Thanks to Marjorie over at kyrosmagica for including me in the #Girllove Blog Challenge. Marje is a kind-hearted, spirited gal I connected with this past year, who likes to blog about the magic of writing, laughter, books, crystals, and so much more.
ABOUT THE CHALLENGE:
#Girllovechallenge launched by Lilly Singh, a.k.a. Superwoman, on her YouTube Channel. Lilly Singh is a Canadian vlogger, actress, comedian, and rapper, age 27. She is tired of ‘girl-on-girl hate’ in schools, workplaces, and social media, so she decided to reverse trends by promoting #GirlLove. In her empowering video young women speak out about their respect and gratitude for other women in their lives. Proceeds from video views will go to the Malala Fund to help educate girls around the world. The goal of the fund is to “enable girls to complete 12 years of safe, quality education so that they can achieve their potential and be positive change-makers in their families and communities”.
Lilly’s challenge was to compliment other women in social media using the hashtag #GirlLove. In the blogging world the challenge has become more detailed.
THE RULES:
Here’s what you do for the #GirlLoveChallenge:
– Tell your followers who inspires you, a famous woman who may be dealing with negativity on a daily basis.
– Tell your followers who inspire you in real life, a woman you always interact with.
– Tag five women bloggers who you love. Compliment them and tell them why you love them, and comment under their latest post with the link to your post with #GirlLove post!#Girllove Blog Challenge.
My Picks:
I wrote a post awhile back called, Embracing Your Self-Esteem, about Whitney Way Thore, and her struggles with obesity. Whitney went from being a slim young teen to an obese woman, which began with her diagnosis of POC, polycistic ovary syndrome. She has her own show now, My Big Fat Fabulous Life, a reality show that follows her life being an overweight young woman, and what she does to feel good about herself, and empowers other women who have weight issues and low self-esteem. She’s created the hashtag #NoBodyShame and crusades about learning to love and accept oneself. You can read my article HERE.
In my real life, or shall I say, in my virtual writing life where I spend most of my days, I have to say that blogger/writer/author, Sally Cronin is very inspiring. Sally’s blog is always busy with posts from her own extremely, creative writing, to sharing and promoting of the works of others, Sally’s worldly knowledge and experience is shared in many of her articles from health to life experience.
Sally is kind, quick-witted, a lover of life and so well respected and loved in the writing community. I was fortunate enough to connect with Sally on different levels, and I’m honoured to have her as a friend. She’s inspiring, compassionate and so giving of her time to fellow bloggers. To be quite honest, I don’t know how she finds the time to crank out blogs and books, circulate multiple social media sites daily, comment on other’s blogs, and make time for her real life. I truly admire her.
Now on to my five female blogging friends I admire, the part where I get to only choose 5 is very limiting, as there are so many wonderful women out there I admire, but here they are:
Deborah Jay – I love Deb and her writing. But I love that she’s always willing to offer up her good advice, and also shares great information to other writers, and gives great in-depth book reviews.
Marcia Meara – I love Marcia because she’s spunky, witty, and runs her blog, The Write Stuff, which she created to involve other writers with challenges, book promotions, and so much more, because with Marcia, it’s always a surprise what she’ll come up with.
Elaine Mansfield – I love Elaine because she’s a warrior woman. She’s accomplished so much in her life, endured lots of love, lots of grief, and shares her emotions and lessons and experiences in life with her beautiful writings. Elaine was one of my first few blogging friends I connected with when I began blogging almost 3 years ago.
Diane Tibert – I love Diane, another early friend I met blogging, because she’s a go-getter writer who always seems to be on top of trends and updates in the publishing world. She’s a fellow Canadian author, and she never hesitates to share insights she comes across in the writing and publishing world.
Sherri Mathews – I love Sherri, my newest friend of all five here that I’ve mentioned. Sherri is a compassionate soul who has certainly lived life and has had her share of ups and downs which she’s always so willing to share with others. She’s uplifting and you can always count on her for a kind word.
So those are my nominees to take on the #Girllovechallenge. There is no obligation to carry on the challenge if you don’t feel like you have the time to participate, but if you do, just follow the rules listed above, and don’t forget to send the link to the women you’re honouring.
DGKaye©2016
DGKayewriter.com 
Hi Debby, thanks so much for joining in the #Girllove challenge, and writing such an interesting and lovely post. Thank you also for the lovely introduction, so very kind of you. I love your choices, Sally, such an inspiring blogger, and I am privileged already to be following Marcia, Sherri, and Deborah, who are all wonderful bloggers, who I shall be visiting today. I think I have been so busy recently what with work and all that I have neglected some of my favourite bloggers! So about to remedy that. Thanks also for introducing me to a few new bloggers. 🙂
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Hi Marje. Thank you again for including me in your original post of picks. I was truly humbled, and more than happy to pass this on to others who are deserving. I do hope you get to check out some of these other bloggers who have so much to offer.
Happy weekend! ❤
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Happy weekend to you too Debby have fun. 🙂
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You too Marje. ❤
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Well I am sitting here slightly gobsmacked as they say in certain circles. I am so honoured Debby that you have included in the first place and I wish my head teacher could read your words.. maybe I could get her to eat them!! She thought I was a flibbertigibbet whose dream of a career on the stage would only get me into trouble. What she did not realise is that there are different stages we can perform on. Blogging is a worldwide stage that enables everyone, whatever their backgrounds, to tread the boards. I am finally doing what I dreamed of.. sharing words and music and this honour is the Oscars.. thank you my friend and we will share that bottle of bubbly one day. Love and hugs.
