Dragon’s Loyalty Award

/ saraletourneau

dragonaward

Yes, I’m still in the midst of catching up with blog awards from over the summer. But this next one is very, very cool. Why? Because it involves DRAGONS. 😀

The Dragon’s Loyalty Award comes courtesy of Sarah J. Higbee, a fellow speculative fiction writing who lives in the UK. Sarah’s currently putting the finishing touches on her debut novel Running Out of Space, the first installment of a self-published space opera trilogy. If you haven’t checked out her blog, now’s a great time so you can stay on top of any updates regarding Running Out of Space. Plus, Sarah reviews books and shares her poetry and other personal bits there. 🙂

Here are the rules for accepting the Dragon’s Loyalty Award:

  1. Announce your win with a post, and link to whomever presented your award.
  2. Post 7 interesting things about yourself.
  3. Present 15 awards to deserving bloggers.
  4. Drop them a comment to tip them off after you’ve linked them in the post.
  5. Display the award certificate on your website.

Since #1 is all set now, it’s time for #2, and seven random facts about myself.

 Fact #1: I have double-pierced ears. 

Though neither hole is in a “bizarre” place. I was 13 years old when I got my first piercings on the fleshy part of each earlobe. Then I was 20 or 21 when I got my second piercings, right next to the first ones. I tend to wear tiny earrings in the second holes, and larger or dangly earrings in the first ones.

Photo courtesy of Our Country Hearts

Photo courtesy of Our Country Hearts

Fact #2: On a related note, I’m kind of an earring fanatic.

This obsession isn’t quite as “bad” as my book obsession, but it’s up there. My two favorite earring companies are Silver Forest (pictured above) and Farfetched. They both sell handcrafted earrings that use precious metals and gems or are shaped into nature, animals, and other symbols that wearers might connect with. As for my personal collection, I’ve got earrings that feature clef notes, dragonflies, hummingbirds, moons and stars… I think I’ll stop there. *lol*

Fact #3: I love Italian food.

Pasta, pizza, caprese salads, calzones, paninis – I’m making myself hungry just thinking about those dishes. XD  Italian is basically my favorite “type” of food. The flavors, aromas, vegetables, fresh bread… and melted cheese. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Fact #4: When my mother was pregnant with me, I was due on my parents’ ninth wedding anniversary.

Which means I *should* have been born on September 28th, not the 5th. Nothing in particular brought her labor on early… except my impatience, I guess. *lol* Sorry, Mom.

100_2307

Fact #5: I know how to knit scarves.

One of my aunts taught me how to knit when I was in college. My scarves tend to be simple in pattern, but with variegated or “fuzzy” yarn to add color and texture. (See the above photo.) I’ve also knitted two baby blankets, though my aunt had to create a super-easy pattern for me to follow because I struggle with anything beyond basic knitting and purling. If it’s more complicated, I end up starting over because of too many mistakes or dropped stitches.

Knitting has unfortunately has fallen by the wayside over the past couple years. (Novel-writing will do that to you.) I’d like to get back to it in the future, though.

Fact #6: I’m waaaaaay behind on “everyday” technology.

I own an iPod mini and a laptop. That’s it. No tablet, no Kindle, not even a smartphone. (I own a Verizon LG Extravert 2, which has smartphone capabilities; I just don’t have them as part of my phone plan.) Some of this is by choice. For example, I still prefer printed books over e-readers, and have no desire to look at another screen come the end of the day. The rest is due to my budget. I can’t afford to have it all when it comes to technology, and I’m OK with that.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Dwain Harrelson / Wikipedia

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Dwain Harrelson / Wikipedia

Fact #7: I love butterflies. 

I’ve always loved these beautiful winged creatures. They’re so delicate, graceful in flight, and colorful. It’s a small joy to be able to watch them lilt from flower to flower in the spring or summer. 🙂 But there’s much more to why I adore butterflies than their appearance or movements. Butterflies are viewed as a symbol of transformation. Their bodies undergo incredible physical changes during metamorphosis; and from a spiritual perspective, one can’t help but admire butterflies for their unwavering acceptance of change. Maybe that’s why I own jewelry, writing journals, and decorations featuring butterflies. Part of me wants to remember to embrace changes in my own life as they do.

My Nominees for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award

Again, since I still have more awards to sift through, and therefore more bloggers to nominate in the near future, I’ll stick to 7 nominees for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award instead of 15.

