There Is Always Something To Be Thankful For.

Back on September 15, 2013, my name ended up in a hat. My name got taken out of said hat. Penny the Jack Russell dog and myself, her mere human, Gary, had won a collection of mystery prizes. We'd entered the draw that was a thank you for following Delores over to her new site. A site I recently mentioned, this site, Under The Porch Light.  I do hope that if you haven't already been over to Delores' new blog, you would kindly go over and say hi.

The package with the mystery prizes arrived today, Monday, November, 4, 2013.  It was tracked as it meandered its way over from Guelph, Ontario, Canada, to Leek, Staffordshire, England.  I found out the reason it took so long.  Somewhere over the Atlantic, a carrier pigeon landed on the schooner, "The HMS Grenville" and removed  the mystery prize package from the clutches of commander James Cook. From there, safely grasping the mystery prize package, the carrier pigeon headed for England.

Then things slowed down again and below is why.

Yes indeed, by the time Postman Pat and his black and white cat had finished amusing the folks on his route, he finally found the time to actually deliver the mystery prize package. Thank you, Postman Pat and your black and white cat. 

Here are the mystery prizes. You can click on the photo, if you so wish, to see the prizes in greater detail. Penny has had some of the doggy treats and being a clever dog, understood the English and French words on everything. All things Canadian!  I'm in hoser heaven, eh. Delores, thank you so much.  The wait was worth it. Time for some Tim Hortons coffee. Oh yeah!  There is always something to be thankful for.

Speaking of coffee, Laura, whose blog can be found here, Austanspace, sent me coffee last Christmas and also for my birthday. I'd joked about British coffee being really good for constipation. Bless Laura, she duly sent me over some actual coffee. I've just finished off the fantastic coffee she sent me. The coffee certainly was grounds for making me happy. Local folks did, however, ask me why my eyebrows were stuck to the top of my forehead. Thank you, Laura. There is always something to be thankful for.

How could I possibly not make a mention of the adorable Michelle over at, All Consuming. Michelle, if you haven't had the delight of visiting her blog, covers a wide variety of topics. Sometimes serious, sometimes zany, but always worth a look.

Not only does she write a blog, she's also very adept at creating works of art. Michelle sent me this little tin with a photo of yes, that's correct, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! Michelle, Penny and I are most grateful for your act of thoughtfulness. Thank you, Michelle.  

So impressed are Penny and I with her creativity, we've shared some of her creations on Facebook. I know that you might be aware of this. If you are on Facebook, you can check Michelle it out  here, Clockwork Jewel. Here's an example of her jewellery, Viridian Moon Heart on Folksy  You can also check out The Clockwork Jewel, in its entirety, by going here, The Clockwork Jewel at Folksy. There is always something to be thankful for.

If you weren't aware, I would like to draw your attention to Joylene Nowell Butler's site. The link I'm supplying will let you know exciting news about her mystery thriller, "Dead Witness."  Here is where you can find out the exciting news, Buzz Deal on Dead Witness. Nice one, Joylene. There is always something to be thankful for.  

Before I finally go and yes, by my standards, this is one long posting, I want to give special mention to Julia Hones. Julia writes superbly and her poetry is profound, thoughtful, touching. Would you be so kind, if you haven't been to Julia's site, to check her out here, My writing life. Thank you, Julia, for your positive interaction. There is always something to be thankful for.

Have you checked out Delores' new site at, Under The Porch Light?

Would you be so kind as to visit Laura at, Austanspace.

Please visit Michelle at, All Consuming.

Checking out Joylene's announcement at  Buzz Deal on Dead Witness?

And please say hello to Julia at, My writing life.

There is always something to be thankful for. I'm thankful to those in the list above and thankful to you.  

The Magic Of The Written Word.

During my nearly six years of blogging, yes Gary, get some sleep...Um...during the nearly six years since I began my little known, apparently, according to my 'admirers', a well kept secret blog, I've had the privilege of interacting with bloggers who are either published authors or aspire to be so.  Thanks to their determination, their passion, the encouragement and support of published writers, other aspiring writers and bloggers, I sense the caring ideals within this great and diverse community.

Here is a list of some published author and blogger friends:

Jenny Woolf can be discovered here at these two links : Jenny Woolf author information.  And you can find her main blog here : *An English Travel Writer*

Of course, we have our good friend, Joylene Nowell Butler, who has written "Dead Witness" and "Broken But Not Dead".  Joylene was most kind and forwarded me an e-copy of "Dead Witness".  You can get information regarding Joylene and her books here : Joylene Nowell Butler  Her blog can be discovered here : Joylene Nowell Butler, suspense author

Then we have the lovely Teresa Ashby, author of, "You Can't Love a Stranger & Other Stories".  You can find a list of her books here : Teresa Ashby and you can find her blog here : A Likely Story

We also have our buddy, PT Dilloway, author of "A Hero's Journey".  You can find information about his writing here : A Hero's Journey  and his blog site here :  PT Dilloway

Then there is my dear friend, Diane Perry, who has a book titled "Red Kite", which you can get details about here : Red Kite  You can also discover her blog here : Working 2 Write.  At her blog, you can find out details about her other blog.  Diane also has another book which can be checked out here : 100 Ways for a Chicken to Train Its Human

I have the delight of interacting with this author and blogger, Michael Offcutt, you can find information about his books here : Michael Offcutt: Books and his blog here: Michael Offcutt Speculative Fiction Author

And you can find all about Pearl and her book here : I Was Raised To Be A Lert  You can find her blog and information on her latest book "The Second Book of Pearl: The Cats", at her blog site here : Pearl, Why You Little...

