Friday, May 24, 2013

Ninja News, Movie Trivia Answers, and This Year’s YOU ROCK Award Recipients!

That’s right – time for the fourth annual YOU ROCK awards!

But first…


Ninja News

Thrill of it all Blogfest
Hosted by Tara Tyler, who is celebrating her upcoming book, Pop Travel, and Heather Gardner, celebrating her newly released book, Maguire’s Corner.
“On June 24th, share a big thrill with us to be entered into The Thrill of it All blogfest contest! We will judge the biggest thrills and give out some thrilling prizes. Entries may be real or fiction.”

The 3-Ups-Blog Hop, hosted by Randi Lee at The Emotional Process of Writing a Novel, is in full swing right now.
My assignment – author Diane Carlisle.
This was the first time I’ve met Diane and here’s what I discovered that’s cool about her:
1-UP – She offers a lot of great writing tips
2-UP – She has a forum on her blog and welcomes discussions, news, and stories.
3-UP – She’s involved in the writing community!

VikLit’s “Celebrating the Small Things” is today. I’m celebrating a three day weekend, taking off from work early again to see a movie (Fast and Furious 6), and the joy of friendship with those listed below. What are you celebrating?


Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Goodfellas – 1990 – Martin Scorsese
2 – Empire of the Sun – 1987 – Steven Spielberg
3 – The Fifth Element – 1997 – Luc Besson
4 – Unforgiven – 1992 – Clint Eastwood
5 – Contact – 1997 – Robert Zemeckis

The YOU ROCK Award!

Time to pass out the fourth annual YOU ROCK Award. Every year it becomes more difficult! I could easily give it to dozens of people. But I keep it to four to seven special recipients, people who have really touched my heart. And this year the award is personalized! All recipients past and present will receive a personalized badge.

Past recipients include: Jeffrey Beesler at World of the Scribe, Gail at At The Farm, Rusty Webb at The Blutonian Death Egg, Chuck at Apocalypse Now, George at CineMarvellous, Lee at Tossing it Out, Yvonne Lewis at The Written Word, RaShelle Workman at A No. 2 Pencil Stat, Hannah at The Write Mood, Jeremy at Retro Z’s, Matthew at The QQQE, Old Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances, Ella at Ella’s Edge, M Pax, Roland Yeomans at Writing in the Crosshairs, and Melissa Bradley at Melissa’s Imaginarium.

I know everyone likes to skim, but I hope you will take a moment to read about these amazing people.

This year’s truly rockin’ cool bloggers:

Robyn at Life By Chocolate
I met Robyn three years ago when some of us were planning a group blog. We never could agree on a name (I think at one point it was One Cool Chick and Seven Dumb Guys) and eventually it fell apart. I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Robyn at first, but once the joint blog fell through, I finally got a chance to know her. And in her I found one of the most witty, charming, and delightful woman I’ve ever met. She is just a joy and I've treasure our exchanges over the years. She’s also been in the hospital this week, so I hope this brings a smile to her face today. Robyn, I adore you – you rock!

Lynda Young
I met Lynda about three years ago and knew at once she was a kindred spirit. A fellow writer and Christian, she possesses a true joy and peace. Much to my amazement, I discovered we shared the same tastes in in all things geek. Lynda is my geek sister and twin, and our lives mirror many of the same experiences and values. She is a true friend, stable and supportive. Lynda, I appreciate you more than you know – you rock!

Michael Di Gesu at In Time
Dedicated, expressive, and compassionate are the first words that come to mind when I think of Michael. That he cares so much for others is reflected in his posts, whether it’s highlighting a friend’s book or taking about earthly angels. He possesses tenacity and drive in all things he does. And it’s this genuine heart and spirit that make you such an amazing friend. Michael – you rock!

Heather at The Waiting is the Hardest Part
My posts are not complete until Heather has left one of her perky and thoughtful comments. It’s difficult to convey emotion online, but a big smile comes through in everything she writes. She has a great sense of humor (the woman carries a gnome around, taking pictures!) and her bubbling personality shines in Stormy. But it is you Heather who’s the great friend, and you rise to the occasion every time. I can always count on you. Heather – you rock!

