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Island Living 365

I didn’t make it to the MADS

April 22, 2016

So last night the MAD finalists were announced and *drumroll please* Cue dramatic pause. Spotlight on me….

 

I didn’t make it.

 

Don’t worry i’m not going to storm off this blogging stage just yet. Although I am very fond of a dramatic gesture every now and again. However, I always end up regretting dramatic gestures because I have a habit of making a complete tool out of myself. Once I tried to stomp away from Mr C which ended up with me smacking into a lamp post and nearly knocking myself out. That was not the dramatic gesture I was aiming for! Anyway back to the matter in hand – whilst I can’t deny that I would have loved to have made the final I am not surprised either. I mean have you seen the finalists! There are so many good blogs. I am a prolific reader of blogs and have been for many years and everyday I read such brilliant blog writing that it makes me proud to be a blogger. There was no way that I was qualified to make that final list.

 

IMG_5215

 

I am just amazed and blown away by the people who took the time to vote for me-thanks Mum. I joke, it wasn’t just my Mum who voted for me. Actual real life bloggers that I admire and adore told me that they had voted for me and

 

that really made my day.

 

I have never been nominated for anything before and now I can say that I was. Whoop!  I am typing this blog post now, at midnight, when I should be sleeping. However, I am too wired to sleep after seeing the MAD finalists. What would I have been like if I had actually made it-nightmare! I would have been a nervous ball of energy for months. That would not have been good for Jersey. At least the people of Jersey can now rest easy.

 

 

I am delighted to see so many of my favourite bloggers on the list. Bloggers that I admire, bloggers who make me cry with laughter and bloggers that inspire. However, there are also many bloggers that I love that didn’t make the list and that isn’t a reflection on them or their blog, they just didn’t make it for what ever reason. I won’t love them any less, I will still continue to read them, they just won’t have a shiny award. I presume you get an actual award. I mean what would you do with an award if you received one? Would you have to go and buy a special awards cabinet? Do people actually have trophy cabinets? Who am I kidding, if I ever win an award one day then I would be wearing that bad boy round my neck everywhere. You know like Mr T from the A-team,

 

“oh what’s this little trophy, oh this, oh it’s nothing. Well actually it is, it’s an award people, that I WON”.

 

So now you understand some more why it really was a good thing that I did not make it to that final. The school run is no place for a swinging trophy.

 

IMG_5952-004

 

What I am trying to say is that I really hope that no one is feeling disheartened because they didn’t make it to the final. Whilst a trophy is nice and pretty and a nice reflection of the hard work you have put into your blog, in reality it is just another ornament to dust 😉 Who am I kidding, I would have loved one to stand next to Mr C’s engineering award. However, it was not meant to be but I still feel like I have achieved something. I have put myself out there. The old me would never have put herself out there because she would have feared this very result. I would have worried about looking like a failure. But I’m not, none of us are. There are just so many good blogs out there. So many. I am a success because blogging has taught me to put myself out there a bit more. Admittedly, I still have a long way to go, like actually telling my friends and family (apart from Mum) that I blog but I am getting there. Blogging has given me so much, like many new experiences. In the past couple of weeks I have attended a supper club and cookery courses, all thanks to the blog.

 

Blogging has finally given me an outlet and the fact that I haven’t made it to the final isn’t going to detract from that.

 

The finalists should all be so proud of themselves and I hope that they are going to spend this weekend PARTYING. However, all the bloggers that put themselves out there to be nominated you should be feeling proud too. We should take a moment to remember what we tell our children –

 

 

Never give up and always be fearless in the pursuit of your dreams

 

 

fearless jpeg

 

 

Just count yourself lucky that I didn’t make it to the finals because if I had actually managed to pull a win out of the bag then my thank you speech would have been full of waffle, just like this post.

 

Now I need to find out where Tots100 stand on gate crashers because I am never one to miss a party and judging by the finalists that MADS party looks like it is going to be amazing!

