Liebster award!

I have to admit I was a bit surprised to be nominated for an award – my readers have dwindled over the years, since my blog is more journal-like these days. So, I would like to thank the lovely STB Excellence for nominating me!


The Liebster blog award is to recognize blogs that have less than 200 followers. The word Liebster is German for beloved and valued. There are rules to this award...

• Thank the person who nominated you and include a link back to their blog.
• List 11 random facts about yourself.
• Answer the 11 questions given to you.
• Create 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate.
• Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or fewer followers to nominate and include links to their blogs.
• Go to each blogger's page and let them know you have nominated them!

Wow – this is going to be a looonnngggg post – just warning y’all now! Anyone that reads all the way to the end can consider themselves recipients of the Liebster award!! ;-)

11 Random facts

1. I was a super picky eater as a child. I’ve mostly grown out of it, but still don’t like tomatoes, eggs, mushrooms, fish and seafood!
2. I love foreign languages – My French is pretty good, as I use it a lot at work, but in high school/university, I also studied Spanish, Italian, Russian and Polish. All I can remember now in those languages are mostly swear words and the basic “How are you, my name is...” stuff.
3.  I’m left handed – which amuses me to no end. It cracks me up when people say “I don’t know how you can do that (eat/write, throw a ball, etc.) with your left hand!!!
4. I love cats. I like dogs and all other animals, but love my cats. There are many pictures of me as a kid mauling one of our cats. ;-)
5. I love zombies – tv shows, movies, books, etc. I really liked the Walking Dead graphic novels and the tv show.
6. I am a master procrastinator.
7. I’m a tomboy – haven’t worn a dress in years and don’t even own a dress/skirt anymore.
8. I’m obsessed with tall English riding boots. I have many pairs posted on Pinterest and daydream of ordering many, many pairs.
9. I spend a lot of time on Pinterest
10. I’ve only ever spent one night in a hospital so far (touch wood!). I was 15 and had a concussion from a riding fall. I even had my Mommy there, since she was a nurse at our local hospital. 
11. I like machinery more than my hubby. I daydream of buying snowmobiles, atvs, snowblowers, tractors, bush hogs and all kinds of things!

Questions from STB Excellence:

1. Describe your perfect house/farm.

I’m pretty happy with my little house and farm right now. I feel pretty lucky to have my horse at home, but that being said, there are a few things that would be nice to have.

In the house – a large mud room with room for a dog shower and lots of room for muddy coats and boots. And a nice laundry room and a library! Ok, while I’m daydreaming, a big country kitchen would be awesome too! My current house has enough room overall, but it is a bit lacking in the mud room department!

As for the perfect farm, I would love hundreds of acres to hack on, but that just isn’t realistic. I would like a large sand ring (which is coming next week!! woo-hoo!) and an indoor would be a dream.

2. Explain the significance of your blog name.

Oh, my blog name. It was based on a nickname from university. I’m really short, and was wearing someone’s hoodie. A friend flipped up the hood and because the sweater was way too big for me, they thought I looked like a keebler elf. The name stuck for years. I used it for the blog because I started it with the intent of using it as a private journal. I keep meaning to change the name to be more reflective of horses, but never get around to it.

3. Is the glass half empty or half full?

I tend to be a pessimist, so in the past, the glass was often half empty. My hubby is a positive guy, so I’ve been retraining myself to the half full camp and it is going well so far.

4. If you were given $1000 to spend in ONE store, which store would you choose?

Only ONE store? Gulp. I have enough tack right now and $1000 wouldn’t buy me the English saddle I want... Sooo, I might pick a department store, so I could get a variety of stuff. I would probably drive to the US and go to Macy’s, given the choice!

5. Who is your equine mentor? Past or current. Describe.

I didn’t really have an equine mentor until quite recently. My current coach is just totally awesome. She has helped us progress so much and just has boatloads of experience to draw from. I hope she never retires from coaching!

6. Do you check caller ID before you answer the phone? Do you sometimes let it go to voicemail because you just don't want to talk to someone?

I don’t have caller ID, but I almost always let calls go to voicemail! Bad, I know, but I hate talking on the phone!

7. What's under your bed?

Probably a lot of cat hair and dust bunnies... :-S

8. What are your best characteristics? (And I don't necessarily mean physical!)

Hmm – another tough question! I guess my honesty and my loyalty are my best qualities. I tend to be a bit blunt sometimes, but I prefer honesty and straightforwardness (is that a word?) over deceit and half-truths and drama. I’m a very loyal friend as well, until people start taking advantage of that.

9. Where did you grow up? How far away are you from your hometown? (You don't have to give your personal address here, a region is fine!! Stay safe online!!!)

I grew up on a 50 acre farm near a very small town about a 7-8 hour drive SW of where I currently live. I’m in the same province, but pretty far from home. I do miss home, but came to my current location for university and a cushy govt. job.

10. What are your nicknames and how did you get them/who gave them to you?

See question #2 for the first nickname... Currently, I get LC a lot from friends and co-workers (my initials) and my nephews often call me “Lo” or “Lo-Lo” because one of them couldn’t pronounce my name when they were young. Typically though, my name doesn’t lend itself to nicknames or shorter versions.

11. What is your favorite book? Why?

I honestly don’t know if I can answer this – I have a lot of favourite books! As a kid, the Black Stallion series was my all time favourite. I read and re-read those books many times. (Close second and third go to the James Herriot books and the Chronicles of Narnia). As an adult – maybe Water for Elephants? Should I have picked a classic here? I also liked Wuthering Heights and read lots of Shakespeare! I also hate to admit it, but the Walking Dead graphic novels are the most enjoyable thing I’ve read recently. Not sure what that says about me! lol

Questions from Funder:

1. Where are you from?

See #9 above

2. Where have you been?

Here and there – a couple of short trips to Europe, the US, Mexico and the Caribbean. Still lots of places to discover…

3. What scares you the most (and I don't mean "spiders")?

Oh, spiders are at the top of the list! But aside from that, getting injured while riding, losing my job and having to sell my house, something happening to my hubby…

4. What's your favorite food?

Do I have to pick just one? Steak, followed closely by thai food.

5. What's your biggest regret, or do you not believe in regrets?

Ack. Funder – these questions are hard! I think regrets and looking back can be a bit draining on the spirit. I regret not studying more in university and maybe letting other people’s problems control my life a bit.
6. Favorite band (with links!)

Ok – I’m not a cool music person. I like pop, rock and country, with a dash of alternative. I love Maroon 5, Blake Shelton, Bon Jovi (I know, I know…) 80s hairbands.  Mumford and Sons, Fun! and Of Monsters and Men.
7. What's the first name you ever gave? (I named my first cat Butterfly. I was three. I have no explanation.)

I named a big white cat Fluffy when I was 3. That cat wasn’t around long and I was sad, so I also named the next 2 cats we had Fluffy - even though they weren’t fluffy.

8. Is there a name you're saving? For a girl child, or a homebred horse, or a funny cat name?

No, not any more. I did have a few names when I was younger.
9. Biggest personal accomplishment, present or future?

Hmmm – is graduating university and holding down a job an accomplishment?

10. What's your favorite book? (reusing this, but I always love to hear the answers.)

See #11 above
11. What do you want for your epitaph?

No idea – can’t say I’ve ever thought of this!