Stephen Tremp
One of my very first followers, Stephen has always been there. He is consistent and persistent in everything he does. He’s very supportive, and not afraid to jump into any project if it benefits others. And when the world falls apart, he digs in his heels, offers a smile, and says “We’re going through!” Stephen, I really admire that in you. Thanks for the many years of friendship. Stephen – you rock!

Al at Father Dragon Writes
Last but not least is Al. Usually it takes years to build a solid friendship, but once in a while you meet someone so real and true that it happens overnight. Al is the epitome of strength, wisdom, and commitment. His genuine heart is indeed a dragon’s heart. Some days he struggles far more than most realize, but Al’s good for his word and will always come through for his friends. He’s trusting to a fault. (And after the clone machine incident with his dwarves, he’ll probably never loan them to me again!) Al, you are that friend that never leaves our side, even when it gets ugly, and I’m honored to know you. From one Alex to another – you rock!

Thanks so much, guys! Your awards will be emailed to you later today.

Joining either bloghop? Get any of the trivia right? Who’s seeing Fast and Furious 6 this weekend? Follow these amazing, rocking bloggers? And who would YOU nominate for the YOU ROCK Award?

Since Monday is a holiday, I am taking the day off!! I will be back on Wednesday for the Get Healthy Bloghop.

161 comments:

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Am I first? You picked some rocking bloggers and I'm doing Tara's hop. Enjoy your weekend!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. you're so good at keeping us all informed .. and I see new people I should get to know with interesting blogs .. then the ones I do know - it's good they're highlighted giving others the opportunity to find them ...

Tara's blog hop I'll have to miss .. the healthy hop I expect to be around next Wednesday ... and Michael is amazingly generous in his commenting and thoughts across the blogosphere ... Al I've recently met, Stephen and I go back a long way too .. Lynda I see around, and Robyn who needs some positive thoughts right now -

Enjoy Monday ... and I'll be seeing you - cheers Hilary

Michelle Wallace said...

I know all those rocking bloggers, except Robyn.
I've signed up for both bloghops... they never end do they...?
Enjoy your long weekend Alex!

J.L. Murphey said...

I'm celebrating a year post stroke survival. Happy Holiday Alex. Enjoy your down time.

Cathrina Constantine said...

After my first attempt with the A to Z Challenge I might be getting the hang of this blogging and I think I like it. Have a wonderful 3 day weekend, Alex!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely terrific choices for the You Rock award! Funny how group blogs or projects are a great idea, but then we realize the logistics and the work. :)

Brian Miller said...

nice....congrats to the u rock award winners...have pulled a few up to read through here in a bit...its cool to find those kindred spirits along the way...and the interesting circumstances that make it happen like the group blog falling apart so that you could really get to know them....

have a great weekend alex...

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats to all the rocking bloggers!

Everyone, have a great weekend!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sheena-kay, you are first! And enjoy your weekend as well.

Hilary, there are a lot of events to keep up with online. I do my best to keep track of them!

Michelle, they'll never end.

Cathrina, the Challenge is a sharp learning curve!

Trevor, I'm glad I didn't do it then. Now I'm in a better position to coordinate with the A to Z Blog.

Brian, they are indeed kindred spirits.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Alex I FINALLY watched Ironman 1 & 2 yesterday so now I can see 3 in the theater!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

What a very sweet tribute to some wonderful bloggers, and you nailed it with your descriptions, at least of the ones I know (which is most of them) and very well-deserved indeed! Have a great weekend, Alex.

Mark Koopmans said...

LOVE your choices!

All are well-deserved, ESPECIALLY Michael who NEVER lets an uppercase get between his HEART and his MESSAGE :)~

VikLit said...

The joy of friendship is a great celebration indeed.

Mark Koopmans said...

Ha! LOL!

OK then, I vote for "Sven 2014"

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

Great picks for the You Rock awards! These guys are all awesome. :)
I'm not signed up for these hops, but I'll have to go check them out. They sound fun!
Enjoy the long weekend, Alex!

randi lee said...

