Mampi made me feel guilty today about not doing this post. She had tagged a few people in her today’s post and when I candidly enquired as to why I wasn’t tagged, she replied jokingly, “You’re above these tags and forwards. You wouldn’t have done it anyway like you are not going to do that Brilliant Award one.” And being a rebel that I am, here I am doing what I had restrained myself from only to rebel against Mampi. (Secretly, I think this was Mampi’s intention after all … to get me to write. ;p)

The reason I wanted to keep away from these awards and the like is because I saw no use for them. For me, they were just a means to pat each others back to get patted back. However, after experiencing my first ‘blog-award-circulation’, my opinion has softened a bit. These awards have opened me up to many excellent bloggers who I would’ve otherwise never known. Also, being acknowledged for writing which I thought wasn’t all that great felt nice too. Hereby, I take the opportunity to thank (in the order received) Nova, Nita, Silvara, Mandira, Mampi, Suki, Alankrita, Sraikh, Cee Kay, Imp’s Mom, Indian Homemaker and Amrutha for their kind appreciation. Too bad there isn’t any man in the list. Maybe I should mention Pati less often. *chuckle*

Now, as per the Brilliant Blog Award rules, I have to award it to seven more blogs. Of course, if you know me by now, I am not going to do that. Liberitarian at heart, I shall break rules this time too. I won’t mention 7 blogs … instead I’ll talk of 7 and more people that I’ve met through blogs. I confess to not knowing what a ‘brilliant’ blog is. I’ve only been personal-blogging since March and blogging for Unchaahi since the beginning of the year with an on-and-off break since April. So, I don’t really have the merit to judge brilliance yet at all. There are many blogs that I enjoy reading. Each one of them has a personality of its own. A personality that speaks of the person writing it. It’s these ‘persons’ who I’d like to mention … these people who make me smile, inspire me, give me fodder to think, and help me grow as a person knowingly or unknowingly.

At first, I was thinking that I’d only mention the blogs which I get to learn something from but then I realized I was wrong. What about blogs that I read for the sheer pleasure of enjoying excellent writing? The emotions beautifully wrapped in the written word? I mean, if there is a sucker for good writing, it has to be me! The content could be garbage but if it is packaged well, I am a fan! Luckily, the blogs I’m about to mention have good content too to go with the fab writing. Yes yes yes, I know I am creating quite a task for remembering all these blogs in this one go … so, if I miss something today, I’ll come back to this post and add anything I missed and keep you informed.

To begin with, I’d mention the 12 ladies who were generous enough to acknowledge my meagre presence in the blogosphere (of course, I am biased, y’all ;p):

1. Nova: Her blog always gives me a feeling of ‘tenderness’ if I may use that word. Something so very poised and so very serene. Her words are always laced with a sense of comfort and she never holds back her appreciation for anything she sees worthy. A blend of self-security and gentleness, that, for me, is Nova.

2. Nita: I really am amazed with this woman. I don’t know how she finds the time and energy to blog like she does. A new post every week-day and on some weekends too. All of them well-researched and written with a journalistic precision. How do you do it, Nita?

3. Silvara: Here’s a lady who effortlessly vanquishes my ADD with her enchantingly honest style of writing. I’ve told her before that her writing makes my heart ache which it truly does. She is honest, can use the right words to express the right emotion … what else do you need from a writer? You rock, girl.

4. Mandira: I put her in the same category as Silvara. Has it something to do with your names ending in ‘ra’? Ugh, that was a classic ‘poor joke’. Yet another fantastic writer. I often worry that I am going to creep her out with my unending praise that I have to offer her. Reading her makes me feel like I am sitting next to her while she’s chatting with me. Writing distinct from Silvara’s style but again, incredibly effective and surely keeps me hooked.

5. Mampi: mampiiiiiiiii … she has the advantage of knowing me personally … err the other way around actually … I have the advantage of knowing her personally ;) … no matter how much I say about her, there will never be enough words to describe what I think of her … smart, passionate about life and people she loves, full of energy and enthusiasm, optimistic, logical, rational minded, knows how to have a great laugh … and has that Punjabi touch that I shall forever aspire for and that I know I will never attain. Oh, and she is a fabulous writer too! It is her writing in fact that drew me closer to her and, in her, I found an invaluable friend. Thanks Mampi. :)

6. Suki: We haven’t really interacted much but as much as I’ve read from her blog, she reminds me of me in my student years … and today, we discovered a shared love for stationary. :)) What struck me about this girl was her list of people she awarded the ‘brilliant award’ to …. it was not a list to make people happy but of people who she truly admired. (oh I was not on the list .. i was a mere acknowledgement at the end hehe just in case you think im self-flagellating ;p) I went through the blogs that she had posted and felt that they were people who truly deserved a mention. In some strange manner, I appreciated your ability to hold an opinion and independent thought, Suki!!! I look forward to read more of u.

7. Alankrita: Ah! Ah! Ah! or like she says, “well well well” … she is just … well well well. She is my elder sister that I never had. Honest. We’ve even spoken to her Mom about adopting me as her younger child. I think she is considering it quite seriously too. Alankie only lives a few hours away from me and when her / our Ma comes from India, chances are that she would be staying with her younger daughter more than Alankie cuz Alankie never has time, you see, neither for me nor would she have for Ma. Uh oh I wasn’t supposed to whine in this post … this was to be all positive, isn’t it? … Well, in that case, Alankie’s my thought-machine. When I can’t think, all I gotta do is pick up the phone and let her lecture me because she always somehow manages to read my thoughts and arrange them coherently. If I didn’t somewhat believe in God, I’d worship her. She’s that good! I love you, alankie. :) Thanks for all the sanity that I almost always seem to need. :P

(This is getting too long. My god, I have to make this short. My apologies to rest of the people I am to mention … I have to keep this short here on.)

