After a few tough weeks it was just wonderful to receive the Kreativ Blogger Award. Even more so because it was given by a dear friend of mine who is also mid renovation in Italy. Ingrid from Living and Working a Dream Life in Italy has been a constant source of encouragement, inspiration and when needed a kick up the rear end! So thanks Ingrid x
One of the best things about starting this blog and sharing our dream is the wonderful friendships and unexpected journeys they take you on along the way.
In accordance with the rules I must thank the person that nominated me, tell you 7 interesting things you may not know about me and nominate another 7 bloggers .
My Seven
- I am a hoarder of memories and keep everything, I know this stems from loosing my Dad when he was only 39. I have no memories of him and very few photos of us together ( I was four) so I take hundreds of pics of Sam and the kids together.
- I own only three pairs of shoes
- Although I try to stop myself I usually read the back of the book after the first few chapters
- When I swim under water I have to hold my nose
- I studied photography, it’s how I met my husband….he was studying Commercial photography and I was studying Fine Art photography (everyone said it wouldn’t last!!)
- I am a Landmark Graduate and coached in a number of programs over a three year period, both Sam and I took part in the Landmark Forum on advice from our business coach and it was the best thing we ever did.
- I was totally clueless on all things Blogging a year ago, every time I get a comment or make a new friend online I still can’t believe it possible. So thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way, I love being able to share our dreams with you xxx
Now, it’s time to nominate another 7 deserving bloggers that I love and think are worth checking out. Now I could easily nominate 101 but this is the rule so here goes.. and in no particular order of preference …
(and please don’t feel obliged to continue this chain, for me it’s a great way to share with my readers and say thanks to some of my favorite bloggers)
and just because I never could follow the rules
and Blog Tyrant
ciao and happy reading
love lisa x
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Blogging certainly isn’t an easy option Lisa but it is a fascinating insight into the world of others and a way to share or live the dream with others. Your writing and photography is always a pleasure to see xo
Ingrid recently posted..Kreativ Blogger Award Nomination
Certainly a steep learning curve and I am loving it!! xxx
Congratulations Lisa – a VERY worthy recipient – well done. LOVE reading your blog – keep up the great work and good luck with the car! ciao Bella, Francesca xxx
Francesca Muir recently posted..Bali shopping
Oh thanks so much for that Francesca, and I so love seeing your glorious images they give me a great lift! Things have a way of sorting themselves out so the car is the least of our worries at the moment. Funny how one thing seems insurmountable till life throws you a real curve ball! ciao love lisa x
Lisa Chiodo recently posted..At the back of the Beginning – a photo finds it’s way home
Hey Lisa, when i’m rich i’m buying you a pair of shoes! A girls gotta have more than 3, i’m telling ya!!!
I’m hoping to blog more this year – having the 2 little’uns certainly puts a hold on things….
Here’s to some more wonderful stories… xxx
Susan Heslington recently posted..Tuscan Homestay – Learn Italian/Tuscan Tours
How funny Susan, save your money I’m sure with two gorgeous girls you’ll need a shoe fund! I bet your life has changed 100% I remember when Luca came along how suddenly I had to learn all over again to juggle two instead of one. They have two years between them so I’d be putting Luca in the car and Carina would be playing hide and seek! They are so gorgeous and I love seeing the photos! extra kisses from all of us! xxx
Lisa Chiodo recently posted..Memories of Salina ~ we find the family home
WOW – Lisa that is fantastic, a huge congratulations sent your way xxx You are so worthy as your blog is such a great inspiration, and i love reading your posts
Lisa Wood recently posted..Learning To Accept And Be More Grateful
It was such a nice surprise after the last few weeks of constant drama and uncertainty. What makes it so special is that it is from my peers and other bloggers about Italy. I’m sure you’ve had many and if not lets hook up somehow. Any thoughts?? ciao love lisa
PS the article for the New York Times is going ahead so if you’d like to “feature” somehow let me know asap. x
Firstly, congratulations Lisa!! Your blog is so real and a huge inspiration to me. I came back just now to leave my congratulations and found your nomination of me into the bargain…. Thank you so much!!! I am honoured and echo your sentiments exactly about cluelessness and blogging. Keep writing Lisa. I love your style and your passion. Ce la farai! Un abbraccio. Jxx
Janine recently posted..It’s you
Well looks like we’re clueless together then Janine! I see how much I’ve developed when I meet someone with a brand new blog. It still seems odd to be inspiring to others yet I have so many favorite writers who inspire me. You are one of those, and I always love seeing your thoughtful comments. I’m glad I surprised you, and am interested to see who you now nominate. with love lisa x
Lisa, a huge thank you! That is a lovely thing to say. You’ve encouraged be no end. I wanted to say too that I love your list of seven things….the way they all entwine. Though like Michelle, I’m still pondering the shoes…;-)
love, Janine x
Janine recently posted..My Verona
Ah the shoes….perhaps it’s because I have always been so tall and never wore high heels? My mum spent her whole life in heels and her back suffered terribly, I think the lack of shoes is more financial than anything else as when I lived in England with my Aunt she had a whole room just for shoes and she would give me the flat ones after only a few wears so I had shoes with jewels, stripes, and everything in between! When I first arrived in England she took me shopping and bought me a gorgeous pair of black Bally flats which I just thought were amazing having spent most of my life in K-mart specials! Sorry I am rambling….love lisa x
Lisa Chiodo recently posted..A Dream of Italy – The Field Stones of Umbria
Love your seven little-known facts…I’m all for minimalism, but only three pairs of shoes is crazy! I usually wear two different pairs every day — one pair is just for the goats
Thanks for the shout-out!
