest, straightforward perspective of things. Her words aren't minced, although she can use up a lot of descriptive words before her point is completely across. Having a similar "stage of life" in common, we can relate on that level very well. Both of our sons are gifted trumpet players, (although hers is more famous at the moment). She offers a genuinely loving, healing, nurturing and humorous addition to my daily thoughts. I find out about amazing new applications for musical instruments at her place (have you ever been digereedooed?) Besides - she taught me how to correctly pronounce Quinoa. I owe her for that!


IV. Nurse Ratched - Despite the way the eyecandy of her avatar seems to belie any assumed intelligent thinking... Jillie is one of the most thought-provoking and incredibly smart bloggers I know. A warm and loving woman in the nursing field, she is loyal to her family (Partner, Bro, Mom and late Stepdad) as well as to her friends. She throws herself out there on fund raising tours for breast cancer (giving her physical all as well... just call her Ms. Gimpy) and encourages others to do the same. Her amazing quick comeback in the humor department has me reeling... no wonder she is so popular around the blog circuit! A fellow female biker (J, that looks like a fine shovel... is that really yours?) she commands the respect of all just by the wit of her comebacks, and oh my, I wish I could look like that on my silver bike! (J, I just don't have the nerve to wear my CFM boots in public - you go girl!)

V. Reykjavik Harbor- run by Ms E. of whom I hold a great admiration. Her site hosts the most amazing insights to a place I've only been twice. She is not only an inspiration to me due to her situation, but I gain new delightful images both visual & mental each and every time she posts. I am inspired by her brave grasp of life this past year or so, and jealous also because she is actually doing what I've only dreamed of in her migration to Iceland from the US. When I inhale her detailed and descriptive tales of Iceland, I go there in my mind. I remember scenes from my own journeys there, and long for more - as she tells it. Truly a person could lose one's self reading her writings.

Thank you to every single one of you who comes here to my humble site, to read, look, comment, imagine, and interact with a birdbrain like me. I appreciate it so much - I live for those visits.