It’s been quite a while since I last wrote a blog for the site; if you haven’t heard – I was busy writing a book!
I’ve been pondering, deliberating and umm-ing and ahh-ing about what to write about next considering I covered a lot of topics in both this blog and the book and then up popped a notification from CarlVersusLife to let me know I have been nominated for another award; the Blogger Recognition Award. It reminded me that I hadn’t blogged about the Versatile Blogger Award I received back in December (sorry!) so I thought I would combine the two into one big self-indulgent award post – Enjoy!
The Versatile Blogger Award;
I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award back in December 2016 by Carlversuslife (formerly DreamFlyDiscover) and was particularly chuffed with this award as it was one I hadn’t come across before. This specific award is given to “deserving blogs with less than 1,000 followers and it typically recognises the quality of the writing, the uniqueness of the subjects covered, the level of love displayed in the words on the virtual page”.
My aim for this blog has always been to cover topics surrounding hearing loss that is typically not really talked about, taboo, if you like, so to be nominated for an award that recognises this is particularly wonderful – a huge, heartfelt thank you to Carlversuslife for recognising The Invisible Disability And Me.
As ever, there are a few rules for this award which are set out below;
- Thank the person who nominated you.
A huge thank you to the wonderful Carl over at carlversuslife. You may remember this blog as DreamFlyDiscover but he has recently updated his website and given himself a spangly new look and name and it looks fantastic. Carl also has started to dabble with video content and editing and has a few exciting videos about Paris, Venice & Rome and driving in Iceland to name a few. Go and check him out, you won’t regret it!
- Share the award on your blog.
You’re here!
- Share seven random facts about yourself.
1) I’m London born and bred but I also lived in Plymouth, Devon for three years whilst studying at University – I use the term ‘studying’ loosely.
2) I have a Law Degree (from said ‘studying’).
3) I’m a baker. I love to bake all manner of cakes for my friends and family and have racked up an impressive amount of baking in the past 3 or 4 years.
4) I’m an author! I recently wrote a book on hearing loss, tinnitus and cochlear implants based on the content in my blog. It’s available to buy from Amazon, Lulu and Barnes and Noble.
5) I love to travel. The husband and I try to plan a few escapes a year to get about. This year is very Europe based – ironic considering the UK’s momentous decision in 2016 and the imminent triggering of Article 50 next week!
6) I work full-time in Intellectual Property protection and have done so for the past 8 years.
7) I adore all things Italian. Probably explains why I love Prosecco so much.
– Tag 10 bloggers with less than 1,000 followers. I’m going nominate 10 blogs for both awards as 20 feels a bit excessive!
1) All Fur Coat and RA – I’ve nominated the lovely Jerina in the past but couldn’t miss an opportunity to sing her praises again. Allfurcoatandra is a blog about her personal experience of chronic illness and societies perception of it. She blogs with passion and conviction and comes across as a truly strong and independent woman capable of anything life throws at her.
2) Two Ears Are Better Than One – One woman’s Cochlear Implant journey following hearing loss. The blog charts her journey from activation to current day with wit and humour.
www.2earsarebetterthan1.wordpress.com
3) An Unexpected Journey – Interesting diary following Cochlear Implant activation, offering good advice and tips on what to expect immediately following surgery.
4) Deaf, Gray and Italian – wonderful blog on being deaf, gray and Italian blogging about some really interesting topics such as “do persons with hearing loss experience the stages of grief? Disenfranchised grief?”
5) My hearing loss story – another Sudden hearing loss survivor (welcome to the club!) – an in-depth and insightful view into her hearing loss experience and her feelings about hearing loss.
www.myhearinglossstory.wordpress.com
6) Kim, Invited By Grace – her post “The Night My Life Got Quiet, Too Quite” really hit a nerve with me as I could resonate with exactly how she was feeling, and her own experience. A raw read.
7) 2 Bionic Ears – Very interesting blog about life hearing through cochlear implants.
www.2bionicears.wordpress.com/
8) Kimberley Chan – another heartfelt post on suffering with Sudden deafness. Kimberley now has a CI and has blogged about the surgery and her hopes and fears.
9) Torly Travels – Because I do love a good travel blog! Torly blogs about her travels and the hilarious ‘bloopers and outtakes’ she encounters along the way .I do love a good travel themed gaffe!
10) My final nomination goes to Zo Around the Word; A blog packed with essential reading, especially for the lone traveller or inexperienced amongst us – check out “My Top 4 Travel Essentials For Packing Light”.
Blogger Recognition Award;
Our FOURTH blogging award and SECOND Blogger Recognition Award in two years – an incredible honour. Thank you to each and every one of you who have read, commented and nominated this little blog for an award, it is truly appreciated.
The Blogger Recognition Award Rules;
- Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Again, this award has come from the handsome, funny and charming Carl over at carlversuslife – Okay, it’s about time I ‘fessed up – this handsome, funny and charming guy just so happens to be my husband! What a lucky lady I am.
I suspect a bit of bias on his behalf for nominating me for these awards but he just happens to be my biggest supporter, often found helping me refresh my website or sorting out the techy things that I just cannot fathom. He is also a passionate supporter of my blog and book (oh, didn’t you know – I have a BOOK!) and has been there every step of the way.
Okay, enough of the soppiness now.
- Write a post featuring the award – Ta – daaaaaah!
- Provide a brief story of how your blog began and give 2 pieces of advice to new bloggers
If you haven’t come across my blog and stopped by for a bit of a nosy (excuse me, why not?), I started The Invisible Disability and Me back in November 2014 after having been diagnosed with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss back in the February, aged 27. I had really struggled coming to terms with my hearing loss and limited social interactions and found myself online trying to find others in a similar position to me. I didn’t find what I was looking for so I set up my own blog, charting my journey, struggles and embarrassments as well as providing tips and hints for others in the same position.
My first piece of advice to new bloggers would be to always write about something you are passionate about – it’s all very well starting a blog and writing about any old thing that pops into your head, but unless you are passionate about the subject, the blog isn’t going to appeal to others. People like reading articles/blogs/stories that come from the heart, where you can relate to and empathise with the writer.
Secondly – follow others writing about similar topics to you, it will not only help you find your own niche in the market, but you might find you strike up friendships or professional relationships with other bloggers too!
- Nominate (up to) 15 bloggers for the award.
See my nominations for the Versatile Blogger Award for more 🙂
Thanks for sticking around and reading – I hope to be back soon with more fresh and relevant content for you all.
Laura x
The Invisible Disability and Me 
Missed you, glad to see you back blogging
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Ahh thank you @gethearingwordpresscom! I’ll be properly acknowledge soon!
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