Brave Heart Award

I was so touched when Alicia from LiveLoveLaugh nominated me for this award and even more so when she explained why she chose Unload and Unwind for the nomination.  Writing for me is such a joy whether it be political, humerous [or both as goddess knows politics often opens the way for much humour], self reflection and many more styles that cross the spectrum of the written word.

Being recognised by others for your work is affirming and the knowledge that you’ve touched anothers life with your words is the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon a writer.  I’ve been so very lucky since I started this blogging journey earlier this year and have met so many fascinating people whose ideas and comments have helped me grow as a writer and as a person.

The Brave Heart Award is one that is designed to recognise those who deal with difficult issues, be they personal or in the public sphere so when Alicia nominated me for my post Memory Lane I was very moved.

There are some rules attached to such awards and for this one is the recognition of the one who nominated you, responding to the questions set up by the award and nominating others who you feel should be recognised as well as displaying the award on your blog.  So lets get started why don’t we with the questions Alicia has set for me.

• Tell us a little bit about your blog. Who designed it?

I started with the standard 24 template and developed it from there.  It took a couple of try’s to achieve the look that I was after but after about 2 months or so I settled into what you see here and so far it seems to suit my needs without any other changes.

• What is the title and description of your blog?

Unload and Unwind, I chose this to indicate that this blog was about speaking out or ‘unloading’ about whatever may be on your mind as well as having the chance to relax or ‘unwind’ with some humour over the weekend and little glimpses into the funny of every day life.

• Who is your intended audience?

The reading population of the world.  Hmmm too much you think but then why not.

• How did you come up with the title of your blog?

Not to sure actually except that as I was tossing monikers around in my head I kept coming back to the idea of a space in which a person can shout, laugh, cry or simply just be, hence Unload and Unwind.

• Give us an interesting fun fact about your blog.

I try to keep the weekend for the fun.  I write about a lot of serious topics Monday to Friday, although there is always room for humour but the weekend I have set up as Just For Fun.  I host a challenge called the Weekend Funny Challenge which if you follow the link in the sentence you will see is meant to draw others in to share what it is that makes them laugh.

• What other blogs do you own and what makes them alike?

This is my one and only.

• What can we expect from you in the future?

Well I will be keeping you up to date with the ongoing mess here in Australia centering around our government, asylum seekers, environmental policy [or lack thereof] as well as personal reflections on life as they come to me.  I hope to have finished the first book in the trilogy ‘The Wraith Chronicles’ by Christmas but won’t guarantee that.  As soon as it is ready I will have it up on my blog and will begin work on the second in the series.

• Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers/bloggers?

Write what moves you, amuses you and means something to you.  Don’t write to please others as such efforts are usually obvious with the lack of sincerity.  Writers do have ego, it’s necessary but those who write to impress others, choosing to ignore the less than attractive parts of life or their nature will never really succeed.  The affirmation that writers search for won’t come to those who edit their existence and their thoughts so as to fit a mold only they can see.  You don’t have to be doom and gloom, in fact please don’t as it’s draining but sugar and spice and all things nice might sound good but it tends to be about as interesting as rice crackers and water and about as nourishing to the spirit as same.

• Before you go, could you share a snippet from your blog?

Welcome to Unload and Unwind my name is Jenni not Trouble – don’t listen to my family they’re all a little crazy.  Other than me OF COURSE, I’m the only one who is able to take the high road and do so with great pride.  This pride has sadly led to many a tumble and slip but my wonderful and patient husband has never let me down when it comes to breaking my fall.

I suppose the thing most people notice about me [other than my charm and good looks – shh mum or I’ll put you in a home] is my generosity of spirit and my deep belief in sharing my opinion with anyone who will stand still long enough to hear it.

If you’re busy and don’t have time to stop and listen don’t fret I’m nimble and can expound even as I chase you down the street. I’ve recently started this blog for all those who are unlucky enough not to have the benefit of my erudite opinions in person and I would dearly love to see you at Unload and Unwind again.

I’d like to nominate

1. Ellie Belfiglio – for refusing to fade away.
2. Teela Hart, Surviving Domestic Violence – standing strong for herself and for others
3. Lydia Devadason, An Idiot’s Guide to Parenting – for sharing with us the bravest battle of all time Parenthood

So thank you Alicia for thinking of me and I’m sorry it took so long for me to respond, time has that nasty habit of passing whether you wish it to or not.  I was planning to finish this post with the scene from Braveheart, the ‘Freedom’ speech which was really a variation of Shakespeare’s St Crispins Day speech but I thought I would end with this little excerpt from V for Vendetta.  Australia and indeed a number of countries around the world are being pulled into a war we know little about and our governments one and all are doing their best to avoid any opportunities for dissent on behalf the the people.  So I thought that before things get way out of hand we should stop and look at a future we are hurtling to with all possible speed.