One Of The Good Guys

We always hear about the douche bags out there. In fact, it is probably one of the most popular weekly blog posts that Shit Talkin’ Nick’s most popular posts. It’s a sad state of the world today when a person can come up with a douchebag every single week. But, to be fair, he decided to bring focus on people who did something wonderful, too… He named those posts The Anti-Douche.

Why am I bringing this up? Because…one of my favorite musicians wowed me recently with his kindness, generosity and talent and I thought he deserved some recognition. As you all know, we were all shocked and hurt by the events at Sandy Hook Elementary…and all the other violent acts that have been happening across this country. I remember being on here and on Facebook the day that it happened… Andy Griggs’ reaction was immediate. He posted on Facebook asking if anyone knew anyone in that town of Connecticut…or a way to contact someone out there to see what kind of help could be offered. He’s got a big heart that way.

What did he do next? What else does a talented singer/songwriter do? He used his special talents to try to find a way to cope and heal…but also found a way to try to help. This press release just came out, talking about what he’s doing to help the school and the families…

The general gist is that he’s written a song with his friend and songwriter, Bobby Pinson, called “20 Little Angels” that is available free to listen to on his website… The song will be available to download on iTunes and 100% of the proceeds will be going to the Sandy Hook School Support fund. I thought that was pretty awesome, and so was the song….and I’m not the only one.  Here is what The Boot has to say about his song…

It’s nice to see that there are still good guys out there! Click the link to the song…check it out! In the meantime, here’s a taste of his music…through one of my favorite romantic ballads.

Reach Out And Touch…Thank You!

I would first like to thank Eunice from Living And Lovin’ for nominating me for my 5th Blog Of The Year 2012 Award. It has been a huge honor to be nominated. I have been using this as an opportunity to thank the people who have been kind and supportive to my blog throughout the year. They are a wonderful group of people with awesome blogs in their own right…so this is kind of a Thank You and Happy Holiday card all rolled into one. (Just so you know, I DO have my 6th star…but I’m doing this one nomination at a time to do justice to the person who has been generous enough to nominate me!

 

The ‘rules’ for this award are simple:

1. Select another blog or other blogs who deserve the ‘Blog of the Year 2012’ Award;
2. Write a blog post and tell us about the blog(s) you have chosen – there’s no minimum or maximum number of blogs required – and ‘present’ them with their award;
3. Include a link back to this page ‘Blog of the Year 2012’ Award at the Thought Palette and provide these ‘rules’ in your post (please don’t alter the rules or the badges!)
4. Let the blog(s) you have chosen know that you have given them this award and share the ‘rules’ with them
5. You can now also join our Facebook group – click ‘like’ on this page ‘Blog of the Year 2012’ Award Facebook group and then you can share your blog with an even wider audience
6. As a winner of the award – please add a link back to the blog that presented you with the award – and then proudly display the award on your blog and sidebar … and start collecting stars…

I hope you take the time to get to know these amazing people whom I’ve had the privilege to get to know over the past few months.  Wow…has it really been only 5 months since I started this blog?  Amazing.  You guys have made me feel so welcome that I feel as though we’ve been hanging out here together forever!

So, without further ado…Here are the next amazing set of bloggers who deserve a little of your time and attention purely because they are beyond awesome!

Jane Sadek– A lovely Christian woman who has a beautifully, ethnically diverse home…and blogs accordingly with snippets of her travel, her faith and her love for family and friends. Did I mention she’s also a poet? I love how interactive and friendly she is…and open to so many different points of view. You’ve got to see the gorgeous pics that go along with some of her stories of her trips! This particular one made me miss being in Asia!

Stephyy- Miss Pretty Little Dreamer, herself… She’s smart, she’s crafty, she has some good recipes…but even better are her hopes for the future! I’m not simply saying this because she’s another Filipina…I’m saying it because she shares it all on her blog. You should check it out!

Wordsurfer- From Cresting The Words. Her knowledge in so many areas is interesting…  She’s been going through a lot lately and still finds time to share her thoughts, drop by your blog for visits and work on her book. Her story about her grandmother will touch your heart…she speaks with fank honesty and clarity in her sense of self.

