“A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34
As a newcomer to the world of blogging, I am surprised and delighted about being nominated for the Versatile Blogger award. The love was passed on to me today by transcendental Indonesian poet Subhan Zein at: http://subhanzein.wordpress.com/.
Subhan has a radiant and sweet spirit, and when I read his works, I feel as if I am sprouting wings like a butterfly. The experience of his poetry is like a dance, because his writing creates a sense of stirring and movement. I particularly admire his poem entitled “Millions of Candles.”
******************************
As part of accepting this award, I am required to tell you seven things about myself:
1. Olive Twist is my pen name. I don’t like to talk about myself too much, but I used to entertain the idea of being a nun. I have always loved Christ, but I have an unusual perspective on religion for several reasons. If you are curious about this, you can click on the tab that says “Olive!!” above.
2. I love foreign and classic films, and anime by Studio Ghibli, particularly “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Whispers of the Heart.” I am very excited about the newest movie, “The Secret World of Arrietty.” I love Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales, because they kept me afloat upon the tempestuous seas of my childhood.
3. I have a Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing, with my concentration in creative nonfiction. I did my graduation lecture on how spiritual authors use literary devices to persuade readers to travel with them on a spiritual journey.
4. My illustrious father published some science fiction stories in his younger days.
5. I try to live according to the fifth chapter of The Gospel According to Matthew and particularly The Beatitudes. It is not easy to walk a pure path in a crazy world. But then again, some might say I am crazy and the world is sane.
6. I love to read about spiritual journeys of other people, and my unfinished list of favorite books is posted under the “Essays” tab above.
7. People often admire my “strength” when they learn of the things I have suffered, but I often think of the words of Christ: “Don’t worry about tomorrow, because each day has enough trouble of its own.” His teachings are the source of my “strength.”
*****************************************
Now, in keeping with the spirit of this award, I wish to nominate the following people for the next Versatile Blogger Award. I had a difficult time choosing fifteen of you, because I have only been blogging a short time and have not communicated for very long with any of you. Although I may not know you that well, the instructions say to pick recently discovered blogs, and I have tried to include writers with unique perspectives and styles.
******************************************************************
For this award you will have to do a couple of things as follows:
- Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.
- Share 7 things about yourself.
- Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs you enjoy reading.
- Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.
I am so appreciative to Subhan Zein for this award, and to all of you that are taking your valuable time to follow my blog and communicate with me. I am quite humbled and honored by your expressions each day.
Peace and Grace be with you,
Olive Twist
*********************
Drifting into the Divine ~♥~ 