One of my most favorite romantic comedies – ever — is Pillow Talk, starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson. There’s great chemistry between the stars, great views of “Mad Men” era New York, great fashions, Doris Day’s great apartment, and the great Thelma Ritter as the housekeeper.
There’s also Rock Hudson as a swinging bachelor luring women into his swinging bachelor pad with the tune: “You are my inspiration [insert name here].” It’s a running gag in the film, as countless young starlets line up for some Hudson lovin’.
I speak of inspiration because recently Charissa of Joy in the Moments awarded me with the Very Inspiring Blogger Award – and it couldn’t come at a more perfect time. You see, I needed some inspiration to get me 
writing. So, thank you, Charissa, not only for the award but for also inspiring me to write and to examine my own sources of inspiration. And if you aren’t familiar with Charissa’s blog, please pop over to her site and explore a place that not only celebrates writing but also offers the chance to celebrate all that life offers. Hers is an uplifting place.
When I began this blog nearly a year ago, I did so for personal reasons. Work pressures were building up and I felt that there was a certain degree of creativity missing in my life. I saw the blog as an opportunity to reconnect with writing through my love of gardening. I never once considered it to be a source of inspiration.
But from comments and conversations, I have learned that it has been – a pleasant consequence of taking the blogging step. And maybe that’s where Rock missed the point. Granted he had ulterior motives in crooning his tune, but he limited himself to finding inspiration in individuals. Perhaps he should have broadened his scope.
Yes, I can honestly say that Joe inspires me – as do friends and family and bloggers, as well. But I also find myself inspired when I least expect to be – and from the least likely of sources: scents, colors, weather, sound, sunlight, and even a weed.
To borrow a line from Rock, I could easily sing, “You are my inspiration, Dandelion.” It’s mid-March, and there, under the leaves, glowing like the sun, was a Dandelion. Think of this weed’s survival factor. It wasn’t phased by any fear that it would be unwelcome in the front garden bed. No, that seed floated there and began to germinate, to take hold, to be resilient, to gaze up at me and say, “I dare you to try and pull me out.” I can learn a lot from a Dandelion.
As with many of these blog awards, there are certain rules in the acceptance. The first is to acknowledge and thank and link to the nominator. Check.
Now comes the time when I have to nominate and link to other blogs – and here is where I feel like the cad that is Rock Hudson in Pillow Talk. Unlike Rock, I do not want to hurt any feelings. There are so many more inspiring blogs that I can include. In any event, cue the music: “You are my inspiration [insert blog name here].”
- Lee May’s Gardening Life – His is the blog that inspired me from the beginning.
- Hortus 5 – Mario keeps me on my toes – and it’s always exciting to visit his site and see what he’s cooking up, either in his garden or in his kitchen.
- Promenade Plantings – This is where I go to live vicariously through someone else’s life.
- Jean’s Garden – A visit here is like visiting a friend over a warm cup of tea – a perfect way to wash away the day’s stress.
- Enclosure – Fascinating. Educational. A glimpse into a part of the world that many of us know little about.
- Tidy Gardens By Jane – Not only do I enjoy visiting her site, I love to hear from her. Her sense of humor cheers me up each time.
- Arigna Garden – Bridget’s work is absolutely magical.
Next, I have to tell you seven random facts about myself. I’ve already revealed pieces of me in an earlier blog award post, but since this is a new award, I’ll follow the rules.
- March is a very busy month for me. It’s not enough that there is yard clean-up to do, but every weekend is devoted to St. Patrick’s Day Parades. This Saturday, you will find me bagpiping my way up Fifth Avenue in NYC.
- I am an Aries. I’m not sure if I have any true Aries’ traits – but I like that it’s the first of the astrological signs and represents the start of Spring – which, in my book, is when each new year truly begins.
- Since I began this post with a movie reference, let it be known that there are certain films I enjoy watching over and over again. Among these – but certainly not limited to these – are: Sunset Boulevard (Gloria Swanson getting ready for her close-up), What’s Up Doc (a very young Madeline Kahn), Doctor Zhivago, Gone With The Wind, Peyton Place, Mildred Pierce, Godzilla (the original with Raymond Burr), Rocky Horror Picture Show, Young Frankenstein, The Women (the original), West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, Dangerous Liaisons (the final scene with Glenn Close), and Murder By Death – to name a few.
- There is a local newspaper, Newsday, which has a section called Kidsday, in which local students have their work published. I was a Kidsday reporter and I interviewed Dick Clark.
- Despite my best efforts at being cool, I am a nerd – and I embrace it. I love “Star Trek” (series and films) and “Space 1999.” I also waited on line – twice – to see the original Star Wars.
- To continue 4 & 5, as a young teenager, a great Saturday was watching “American Bandstand,” “Soul Train,” and an old sci-fi film – like the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
- In my mind, I am still in my early twenties dancing to Kajagoogoo, Duran Duran, The Clash, Depeche Mode, Spandau Ballet, Bananarama, and so many other British imports. Then, I walk by a store window and see a middle-aged man staring back at me. Who is that guy?