Your picks for the "you rock" are perfect! I follow all of those bloggers aside from Linda Young, and they're great inspirations. I'm going to have to follow Linda, too! And thanks again for participating in the Blog Hop, Alex! I greatly appreciate it. And I'm sure Diane does, too!!!

Summer Ross said...

I follow most of them- will be checking out the others of the you rock award.
I would nominate Christine Rains.

Want to see Fast and Furious 6. doubt it will be this weekend.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Oh, good choices! Congrats to all of them.

I'm looking forward to FF6, too.

Jo said...

Don't know everyone you picked but Stephen Tremp and Father Dragon are two of my very favourites. I agree, they rock and am glad you have chosen to award them.

We all think you rock too Alex.

JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Optimistic, then go and enjoy the third!!

Mark, your vote is noted!

Randi Lee, thanks for initiating it.

Summer, Christine is awesome.

Juliana Haygert said...

I wish I had more time to participate on more bloghops.

My hubs isn't a fan of the Fast and Furious franchise, so I doubt I'll be watching that movie at the theaters.

Congrats Robyn, Lynda, Michael, Heather, Stephen and Al!


Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Alex, your messages are always a great medicine. You did bring a smile. This is my first blog comment since my return. It comes with much love and gratitude. THANK YOU!
xoRobyn

Ian Anderson said...

I'll be joining the health hop...hope you enjoy the movie and the break! I enjoyed reading about the bloggers you chose, you're gracious and I can tell you actually feel what you wrote.

Leovi said...

I love Chuck at Apocalypse Now ...!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Awesome friends you picked for the award. You rock too. You're such a great friend.

Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

I do follow some of the blogs that you chose to bestow The You Rock Award to. CONGRATS to all past and present recipients of such an awesome award!

Happy Memorial Day!

Al Diaz said...

Funny. You just put both a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. Don't worry. I needed both. The opinion you have of me is pretty close to the one I have of you. Thank you for that honest friendship you awarded and honored me with. Thanks for caring. Honor to the truth, no one rocks better than The Ninja. :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Some wonderful people you've chosen today. I would nominate Elizabeth Craig. And you of course!

Heather M. Gardner said...

I am humbled by your words. My heart is warmed by your sentiments. You made a tear come to my eye. I am amongst the greatest of company. You were right when you said my life would never be the same, it's because of friends like you. My thanks can never be enough, Alex, but I do, thank you.

I love you, too. :)

I appreciate the Blogfest shout out as well!

And, if I'm very lucky, I'll get to see Star Trek this weekend.

Have a great weekend, Alex!

Laura Eno said...

Congrats to your recipients! I know most of them and agree with you completely. Yes, Al is one of those people I connected with immediately. Maybe it's the dragon blood...or all the dwarves.

Suzanne Furness said...

Some great bloggers nominated here. Agree friendship is always worth celebrating.
Have a lovely weekend Alex.

Michael Di Gesu said...

I'm with FD/AL...

How very kind of you, Alex. Of ALL your friends in the blogosphere ... to b singled out, means SO MUCH.

I am honored, humbled, and THRILLED to be included in this year's YOU ROCK pick. As well as to be grouped with such esteemed blogger/friends you have chosen in the past. Two in particular are close friends and one I am meeting tomorrow (Melissa) for a VERY LONG and OVERDUE catch up session. It should take about eight hours and two pots of coffee. LOL.

Enjoy your extra day off... Have a WONDERFUL weekend AND give my best to your charming wife.... the mysterious Ninja Captainess.... LOL.

Thanks again..

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thank you, Jo!

Robyn, you're welcome, and glad you are finally home.

Man O Clay, those people are special to me.

Leovi, Chuck is the man!!!

Al, you are welcome, and thank you for your kind words and friendship. May the dragon's fire burn forever.

Heather, you are welcome! Your life will be forever changed now. And very glad we met.

Laura, you should invite Al and the dwarves to tea with Mistress Snark!

Anonymous said...

Alex I am followers of all the bloggers you highlighted and they are truly wonderful people.

Thanks for my "You Rock Yvonne"
proudly showing on my blog page.

Have a good day off Monday.
Yvonne.

Ella said...