8. Sraikh: 4 kids and a husband, a workout plan that she adheres to, a part-time stint at local farmer’s market, … you really have to wonder where she finds time to blog? (but we are glad that she does! real glad) super super super mom!!! plus i love the fact that she speaks her mind!!

9. Cee Kay: Again, someone who knows how to use her words effectively. The fact that she always has something worthwhile to say only adds to that effect! I always find that there is some ‘moral’ or ‘message’ in the posts that she writes … instead of just narration of how she woke up in the morning, brushed her teeth, and so on. A thinking lady.

10. Imp’s Mom: Her strength and the will to live on her own terms is awe inspiring. Her writing also deserves similar accolades. I hope she gets back to blogging regularly soon!!

11. Indian Homemaker: I don’t know anyone who is not awe of this lady. She is a great mother, a thinker, a passionate writer, an independent woman, … everything a crusader needs to be really! More power to you, IHM. I see you as an answer of the current leaders in India. hehe Honest.

12. Last but certainly not the least, as the cliche goes, Amrutha: Objectivity Galore! That’s how I view Amrutha. She’s not much into fan-following or following anyone else. She has an opinion, has logical reasoning behind her opinions, and states them objectively. True mark of someone working full time in academia. Although I might not always agree with her opinion, I truly admire this woman for the integrity and objectivity that she presents herself with. It is a rare find!

Omg, I’ve done it! I’ve written about TWELVE people so far ….. and I’ve so many more to go …. I guess I should’ve stuck to the rules and kept that count of 7 … :D …. but, no, hunger or no hunger, tired fingers or no tired fingers, dizziness or no dizziness, I shall go on …… (in no hierarchial order) … I’ll try to keep the descriptions small though …

13. D: a fun writer … always a great read to wind down with … :)

14. Piper: again, a fab writer … love her play with words … someone who i’d like to know a lot more of ….

15. Amit: His longggggggg posts but all well-researched like those of Nita … insightful reads.

16. Sandy: A strong lady with an admirable clarity of thought and priorities in the right place.

17. thoughtroom: I’ve always been a fan of how good she is at ‘thinking’. Always something to learn on her blog. My gratitude to her for sharing those thoughts with us, the mortals.

18. pr3rna: A smart, thinking lady who can write … and I almost always learn something new from her.

19. Shefaly: I always make sure I’ve had something to eat before I go to her blog. Did I mention I am also a sucker for intellgience? I get that on her blog.

(Ok, I can see my energy levels dropping with hunger … especially with the constant irritation of linking to blogs ‘n stuff … ughbla … but moving on …)

20. ~nm: madly admire her for her creativity and the freshness she brings to everything that she writes. someone who i’d like to live next door to so I can go over and eat everything she cooks *evil laugh*.

21. Inexplicably: She writes with her heart. I need not say more. Love every word she puts down.

22. Kiran: Never personally interacted with her but admire her sense of humor and her writing from afar!

23. Mad Momma: Who can resist the mad momma charm? ;) A profilic writer and an addictive one at that!!!

24. Chandni: I feel I can relate to her … in ways more than one. Writes extremely well.

25. Reema: one of my newest blogger buddies! Always lively, upbeat, and strikingly honest.

26. Lallopallo: the strongest force behind me moving to wordpress. Always available for an honest opinion, a straightforward, down to earth person who thinks my husband is ’sweet’. :p U know I’m only buggin ya, lallupallu.

27. Laksh: for the blasts from the past!! You know what I mean, L :).

28. Kris Bass: for his captivating honesty!!

29. Sidhsaaheb: For having an opinion!!! Really. It’s absolutely, stunningly, something to value. Dimaag chahida sochan te samjhan nu.

30. Poonam: I’d seen her blog a while back. Was impressed with the quality of the posts. Visited again today and was impressed again. Hope to read her regularly now …

31. Mahwash: She is a fabulous writer as well with the great sensitivity and thoughtfulness that a teacher should have …

32. And Liju Philip …………..

33. And the Grande Finale … Cynic in Wonderland: I’ve known her the longest than anyone else in the blogworld and hence she deserved the grand finale position hehe. I used to look up to her a few years ago in awe of her witty rhetoric and wisdom … can say with ease that I still do and don’t see it changing anytime soon.

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Can you guys see how I am running out of steam? It’s not fair for the people I am mentioning now … because one lines don’t do them justice. So, I’ll stop here for now and resume whenever mood of expressing love resumes. :)

Oh my, after finishing this, I respect Nita all the more. How does she do this everyday? Such heavy linking process. Bl***y fand***tastic as our Brit friends would say. Ooh I am drained. Need a drink! Breaking rules can go to h***! I shan’t do this again anytime soon. So, please, have a look at my blogroll for the rest of those I’d want to mention. Thank you :).

Apologies for the c**s words. I have no choice at this low level of energy. :( But hey, I hope I managed to convey what I meant to. I shall end this discourse here. Right here. Here. Ok, here. Now! Now already! Now. Full Stop. Period.