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Thank YOU Sally, for everything you are, and everything you do for others. Who better to honour for #Girllove than you? You’re a shining example for so many, and I’m honoured to call you friend!
PS, big surprise, many people in my own life (some teachers included), thought I was a scatterbrain with my thoughts and ideas all over the map, unsettled with direction. WELL, LOOK AT US NOW!!!!!!! XOXOXO ❤
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Like a good wine just needed the right environment and TLC to mature to a rich vintage… XXS
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Well said Sal! ❤
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A great idea. And fantastic choices
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Thank you Olga. 🙂
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Congratulations, Debby. Let’s hear it for the girls. 🙂
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Thanks Hugh. No hard hats required, lol. ❤
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Wow! Thanks, Debby, for including me in this wonderful group of inspiring women. I’m amazed and proud that you think of me that way, and I can’t wait to learn more about the others you’ve listed. I already know Deborah Jay, Marje, and Diane, but I need to make it a point to visit their blogs more often. And I’m eager to “meet” the rest of these ladies, too. I will do my best to find time to carry on the challenge, though I’m under a couple of real deadlines, and can’t promise. But I will certain reblog and circulate this, and I’m sure others will enjoy taking part, too.
Thank you again for all your kind words. I’m honored, and return the love to you, for sure!
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You are aces Marcia! I was sure you already knew how much I admire you? Lol. It’s certainly a wonderful group of women here. And you don’t have to explain to me how busy you are. You are a powerhouse!!!! ❤
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Congratulations Debby! The award is well deserved.
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Gee, thanks again Vashti. I’m always so humbled when someone acknowledges me with an award. It really means a lot to me, glad to know I’m putting out worthwhile words. 🙂
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Beautifully done. Wishing all of you a hug-filled weekend!
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Thanks Teag. Happy weekend to you too! ❤
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Sherri is having WordPress agro currently, and it won’t allow her response to show so I’ve pasted: “I did read your wonderful post, thank you so much! I left a comment but it disappeared as I thought it would 😦 And I realise I said ‘award’ but of course it’s a challenge, and I was so humbled and touched by the lovely things you said about us all, and with some great blogs to visit. You are really such a wonderful and lovely lady dear Debby. You always bring smiles and joy to my day. Thank you so much 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend my friend.”
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Hi Debby, back again, and this is a test…will post with baited breath…here goes…
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Hooray! I see my comment, phew! And yes, I would just repeat everything I said before…and again dear Debby, dear friend, thank you so much for honouring me in this wonderful way! I hope to post as soon as I can with this and your wonderful award also recently sent my way…wow, I feel like it’s another Christmas! Love & hugs to you 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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So glad WP has given your back privileges Sherri. Lol, man WP is giving so many of us a workout! I’ve been missing posts from many I follow, and replies to comments I’ve left. So annoying. But, I’m glad you’re back, and please don’t feel pressured Sherri. I chose you because I felt you should be on the list. If and when you find the time to choose some of your own, it’s up to your own available time. 🙂
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Thanks again so much Debby, and for your understanding on the timeline. Yes, those WP gremlins have been out in full force recently…grrrrr! But I’m so glad to have been reinstated, lol 😀 Have a great day my friend, sunny for you I hope! Wet and cold here…xoxo
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Hi Sher, so glad things are looking up with your WP woes, lol. Sunny here and still trying to warm up to normal temps, but better than snow! 🙂 xo
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Thanks Debby! Yay for the sun, hopefully the temps will heat up very soon! Hugs for a lovely day my friend 🙂 xo
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Thanks for the well wishes Sherri!!!! 🙂 ❤
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🙂 ❤ xoxo
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Congrats, Deb, as you most certainly deserve this honour! I like your nominations too – you’re right that Sally makes great use of her time! I send big hugs for your weekend xx
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Thanks so much for visiting and commenting here Christy. Wishing you a happy weekend too my friend. ❤
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Some great choices there, Debby 🙂 Congrat on the tag. Well-deserved!
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Thanks again Diana.:)
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Congratulations, Debby, and thanks for choosing me. I’m honored. I began blogging in May 2012, so about 3 1/2 years ago. We made contact soon after that. I don’t remember how that happened, but it’s a friendship that spans a few social media formats. It’s about being writers but also about being women who have gone through plenty and learned a lot from the hard stuff. My social media skills aren’t up to yours, but you’ve given me great feedback and advice a few times. While you’ve published many books, I’ve managed just one. Your productivity and endless enthusiasm inspire me. Thank you for support and kindness.
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Elaine, I’m humbled by your kind words. We all learn so much from one another in this beautiful community. So many have helped me during my journey, and if I have given back in some way, then I am content. One book or ten, we write, we’re authors and numbers are irrelevant. How many people would like to write a book and don’t have the courage to gruel it out? Pat yourself on the back Elaine. You know I admire you and your writing and look forward to your next book(s). ❤
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Congrats to you and awesome women everywhere! 🙂
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Thanks Lorna! 🙂
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