Congrats to everyone chosen to be honored! It was nice to read about each one-I will visit them today~

Thank you Alex for all you do! I feel honored to be mentioned in this rocking group~ @>-----------

YOU ROCK!
Thank you I love my badge
:D

Oh, so much great news!
Happy Friday everyone~



ilima said...

I loved reading about each of those bloggers who Rock. You make them sound so kind and amazing.

I'm excited for a three-day weekend too. It's round two of attempting to see Star Trek. Hopefully no hikers get lost today. :)

Karen Baldwin said...

LOve your choices for cool bloggers. I'll be stopping by their blogs. No hopping for me. I've got family coming in for two weeks and I'm so excited. And I got two of the trivia answers. Have a great weekend.

Laura Clipson said...

That's a great idea for an award, and those bloggers looked like they deserved it :)

Rusty Carl said...

Well, I'd probably nominate you. But since its your award that might be weird. Great stuff today.

Susan Oloier said...

What a wonderful way to recognize people who have touched and impacted you. I must say, Michael is very close to my heart. I am so very glad to know him.

Elise Fallson said...

Those are definitely rocking bloggers to spotlight! Hope everyone here has a great weekend. (:

mshatch said...

If I had to choose one nominee for the 'you rock' award it would be my CP Dianne Salerni, who rocks as a critter, friend AND author. I am lucky to have her to point out plot holes and missed opportunities. I am honored to have been able to read her work in return and even get a mention in The Caged Graves! Plus...she has another book coming out next year - MG - and just wait til you see how much it rocks :)

Unknown said...

I love each of these wonderful people. They are spectacular and really make this blogosphere an amazing place to hang out. Congrats to all of them!

Happy Weekend!!

Catherine Stine said...

Father Dragon Writes is a very unique blog name.
Alex, enjoy your holiday!

Rhonda Albom said...

Wonderful choices for your special award. I already follow half of them, I am off to read the others.

M.J. Fifield said...

I didn't even know there were that many Fast & Furious movies.

Enjoy your three day weekend. I hope you have good weather for it. Ours is getting rained out, so our cookout will be indoors.

Unknown said...

everyone who blogs and is a fun place... rocks. seeing nothing this weekend i am spent until "man of steel"... then i am not sure after that.

have a great weekend, everyone... long weekend for some.

Cecilia Robert said...

Thanks for the links, will definitely check the blogs out. :) Have a great 3 days - extended holiday :D In Vienna, it's back to work on Monday.Happy Friday!

Unknown said...

You named some great people and blogs I follow as well. Great people to celebrate!

Stephen Tremp said...

Thanks Alex for the shout out!

And I agree the other bloggers mentioned rock too! I'm off to visit them now.

Enjoy your weekend and the movie!

Tina said...

Great choices - know all but Robyn, so will have to fix that.
Enjoy your weekend, and thanks for the advice re: windows 7. That was what I was thinking would be the outcome of this all, only THEY would pay for it. A girl can try...
Tina @ Life is Good

Suze said...

Go LYNNIE!!! A beautiful soul. The two of you were the bloggers with a massive following and consistently uplifting and encouraging blogs who 'brought me into the fold' as Girl Wizard. I lift my cup!

And Robert Zemeckis.


DAH!

Suze said...

Also, which movie did you quote over at SC this morning???

Pat Hatt said...

Always grand to find such people in blogland, heard of most of them too, as the cat gets around at his zoo. Will be seeing FF6 in a few hours too.

Charles Gramlich said...

Your awardees sound like the kind of folks you'd want at your side during a zombie apocalypse!

Amanda Trought said...

Alex, it is always a joy to visit your site, some great blog hops will check them out, and it was lovely to read about those who have made it to your 'You Rock' list. It is great to be able to build online relationships with other inspiring people. Blessings for the weekend.

Andrew Leon said...

We might go see Epic.
I haven't seen any of the F&F movies, and I don't really intend to.

jaybird said...

You made some great choices there Alex. There are so many wonderful bloggers out there to choose from too.

I am taking this three day weekend off from blogging as well. Lots of plans for this three-day weekend.
Hope you have a great one!

Arlee Bird said...

Excellent choices for the "You Rock!" award. Thank you for my personalized version.

