You're beautiful!

The very lovely Alice (from Hello My Name is Alice) recently gave me another award...the Beautiful Blogger Award. I personally think this is a gorgeous button...who designed this? I have waxed happily about Alice and her photographic and bookish skills. You need to go check her out.

Now the rules for this award are that I need to pass it along to seven people, and tell you seven things about myself. These are both difficult things to do. Here are seven things about myself that you may or may not have known:

1. I am an avid cook. There isn't a recipe I won't try.

2. I spent my years between the age of 7 and 17 taking piano lessons and obsessing over playing songs by Styx.

3. I am a CPA, and worked in a corporate position until five years ago, when I quit to stay home with my kids.

4. In addition to reading, I also love music and movies passionately.

5. I was born on summer solstice, so I am both a Gemini and Cancer. True to form, I am the social butterfly with a mouth that won't stop, but at times I would rather be left alone.

6. I am a practical, even-keeled person. Generally no hysterics and mood swings.

7. I suck at decorating.


Now for my seven nominees, I've decided to focus on my northeast friends, the ones who have been barraged by snow this winter:

Caite @ A Lovely Shore Breeze

Jennifer @ A Literate Housewife

Anna @ Diary of an Eccentric

Serena @ Savvy Verse & Wit

Dawn @ She is Too Fond of Books

Nicole @ Linus's Blanket

Frances @ Nonsuch Book


In honor of you all, here is a video of a song I just heard on the radio, and thought would be perfect:

Over the Top Awesomeness!

Alice, from Hello My Name is Alice has given me this award, one I have never seen before! Alice, thank you! My friends, if there is one thing that you should do today, it should be to go visit Alice. She has great reading tastes, but there is so much more to her than that. I swear, she is an amazing photographer. I think she could do it for a living. Check out these posts here and here. Even her food photography is excellent. Plus she climbs mountains. She is super woman.

I usually don't follow the rules of an award, but I think I will for this one, because it seems fun. I have to answer the following questions with one word only:

Your cell phone? Crappy
Your hair? Moody
Your mother? Shopper
Your father? Farmer
Your favorite food? Risotto
Your dream last night? Bizarre
Your favorite drink? Wine
Your dream/goal? Happiness
What room are you in? Den
Your hobby? Reading
Your fear? Heights
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Golfing
Where were you last night? Home
Something that you aren’t? Quiet
Muffins? Blueberry
Wish list item? Netbook
Where did you grow up? Indiana
Last thing you did? Walk
What are you wearing? Sweats
Your TV? Infrequent
Your Pets? Naughty
Friends? Fun
Your life? Fulfilled
Your mood? Peaceful
Missing someone? Always
Vehicle? Pilot
Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
Your favorite store? Williams-Sonoma
Your favorite color? Pink
When was the last time you laughed? Today
Last time you cried? Month
Your best friend? Michele
One place that you go to over and over? Bookstore
Facebook? Daily
Favorite place to eat? French

OK, so now I nominate some blogs to share in the fun. All of these guys are over the top, in all the good ways:

Alyce @ At Home with Books
Kathleen @ Boarding in My Forties
Julie @ Booking Mama
Jen @ Devourer of Books
JoAnn @ Lakeside Musing



These bloggers are all a part of my daily excitement...go check them out!

One Kool, Kreative Blogger!

Recently, I was awarded with the Kreativ Blogger award from Catherine at Words World and Wings. Catherine and I hooked up recently as a result of our participation in the 100 Mile Fitness Challenge, and I've really enjoyed reading her blog. She is a Children's Librarian who reviews books appropriate for babies through young adults. She mentions something about grandchildren, but honestly from her profile picture, she looks like she is about 16! Everyone should go check her out!

So now for my part. Kreativ with a K and no E, huh? Not sure about all that, but I thought long and hard about the bloggers I follow who are creative, and I came up with a long list. But I would like to introduce you to one, who, if you haven't met, will make your head spin. I came across her blog during BBAW, and have followed ever since. With every post, I sit reading, with my mouth hanging open, in sort of a trance. Where does she get her insane, manic energy? Is she like this in real life? (Her profile says she is.) And the wit! She leaves me baffled and confused, and highly entertained. Everyone, please meet Raych at Books I Done Read. I don't think she "does" awards, so I'm not expecting her to pass it on, but would not be a good friend if I didn't make sure you'd experienced her at least once.

