All the world is a stage....

And the props necessary for the production:

The top picture is the award I gave myself, a basket of sticks and old boards. It represents how we look at things in the middle of a crisis. We perceive our world as old and decrepit, full of rusty nails and beaten up driftwood. It is the state of self-pity and broken hearts. Fortunately, that wood can be easily burned in the fireplace.

Then, some good soul comes along and drops a banner at our door. It reads: creative blogger award. Darn, I can't wallow in my misery any longer. I must carry the banner in the house, make room on the coffee table, clear the clutter so this prized symbol can be appreciated and invite others to join in the celebration.

The Creative Blogger Award was joined by The Friendly Blogger Award and the One Lovely Blogger Award. They came at the right time too, between the despair of winter storms, and the splendor of Spring blooms. To the lovely ladies who appeared in my life at just the right moment, thank you.

Six months ago I did not know so many women had such strong hearts, and determined spirit: Cheryl, Angela Regada, Lola, Meredith, Tessa, Karen, Angela from Usedom, Mandy, Linds, Reya, Mary, Sarah Lulu, Lori ann, Fhina, Cherie, Martha, Kikit, Mervat, Shadow, Delwin, Natalie, Renee, Helen, Saretta, Valeria, Valerie, Erin, Janine, Beth, Siobhan, Michel, La Belette, Sallymandy, Boots, Carol, Polly, Edith, Rose Marie, Katherine, Elizabeth, Ribbon, Shadow......and many more with generous hearts and kind words.

I apologize if you do not see your name among those listed.

Some of you follow me regularly; some are followed by me. We see and hear each other in the blogosphere, reading each other's comments. We are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and all sorts of occasions with each other.

You know me as Lakeviewer. My real name is Rosaria. But the part I play is not to be confused with anybody else. Humans are good at these things; identifying characteristics that differentiate us enough to be remembered. And we are good at working together toward common goals. There are bloggers with vision and passion organizing campaigns everywhere.

These awards are free and available. Take one and all, click and save. You know what to do.

However, the sticks and boards, are strictly seasonal, for another time, another stage.

I've left out the men. On this stage, few men can compete. Those who do, have charm, intelligence, endurance and other appealing qualities. I'll have to dedicate a whole post to you guys, and produce appropriate awards as well.

This stage, unlike those where auditions can be senseless, cruel and depressing, this stage is warm and accepting, and offers equal opportunities. to people across the world. Many languages and cultures are shared through words, pictures, symbols and stories, adding new expressions to our vocabulary, new information to our knowledge pool.

Albeit a global recession, a crisis of confidence, and a collapse of many industries, blogger continues to produce the plays we're all so engaged in.

Now. I need to pop in and see what has been posted last night.

Play On!