Lee
Wrote By Rote

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Michael, you are very welcome! Have an awesome visit with Melissa and remember, you both rock.

Yvonne, glad you like the new badge.

Ella, you rock!

Rusty, thanks, and yeah, a little weird. Make your own then!

Marcy, glad I got to highlight her then!

MJ, and each one is better than the last!

Stephen, you're welcome!

Tina, go for it. Dump that Windows 8.

Suze, it was a take on Groundhog Day - 'Don't drive angry.'

Charles, yes I would.

Andrew, good luck. Heard adults will be bored.

Lee, you are welcome!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Love this post! All those bloggers totally rock!!! Have a great weekend!!!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I love your picks this year! I agree with every single one of them and am so happy I know them all prior to talking about them.

Mark Means said...

You picked some truly rockin' people...congrats to them! :)

Some I know, a few I don't, so I'll have to check those folks out.

Have a great (extended) weekend.

SK Anthony said...

They all seem worthy of the award, congrats to Robyn, Lynda, Michael, Stephen and Al :D

Enjoy the movie and the long weekend!

Carrie-Anne said...

I signed up for the Thrill of It All Blogfest, though I'm not sure yet just what I should use for my entry.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Alex, you have chosen rocking bloggers, I adore them all :)

Have a lovely weekend.

Tara Tyler said...

thanks so much for the shout out!

and you have chosen wisely, rockin ninja master!

have a fun filled weekend!
i look forward to your report on f&f6!

~Sia McKye~ said...

This weekend hubs and I are having a date weekend. We need one and I want to see a movie and have dinner. I want to see the new Star Trek and Fast and Furious 6. Now I have to pick. sigh... We're also going to go walking around Fort Leonard Wood (where he works) there's a lot to see and some nice trails.

there are two on your list of rocking bloggers I haven't read. Need to check them out. Thanks for the heads up.

Enjoy your weekend, Alex. Hugs to your awesome life partner and wife.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

PK HREZO said...

Aw, way to spread the love, Alex!! Awesome bloggers so well deserving!
Enjoy your Monday off! Here's to a but of R$R over the weekend!

Anonymous said...

Happy Friday, Alex. This is another superb post. Glad you get to take off early today and enjoy a movie. Best of the weekend to you!

Bevimus said...

3Up was great- both giving and receiving. And I'm psyched about eh 24th! While I've yet to meet Robyn or Michael (something I will fix shortly), I can attest to the rockitude of Lynda, Heather, Stephen and Al- all deserving, all awesome.

Enjoy the crazy races and crashes tonight! I myself am hoping to finally see Into Darkness so now I can read all those posts I had to skip because they warned me of spoilers!

John Wiswell said...

All of your community highlight choices made me smile. This was so sweet of you, and you wrote them all up so kindly.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Excellent choices Alex. And I promise, I didn't skim :)

Carol Kilgore said...

Congratulations to recipients of the You Rock Award. All those bloggers really do rock! Great choices, Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carrie-Anne, I have no idea either...

Tara, you're welcome.

Sia, go see Star Trek first. It needs the boost. And have a great date weekend.

Beverly, go and enjoy!

Thanks, John.

Appreciate that, Elizabeth.

Unknown said...

Congrats to all the winners! You all do indeed rock!

Anonymous said...

And now that the post is finished and live, Smile. You're on Celebrate the Small Things, Alex http://effectivelyhuman.blogspot.com/2013/05/celebrate-small-things-052413.html

Mel Chesley said...

Congrats to all the winners! Great choices, Alex. Have a safe weekend!

Brandon Ax said...

I know it isn't very manly of me, but I want to see Epic this weekend.

I keep wanting to do more blog hops, but I am trying to focus on the writing I need to do, guess I need to learn how to manage it all better, lol. One day I will learn to be as great as you sir.

Congrats to all the winners.

Morgan said...

I'm so glad you highlighted Michael today, Alex! He's got one of the most giving/kind hearts I've ever known!!!!

Unknown said...

You're always so concise and pack so much info into a small space - that's why I like reading your blog.
Congrats to all the YOU ROCK award winners!
I only got Scorsese on the trivia questions. I can't believe I didn't think of Eastwood -- I knew he directed (and was in) that movie, dang-it!

