Buttressed By Brillante Blog Award

There exists an uncommon connection between The Spitting Vessel and the author of My First Glob who goes by the name of "r". He has bestowed upon this site the Brillante Weblog Award which this site would have given to him had the Spitting Vessel received it first. "R" is very passionate about keeping his true identity secret but very vocal about his opinions, and does not publish his own photos on his site - much like the Spitting Vessel. His avatar on the right is a familiar face of an actor. There have been intermittent and extensive comment exchanges with him in the past, but the Spitting Vessel is a lurker on his site. "R" writes in elegant literary style that's intoxicatingly entertaining and intellectually stimulating. For bestowing this award upon the Spitting Vessel, this site expresses its gratitude with a big Thank You!

Like all other awards, this particular one has its own set of rules meant to promote as many blogs as possible. The award is given to blogs that are smart and brilliant in both design and content. The rules consist of the following:

1. Upon receiving the award, write a post showing it, together with the name of the blogger who gave it to you. Provide a link to the site that gave you the award.

2.Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content and/or design.

3.Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing them of their receipt of the Brillante Weblog Award.

4. Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize to (optional).

Here are the Spitting Vessel's selections:

El Correr Es Mi Destino - The author is a French woman who calls herself Zhu, who traveled halfway around the globe and decided to settle in Canada. She writes on a variety of subjects that include tips on getting a job in Canada, what Canadians are like, Citizenship issues, her travels and recent trip to Beijing, and various other topics that involve tweaking your website, evaluating templates and plug-ins, and about food. Often, she provides these in a series of posts and explains it with applicable clarity like a conscientious teacher intent on helping her students understand, learn and apply the subject. Her tone is friendly and accommodating, her persona generous and kind. It's a site where insights on people, culture, and humanity can be obtained in a gentle and patient manner.

Crete delights - This is an evolving blog of an internet marketer whose evident success has brought her closer to her dream relocation paradise - Crete. Originally based in the UK, Layne writes in crisp, and at times, irreverent tones, that is spiced with all types of British jargon and topped by that unmistakable English charm and humor. A blogger known for her passionate endorsement of Entrecard and its proper use, Layne is such an unselfish Marketer who would openly and unconditionally provide assistance, seek support for other bloggers' difficulties, and even empty all her marketing resources to anyone who asks or needs it for free. Her writing is insightful, funny, and witty, yet full of warmth and enthusiasm - like an 18 year old experiencing her first summer vacation alone with a friend. Crete Delights is a delightful read.

inspiredartbeat - Here is an artist who uses one of the most difficult materials to paint with - water color. But, she is possessed with the talent and precision to skillfully manage any medium, to create works of art that are reminiscent of times we fondly recall; times when life was simpler and truth was abundant. Her creations remind us of what we are losing and what we should regain. Though her subjects involve wildlife and life in earlier periods; the colors, strokes, and images evoke a nostalgic desire that inspires and enlightens - and shows what remains exquisitely beautiful in a world that is dominated by ugly images of war and deprivation. Her roots are in Ireland but she has resided in South Africa. She now stays with her child and grandchildren in New Zealand. Aside from the excellent paintings, her posts include stories and experiences that are poignant and engaging. Her daughter Debbie, is also an accomplished artist whose two creations recently posted show immense talent and an inimitable eye for detail.

The Fitness Diva - This blog is about remaining healthy and fit in a country that has a reputation for obesity from overeating among its citizens. But it does provide a variety of well written posts and bone crunching opinions and/or recommendations on such subjects as politics, sports, movies, music, exercise videos and food - all inclined towards health of course. The Fitness Diva does not believe in starving people to be fit, nor to eat inedible concoctions to reduce fat and weight. She believes in the constancy and regularity of simple routines and to enjoy life by asking readers to treat themselves with their favorite ice cream, or dish or pizza - and even includes the calorie measurements. Her posts are always interesting, written in that typical New York go-getter style. This site is always a pleasant exercise.

A Girl For All Status - This is an extremely engaging young woman with two kids who loves life despite the many unexpected, and at times, rather unfortunate, turn of events in her existence. Yet she remains buoyant and thankful for all the lessons learned, and those she considers the blessings she has received. Starting out as one who wanted the simple things in life and a blissful love life, her journey, ironically, encountered complications she had no preparation for. She has a gift for writing and expresses herself confidently as a woman with a lot of grit, energy and talent, coupled with a well developed analytical ability , and an intelligent and perceptive mind. Her posts are always a great read.

Manilenya - This blog mirrors the aspirations of many Filipinos who seek a better life and a better future for their families abroad, removed physically from their loved ones. Manilenya's struggle with the guilt of being away from her young child finds solace in connecting with many other Filipinos in like situations as well as finding new friends based in Manila who offer encouragement and moral support. Her posts are at times witty, sometimes funny with lots of self-deprecating humor, yet always poignant and hopeful. Her intelligence and capabilities come to the fore despite the perceived limitations she has of herself, which she doesn't realize she has already transcended. She epitomizes this robust and pliable race whose humor is its best coping mechanism. It makes Filipinos proud to belong to this race.

My First Glob - This is the last, but certainly not the least among these selections. "R" is an enigma who is just a shade shy of creating a totally anonymous blog. But he writes with the kind of humor you might find in Hugh Grant or Pierce Brosnan. His comments are insightful, yet, as mentioned in the first paragraph, read like a literary piece or a series of notes written by an English professor on Classical Literature. His series of posts on a trip to Australia is worth reading as it provides a window to his spicy personality and charming character. The Spitting Vessel returns the honor to "r" for a well deserved award.