Dace– She writes The Long Way Home. She is so positive and upbeat. She looks for the best in things… Her thoughtful posts and wonderful ideals make her such a very interesting person to read.

Nick- From Shit Talkin’ Nick. He’s one badass dude who says what he thinks, hands out Douche Of The Week awards…and receives the loyalty of many people in the blog world because of his candor. He’s an advocate for keeping children clothed and protecting pets…what’s not to like?

August McLaughlin– Newly Self Published Author and Girl Boner Expert extraordinaire! She’s beautiful (inside and out), talented, an advocate of women… Seriously…What’s not to like? And if you haven’t read any of her Girl Boner Posts…I’ve linked one of them in so that you can check her out!

Marcia Richards– An Author friend who will challenge and inspire you to be the best person you can be. She will challenge you to give of yourself, to take pride in your country…and Ladies…she’ll challenge you not to lose your inner feminine beauty simply because we’ve joined the workforce!

Thank you for inspiring me, challenging me and encouraging me!

Pour Some Sugar On Me….

One of the most interesting and intellectual women I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know on WordPress, Sheri DeGrom  nominated me for the Super Sweet Blogging Award. Thank you for this honor, Sheri! (For the rest of you that have given me awards…I’m getting to them one at a time…trying to do them justice.  Please be patient with me…I just got back home. :-))

I began to follow Sheri’s blog shortly after I joined WordPress when she stopped by my little home and left a sweet comment. I later found that I’d been recommended to her by another new friend. She has lived such an interesting life and writes the most amazing book reviews. Any author should count herself lucky if they are the recipient of a nod from Sheri!

The questions I’m to answer:

Give credit to the person who chose to nominate you: Sheri DeGrom

Answer the super sweet questions.

1. Cookies or Cake? Depends…I make awesome cookies…and hubby makes fantastic cakes. So can I say it depends on who was in our kitchen?  🙂
2. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate. (I’m petitioning to make it a food group of it’s own and have deemed it necessary for a woman’s survival)
3. Favorite sweet treat? Probably cheesecake, though I’m amenable to all sorts of sweets.
4. When do you crave sweet things the most? Usually when I’m either tired or stressed.
5. If you had a sweet nickname, what would it be?  Hubby sometimes calls me Baby Cakes…but mostly he just calls me Lovey.

The final requirement for receiving the Super Sweet Blogging Award is to name a baker’s dozen (13) of my favorite bloggers. That’s going to be tough as there are so many amazing people I’ve been enjoying. I know there are many people who aren’t big into doing these things, but first, it is an honor to be selected by Sheri…and second, it gives other bloggers a chance to find other cool people I’ve enjoyed. So here are my people in no particular order.

CJ Play – Who writes with a beautiful honesty that I really appreciate.

Joe – Who is finding ways to smile through some very difficult circumstances beyond his control.

How To Date In Las Vegas – She’s a good girl exploring the dating world…in Sin City. Love her post about women and the Crazy Train they sometimes ride.

Esenga’s Voice – Whose poetry and pictures are steeped in awesome!

Abby – Ms Artistic Milestone, herself…who is always sweet and supportive and makes some amazing looking Gingerbread men.

Rants From The Crib –  An OB/Gyn with wit, humor…and some common sensical advice.

Jessi Gage – Who, based on her reviews, likes her books as racy as I do…:-)

Pretty Little Dreamer – Who’s just a bit crafty…In a good way!

Sage Doyle – There’s a vulnerability to this writing that gets to you.

Seasons Of Insanity – He really does come up with the craziest stuff…and makes you laugh in the process.

Return Of The Modern Philosopher – He really has me concerned about the sleigh…what with Rudolph’s injury and all…

Laments And Lullabyes – She’s seeing life from a new perspective…the eyes of her wonderful toddler (and learning something new every day).

Ellie Ann – Who is of the philosophy that your undies should be able to tell your story…

I hope you find enjoyment in these folks the way I have!  Check them out…I’d love to hear what you think!