Christine Rains said...

Congrats to the You Rock bloggers! Awesome choices and well deserved. I'm all signed up for Tara and Heather's bloghop. Have a great long weekend!

Nick Wilford said...

Great choices for You Rock! Congrats. Thanks for the heads up on the blogfests - I'm so out of the loop!

The Words Crafter said...

Congratulations to the winners! I need to go meet Al : )

Hope you like the movie. I've GOT to go see Star Trek this weekend!

M Pax said...

Yay for the You Rock recipients! A great group of folks, Alex.

I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy your day off. I'm going to freeze my toes off tonight...

Nicki Elson said...

Applause for all the deserving recipients! I look forward to seeing their badges proudly displayed at their blogs.

Enjoy the long weekend!

P.S. I hereby grant you open permission to borrow anything at all from my blog that you may care to use in the future. ;)

Belle said...

I got two of the director right. I thought Jodie Foster directed Contace - a wonderful movie. I liked your list of bloggers and will go visit.

Unknown said...

Aw, what a sweet tribute to some rockin' bloggers! Have a fun & safe holiday. :)

dolorah said...

Congrats to all the recipients of your You Rock award. They are all fabulous bloggers, and have contributed wonderful insights and activities to the writing world here.

Have a great weekend Alex.

.......dhole

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

aw ,wow. I woke up bleary-eyed this morning. In my cow slippers and rugged up in my dressing gown, I thought I'd check out some favourite bloggers before breakfast. And what a wonderful surprise!!

Thank you SO MUCH for your kind words and the awesome award! I hope you know that YOU ROCK too!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Congrats to the bloggers...I know some of them, too! A nice award. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

MJ, that does make me smile!

Brandon, you might lose a point, but then you do have kids. And thanks, just doing my best.

Morgan, yes he is!

Lexa, thank you.

Mary, but you'll have so much fun doing it.

Nicki, thanks - I'd do better about asking next time though.

Lynda, you and your cow slippers are most welcome. Meanwhile it's an awesome summer evening here.

klahanie said...

Alex dude!

Ah yes, more thrilling blogfests. In actuality, I have interacted with all those concerned in the two blogfests mentioned. And we are also celebrating a three day weekend in Britain. Alex, you may recall that long weekends are called "Bank holiday" weekends in Britain.

Your choices for your award are superb and I've had the great honour to interact with all you've mentioned, at one time or another.

A happy long weekend to you and all our friends.

Gary

The Happy Whisk said...

Haven't been to the movies in forever. You have a great weekend.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Great picks for you rock.
I'm taking Monday off too from blogging but hoping for some writing after a cookout.

Johanna Garth said...

Those are some great bloggers you picked! Really nice tributes, Alex!

Helena said...

These rockin' bloggers really sound wonderful. I have to say that I'm really impressed with the great people I've met online (and that includes you, Alex) and the support we virtual writers give each other.

Anonymous said...

Great rocking bloggers selection. It's great to see the impact they've had on you.

mooderino said...

Congrats to all the You rock winners. Well chosen.

mood

Unknown said...

Some very good choices for this years You Rock. Congrats to them all!

Liza said...

I am continuously amazed and delighted at the friendships I've formed online. I know Lynda and Stephen, but I'll check out your other winners. If they are recommended by you Alex, I know they rock. Hope you enjoy your long weekend!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gary dude! May we both enjoy our long holidays then. And we're uncreative - they're just three day weekends.

Thank you, Helena.

Liza, I am also amazed.

Leovi said...

I love Lynda Young ...!

L.G. Keltner said...

You picked some great bloggers! Congratulations to all the award winners!

DMS said...

Yeah to all of those who received a You Rock Award. I loved learning about these wonderful people and I look forward to checking out their blogs. :)
~Jess

Intangible Hearts said...

Great picks and I love Diane!!
I'd be silly not to nominate The Desert Rocks for a "rockin' award!". LOL

Chancelet said...

Enjoy the extra time with your family and great new blog hops.