And with that little bit of gush, may I leave you with the most creative video I could think of. My dear beloved Peter Gabriel got into the fruit one day and this is what happened.

You Lift Me Up!

I was recently awarded this amazing "Uplifting Blogger Award" from Carolyn at Book Chick City. Carolyn is the source of more than a few of my awards, and I am ever so grateful and thankful that I've had the pleasure of interacting with her online. You would never know she just started her blog in July. She has a professionally designed site with content to match. Author interviews, giveaways and excellent reviews were a part of her blog from the get-go. If you haven't met Carolyn, go take a look. You'll want to be a part of her daily energy and passion!

So, who in the world would not want to be handed an award such as this? The thought of my blog uplifting someone's day is not only bewildering to me, it makes my drivel seem worth it, you know? Of all the blogs I follow, they each add different elements to my day. Friendship, support, laughter, serious book reviews, and fun. I gave some thought to those blogs that uplift me - even before I open their post, I know this is what I'm going to get. So without further ado, here are the blogs that consistently pull me out of my doldrums. I've added a song at the end of the post that blows me away every time I hear it. Give it a listen perhaps:

Susan @ Bear Swamp Reflections: For her loving, gentle spirit, her joy in the outdoors, cooking and her grandchildren

Ti @ Book Chatter: For her positive attitude that shines through every post, and her regular feature in which she confesses her sins

ds @ Third-Storey Window: For her thoughtful concern and interest in all her followers, and her poetry, which always comes at the most perfect time


Alice @ Hello My Name is Alice: For her absolutely STUNNING photography and sweet nature


Amy @ The House of Seven Tails: For her friendly demeanor and her adorable cats

Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwoole

How about a game of BINGO!

Have I told you all lately how blessed I feel to have found such a friendly universe out in blogland? Here is another example of it...an award I received from Gavin at Page 247. Gavin wandered onto my blog earlier this year because of our shared love for WWII novels. Since then, I've come to realize that Gavin's interests go way beyond WWII. She will read and review books you will never find in your day-to-day life, but are inspirational and educational and eclectic.

Gavin nominated me for the "N" part of the Bingo...as in Neighborly. Thank you so much! I'm blushing. Here are all of the portions of the Bingo in which I am to assign names:

B - Beautiful: Dolce Bellezza. The name says it all. Everything about Bellezza's blog is beautiful...her pictures, her writing, her stories about her third grade class, and her warm heart.

I - Informative: Tasha @ Heidenkind. I should be shot if I give this award to anyone else. Who has seen Tasha's series entitled "The More You Wish You Didn't Know"? This girl has got informative in the bag.

N - Neighborly: Jenners @ Find Your Next Book Here. Almost as soon as I added her to my blogroll (I'll thank BBAW for that!), she immediately started leaving me friendly, chatty e-mails that were a total hoot! She was an instant friend.

G - Gorgeous: Andreea @ Passionate Booklover. I discovered Andreea right after she moved here from Europe and started her blog. I have no idea what she actually looks like, but she has a gorgeous personality, AND she is about to have a baby. That counts for a few hundred points in my book.

O - Outstanding: Frances @ Nonsuch Book. I'm not sure I can do Frances justice by just saying she is outstanding. Outstanding in what, you ask? Well, just to name a few things, her writing is superb, as well as her literary analysis, her taste in books, her efforts in bringing books to all walks of life, and her love for wine. What else do you need?