That guy would be me. Just your average gardening blogger looking for inspiration — and an old Rock Hudson/Doris Day movie.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
Ha ha that’s a great post, number 7 I can associate wth – musica and all, (except the man bit) it’s still a shock to see my reflection! So I’m off to do some garden reading thanks to your links. And I should say my thank yous – thank you, biut I have to laugh at the thought of living vicariously over at my blog 🙂
It’s true. I do live vicariously through your blog — in the meantime, keep dancing!
Very nice post, Kevin. Congrats on your award, your writing is always fun and creative. Bagpipes and the love of old movies, now that is original.
Many thanks. I could have mentioned the little known classic “Tunes of Glory” — an old movie about bagpiping!
I’ve enjoyed your blog, congratulations on your award. I agree that gardening, and blogging are both inspirational. How many times have I sat at the computer and thought….I have nothing to say…and then from an unknown place an entire essay pops out, filled with new thoughts and ideas. What did we do before blogging….just stare at a book? Taking in others ideas? Now we have a place to write our own ideas and to connect with other people. Blogging is fun! (By the way, I love ‘staring’ at books…also called reading!)
Elaine
Elaine, all very true! I must admit I had underestimated the power of the blog — an interesting experience if ever I saw one. I’m glad you stopped by.
Very entertaining way to introduce a blog award. Congratulations. You certainly have a wide interest in movies! Whenever I see a movie, I’m always looking at their gardens – and am always so disappointed when I see fake flowers! I think everyone will look at dandelions a little differently now – perhaps as an inspiration, if only for a second before pulling it out!
Many thanks. I know what you mean about fake flowers — it’s also a pet peeve of mine when I walk around my neighborhood and see fake flowers in the ground. Yikes!
Hey, Kevin, this is both congratulations on your award – and appreciation for your nominating me. You’re definitely deserving. And, one of your random facts strikes a chord, O Fellow Aries gardener. Cheers.
You’re very welcome — and Happy Birthday! We Aries have to stick together.
Kudos on your award and on your gracious acceptance post. Both inspire me. So glad to be among your readers.
Cheryl, many thanks — and I’m glad that you found me. Cheers!
Hey, I enjoy your blog very much and eagerly await the next! Congratulations on the award – I would have voted for you, too! But what’s better than Doris Day and Rock Hudson, and a list of NEW blogs to subscribe to! Yikes! Gotta go home and watch Pillow Talk…and check my email for all the interesting bloggers you suggested. Thanks so much!
Kathy, I’m glad you found me and the you enjoyed the content. There’s nothing like a Rock Hudson/Doris Day flick to brighten your day. Cheers!
Congratulations on another award!! Bravo.
Jenny, many thanks!
Kevin- Congrats and thank you for selecting me as a recipient of this award. Means so much to me coming from a terrific blogger. I gotta laugh because I always turn to your blog and Lee’s for inspiration. What does it mean that we are all three Aries gardeners?
I think it’s pretty interesting that three Aries met each other. I think it might be time for the three of us to pool our resources and create a public garden. Hmmmmmm. Happy birthday!
Ah, wish I could be there for the parade and bagpipes. No such thing here in Idaho. The grass isn’t even green yet for St. Patrick’s Day. Oh well! I know it’s coming (and so are the dandelions–I will try not to curse them when I spot them. I will praise their resilience and daunting determination…and then show them mine). I love reading fun award acceptance posts, and yours was well done! Thanks for continuing to inspire me.
I bet the pipes would sound spectacular in the great outdoors of Idaho. Thanks for thinking of me — and I’m thrilled that you found my site.
I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Congratulations! Please see my link: http://beyondconfessions.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/versatile-blogger-award/.
Sincerely, Beyondconfessions
Thank you for thinking of me.
Many thanks for recognizing my blog yet again, Kevin! I really will have to have you over for tea one of these days :-). I love your movie inspirations.
You are very welcome — and tea and a movie on a lazy afternoon wold be lovely. 🙂
Stop it! You’re making me blush AND blub all at once…it’s NOT a pretty sight, trust me!
Clearly you’ve been on the sherry again and lost leave of your senses..but I’m honoured that you’ve selected Moi to receive this award.
Being a lady (and that’s questionable somethimes)…I shall need another new frock, shoes & a matching handbag to wear at the awards ceremony you’ve laid on…YOU HAVE PLANNED A PARTY HAVEN’T YOU?
If friends were flowers…I’d pick YOU! xx
It sounds like you’re preparing for your own jubilee! This comment is one of the reasons I enjoy hearing from you and visiting your blog. You always make me smile. Sy the word, and there will be a party!
Your blog is such fun to read! I get a charge out of it every time.
I am going to investigate the blogs you mention. Some I’m familiar with but not all.
My favourite part of Young Frankenstein was Cloris Leachman saying…”But he was…my…my…….BOYFRIEND!!!!”
Have fun in NYC on St. Paddy’s day – Slainte!!
So many great lines from this movie. “Roll, roll, roll in the hay.” Just thinking of them makes me laugh. Glad you’re enjoying the content. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
Kevin, congrats on the award, and for in turn passing it onto me. I hope you have a great St. Patrick’s Day. Love bagpipes!
Many thanks, and I couldn’t think of a more deserving blog on which to pass the honor. Enjoy the day!
Hi Kevin!
Congrats on your award! You ARE one of the most creative people I know. You are an inspiration — and a wonderful writer (You gave a great voice). —K
Hello — thank you so much for your kind words — and here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery.
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