Michelle | Bleeding Espresso recently posted..What Are You Waiting For?
I know I am a disgrace to the female race lol! There just always seems to be so many other things we need. My Aunt that I lived with in England had an entire room just for shoes and yep we were the same size….only being so tall I’ve not practiced wearing heels so I got all her flats. Most welcome for the shout out, I’d scream it from the rooftops if I could!!!
ciao lisa xxx
I’m so glad things DID last with your hubby.
I can’t believe you only have three pairs of shoes. I’m by no means a shoe hoarder, but maybe living on the farm and needing boots for various occasions PLUS town shoes requires more than three, that’s for sure. 
I’m impressed!
Krista recently posted..War, Peace and Albania in Spring
Yep I’m glad I kept my hubby, he is my rock and I love him. My limited shoes are a bit of a secret, all my girlfriends have hundreds which makes me laugh! I think when next living on a farm I am going to get some of those flowery gumboots! xxx
Lisa Chiodo recently posted..Our dream Italian Village – renovation project stage one
HI Lisa, well done, you deserve it.; YOur passion shines through and your writing skills are fab.. Brava. Carla xx
Carla thank you so much, my hubby says I am the only one who doubts my ability…he is very wise! I feel the need for courage at the moment as life is throwing it’s curve balls and we forgot to duck!
grazie….grazie!!!
love lisa x
Lisa Chiodo recently posted..Memories of Venice
Hi Lisa and Sam,
congratulations, also for the mention in NYTimes.com today!
This is where I discovered your blog.
We also accomplished a renovation project in Calabria (and therefor are mentioned in the same article). Looking forward seeing more of your Italian projects.
All the best
Suzie from Palazzo Pizzo
Hello Lisa,
Not sure if you received my message left last evening, I am new to this game so may have left it in the wrong place! Sorry if I am repeating myself. I saw the article about you in the International Herald Tribune on the 4th May, and it really connected with me. My husband and I are also Australians, from Adelaide, SA, also now living in Liguria, not all that far from you and Sam. We bought an old casa in Castelli, Garlenda in 2005, renovated it, and lived there part time until we decided to move over to Italy permanently in 2010, then building a new but old looking villa of stone, much larger to house all of our Australian guests, being family and friends. So, like you, we have been through the renovation days, and a new build, both wonderful rewarding experiences, meeting and connecting with many lovely people along the way. Thanks for your story, we have been to Castelbianco many times, we are now living in Garlenda, we love the entire area, a beautiul, peaceful and tranquil part of the world, wonderful…
Ciao,
Cynthia (Cinzia)
Hi Cinzia, sorry I haven’t replied till now, and thanks so much for taking the time to write such a lovely comment. I was so excited when I saw that you live in Liguria. We are still in Brisbane at the moment and hope to leave soon so would love to catch up with you when we return. I bet you get tons of Aussie guests coming over, I hope to get my family to visit this time. I am part of a wonderful expat group which has a few Aussies and they meet up. If you are on facebook you can also connect with me there, and I can add you to the group. I know you’d love them they are just so positive, and help each other with all kinds of things. Ciao and can’t wait to one day meet…lisa x