For my dedication video, I thought I would share a little "ear worm" (term stolen from Stephen King) that was implanted in my brain awhile back by Jennifer at Literate Housewife. This song happened to be a favorite of hers, she imbedded it into a post, I listened to it, then couldn't get it out. I've since made peace with the ear worm, downloaded it on my iPod and listen whenever I need a pick-me-up. This is "Love Letter from Japan" by The Bird and the Bee:


The Bird & The Bee - Love Letter To Japan

the bird and the beeMySpace Music Videos

Top Commenter Award

I was recently awarded these two awards by the lovely Melody of Melody's Reading Corner, which was a real highlight for me. I take alot of pride in leaving comments to the bloggers I follow, because I know that is the bread and butter of blogging. Those comments liven up the party, and confirm to us that we are not talking to ourselves! The only bummer in this whole equation is that I can't really pass this award back to Melody, although I'd sure like to. Melody is always one of the first commenters on every one of my posts. If I don't see a comment from Melody, I know something is amiss...she is either sick, her kids are sick, or she is traveling.

Melody has one of those blogs you really want to add to your blogroll. No matter where your literary interests lie, she has probably read and reviewed something in that genre. And, of course, she is incredibly friendly. I want to thank Beth @ Beth Fish Reads for turning my attention to Melody earlier this year via an awards post (I think she introduced me not only to Melody in this post, but also Jackie @ Farm Lane Books and Dar @ Peeking Between the Pages - I hit the jackpot!).

Now I get to nominate bloggers for this award and pass along the love. I don't really follow the rules here normally. I know I am supposed to pass these along to a certain number of people, but have always found it more meaningful to concentrate my attention on one person. In this case, that would be Kathy @ BermudaOnion. If you haven't seen Kathy around, then pay closer attention...she's there. In fact, she is everywhere. It is hard to find a blog where she isn't commenting. I recently connected with her right around BBAW time, and since then, she makes the rounds to my blog as well, every day. Always thoughtful, she even comments on the posts announcing winners with a friendly "way to go". Not only that, but I've received e-mails from her with encouraging words and side conversations. She is really the essence of the blogging community, and has a big heart. (Oh just as an aside from all this gushing, she has a fabulous blog.) If you are one of the few that haven't met Kathy, head on over.

I love music, so I had to find something to share with you relating to the post. Since we are talking about talking, how about a video from "Talk Talk"??? Who didn't love this song in the '80s?

Talk Talk - It's My Life
Uploaded by cladstrife. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

You've GOTTA have friends!

Recently, I received the Let's Be Friends award from Amy @ The House of Seven Tails. Amy is a relatively new blogger that has jumped into the game with both feet! She joined in BBAW, is participating in read-alongs, and is already being awarded for her sweet disposition, great reviews, and of course, her adorable menagerie of kitties which are lovingly pictured on her blog. You must go check her out!


I know there are probably rules that go with this award, but I like to generally pass these awards on to one person, just so all the glory can be focused in one happy place. But before I do this, I have to tell a story.

Recently, Ti @ Book Chatter and Other Stuff published an excellent post. It was about blogging etiquette. Specifically, Ti mentioned a number of blogs that she had been faithfully visiting and commenting, but the love was never returned. Eventually, she dropped these blogs from her reader, as everyone needs two-way communication, right? I immediately hung my head in shame. I am guilty of receiving wonderful comments and never following the commenter back to their blog of origin. I have made a personal goal to stop this laziness and make more of an effort.

One blogger that has been commenting on my site for some time is Amy @ Amy Reads Good Books. She leaves insightful comments, and yet I go on my merry way without returning any love. This has been put to a stop. I am now her follower, and she has an excellent blog. Amy is a literature professor, is from the wholesome Midwest, and reads just about anything and everything. So Amy, this one's for you!

I have to include a Youtube video, because I can't help myself. Of course, it is about friendship:

Proximidade Fantastico

OK, so much for my Spanish! I received this beautiful award from Carolyn @ Book Chick City. Yes THE Book Chick City...the one that started her blog in JULY, has received several dozen awards, regularly receives ARCs and interviews authors, and has already redesigned her website! (And what a beautiful website it is...go check it out!)

The Proximidade Award is designed for the blogger that believes in proximity - the nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming - they aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. So with this in mind, I would like to nominate Ti @ Book Chatter and Other Stuff. I was aware of Ti for a long time. She is everywhere, leaving her clever and witty comments on all the blogs I followed. It wasn't until BBAW did I actually add her to my reader. And when two commenters find each other, watch out. It has been so much fun getting to know Ti, and interacting with her. I have to thank her specifically for a post she did a couple of weeks ago about blogger etiquette. She made me realize that there were so many loyal commenters on my blog that I had been neglecting, out of laziness more than anything. So not only is Ti friendly, but is helping me improve my rude-ish ways! Thanks Ti!

