
Some centuries ago, me, my best friend Debbie, my Mum and Granny were playing our summer holiday, nightly Canasta tournament, into the wee small hours. My usual annoying ‘a fast game is a good game!’ quip was interrupted by three piercing screams. A giant, juicy, mouse-sized (not including legs), Huntsman spider was pootling along the nearest wall. Had the spider resembled a mouse in anything more than size, I too would have turned to jelly. As it was, someone had to be a man* about things and I boldly snatched a saucepan, a bit of newspaper and captured spidey with a kerplunk into the pan. As he was tapping away looking for the nearest saucepan exit, I'll admit that walking out into the deathlike quiet of a moonless night was daunting. Removing the newspaper lid and blindly flicking spidey into the dark, was also a fine and courageous act.
I have never known glory as bestowed upon me by three hysterical canasta opponents. Had Mariah Carey been around to sing
Hero, no doubt she would have fronted up to the door then and there and had a three piece backing vocal. As it was, all that was available was an uninspired looking biscuit and a bit of string. Mum fashioned me an edible medal, there was a presentation ceremony and giggly fits of three-in-the-morning hilarity. From that moment on, whenever I win anything – be it a three legged race, a calisthenics solo performance (replete with stunning side stage entrance cartwheel to the
Star Wars theme), or a blog award, I think of the original bikkie medal.
Which finally brings me to the point of all this long-windedness. Over the last couple of weeks, Kate at
One Flew Over, Lisa at
Cute as Buttons and Lou from
Buttons by Lou Lou have bestowed the One Lovely Blog Award upon Myrtle and Eunice. I am chuffed and blushing on behalf of the ladies. Many hearty thanks to you.

With the awards come the
rules. With the rules come my own fifteen nominations for lovely blogs. The problem is I could name about seventy. The following are arty, crafty blogs that make my day. Please note, arty, crafty bloggers that make my day, you’re
not tagged, unless you want to be. I’m just handing you over an award of appreciation with a bonus bikkie...
ClutterpunkGina is the genius behind the inspired Swiney softie, appeals to my sense of the absurd and tackles real life with great aplomb.
Craft SchmaftClaire appears to be able to torment any sock in to a characterful softie delight.
DandelionBeck’s blog makes me want to crawl under a granny blanket in a cosy corner and knit stuff.
FloraJust when I think nothing else could be done with felt, Floortje serves up another beautifully crafted something.
GugawClaire has some lovely photography, gorgeous jewellery (and a giveaway if you hurry over by the 6th).
JolijouIf it’s a grey old wintry day, head on over to Andrea’s for a veritable explosion of colour and crafty know-how.
Loz and DinnySewer of gorgeousness, with a current vinyl obsession (after a 20 metre vintage find) and a feisty streak that comes out at garage sales.
My Black Cardigan It’s a case of I have no idea how Nikki does it, but along with one year old twins, she has one heck of an imagination, leads the field in emergency softie surgery (but has unfortunate taste in music).
Pepperberry & CoA wicked sense of humour, some inspired storytelling and excellent crafty tutorials to be found over here.
RummageProne to even longer post titles than me, Nanette is one of those who crafts personality into everything but prompts tea-spluttering-over-keyboard-laugh-out-loudness.
Smitonius and SonataThere’s an impressive vintage button collection and quirky random pics lurking around here.
SoulemamaEven after all this time, Soulemama still reminds me to breathe.
The Cart Before the HorseYou never know what critter is popping up on Jo’s blog, but they all have their own uber personality.
Ric RacNo one else could write about middle-of-the-school-holiday-shopping-centre-jean-purchasing with such startling honesty. Jodie also has, oh, a truckload of crafty creativity.
You Sew GirlNikki knows real stuff about making really nice stuff. And she generously shares a bounty of information. Plus she has a kid who wears her coat upside down to the supermarket.
* I know a man who comes over all a’flutter at the mere sight of a moth