  1. Elizabeth Rawls
  2. Phoenix Grey
  3. KL Haley
  4. Rebekah Hendrian
  5. Victoria Grace Howell
  6. Cristina Guarino
  7. Zezee @ Zezee with Books

And since this IS the Dragon’s Loyalty Award, how about we close this with some awesome dragon GIFs? 😀

game-of-thrones-drogon-1


 Smaug gif

Harry Potter Gringotts Dragon gif

Recognize any of them – or all three? 😉 

39 thoughts on “Dragon’s Loyalty Award”

  1. Smaug!!! 😀 Love that dragon, greedy as he is. Thank you for the award! *graciously receives lovely dragon badge* The fact this is called Dragons Loyalty makes me happy. 🙂
    I was never brave enought to pierce my ears, but I love Etsy earring clip-ons; they have a wide variety of really cute nature ones!
    Butterflies are fascinating creatures. I used to love catching caterpillars, watching them make cocoons, and emerge as winged creatures. 🙂
    You need to go to Italy. But you might never want to leave, the food is so amazing.
    Glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t keep up with technology. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • You’re welcome! And yes, isn’t that such a cool badge? 😀

      It did hurt each time I had my ears pierced. But the pain was temporary each time. 😉 I’ve only had issues with infections once, too, so I’ve had good luck with them over the years.

      Funny I mentioned butterflies and you commented on them here… Because I’m drinking a cup of tea right now, and the mug has a hydrangea and butterfly pattern on it. 😉

      YES. Italy. I want to go. Can we do that tomorrow? *lol* I would probably eat so much on that trip, it would be scary!

      *whew* Now I don’t feel so bad about being technologically “out-of-date.” 🙂

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      • Yes! Let’s pack our bags for Italy now!! 😀 Hehe, well the good thing about Italy is that you always walk off what you eat. My family was skinny over there despite how much we ate. Then we came here and…well…not as fit and slim… 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Dragons rock. My daughter’s team was nicknamed Dragons,and even when they lost, they were fierce.

    I’m beginning to move closer to modern technology. I have a smartphone and everything. I still don’t know what snapchat does, though. I don’t have to go too far.

    It’s going to be impossible for me to get the image (and memory of smell) of a fresh-baked calzone out of my mind without actually killing one. So, thanks for that, Sara!

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  5. Thank you so much, Sara!

    I envy you on the technology bit. I have a laptop, a gaming computer, a smartphone… the list goes on. I’m even considering getting a heart rate monitor watch for my workouts. And when you add my blossoming technology addiction to my 40-hour workweek of staring at computer screens all day, it makes coming home to write on a glaring monitor VERY difficult (I just had an ophthalmology appointment for a severe case of dry eyes, actually, and my left arm is wracked with tendinitis).

    Regardless, I enjoyed your 7 facts. Keep a lookout for mine, and again, thank you! 🙂

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    • You’re welcome, Cristina! 🙂

      “And when you add my blossoming technology addiction to my 40-hour workweek of staring at computer screens all day, it makes coming home to write on a glaring monitor VERY difficult…”

      Same here! That’s why I prefer print books over e-books. Despite what other people say about screen brightness and whatnot, looking at something that’s not a screen at all still gives your eyes a break.

      Yikes! I know how annoying and frustrating dry eyes can be. Do you wear glasses or contacts as well?

      I get emails whenever you post something new, so I’ll definitely see yours when it goes live. 😉

      Like

      Reply

      • I don’t wear glasses or contacts but have had allergic conjunctivitis (basically, just really freakin’ dry eyes due to allergies) since I was a kid. I’m trying some natural methods of fixing this–mainly, upping my healthy fat intake with some Omega 3 supplements since my lipids are low, and using warm compresses on my eyes–in addition to using a daily lubricant drop. We’re avoiding any prescriptions as of now aside from an allergy drop I’ll only use when the itchy spells get unbearable.

        I definitely prefer print to e-book, but I do have a Nook for the occasional “oh my God, I must read this NOW” moment. 😉 (Speaking of, Six of Crows is on my next-to-read list, I swear! Just finishing a book right now for book club at work).

        Liked by 1 person

      • 😦 I’ve had the conjunctivitis infection (one of the nastiest illnesses, I swear), but never knew there was an allergic version, too. Yikes. I know they must have their differences, but that must be uncomfortable.

        It’s good that you’re trying some natural remedies to ease it, though. I hope they work out for you!

        Ahhhhhh, Six of Crooooowwwwws!! I hope you enjoy it!! (Sorry, I’m on a huge Leigh Bardugo kick right now, because she’ll be at an author event I’m going to on Saturday. 😀 )

        Liked by 1 person

      • That’s exciting! And I’M sorry, because since you were so kind as to send me the book, I really should have started it sooner! Things have just been a bit crazy … Haha.

        This isn’t like regular conjunctivitis but it makes for very itchy, dry eyes, and it affects my vision while driving at night.

        Have fun Saturday, that’s so exciting! I’ve checked out Leigh’s website, and she seriously seems like someone I’d want to be best friends with. Hahaha

        Liked by 1 person

      • No worries! Remember, I don’t need the book back, so you’re welcome to keep it or pass it on to someone else when you’re done. 😉 I’m planning to pre-order a copy at the author festival on Saturday, so I’m all set.

        I figured allergic conjunctivitis was different from the infection. But I’m sure it’s still not all that comfortable. :/ Eye problems stink!

