Growling with Pride...

Like many things in my life, this all started with Tiff. I consider it an honor to be nominated, as the comments included "accepting", "imaginative", "succinct" and "often hilarious". How could I deny accepting an award that was so obviously true?!

I kid. It's sweet, thoughtful, and nice to be nominated. Especially when the phrase "succinct" is used. It's really not a word that most people associate with me. (Those words would tend toward "mouthy", "sarcastic" and "immature".)

Since Tiff copied the rules directly from the source, I will follow suit.

"How does it work? Below are copies of the award that we can each distribute to those people who have blogs we love, can't live without, where we think the writing is good and powerful. I thought interested members could kick things off by publishing the award on their own blog, naming five people they would like to give it to (members or non-members), and accompany the image with three things they believe are necessary to make writing good and powerful. The recipients then do the same, passing it on to five other people, and so on."

Five, huh? Ooo-kaaay.

1. Belle of the Blog. I adore this woman. Truly. If my mother was alive today, she would have adopted Dawn. Whether she's writing about her musician husband, her gorgeous kids, or discussing a week of Family Flu experiences, I am there. I wish she lived closer to me; I have the feeling she'd be a great neighbor.

2. Rich. Creative, funny and often 'on edge', this ADHD Dad is a force to be reckoned with. Unless his wife is involved. Then my money would be on her.

3. Tracy Lynn. I fell into reading her because she's on Dialysis. I stayed because even her threats are funny. In a really dark, moderately evil sort of way. If she mentions wanting to 'spoon you', you'd better run. It's really not what you think.

4. Brenda Love. Ooh, man. Art, rock music, cartoons and starry skies. Anyone that keeps a rock'n'roll loving Betta fish at work (RIP) is gold in my book.

5. Shari. Duh. Anyone that would create a Christmas tree out of slutty Barbie Dolls is near and dear to my heart. Especially when they post pictures of it. We also have a common love of Tom Brokaw, a Nerd Crush that should never be denied.

The rules also state that I should include Three Rules that I find necessary to make writing good and powerful. Thankfully, these are my rules, and may be followed/ignored as we all see fit. Three current rules are as follows:

1. Learn to listen to your own voice. Otherwise, be you. The writers I noted above are all widely different in style and content, and I enjoy them that way. Don't try to be Stephen King if you're more Patricia Cornwell. You'll just make yourself miserable.

2. Edit. I write in Stream of Consciousness, and sometimes forget that Rambling Thoughts include "rambling" for a reason. DO be true to yourself, just look things over before you press "post".

3. Get over yourself. Really. There's really nothing to add.

For the record, these are rules that I tell myself DAILY. Otherwise, this blog would be a list of random reasons my boss should be neutered, why Vietnamese Bologna looks like Cat Food, and How to Annoy your Employees.


Without further Ado, y'all Nominees...Go and nominate a few of your own favorites!