 

Congratulations to all of the finalists. You all rock!! Now go party for me whilst I try to get some sleep 🙂

 

Also a big thank you to those lovely peeps who voted for me 🙂

 

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday

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Filed Under: General, Musings

  1. Single Mum Speaks says

    April 22, 2016 at 6:46 am

    I knew I wouldn’t make the list, but even so, I did find myself feeling disheartened, just for a nanosecond and then I pulled myself together. We’re all winners *pulls cheesy motivational quote face.* No, but seriously, sometimes I have to give myself a reality check. We get so caught up in the blogging world that we forget that outside our little bubble, no one cares. Surely I can still call myself an “award winning blogger” if I’ve done the Liebster Award post, right?

    • islandliving365 says

      April 22, 2016 at 3:46 pm

      The Liebster totally counts! I am taking that one too 😉 I might just go and buy myself a fancy pants Mr T chain anyway. I am sure that I could pull that off on the school run, right?

    • Sarah says

      April 22, 2016 at 4:12 pm

      Liebster is the best award!

      • islandliving365 says

        April 23, 2016 at 8:44 am

        haha, it is!

  2. Nadine says

    April 22, 2016 at 8:13 am

    Aww this is a really great reflective post – you totally deserved the nomination and your attitude is great – wearing the trophy like a MR T chain is something I want. No NEED to see so I’m sure you’ll be getting my nomination next year! X

    • islandliving365 says

      April 22, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Haha, thanks Nadine. If I ever make it to the finals and pick up an award then I promise to rock that award with pride 😉

  3. Katie says

    April 22, 2016 at 9:12 am

    A lovely post and points we should all remember

    • islandliving365 says

      April 22, 2016 at 3:48 pm

      Thanks Katie, I think it is easy to get lost in it. It is great and we should all be very excited whilst remembering that there is always next year too 🙂

  4. Ellen says

    April 22, 2016 at 9:18 am

    You’re so right! I actually didn’t ask for nominations (or nominate myself) as there’s more I wanted to do to my blog before entering into any kind of competition – I figure if I wouldn’t even choose my blog myself I probably should wait until next year! Haha. But at the pub my partner owns that we used to live above we actually did have a trophy cabinet as it had been owned by a local footballer before. Neither of us having any trophies meant we used it for novelty glassware and photos. I digress… You should be very proud of yourself, as should everyone! Your blog is amazing and you’ve already achieved so much, there is nothing to feel despondent about. And everyone else who was nominated etc should feel proud, as you said, that they put themselves forward.

    • islandliving365 says

      April 22, 2016 at 3:49 pm

      Haha, I love your comment, that really made me chuckle so thank you :-). I hope that you are going to enter your blog next year!!!

  5. Katy - Hot Pink Wellingtons says

    April 22, 2016 at 9:48 am

    I was so pleased to see so many of my favourites nominated when I woke up this morning, but also slightly disappointed that more than a few I expected to see didn’t appear. For what it’s worth, I think you absolutely are qualified to make that finals list, but it obviously wasn’t to be this year. Have a glass of champagne anyway, because we all deserve it (and, you know, it’s Friday!)

    • islandliving365 says

      April 22, 2016 at 3:51 pm

      Oh thank you lovely lady! I really didn’t expect to make it but I feel for the really good blogs that didn’t make it onto the list but then there also so many good blogs on that list too. I would not want to be the judge, tough decisions! I will be raising a glass of bubbles tonight because it is Friday-yippeee! Thanks for your lovely comment x

  6. Sarah says

    April 22, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    I was surprised not to see you there actually, I genuinely think your blog deserved to be! Next year…! I haven’t told any of my friends / family eaither. Maybe I will now I’ve revamped it a bit. Still not sure I like it – I love your theme!! xxx

    • islandliving365 says

      April 23, 2016 at 8:44 am

      Oh thanks Sarah, that is very kind of you to say but I really wasn’t expecting to be there. I agree that we should all really have a go at entering next year! ooh I am going to head over to look at your website now, I am sure it is fab 🙂