If you don't mind? Will you post news on my first attempt at a blog hop - The Tuesday Journal Past Blast, where you post on old writings, journals, etc. I'm giving it til June 14 to see if anyone's interested. If not, then I'll just keep it as my own posts. Thanks so much if you do.

Here's the link: http://nancylarondajohnson.blogspot.com/2013/05/tuesdays-journal-past-blast-messy-art.html

Patricia Stoltey said...

Great selections for your awards, Alex. Stephen is the one I've known longest. He's awesome.

Tonja said...

I'm late again....People skim?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Desert, that's funny.

Nancy, sure!

Tonja - funny.

Brinda said...

I know most of the bloggers you recognized, but it's always great to meet someone new.

I need to put Tara Bloghop on my calendar!

Robin said...

Hey Alex, I am still out on vacation, but I did want to offer up a quick congrats to your You Rock recipients. I currently read Robyn's and Al's blog and agree that they are Tops! I will have to come back to this post when I get home and check out your other features. Always interested in anyone who rocks;) Congrats to all!!!!

Anonymous said...

What, me skim? Never. Congratulations to the winners! And hey, I got around to seeing the new STAR TREK this week -- twice. Good stuff!
In Medias Res

Annalisa Crawford said...

Congratulations to all the You Rock award winners! They're all completely deserving of the honour. I follow all of them, but due to the horrendously random nature of my blog reading I don't get around to some of them as much as I should do. Must try harder!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Your posts are such an asset. I'm behind, so behind, but I'll catch up. I know most of these bloggers and that's because of you!

Leovi said...

I like Life By Chocolate!

Sherry Ellis said...

Those are all great choices for the "You Rock" award. Congratulations to all of them!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robin, hope you're having fun on vacation!

Milo, it rocked!

Annalisa, it's not always easy.

Joylene, you've been missed.

Chuck said...

Wow...I can't believe I am just now getting to read some of my favorite blogs. Where does the time go??

Great choices for the awards, Alex. And thanks again for previously awarding ME. Robyn, is such a great writer on her site...and sadly I have not seen anything from her recently. She makes me laugh!! And I am reading Stephens books and you are right...he DESERVES this award.

And I only got two right on the trivia...coz I only knew two!!

SC Author said...

I read all of the recipients' blurbs -- they sound truly amazing. You are truly blessed to have friends like them!

Anonymous said...

Just spent some time visiting your 3 up person, Diane. Thanks for pointing me in her direction. She has a very nice blog. I have mixed feelings about adding forums to blogs for comments, but hey, it is one way around Google + and the problem it creates with blog comments. Kudos to her for taking the time to solve the problem in a unique and interesting way.

Denise Covey said...

I saw the award on Michael's blog. He is a wonderful choice and so are all the others. Congrats to all.

My blog posts are no longer updating. Am working on the problem, but meanwhile I am posting...I'm in the healthy bloghop...

Denise

Fe said...

You are so fortunate to have such wonderful friends, Alex.

God Bless

Unknown said...

Hi Alex! I'm coming back into the bloggersphere after a bit of an absence. Now I'd better investigate those blog hops!!! I'm so out of touch :-(

Karen Lange said...

Congrats to all the You Rock recipients!

Happy Memorial Day!

Marta Szemik said...

That's some mighty company on your blog:) Congratulations to everyone on the Rock award. Truly well deserved.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chuck, hopefully Robyn will be back with us soon. At least she's at home now.

MJ, it does work around Google+.

Denise, several are having that issue. They aren't even updating in my blogroll.

Susan, good to hear from you!

Misha Gerrick said...

Excellent choices!

I'm not sure I'd ever be able to pick just a few bloggers for an award. Probably why I leave nominations open to others. ;-)

David P. King said...

What a great list of amazing bloggers, and congrats to Robyn! I feel the same way as you do for Al Diaz. Coolest blogger dragon ever! :)

Jai Joshi said...

Lynda Young's been one of my good blog friends for years now. I know Stephen and Michael too. Thanks for letting me know about the others!

Jai

Donna K. Weaver said...

Great choices, Alex!

Tammy Theriault said...

Past and present winners...congrats!!! Awesome sauce being poured their way!

