Di bestowed me with a Rockin Girl Blogger badge of recognition, and invited me to recognize five other Rockin Girls in the blogosphere.

Amber at The Believing Soul is intense, spiritual, and a wiscracking smart ass. This is a rare combination. I love that she asks The Big Questions, sorts through the substantial baggage handed down to her by her dysfunctional family, and makes her way through the ups and down of daily life with grace, humor, and more than a little cussing.  She's my Soul Sister.

Wordgirl at Half of the Sky is navigating the transition from stay-at-home mom of three teenage boys to soon-to-be empty nester. A writer with considerable wit, she's also an artist and a former teacher looking for the best way to use her talents. She's wry and sassy and an ardent feminist. She also despises the color pink and will hate the Rockin Girl button.

Mama Tulip at Where am I going and why am I in this handbasket? is riding the rollercoaster of parenting Julia and Oliver while working through grief over her mother's death. Her writing is smooth even when her emotions are raw. She has tremendous comic timing and doesn't sugarcoat her experiences. She also has multiple tattoos, so how could she not be a Rockin Girl Blogger?

Tammie (aka Teebs) at Soul Gardening was one of my first friends in the blogosphere. Tammie is thoughtful and grounded and writes beautifully and honestly about her life and her past. She struggled for years with infertility and now is dealing with the demands of her darling infant son, who has reflux and doesn't sleep. She sorts through her experiences and emotions with a lot of grace. She's also passionate about music and likes to shake her booty at events like Bonnaroo--a real Rockin Girl.

Nance at The Department is going to have mixed feelings about receiving a Rockin Girl Blogger award. She's not a joiner, she's not a girl, she's not into these sorts of things! She'll  mix a dirty martini and figure out how to handle this. Nance is a high school teacher with a passion for literature, creative writing, and politics. She also has a massive crush on Brian Williams and more than a little interest in shoes and fashion. The Department is a gathering place for smart, witty women and a few sharp men.

Now all of y'all Rockin Girls need to pick up your badges here and share the honor with five of your favorite girl bloggers. Rock on!

July 8, 2007