If you want an excellent read, I would suggest you check out this author, Alex. J. Cavanaugh.  You can find out about his books here :  Books by Alex J. Cavanaugh and his blog here : Alex J. Cavanaugh

I also have the great privilege on interacting with a recently published author who lives in Victoria, British Columbia.  Suzanne Bean's book can be discovered here : Between Concrete & Earth. Poetry by Suzanne Bean  Her blog which is a combination of her wonderful art and words, can be visited here : Suzanne Bean

And there's this wonderful children's author, Carole Anne Carr, who very kindly sent me a signed copy of her book, "First Wolf".  You can discover the magic of Carole's books here : Books by Carole Anne Carr.  And her blog site is here : The Adventures of a Children's Author

Here are a few aspiring author blogger friends :

A gentleman whose passion for writing will continue with the determination to make his dream come true.  His name is Jeff Hargett and you can get some information on Jeff's writing aspirations here : Jeff Hargett  You can read Jeff's blog here : Strands of Pattern

I've had the honour of getting to know Sharon. K. Mayhew and she is currently working on a book that I know will make for a most fascinating read.  And the book she is working on has a coincidental aspect that I relate to.  You can find out about some of Sharon's endeavours here : S.K. Mayhew Manuscripts   Her blog is located here : S.K. Mayhew, Kid Lit Writer

And you might just know our dear friend in New Zealand.  "Gidday",  Wendy Morrell.  Wendy and I quote, is an, "Aspiring children's author who likes ripe blue cheese, wine and people who love animals.  Not necessarily in that order..."  I know very well how much passion and desire that Wendy has to see her published writing dream, become a magical reality.  You can find Wendy here :  W.M. Morrell's Musings From Down Under.

Of course, we have the enchanting "unikorna".  This wonderful lady loves elves, fairies and writing about them.  She is going to try and finish her first book before May of this year.  I wish her much success and fulfilment with her novel.  You can read her blog here :  Why I Wake Up Every Day

Our friend, Misha Gericke, is working to finish her epic fantasy novel.  To get an idea of Misha's caring ethos within the blogging, writing community, you can check this here :My First Book: ANNOUNCING: My First Book's Plans for 2013.  You can visit Misha's main blog site here : My First Book

I know there are several published writers and aspiring writers I could of also mentioned.  If you are a published or an aspiring author, you have my utmost respect and admiration.  May we all be here, supporting and encouraging each other.   Feel the passion, the magic, the power of the written word.  I thank you.

Pawsitive Promotion.

Hi there, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star.  In between being hounded by the 'puparazzi', I thought it would be a super pawesome idea to pawmote, sorry, promote some blogs that Gary and myself believe deserve more recognition.
My human, who I so kindly allow to live with me and I, have been blessed with much interaction on this site.  We are profoundly grateful for that.   We truly embrace what we believe are the ideals of a sharing, caring dogging, sorry, blogging community.  And so, we would like to bring further awareness of these amazing bloggers who you might not be aware of.  It would be appreciated if you went and paid them a visit.  Thank you.

1: All Consuming   A clever and varied blog that we have recently had the great pleasure of interacting with.
2: THE SNEE   Rebecca, at this site, writes a very inventive and most satirical blog.  Well worth a visit.
3:  A Day in the Life   Our friend David writes a very intelligent, thought provoking blog.   The general ethos of David's site is to bring further awareness of mental health concerns and eradicate the unfair stigma still surrounding mental health issues.
4:  Soundoff   Our friend Heather has a passion to write and demonstrate positivity through some very challenging times in her life.  If you have never visited Heather's site, would you kindly go and say hello.
5:  In search of a Russian oligarch    GEM, has left England and has started an adventure in Russia.  Superb writing and superb pictures can be noted on this excellent site.
6:  Chaos and Kairos     Chris is an excellent writer.  We know she is on a new journey of discovery in her life and we wish her well.  Highly recommended blog.
7:  Austanspace   Laura is a prolific blogger.  Witty, thoughtful and topical.  We know that Laura has had a challenging past year.  Yet, despite this, her positivity radiates.  Worth a visit.
8:   dcrelief   We have had the great fortune of interacting with Dixie for quite some time.  A talented writer and artist.  Dixie's site is worth your while to go and visit.
9:   To Discover Ice   Our friend bazza writes a highly informative blog that expresses his wide range of interests.  He writes about everything from science to artistic masterpieces.  If you have never visited bazza, please have a look.
10:   Prufrock's Dilemma   Susan presents a blog of cultural, visual and musical delight.  We have learnt a lot from Susan and for that, we are truly grateful.