  7. Pat-white camellias says

    April 22, 2016 at 4:50 pm

    Such a lovely post! I knew I wouldn’t make it but couldn’t help hoping that I might 😉 anyway like you I am not going to give up blogging or feel like a failure. My blog is my sanctuary and without it I fear I might go insane and slightly brain dead. It’s great that your blog has given you the confidence to put yourself out there more. You should really feel proud of yourself and what you’ve achieved so far. I love reading your blog. I would love to see you wearing your award around your neck though. There is always next year …
    Xxx

    • islandliving365 says

      April 23, 2016 at 8:47 am

      Thank you for your lovely comment Pat. I think even though you know that you won’t make it to the final a small part of you has a little bit of hope. But like you say in your comment and I say in my post it isn’t the be all and end all and I still love blogging so I might have a go next year when I have been blogging for longer. 🙂 x

  8. Jane Taylor says

    April 23, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    You are an absolute natural at this writing lark and your high quality but high output posting amazes me! Your time will come. I have no doubt about that! So you may want to invest in one of those trendy ‘back in fashion’ wheeled shopping bags so you can transport your clutch of medals on the school run without fear of damaging your neck clobbering a child with your haul!

    P.S. For some reason, Commentluv doesn’t work for me on your site (like some others) and I get an error. I know it happens with some of my other blogging friends on certain sites when they try to post but we haven’t figured out why yet!

    • islandliving365 says

      April 24, 2016 at 12:37 pm

      Oh thank you Jane, that is such a lovely comment! That is strange about the comment luv. Not sure why that is happening or how to fix it. If you find out how to fix it then please let me know! 🙂

  9. Sarah-Arthurwears says

    April 24, 2016 at 11:20 am

    Ahhh sorry you didn’t make it – there is always next year! But who needs an award to validate their blogging work really? It’s a bit of you in written form for the world to read, and that will always be awesome – trophy or no trophy! #KCACOLS

    • islandliving365 says

      April 24, 2016 at 12:38 pm

      Exactly, we blog because we love it and whilst it would have been nice, like you say there is always next year!! 🙂

  10. Natasha Mairs says

    April 24, 2016 at 11:59 am

    Snap! TI have been blogging for almost 5 years and this was the first year I actually got nominated. But no, I am not a finalist. But in a way I am actually glad, as I think I would have been to scared to attend the awards #KCACOLS

    • islandliving365 says

      April 24, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      Snap right back at you, if I had of made it then I would have a complete nervous wreck too! 🙂

  11. Jess Powell (Babi a Fi) says

    April 24, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    Congrats on being nominated! It takes a lot of guts just to try for something public like awards, so well done! x #KCACOLS

    • islandliving365 says

      April 25, 2016 at 9:06 am

      Thanks Jess 🙂 x

  12. Crummy Mummy says

    April 24, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    Don’t worry, you’re not alone – I didn’t make it either. It would have been fabulous but when I think about it and see all those shortlisted it was always going to be highly unlikely!! #KCACOLS

    • islandliving365 says

      April 25, 2016 at 9:07 am

      You should have been there! Like you say I think there are so many wonderful blogs out there. We always have next year….. 🙂 x

  13. Detrice Matthews says

    April 24, 2016 at 5:55 pm

    I love that quote ‘Never give up and always be fearless in pursuit of your dreams’. Lovely post & it’s true being shortlisted doesn’t make anyone better than anyone else. I did get shortlisted and I honestly can’t believe it it. It seriously hasn’t sunk in that my little blog is sat there next to those big ones. I hope I get to meet some of you, Dee x

    • islandliving365 says

      April 25, 2016 at 9:07 am

      Well done on getting shortlisted, that is amazing news and you should be really proud! I hope that we do get to meet one day 🙂 x

  14. laura dove says

    April 24, 2016 at 6:20 pm

    I love this. I was shocked that I was nominated for the awards and not at all shocked that I didn’t make the final cut. I am super proud of myself for just being nominated though, that really did mean a lot to me that someone is enjoying what I have to say. And who knows, maybe next year…?! #KCACOLS

