To My Dearly Beloved....

Okay, so that’s a deceiving title. I’ll explain. I’ve (my blog has) been given a Liebster Award. If you look up the meaning for ‘Liebster’, the answers that you shall get are - beloved, dearest, sweetheart. But this meaning has got nothing to do with my post, apologies.

Liebster Awards are given by bloggers to other brethren. You get it and pass on the torch to ten other bloggers.

The questionnaires that float around the blogosphere with the Liebster, remind me of slam books we used to fill up in schools. Ah, fun times. I thought I'd up the fun factor and make a twisted questionnaire. Hope I don’t get frowns and curses for this one, instead of the thankyou note I’m supposed to be receiving. (If you do throw a shoe my way, please ensure it’s a pair.)

First things first, this Liebster has come to me from a fellow blogger I’ve had the pleasure of knowing recently. Prasanna Dasari. Thanks pal for this one.

HERE GOES MY INTERROGATION .....

1. Where did it all begin? (Wait, blogging I mean)
2. What does your blog focus on? (Or are you more like me? Pulling out the pen, and lashing out at the world on every damn subject. Don’t blame me; I have a tool mightier than the sword I’ve been told)
3. What’s your poison? Show me the money honey or, Saala main toh sahib ban gaya!
4. Okay so I comment, you comment, we all comment for……. It’s been a while since we’ve been discussing topics of international, national, even gully importance. Its high time I knew whom I’m talking to. Tell me more about yourself, shall ya?
5. Hitting the keyboard and cursing the wifi is what our free time mostly comprises of. Other than that, what’s your relaxation mantra?
6. If they made you the Prime Minister of India for one day, who’s a** would you kick first? (I know picking one’s tough, thanks to our state of affairs, but I’m sure with your foresight you can do it)
7. Some intelligent soul once said to me, that he thought Global Warming equals to the climate getting warmer! Never mind, one tip/advice that you would want to share with all readers for doing their little bit.
8. Your take on (choose one) - Returns or Exchange policy of authors on awards or, The ‘Intolerance’ mania
9. Any wish (better still if it’s a secret one) for Santa this year?
10. Your opinion on my blog and style of writing. Keep a hand on your blog (window), and say the truth, nothing but the truth. (No venting out anger for the questions above.)

AND THE NOMINEES ARE .....

I merrily pass on the award to (alphabetical order):

Deepak Amembal

Indu Chibber

Kishore Kumar

Maniparna Sengupta Majumdar

Parul Thakur

SriKri

Sujata Sengupta

Suman Deb Ray

Vinitha Dileep

Vishal Bheeroo

All of you rock. I sincerely hope that you do enjoy answering these questions, as much I had fun framing them.

Apart from the above 10, I wish I could have nominated all the lovely friends in blogosphere that I’ve had the fortune of knowing. Rulebooks, huh!

LISTEN TO MY RANT NOW .....

Now, coming to the difficult part of the post. Answering questions. It’s like giving an interview. If you care for a tête-à-tête, I can bore you to death. But throw pointed questions my way, about myself, and it’s a sure shot googly. Anyway, here I go:

1. Tell me about your blog and what inspired you to start it:

I’ve been writing from school days, essay competitions back then and serious writing later in life. When I realized my toddler’s soon gonna spread his wings out, and leave me lots of time for myself, I took a u-turn and ran to my forever passion for help. I write about anything and everything under the sun. Try and stop me.

2. What is your favourite quote and how close is it to your real life:

I love lots of them, there is no one particular favourite. But I’d like to share an inspirational one for my readers -

‘Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.’

3. Provide two tips to newbie bloggers:

I’m a newbie myself. But like every other Agony Aunt, when it comes to giving advice I go all out, doesn’t matter if I need some myself.

a. Write with passion

b. Incorrect English is a strict nono.

4. The most challenging moment in blogging so far:

Hitting the keys again after my dad passed away. But it was him who had been the happiest about my blogging decision, and so here I am.

5. What does real success mean to you:

Contentment, mental peace and happiness.

6. How do you prepare yourself to face the tough situations:

I hold on to my loved ones.

7. What topics would you like to read in the future on my blog:

Anything that comes from the heart, buddy.

8. How much time do you spend on blogging:

Not as much as I’d want to currently, given I have my hands full. Once Master A starts school, I’d be able to devote more time.

9. What is your favorite holiday spot:

My village in Konkan, tranquil and innocuous. And every other place where I can spend quality time with loved ones.

10a. Share your blog post(s) link here which is your all time favourite. Explain briefly why it is special to you:

Nah, can’t choose one. I’ll just mention 5 at random –

M’s for (nothing but) Mom!

Whatsapping!

Are You Judgemental?

Rewind, Edit & Play

Girls Like To Swing

10b. One thing about blogging is having the ability to find your voice since there are millions of other blogs out there to compete with. How did you find “your voice” or your style of blogging for your blog?

I just speak my heart out. I guess that’s it.

AH, BEFORE I FORGET, THE RULEBOOK .....

• Be gratuitous to the nominator, thank him/her for nominating you
• Display the award in your post (anywhere you wish to)
• Now it's your turn, nominate 10 more bloggers with 10 more questions for them.
• Answer the questions asked by the nominator.
• Notify the nominees (using social sites)

Over to you.