Y AS IN "YIPPIE" — BEAR GETS EXCITED ABOUT RECEIVING A BLOGGING AWARD!

Awards are such fun to receive. Especially if you are a Bear. Bears have no idea of what to do with them. But we like them because they are so shiny!

This one comes from the kind and wise Amanda, of  travels with persephone. If you are not reading her blog, you are missing out on some rare treats. The things that woman unearths — so to speak. Thank you, Amanda.

Fulfilling My Responsibilities

Having received the award, I now need to share seven random bits of data about myself. Having  shared 26 random pieces of information a while ago, this will be a little challenging. So:

1. I was born at the centre of the universe. That is the alternate name for Toronto, Canada. 
Also, if you are a native of the place, you call the city "Traunna," which rhymes with "trauma." Which you are likely to suffer if you stay there too long. Which is why I'm not sad that I'm not there any more. 

2. I am acquainted with five languages: English (which I learned at home), French and Latin (which I studied in high school), Greek and Hebrew (from my university days). 
Unfortunately, I don't communicate very well in any of them.
I also knew a bit of Spanish, Italian, Russian, German, and Welsh. Actually I'm trying to learn Welsh. (The experience is very trying.) If anyone knows a good on-line Welsh language course, please let me know. Rosetta Stone has just cancelled it's program in Welsh. (Boo; hiss.)

3. I have problems with heights. I'm not as terrified as I used to be, but I still get a bit uneasy. Especially when I look at the ground from over the edge of our sixth floor balcony. 
On the other hand, we have a marvellous view of the city and river valley from up here. So I am becoming somewhat accustomed to the "high life." 
Strangely, though, flying is no problem at all.

4. When I was young, my hair on my head was blond. Then it became brown. Now, it has gone back to blond. Or white. Whichever. (Blond and white look pretty much the same to me.) 

5. I've never thought of myself as being a sportsman. Though I have played hockey and rugby (both at university). 
Mostly, I know that you don't have to play a sport in order to be a good one. 

6. I used to collect insects when I was younger. And study them. And watch butterflies and moths come out of their cocoons and chrysalises. 
That was in the day before people sprayed everything and killed all the interesting creatures. 

7. My middle name is George. Which was my grandfathers name. A name shared with some of the kings of England. (No, I have no pretentious to royalty whatsoever. I just share a name.)
I share that name with some U.S. Presidents, too — a few of whom I would like to forget, totally.

Naming Names

Having fulfilled the requirements, I am now privileged to share this award with a few folks. Which causes some problems. Because I know far and away too many versatile bloggers. That being the case, I was going to choose a few, anyhow. 

The problem is that, well, um, I've forgotten with whom I wanted to share this. (Life is tough when you're a Bear, especially when you're not as young as you used to be, and you lose your list.) Now, I feel embarrassed, because I cannot remember the worthy recipients. It must be about a month since Amanda give me this, but, erm, ah, I'm just plain SLOW at getting things done.

If you're a versatile blogger, who's creations I read fairly regularly, consider yourself a recipient of this award. You know who you are. (If I see that you've not picked up your award, I'll have to remind you.)

Blessings and Bear hugs, friends!