Today's video is a live version of Cat Power singing "The Greatest", and I'm playing it in honor of Ti. I love this song, and I love Cat's voice. It puts me into a Zen state! (She has a killer version of Sea of Love, and Amazing Grace...)

Cat Power lyrics

Cat Power - The Greatest Video - Cat Power Music Videos

Music Videos by VideoCure

Loyalty

I was very pleased when I received the Dragon's Loyalty Award from J. Kaye, as a result of my over-active commenting at her blog. I doubt there is a blogger alive that isn't aware of J. Kaye - she is everywhere.

Loyalty is a very important thing to a blogger. I know that no matter what, these people have my back. Whether I post something witty and entertaining, or my mojo is off, they are always there encouraging me and cheering me on! Now, I know you all have heard me wax lovingly about Jackie, the Bumbles, Beth Fish, C.B. James or Melody. But there are some other names that I want to give due recognition:

ds @ Third-Storey Window - ds has got the biggest heart. She also has the soul of a poet. Just read her posts sometime. She has contributed to my blog when I was away, and is always here with a positive word.

Amy @ The House of Seven Tails - Amy is a new blogger that was initially drawn to my website by that big banner featuring my freakish white cat Casper. Since then she not only comes by on a daily basis, but we've started e-mailing each other. She loves animals, has a heart of gold, and writes a mean book review!

Nymeth @ Things Mean Alot - My BBAW interview buddy! OK, guys, my statistics went to the freaking moon on the day we interviewed each other. Ever since then, she comes over to visit every morning with a meaningful comment. She is the epitome of blogging and so glad I met her!


Ever since C.B. James taught me how to imbed youtube in my posts, I just can't help myself. So I will leave you with this video, the meaning of loyalty...

For Bumbles, for Bumbles...

I am so pleased to have just recently received this award from Carolyn at Book Chick City. Now before we go any further, we must give some love to Carolyn. The girl started her blog in July, people, and she has already put me to shame. Dozens of ARCs every week, author interviews, nominations for BBAW...I could go on. I'll just shut up and encourage you all to go on over and check her out.

I have many many wonderful commenters on my blog. If it weren't for them, I'd think I was talking to myself, give up and go home. But today, I want to honor one of those commenters...the Bumbles. This duo consists of Molly and Andy, two very cool people who always have very humorous and interesting things to say here at You've GOTTA Read This. They have got it all going on over there at their place. Avid photographers, readers of fine literature, a weekly feature about their lives and the Red Sox, and of course, the hosts of the ever-popular Monday Movie Meme. So in honor of Molly and Andy, I leave you with a rather frenetic but beloved song by the Dropkick Murphys, a favorite up there on the eastern seaboard, singing "For Boston". (I have this ring tone in my phone for some other friends of mine that are Bostonians.) Enjoy!

Zombie Chickens for Caite

Of all the awards that are passed around between us, this one is my favorite. Goofy, ugly zombie chickens, running amuck and striking down any blogger that doesn't pass along the award. I received this award from Andreea @ Passionate Booklover. Andreea is a very new book blogger that I featured on You've GOTTA Read This awhile back, and has been my pleasure to get to know her. According to this award:

The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken – excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.

Well, I hope I will not draw zombie chickens to my door, because I am only going to nominate one blogger for this award. I prefer to focus all the good karma in one direction. And the first person that came to mind that I knew needed some zombie chicken love was Caite @ A Lovely Shore Breeze. You see, I am a fan of Caite's. She is extremely entertaining with her dry humor, her great book reviews, her devotion to Library Thing, and most of all, her love of lighthouses. But she and I do not see eye-to-eye on one subject...the Kindle. She doesn't like my beloved device! So in honor of Caite, I leave you with this video from the movie A Little Princess, one of my favorites. The title of the song, by the way, is "Kindle My Heart".

