Bloggy Love

Have you ever seen the movie Julie and Julia? If not, you probably should. Because since you’re reading this blog, you’re obviously either a blogger, a blog reader, a stalling author, or all of the above. And the movie is all about a blogger.

Well, okay. A gourmet cook and a blogger. They go hand in hand. Sort of.

Anyway, there’s this scene where Julie’s sitting in her cubical at work, and she sneaks a peek at her blog and then jumps up out of her chair, yelling, “I have a comment!” Then she clicks on it, realizes it’s from her mother, and decides it doesn’t count. With a sigh, she flops back down in her chair, looking dejected.

Dude. That is so truly how bloggers feel about their blogs!

I mean, we’re writers, okay. And writers have this deeply ingrained need to know that someone—anyone—reads our stuff, even if it’s just blog posts. Just because someone clicks on the page doesn’t mean they read what we wrote, you know? Comments are like validation of the best kind.

Well, comments and followers. Some days it’s a toss up. But you get my point, right?

Consider all the tons of free stuff we give away. We do it to be nice, yes, and because we think it’s fun, but mostly, it’s selfish. We want readers, people! And we’re willing to spend all kinds of money we’ll never get back to reel you in. We want to know you’re out there and that you’re reading. We want that validation that tells us we’re not just thinking through our fingers and that someone actually got something out of our work as bloggers and writers.

In other words, we need to be loved.

So if you’re out there, and you’re reading regularly but not following or commenting, we—the bloggers of the world—would like to know why. Don’t you love us enough to tell us hi?

*Sniffs dramatically*

*Fakes a sob*

*peeks through fingers to see if the ploy worked*

Carry on.

*Remembers shameless self promotion plug*

Oh, and by the way, come see my new book review blog. Isn’t it pretty? I need followers there, too.

*Nods*

Okay, now carry on.

Kreativ Blogger Award

My good friend Ali gave me an award this week, and even though I had another blog idea floating around in my head, I decided to blog the award instead.

Why? Well, because Ali is a super smart, super fun friend, and it’s an honor to get such an award from her. Oh all right. I like getting awards from anyone, but still, it’s an honor. So, here it is.

The Kreativ Blogger Award . . .

I'd like to pass this award on to
Tristi Pinkston
Cindy Beck
Christine Bryant
Heather Justesen
Danyelle Ferguson
Kim Job
Keith Fisher
Connie Hall
Rachelle Christensen

Each one of these bloggers has influenced me in a very positive and creative way. I appreciate their feedback—which is given freely and regularly—and consider each of their talents unique and special. They are beautiful, creative artists, and I’m glad to have them as part of my writing circle.

You’ll notice I gave the award to more than seven bloggers. But if you’ve been reading for a while, you should know I can’t stick to the numbers given for these things. I always have to sneak in a few extras—because in my book, all the blogs I read are top quality, valuable blogs.

If I had my choice, I’d award a lot more people—but I know it’s only fair that I leave a few of my friends for others to award. This is a chain award, after all.

So…I’m leaving it to you, my trusted awardees, to pass this highest honor on to the other creative bloggers like you.

Thank you again Ali!Now, here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might not know.

5. Nominate 7 Bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

All right. So, now you’re wondering about my list of seven things. Well, here it is at the very end. (I know, something a little different, huh?) The question is, are there seven things left that you all don’t already know?

1. My family (husband, kids, and myself) used to collect Fisher Price Little People. Not the new kind, the vintage kind that were made in the 70’s and 80’s. They are now officially antiques. More about this in a future blog—it’s a long, and somewhat funny, story.

2. I love a good road trip. Granted, my tolerance for length depends on who is in the car, and how much room we have, but there’s something amazing about watching the scenery change as it flies by from town to town and state to state. When my kids are older, I plan to often get in the car with my husband and just drive to wherever suits us at the moment.

3. My eyes change color depending on my mood, what I’m wearing, and the weather. (Blue to green to gray.)

4. I watch the food network every night as I’m winding down before bed. Not that I’m big on cooking, but it’s better than a whole lot of other late night stuff, and mostly pretty interesting.

5. My favorite drink (and also my biggest vice) is Dr. Pepper. When you see me with that drink in my hand—that’s what it is. Unless it’s a water bottle with colored stuff. Then it’s my daily dose of green tea. You know, anti-oxidants to combat the bad stuff in the pop.

6. There’s always a soundtrack playing in my head, and it varies depending on my mood and emotional well being. Here’s where I’m like Ali—when my emotions get stuck, I also turn to music for the much needed release. It’s amazing how the right song, or grouping of songs, can bring out my feelings.

7. Since Ben and Jerry’s discontinued my favorite ice cream a few years back (Island Paradise) I haven’t had a true favorite. But since they came out with the new Key Lime Pie flavor, it’s seriously growing on me. I think it may be the new winner.

There you go! Have fun, kids. Until next time, write on.