15 LOVELY CFIDS, M.E., Lyme, and FMS blogs

I have been very remiss about a wonderful surprise I received on June 17th.  My reason for not doing this earlier wasn’t just because I wasn’t feeling good or being pulled into a myriad of directions.  Actually I did try to do it right after WordPress 3.0 came out and I uploaded it.  Unfortunately, the new update caused my image plugin to break and I had to wait until the update came before I could do this justice.

Now that the plugin has been updated, I can share with you that my blog has been recognized for another… award!

Jolene from Graceful Agony has graciously awarded 4Walls and A View with the “One Lovely Blog Award.”

I have to tell you, it is incredible to me that I keep receiving these awards when there are so many great blogs out there.  The flip side, however, is I get to pass this award on to several other deserving blogs, which I absolutely love to do!

In order to receive this wonderful honor, the following criteria should be met.

• Accept the award, post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

• Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered (if possible).

• Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Fifteen blogs!  Holy Cow!  I had to really work at this one!  Here goes…

1.  CFS Patient Advocate :  I just started reading Christopher Cairns blog and I have to tell you it is incredible.  I have to much difficulty reading the technical and scientific jargon associated with CFIDS, but Christopher does a great job in putting it all in layman’s terms.  He is also great at keeping on top of what is happening within the research world.

2.  Discovering Purpose:  This is Ayo’s blog as many of you will know.  He does an incredible job not only with his posts and articles, but with the graphics and design of his blog.  This is a great place to refuel your motivation and determination!

3.  Dreams at Stake:  Laurel has become an incredible treasure to me.  She has filled me with awe and inspiration – all while living within her 4walls and a bed.  If you haven’t take the time to read her blog, you really should.  Her blog reflects her incredible spirit, compassion, optimism and honesty.  It is one of my top favorites.

4.  Invisible Illness CFIDS/FMS:  Viv’s blog is a great blog you should check out.  She has an incredible heart to reach out and impact positively by sharing what she is learning along the way.  Her giving and compassion shine through every post!

5.  Jo Blogs:  Jo has become one of my favorite British bloggers on CFIDS/M.E.  Her tenacity, determination, wisdom, compassion, and humor are such incredible blessings to me.  Her blog is often vulnerable, raw, transparent and bluntly truthful.  I love that about her and her blog.  With this blog, you will always walk away impacted or changed.

6.  Learning to Live with CFS:  Okay. I  have to give an award to any CFS blogger who blogs DURING their vacation!  I mean, what dedication!  Here is a blog that you can learn just about anything you want when it comes to Lyme Disease or CFS.  Sue is a walking encyclopedia!

7.  Lemon-Aide:  Kerry is so precious to me.  I feel like I have not only made a friend, but have gained a sister.  There is something incredibly beautiful and soft about Kerry and her blog.  She will inspire you, help you, encourage you, lift you – all with just the stroke of her pen! This is a blog that should be at the top of your list!

8.  A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye:  This is a fantastic blog for anyone interested in writing, editing or books.  Lillie is a fountain of knowledge on any of these subjects.  In addition, she is a kindred soul to many of us who are suffering from a chronic illness.  This is a blog you will refer to often, and bookmark even more!

9.  My CFS Life:  This is a blog I have just begun to read, ever since Pax described a difficult night (getting to sleep)  and the dancing fireflies!  I was hooked from then on.  Pax writes from the ethos (emotions) and Pax’s words describe the beauty that he/she chooses to see even in the midst of this devastating illness.  Pax’s blog is beautiful, most definitely lovely, and comforting.  You won’t regret paying it a visit!

10.  My World:  upnorth’s blog is a great ‘outdoor’ blog, if you will.  I always love reading her blog because it is truly like a breath of fresh air.  Her blog is honest, sunny, and thoughful.  I think in another life – without CFIDS, we could have been great friends!

11.  On the Bright Side:  April is new to the blogging world and blogs as often as she is able.  Her blog really does try to portray the bright side of struggling with multiple chronic illnesses.  In addition, April always brings the sunshine in whenever she ‘chats’ with you.  Her sunny disposition and determined attitude are catching!

12.  Renee’s Reflections:  Renee’s blog title really sums up her blog perfectly.  She constantly reflects on her illnesses, how they impact her, how she can move forward, and how she can find grace in the middle of it all.  In addition, Renee is one of the most gracious and compassionate bloggers I have met.  She is always commenting on other’s blog encouraging them, inspiring them, or crying with them.  A more beautiful heart you cannot find!

13. Transform You Chronic Life:  This blog is LOADED with information!  I am always amazed at how much information and resources this blog has to offer.  This will be one you will want to bookmark!

14.  Life with M. E., study, and stress!:  I met Alex through twitter and I actually can’t think of anyone who is more prolific.  Alex can write like no tomorrow.  Even though she is still in school, plus struggling with M.E., she has this incredible personality and outlook.  Alex is looking for more readers and dare I say it – more friends who ‘understand’ so please take the time to check out her great blog.

15. Living the CFS Life:  Shelli’s blog is a blog you never want to miss because you never know when she is going to come out and say something so pithy that it makes you sit up straight and take notice.  Although she doesn’t post as regular as some, when she does, it is well worth the read!

16!  Bonus!  Scribe, Ink.:  Amy has just joined the 4Walls and A View family and the more I get to know her to more I like her.  Amy is a journalist by trade who also struggles with FMS.   Her blog covers a myriad of topics in addition to her open, blunt, and transparent thoughts on the challenges of severe FMS or FM as she calls it!  Well worth your time to check out and say hello!

Okay.  That was a lot of hard work.  It actually took me almost an hour to do!  If you received an award and can’t accomplish 15 blogs, I understand.  Whatever you are able to do is fine with me.

Congratulations to each and everyone of you!  Thank you for enriching my life every time you share a post with me! 

Determined to continue forward