    • islandliving365 says

      April 25, 2016 at 9:08 am

      Exactly there is always next year. Like you say we should just be proud that we got nominated 🙂 x

  15. justsayingmum says

    April 24, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    Ok, I admit, I actually laughed out loud at the walking in to a lamp post – that is sooooo me! Anyway, jesting aside … you mustn’t feel disappointed – I am thrilled to have found you and isn’t that the most important thing – the people who have found your blog and love it? I’m not going to stop now that you haven’t made it to the finals! – I promise! You are so gifted at this writing malarkey you really are! And you re so right about the party – I’m in on the gatecrashing if you’re serious?! #KCACOL

    • islandliving365 says

      April 25, 2016 at 9:18 am

      Hahaha, I would love to gatecrash but I am not sure how we would make it in…perhaps we would have to come up with a disguise. Could we go as the caterers, or maybe a bouncer. I have always to be a bouncer just so I could shout “your name is not on the list so you are not coming in!”. Thanks for your lovely comment it really means a lot! 🙂 x

  16. Veronica Lee says

    April 25, 2016 at 4:56 am

    Sorry you didn’t make it. You totally deserved the nomination but there is always next year! Love your attitude.

    #KCACOLS

    • islandliving365 says

      April 25, 2016 at 9:20 am

      Thank you Veronica! Like you say there is always next year 🙂 x

  17. islandliving365 says

    April 25, 2016 at 9:15 am

    Well maybe I will just make my own tropy and wear it for fun 😉 Thanks for your lovely comment:-) x

  18. Nicky Kentisbeer says

    April 25, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    Well said. You made me smile and giggle too. That award will make it’s way to Jersey and if that one doesn’t another one will. We shall of course expect you to wear it around your neck (every day!). Well done for entering and getting voted for – that counts!! #KCACOLS

    • islandliving365 says

      April 26, 2016 at 10:02 am

      I would wear it round my neck with great pride 😉 x

  19. Allyson Greene says

    April 25, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    What a great post and a great outlook! You are one of my favorite bloggers and I doubt I am the only one! #KCACOLS

    • islandliving365 says

      April 26, 2016 at 10:08 am

      Oh thank you! That is such a lovely thing to say 🙂

  20. A Moment with Franca says

    April 26, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    Oh I love that key that says Fearless!! First I would like to say that you are a fantastic writer and there is no doubt that you will get that trophy some day. It might not be this year but it will be another year. You have just started blogging since January and you have been already nominated. How amazing is that! You have achieved so much in such a short amount of time that you should feel be very proud. I’m in shock that I have been shortlisted and I still can’t believe it. I feel so happy about it especially because there are so many amazing blogs out there that are 100o times better than me so I’m so grateful for this moment. I will try to enjoy every single moment from now until September!! Thank you so much for sharing this at #KCACOLS. Love having you. I hope to see you again on Sunday, 🙂 xx

    • islandliving365 says

      April 27, 2016 at 7:49 am

      Thank you lovely lady, you a very well deserved finalist! I hope that you have a super time! 🙂

  21. Claire at Tin Box Traveller says

    April 26, 2016 at 11:02 pm

    Aww, so sorry we won’t be drinking cocktails in London. You are right not to be disheartened though. There are so many amazing bloggers like you that I was expecting to see on the finalists list that weren’t there. I had to look a couple of times to believe it. The MADs are going no where. Next year lovely!! #KCACOLS

    • islandliving365 says

      April 27, 2016 at 7:51 am

      Ack I am not disheartened, just gutted that I am missing out on the party! 🙂 x

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Hi, I’m Emma

Mum to two girls and wife to Mr C.
We used to live in wild and wonderful Yorkshire on the edge of the moors. We have now moved to the rather lovely and sunny Jersey, Channel Islands. Read about our adventures here.

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