Who Loves Ya, Baby?

Have you ever noticed book bloggers are a friendly lot? If you ever find yourself having a bad day, just wander around amongst the book bloggers, and you'll get a nice perk up. There's alot of love floating around. I was the recipient of some love recently. The first virtual hug came from Matt @ A Guy's Moleskin Notebook. Matt is the literary guru I aspire to be. There is no book thick enough, no prose dense enough, no topic complex enough, to scare this one off. One of his services to his followers is to boil all this down to a well-organized, professionally-written review. He has passed along the Kreativ Blogger Award, which requires me to list 7 things I like (only 7???) and 7 of my favorite blogs.

I know I've made similar lists of things that I like, but don't expect them to look the same. The list changes with my mood:

1, A walk with my audio book

2. Risotto

3. Wine

4. A great tee shot

5. When my kids act like they love each other

6. Visiting my parents' farm in Indiana

7. My husband, usually

And for 7 of my favorite blogs...I've got about 50 favorite blogs so this isn't really fair. But what the heck, I'll throw darts, and try to mention some I haven't awarded lately:

1. Michele @ A Reader's Respite - don't drink anything while you are reading her blog. You will end up frying your keyboard from laughing and spitting.

2. Beth @ Beth Fish Reads - great reviews, great photography. She's awesome.

3. Carrie @ Books and Movies - solid books in all genres, solid reviews, fellow Outlander addict.

4. Cardiogirl - another one to read AFTER your morning coffee. Her "visitors" in her VIP lounge are just as funny as she is.

5. Jackie @ Farm Lane Books - she knows enough about Book Awards that she could start her own...seriously.

6. Dawn @ She is Too Fond of Books - for her spotlight on indie bookstores, and her 3-Day walk for breast cancer, I salute her!

7. Molly & Andy @ The Bumbles - gotta show some love for the Bumbles.

I also was awarded the Let's Be Friends Award by Carolyn @ Book Chick City. So people, listen to this. Carolyn has been blogging for just over a month. She has already guest posted for Maw Books, interviews authors and reviews ARCs. This girl doesn't mess around! I would like to pass this award along to Andreea @ Passionate Booklover, who is also a new blogger and was just spotlighted on my blog recently.

Sharing the Love

I have been blessed with some great blogger friends who have given me some awards, and I have vowed to pass them on in a timely manner. Over the last 9 months, since I've started blogging, I have been overwhelmed at the friendly and supportive environment of the community. There's so much love flying around, you just can't help but feel good!


My first award came from the Bumbles. If you haven't checked out their blog, you must. They are avid travelers, exceptional photographers, lovers of books, lovers of sports, lovers of movies (hosts of the Monday Movie Meme I participate in) and just your basic all-around cool people. I'm going to pass this award onto C.B. James of Ready When You Are, C.B., as he has his name written all over it. He has the most precious dog that he loves unconditionally, despite his oft half-eaten books. And he is an activist for Gay Equality and the overturning of Prop. 8 in California. We're behind you buddy!

My next award came from Jeane at Dog Ear Diary. Jeane is a new face around my neck of the woods, but she has an incredibly cool blog featuring the sweetest little kitty. I'm so appreciative that she has thought of me! I will pass this award to the biggest bookworm I know, and that is Jackie from Farm Lane Books. How on earth she reads as much as she does, with two little kids, I will never know. But she is THE authority on not only Booker books but just about any award out there.

My last award came from Serena at Savvy Verse & Wit. Serena is a real active member of the blogger community, and excels in the area of poetry (she even writes it herself). You are so kind Serena! I'm not 100% sure of this award's definition, but I will choose to personally think of it as having a spirit of "making lemons into lemonade". And for this, I would like to nominate Susan from Bear Swamp Reflections. Susan's blog is the most wholesome blog I follow. She is an extremely talented photographer, is pure of heart and exudes maternal warmth. Her posts always leave me feeling upbeat and happy, whether she is talking about a hike she went on, her grandkids, her pet hens, or the wedding of her friend's daughter. Go check her out! You'll feel like you just came home!

Anybody out there know where I can find a bookworm????

