I'd Like To Thank The Academy

No, it's not time for the Academy Awards yet, but there are a few people I would like to thank for two awesome awards they have passed on to me.

A big thanks and shout out to Eva at Wrestling with Retirement for bestowing the Splash Award on me. This lovely gem is the brainchild of Jo at Diary of a Sad Housewife.

Eva is a terrific blogger with a zest for life and a wonderful sense of humor. I feel really honored that she passed this award on to me. Here's what it's about....

The Splash Award

Is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs.

When you receive this award, you must:* Put the logo on your blog/post.* Nominate & link up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.* Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.* Remember to link to the person from whom you received your Splash Award.

In keeping with the Splash tradition, I am passing this award on to a few inspiring bloggers that I highly recommend you read, follow and comment on-- OFTEN! They inspire me all the time.

1) Holly Queen of the Universe at Your Mother Knows But Won't Tell You: Holly's blog is one of the very first blogs I discovered when I started blogging. I've read, and LOVED, every post since. She's a "must read" in my book and I think she will be in yours too!

2) Brian Miller at WaystationOne: Let me tell you, this guy can write some of the most beautiful and heartfelt poetry you've ever read. You will be blown away when you check him out.

3) Anne at Carb Tripper: When you stop by Anne's blog you will be inspired from the get-go, AND you'll find great picture, music, poetry, story telling and writing. Her wit and outlook on life always leaves me feeling better no matter what kind of day I'm having.

4) Mari at 365 Days: I visit Mari every day for a dose of visual beauty. Her photographs bring smiles, peace and ahhhhs to my laptop. Mari has a great eye and a great way of summarizing each shot with a few words and a lot of heart.

5, 6, 7, 8, & 9) YOU-- I pass this award on to all of YOU! So please accept this award and pass it on to your deserving faves!

The second award is from AmyK at Life is Not A Cruise. AmyK is also a terrific writer and a new blog friend. Her writing is honest, funny and thoughtful. Please stop by and say hello.

I love the award AmyK gave me-- "I Give Good Blog" which was created by JennyMac at Let's Have A Cocktail. This award is like a party, even though I don't drink, I get to party and raise my glass to four other bloggers I think "Give Good Blog".

But before the party starts, here are the award rules:

JennyMac wrote:"The rules: No one really likes rules, do they? I shall make mine simple. Make a cocktail, pick out some of your favorite bloggers. Send this award to 4 of them. Tell them why you think they give good blog. There are SO many fascinating, witty, and fantastic bloggers; let's invite them all to the party.Or you can just put it on your mantle and watch it sparkle.And if you think it sassy that I created my own Award, just consider it a grown up and virtual version of a friendship bracelet."

So, without further ado, I pass this award on to....

1) Alix at Casa Hice: One minute Alix will have you laughing out loud, the next minute you'll be crying your eyes out, but trust me, you WILL love her!

2) Spencer L. Casey of Naked Toes On Algae-Covered Skipping Stones: This guy has such a great way with words that I'm always on the lookout for his latest post.

3) Attila The Mom at Cheaper Than Therapy: You. Will. Laugh. Your. Ass. Off. Period!

4) YOU! Again! Wow, you received TWO AWARDS in one day. You rock!

Please take a few minutes and check out these blogs. They are all by talented writers!

The hardest part of this kind of post is not naming EVERY blog I read, so please know I'm a huge fan of the ENTIRE list of fave blogs you see to the right. And like I said, YES, I really do read them all. I know it's a long list and I know it's not the best way to present your blogs, but I'm working on it. And, if you know I'm a regular reader of your blog and you're not on my list, PLEASE send me an email and let me know! My BlogRoll is all screwed up (Thank you Blogger) and I'm working on getting it together.

And before I leave you, I have a favor to ask. This is a photo of Jayme, the daughter of a great friend at Taylor You. Under the army fatigues, bullet proof vest and boots is a sweetheart of a girl who is preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in several weeks. Gulp! Please say a prayer for our girl, G.I. Jayme, and all the other soldiers defending our country. To read more about Jayme click here.

Thanks one and all. You are the greatest readers a blogger could ever ask for! And thanks to the cool gals who created and gave me these awards. Please pass them on!

Welcome to The Fifty Factor - Joanna