A moment of thanks

Yesterday I learned that I didn't win the CBS DFW Most Valuable Blogger award. Truthfully, I'm not that surprised, or even that disappointed. It was a tremendous honor to be nominated, and I continue to be grateful that I was included with bloggers who have been blogging for years and have reached success.

Today I feel it's important to take a moment and thank you, my followers and readers, for your support. I know I don't tell you often enough just how much I appreciate you. I feel honored and even a little bit overwhelmed that you take the time out of your busy days to stop by, read my posts, and leave such thoughtful comments. It thrills me when I see a comment from you in my inbox. I read them all (even the not-so-supportive ones!) and deeply appreciate the time you take to write them.

When I started blogging eight months ago, my motivation wasn't to become a popular blogger. I have always written for me, worn what I want to wear, and conducted my blog behavior as exactly as I do in real life. This blog is a true reflection of who I am. The fact that I have followers at all amazes me, because I don't think I'm all that special. The blogging world is so vast - almost oversaturated - which makes you being here all that much more wonderful. I didn't know that you all were out there when I started blogging. I didn't know that I would eventually see you as my friends in the blogosphere. And I didn't know that it would be possible to type in Blogger and feel at home.

You inspire me. Your thoughts, your criticisms, your words of support, your generosity. I didn't know that you would change my life. Dear readers, you have given me confidence and strength I never knew I would have. You make me feel like I matter. You impact my life in a way I am unable to put into words.

So thank you, readers. Know that you are appreciated, and that I am humbly grateful that you are here. And thank you for voting for me in the CBS DFW contest. I may not have won, but you give me gifts far beyond cyber awards.

I'm a finalist in the CBS DFW Most Valuable Blogger Awards!

Holy cow, you guys. I just learned that I'm a finalist in the CBS DFW Most Valuable Blogger Awards, under the Lifestyle category. This is nuts.

I know I have a lot of loyal followers...so I'm counting on you to VOTE FOR ME! I've never won anything in my life, and this award would mean so very much. Click on the button and vote - you can vote once a day, every day, up until September 9th.

Thank you so much for your support!