I am quite honored to receive the Bookworm's Award for Bookfriends from Kaye at Pudgy Penguin Perusals , a fellow Floridian, and an avid, prolific reader. How much cooler can an award get? I'm nothing if not a bookworm. Thanks Kaye - you are the best!

Now, if I could only find another bookworm to pass this award onto.

I'm going to take the approach that my friends the Bumbles have taken with awards. Of course, I could list dozens of my wonderful blogger buddies, but will instead limit it to one, just to make it special. I have recently found a fellow blogger that actually lives in Orlando, my hometown. She reads and reviews some great books, and has recently announced that she is going back to school to get her degree in library science. We have a wonderful library system in Orlando, so she should have some great opportunities once she graduates. Please hop on over and check out:

Lauren at Half-Deserted Streets

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Awards and an opportunities to read more books

I was recently awarded the Literary Blogger Award from Iliana at a Bookgirl's Nightstand. Iliana reads all types of books, but she is a specialist in mystery/thrillers.

This beautiful award was sent to me by Desert Rose. Desert Rose is the premier authority on all things vampire, but isn't limited to this genre. She reads just about everything. She is also one of the most generous bloggers out there. I have her to thank for probably 75% of my awards.

I received this award from Carrie at Books and Movies. Carrie's reputation precedes her. She not only is a prolific reader, she reviews movies for us too! She also homeschools her four children while doing all of this blogging and reading and movie watching...she has always had my admiration, but it grows by the day since my kids have been out of school. I'm just saying.

If you haven't already, you should definitely check out these bloggers. They are a part of my daily addictions!

Speaking of addictions, we will be leaving for our two and a half week trip to Poland on Tuesday. The good news is that this will be a hardcore 17 day read-a-thon! The bad news is that I will leave behind our housesitter and our animals, and my COMPUTER! I will have virtually no Internet access while I am gone. While I know this is a healthy exercise for me, my stomach hurts thinking about it. Never fear though...this girl has a plan. Stay tuned for my "Bon Voyage" post on Tuesday for more details.

The kids were out of school for a week and two days before I was tempted into a mom's playdate. Three of us gathered our kids at one mom's home, we sent the kids off to swim, play videogames and destroy each other, and we drank sangria, ate munchies and yakked. It was good for the soul. The bonus from this gathering, though, is that I discovered that one mom belonged to a book club. I've been searching for a "real" book club forever, but most of them are light on book talk and heavy on bitching about husbands and gossiping about their neighbors, so I've declined. This one, I am assured, is the real deal. When I get back from my summer activities, I'm going to give it a go. Updates to come!

I hope everyone has a peaceful Sunday!

Book bloggers are the best!

I am way behind on posting some wonderful awards I have received! I received the 2009 Friendly Blogger Award from two amazing blogger friends Serena @ Savvy Verse & Wit and Desert Rose. Serena is one of those bloggers that sets the standard for the rest of us. She writes amazing reviews, participates in blog tours, author interviews, giveaways, and is a very generous supporter to her blogging community. Not only that, but she is an excellent writer of poetry! Thanks Serena! And if you have been following my blog for any lenth of time at all, you know Desert Rose. I think a majority of my awards have come from her. She herself is one of the friendliest bloggers out there, and reads a wide array of books. There is something for everyone on her blog!

I also received another award from Serena, the #1 Blogger Award. The originator of this award, Naida at the bookworm, created this button from a photo of her new dog Diego. Again, Serena, an award coming from you is an honor. Thank you so much!

You don't say!

Desert Rose has done it again! She has very kindly awarded me with the "You Don't Say" Super Comments Award! I have to admit, I do tend to comment. Alot. Sometimes they are inane, and sometimes I actually have something constructive to say. For those of you that know me in "real life", this should not surprise you. I just won't shut up.

Here is the definition of the award:

"We give and get awards for having a great blog and being a good friend. What I want to award is those people whose comments have meant THE WORLD to me. It takes time to visit a blog and leave a comment ... I wanted to recognize some special bloggers whose comments have made such an impact on me. The “You Don’t Say?” Award is awarded to these special bloggers in hopes that they will pass the award along to 5-10 of their best commenters!"