Mary Aalgaard said...

I follow most of your honored guests - great bloggers, great people.

A Beer for the Shower said...

Some great bloggers you've got there. Robyn is one of my personal favorites. We've traded e-mails, she's sent me a book (and some chocolates) and I would even call her a friend. The rest I'll have to check out.

No new post yet, so I assume you're enjoying your memorial day. Have a good one!

Matt Conlon said...

Nice dude! I'm with you on Robyn too, I didn't know the others, but I'm glad to know them now!

Matt Conlon said...

Actually, that's not quite true, I'm familiar with Stephen too! (Sorry... I do so love to skim... (facepalm))

Anonymous said...

These are all well-deserved. I am now following Father Dragon. :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Misha, it's difficult!

David, yes he is.

Brandon and Bryan, Robyn is just amazing. And yes, took today off - next post on Wednesday.

Matt, most do!

Shannon Lawrence said...

Congratulations to everyone! All are wonderful choices (including past winners).

We're going to the drive-in tomorrow to see Epic and Star Trek (they're paired). Can't wait!

Shannon at The Warrior Muse

Kelly Polark said...

You are always so wonderful about giving shout outs to fellow writers and bloggers, Alex. You rock!

alexia said...

That's a lot of blogfests going on! What nice awards. I love 'Father Dragon Writes' - what a cool blog name.

Patsy said...

So far I only follow one of your amazing rocking bloggers - I'm off to check out the others.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

YAY! So many awesome bloggers rocking! You've made some amazing choices. :)

Brian Miller said...

hope you had a great long weekend alex.

Shell Flower said...

Glad I stopped by to see all the folks your picks for the "You Rock" award. Very cool and some great folks! I'm also glad you took a day off :) Keep on rockin'.

Jay Noel said...

I was on the road hardcore last week, so I'm totally behind on everything. So I come here to get caught up!

There's some bloggers you awarded that I've never visited, so my priority will be to hang out at their places today.

Theresa Milstein said...

A lot of rockin' worthy recipients listed. I saw Old Kitty's on her blog. She was one of my first followers and has always been a huge cheerleader.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Shannon, have a good time! And that is an odd combination.

Thanks, Kelly - you rock!

Brian, I did!!!

Shell, even Ninjas need a day off now and then.

Jay, I try to keep everyone updated.

Theresa, she was one of my first followers as well.

Emily R. King said...

Yay for all those awesome bloggers! I think I follow them all, too. Lynda is truly wonderful. Her posts are always so helpful!

Julie Dao said...

I "know" most of the bloggers myself and have enjoyed their blogs over the years! GREAT picks!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

What great folks to receive the You Rock awards. I follow Michael and Stephen and "know" the others as well. Wonderful of you to recognize them! That's because "You Rock" as well!!!

RaShelle Workman said...

Alex - you really do rock. I love the new award. It's awesome.

And congrats to all the new recipients. =)

RaShelle Workman said...

Okay, hopefully the 2nd time is the charm. Blogger is being weird.

Congrats to all the recipients of the "You Rock" awards. I'll tell ya, it's awesome to get one.

You really do rock, Alex!!!

Jeff Hargett said...

You chose some rockin' stars for sure! Big congrats to them all! I see there are a couple with whom I need to become better acquainted. And no, no F&F for me. I understand you have to have seen the previous five first or the sixth won't make sense. ;-)

Al Penwasser said...

I follow Robyn's blog, too, and she IS a delight. Plus, you picked a great picture of her!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

RaShelle, you rock! And sorry, comment moderation is on for posts over four days old.

Jeff, just numbers one, four, and five!

Al, she looks so happy in that shot!

Cathrina Constantine said...

Even though you have 156 comments I decided to make it 157. I truly hope you enjoyed your 3 day weekend, Alex.

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

Congrats to all your rocking blogger choices! :) What great, wonderful bloggers. Yay!

Catch My Words said...

This is quite an honor because you know a lot of bloggers.

http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2013/05/wordless-wednesday-meet-mowgli.html

Deniz Bevan said...

Congratulations to the You Rock! winners!

Nicole said...

Congrats to the blog winners! You've got some great shout-outs there.