        I’m pretty sure Leigh is stopping in NYC during her book tour. Don’t know when or exactly where, but you might want to double-check in case you’re interested in catching her!

        Like

  6. Aw thank you for the nomination! I also have double pierced ears! I love making combinations with my earrings haha. Out of all of my jewelry earrings are my favorite. ^ ^ I’m also behind in technology. XD I don’t have the dough for it. I have a laptop and a smartphone but it’s an iPhone 4 so waaaaay behind haha.

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

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  8. 1. Game of Thrones? 2. The Hobbit. 3. Harry Potter (right?)
    Yes to all the dragons, and thanks for the award 🙂 as well!
    I am an avid knitter (when I make the time for it), but I have to be watching TV or a movie to get anywhere (it helps me sit still). Those are some lovely scarves, btw.
    The earrings are amazing! I love earrings, and jewelry, but I can rarely get away with it at work (it would get ruined). I always wanted a second piercing, but never did it . . . hmm.
    Ahhh, technology . . . I have a smartphone (but little data coverage at my house), no internet, and a broken ereader.
    Italian food and butterflies (not combined) are both fabulous. I love cooking Italian, and I’ve been enamored with butterflies since we did one of those Monarch kits as kids.
    This was fun to read, and thanks again!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • DING DING DING!!! You got ’em all right, Rebekah! 😀

      And you’re welcome! I figured any fantasy readers or writers would like this one a lot. 🙂

      When I made time for knitting, I was the same way as you. I did it when the TV or a movie was on, or if I was listening to my iPod in the car (and not driving, obviously *lol*). I’d also do it a lot when we’d visit relatives in Maine, just to give me something to do because all we would do up there is sit and talk and eat… and sit and talk and eat… and sit and talk and eat… (There’s not a lot to do in rural Maine…)

      What would happen to jewelry or dangly earrings if you wore them at work? (You work at a bookstore, correct? Or am I not remembering correctly?)

      Well, what if we ate Italian food in a butterfly garden? They would sort of be combined then, right? 🙂

      Like

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      • Dragons are a subject I’m good at, lol.
        Rural Maine sounds like rural Michigan: you can be active outside, or stay inside where there is no reliable wifi and knit/read/draw, etc 🙂

        A bookstore with a wine bar, espresso bar, a cafe and a stage! I do wear them sometimes, but the dangling ones tend to drive me crazy with swinging all over, and I have to take rings/bracelets off CONSTANTLY to do dishes. And then there is the ever-present danger of jewelry somehow falling in food (not likely, but, you know).
        Italian food in a butterfly garden sounds awesome! There’s a business idea in there somewhere.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Yup. That’s rural Maine, all right. Mom’s family tends to be more social, though, so they mainly visit and eat a lot. Which… has its pluses as well as its minuses, if you’re an introvert and have had enough “people time” for the day.

        Um, I don’t mean to sound stalkerish (and please forgive me if I do), but I need to visit your bookstore. It sounds fantastic! And now I see what you were talking about in terms of it being dangerous for jewelry. *lol*

        I will make that a life mission, to open an Italian restaurant with a butterfly garden. After I get a few books published, of course. 😉

        Like

  9. Okay, I either somehow missed this or forgot. Either way, thank you for the nomination, and sorry it’s taken me until now to get to this post!

    I am the same with the knitting. My mum taught my in my teen years, and I can do the basics. I tried to learn to follow patterns a few years ago, but gave up because it kept going wrong, and now I don’t have the time for it. It just doesn’t rank high on the priority list. Something I enjoy and want to go back to though, like you. 🙂

    And love dragons. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • No worries, Phoenix. 😉 I haven’t been very good about notifying people when I nominate them for something lately, so it’s partly my fault, too.

      That’s great about you learning to knit. (I don’t know many people “our age,” or in their 20s or 30s or younger, who work with yarn, so it’s nice to know that some people still do that.) Maybe the best way to get back into the hobby is to start off with simple knitting and purling, just to regain a feel for the basic stitches?

      Yay for more dragon fans! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • I really do want to get back into knitting. I think starting off with the basics is a good idea. I’d love to be nit cuddly toys again. I made a few a few years back. One looked a bit like an alien (it was supposed to be a man), but I loved it anyway. 🙂 Maybe I could work up to a knitted dragon. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  10. I think one day we need to take pictures of and compare our earring collections, Sara! 😀
    I also know how to knit (and some simple crocheting as well), but the same as in your case – writing eats up a lot of time, so I don’t really do that anymore.

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  11. SILVER FOREST EARRINGS! Oh my god… *breathes carefully* Sorry, I have an obsession with that company… they use reclaimed metal and their designs are just~~ (I worked in a flower shop and had to stare at the rack all day, haha…)

    Double-pierced ears sound fun. I get tempted to do the same… but actually i want to wear cuffs (non-piercing) more. Maybe once I’m in Canada. 😉

    Congrats on your award!

    Liked by 1 person

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