I have some very very loyal commenters on my blog, and on those days when I feel I am talking to myself, they come along and brighten my day. In fact, there is rarely a post that goes by where they don't comment. Here they are:

Beth @ Beth Fish Reads

Jackie @ Farm Lane Books

Melody @ Melody's Reading Corner

Dar @ Peeking Between the Pages

Carrie @ Books and Movies

I would also like to make a special mention about ds (Third Storey Window), Melissa (Shhh I'm Reading) and Wendy (Musings of a Bookish Kitty), who would be on my list if they hadn't already been nominated by Desert Rose.

Two Lovely Awards

Jackie from Farm Lane Books recently awarded me my second Splash Award - you're the best Jackie! I read Jackie's blog daily, and if you check it out, you'll know why. She has got it all going on! She reads what I would consider quality literature, she participates whole-heartedly in the Blog Improvement Project, she even just finished a "best comment" competition. (And oh by the way, is raising two kids and has a business selling books on Amazon UK.) Did you know she used to breed and show chinchillas? Check out my interview of her here.




I was also awarded the One Lovely Blog Award by Kay at Pudgy Penguin Perusals. Kay is a Floridian like me, who retired down here to get away from the cold winters of MA. Kay is a new blogger to me, and I'm excited read more of her reviews. But really, how can you go wrong with a blog name like that? Thank you so much Kay, for passing along a little love! I'm going to pass this lovely award on to the following bloggers, who are the epitome of loveliness:

Beth at Beth Fish Reads

Bellezza at Dolce Bellezza

Frances at Nonsuch Book

Dawn at She is Too Fond of Books
Melissa at Shhh I'm Reading...

Premio Splashdown

I was recently awarded the Splash award by Desert Rose Booklogue. I think at least half of my awards have come from you Desert Rose...thank you so much! If you haven't checked out her blog, you must. She reads such a wide array of books, and provides such thoughtful reviews, you will soon become a daily visitor like me!

The Splash Award is an award given to "alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive and inspiring blogs". I should be so flattered to fall into this category!

My nominees for the Splash Award are:

ds from Third Storey Window
Wendy from Musings from a Bookish Kitty

Gavin at Page 247


Immediately after receiving the Splash award, I also was awarded the elusive Premio Dardos Award (one that I'd been coveting for awhile) from Melody of Melody's Reading Corner. Melody's blog is another one that I visit sometimes several times a day, depending on what cool things she's posting. Check her out! This award is described as such:

"This award is for bloggers who distinguish themselves for showing cultural values, ethics, great and fun writing skills, as well individual values, through their creative writing."

I've always thought this was a pretty cool award, and am thankful to Melody for believing that I fit the bill!

I have been bestowing so much love on all my fellow bloggers, I thought I would divert a little from my m.o., and nominate the following people for this award:

Kathie from Kathie Smith - aka my sister, keeps one amazing blog revolving around movies, primarily indie ones. We had approximately the same teachers growing up, so I am wondering how she became such a wonderful writer, and it didn't so much rub off on me! She's not all that into these awards, but I'm giving it to her anyway!

Danette from Summer Friend - I am having way too much fun reading Danette's blog. She is an author of a YA novel I read recently, "Violet Raines Almost Got Struck By Lightning". She is an amazingly creative writer, has great links and insight to the world of a writer, but also obsesses over Adam Lambert in American Idol and loves U2. Check out her blog and fall in love with her!

Zombie Chickens - A Slightly Twisted Award

This is the cherry on top of my day! Beth at Beth Fish Reads has so graciously given me this prestigious Zombie Chicken Award, which is described in this way:

"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..."

I do indeed believe in the wrath of the zombie chickens and revere their power, therefore I must pass this award along to those that have that same appreciation. For those I am about to award, you will know why you are the recipient, either for your love of the occult, for your killer wit and sense of humor (or both!), or for sadistically implanting catchy songs in my head:

Caite at A Lovely Shore Breeze

Michele at A Reader's Respite

Desert Rose at Desert Rose Booklogue

Simon at Savidge Reads...

Jennifer at The Literate Housewife