So there you be.  A selection of noteworthy bloggers that my human and I, Penny the Jack Russell dog, would like to see gain the recognition they merit.
We are all a part of something very special within the blogging community.  All different, all equal, rejoicing and learning within this wondrous diversity.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx 

Blog Air.

In theme with my previous posting in regards to specialised airlines, I present to you an airline that exclusively caters to bloggers.  Introducing, 'Blog Air'.

A while back I did a posting titled, Big Blogger , which discussed the concept of bloggers with a diversity of talents, all vying to be the ultimate winner in a 'reality' television show.  This is a concept that really should be put forward to a television network.  So just how would we get the bloggers to such a show?  Of course, we could fly them on Blog Air.

Ah, I can just visualise the scene.  One by one, the bloggers board Blog Air.  'Um, hello flight attendant, there must be a mistake with my seat location!  I have over a thousand 'followers' and I should be in first class and not stuck in economy with all those insignificant bloggers!'  The blogger waiting to board behind the 'popular' blogger, states, 'Oh yeah and just how many of those followers actually read your stuff?  I would rather a small amount of followers that I interacted with, rather than your misleading total.  In fact, I have fifty followers and I certainly don't think that makes you twenty times better than me!'  And thus the festivities of the bloggers on Blog Air, begins in earnest.

I'm on Blog Air and yes, I'm in the economy section.  I listen to the chatter of the bloggers in the seats nearby and up in the first class section.  'You know, my blog is a very important place.  A meeting place where other lesser bloggers can come and note just how wonderful I am!'  And thus, I realised I was listening to the self-obsessed blogger.  'You must read my latest posting that ties in nicely with my other posting about the upcoming posting that tells you about my posting that I posted last month about how great my postings are!'  Hmmm, so that would be the self-promoting blogger.  And then I overhear the 'comedy' blogger who likes to repeat the same jokes over and over and over and....  'Hey, hey, I'm more off-the-wall than Humpty Dumpty!  Fred Flintstone meet Homer Simpson, 'Yabba dabba....Doh!'   'Oh yeah, like you are sooo funny', I think to myself.

So I sit there, quietly listening to the various bloggers, in all their diversity.  I hear the crude one telling how 'fucking awesome they are!'  I listen to the serious ones, the shy ones, the poetic ones, the cynical ones and the ones who do variety.  I hear one blogger describe a situation that could take but a few sentences, yet drags it out for what seems an eternity.  And I realise this is the blogger who writes blogs that are just too damn long.  Which makes me realise, if I don't stop soon, this posting will be skimmed through, or ignored, or a couple of key words picked up on, in order to make a comment.

Yes, I sit here on Blog Air in economy class and I stare out the window.  Thoughts drift into my mind, that we, within the great blogging community, are all different, all equal.  Let us embrace the diversity and truly be here for each other.  I then see this one blogger swaggering down the aisle with a toilet plunger on their head.  'Hey, look at me!  I'm a unicorn!'  So, that would be the surreal blogger.

Lovely Blog Award.

I have been most honoured to have a, 'Lovely Blog Award', bestowed upon me. It has come to my attention that I have received this award twice. So I must humbly apologise to that wonderful blogger, 'Julie Phillips', whose very informative and supportive blog can be found at the following address: http://jlpwritersquest.blogspot.com/ Thank you Julie, it was really great for me that your daughter pulled my name out of a bag. Your posting regarding my blog was thoughtful and most encouraging. Wishing you much success in your ongoing writing endeavours. Happy writing and thanks again.

I would also like to thank Suzanne Jones. Suzanne does a terrific blog that is inspirational, informative, thought-provoking, humorous and conveys a transparency I much admire. Continued positive writing Suzanne and thank you again. Suzanne's lovely blog can be discovered at the following address: http://suzanne-sj.blogspot.com/

Now I shall duly pass this, Lovely Blog Award, on. This is certainly a most difficult decision. I have had the great privilege of reading and interacting with many fine bloggers. They have made me think, stirred my imagination and made me realise I'm part of a very special community. However, after much deliberation, I have decided to pass this award on to a very positive and inspirational new writer. Who, despite what could be perceived as overwhelming situations; continues to be resilient and remains positive in the face of adversity. So, to not only a lovely blogger, but a dear friend; I pass this award to you. My friend Heather's blog can be found at the following address: http://1soundingoff.blogspot.com/

Below are the rules that relate to this award. I thank you for your time. Happy writing to you all. Kind wishes, Gary.

1) Accept the award, and post a link back to the awarding person.

2) Pass the award on.

3) Notify the award winner.