February 10, 2008

GO! Smell the Flowers! Flower Smeller Award!


When Mr. Grudge was created back in October of 2006, the original concept was that of a baseball blog. For almost a year, Mr. Grudge was a lonely place, visited by almost fifty people on the eleven month period of time. This was the case in spite of the fact that the Editor of a baseball magazine, Gotham Baseball, generously published some of my blog posts on their website. In desperation, I closed Mr. Grudge in June of 2006, and let it sit until September of that year.

When I decided to return to the blogging world I reinvented Mr. Grudge into what it is today; and that is a writer’s blog. You see, baseball is a passion, but writing is my life. The results are conclusive, and I am humbled by the response from you, my wonderful readers. In fact, receiving comments on my posts hasn’t been the only gratifying aspect of my return to blogging, the recognition I receive from other established writers and bloggers is humbling. I’ve been honored so many times by so many terrific writers that it would be immodest to account for all of the fine awards I’ve been blessed with here. But, I cherish all of them.

Yesterday, I was awarded as one of the first five people to be presented with the brand new “Flower Smellers” banner from the fine folks who author “Go! Smell the Flowers!” I was introduced to this fun and informative community blog through my buddy, Mike French, who authors “The View from Here” and “Tales from the Tree.” I was welcomed by both Mike and the rest of the bloggers at "Go! Smell the Flowers!" (all twenty of them!) and immediately felt that I belonged. This is more than a blog; it is an interactive community, a township, if you will. That is why the created this award, and it is my honor to receive this special banner to place on my blog as one of the first five people to be offered this recognition.

It is my pleasure, as a newly welcomed member of the Flowers community, to present five of my fellow bloggers with the “Flower Smellers” badge and invite them to join this growing and dynamic blogging neighborhood. They are as flows:

J.D. Beaudoin, author of “The Uneasy Supplicant." J.D. is my blogging friend who endures the joys and agonies of writing and blogging with me. He has been with Mr. Grudge from the very beginning, and his I look forward to his comments on my blog whenever I post anything new. His keen insights into my writing often surprise me as I realize that “that’s what I was trying to say.” J.D. is a powerful writer, and a first class gentleman. I am proud to present him with this fine award and banner. Welcome to the Flower Smellers, J.D.

Andrew Ruth, author of "Andrew Ruth, the Blog." I may never meet anyone as creative and prolific as Andrew. His blog is feverishly updated with stories which take one from their cozy living rooms and dens to the edge of reality and beyond. I’ll visit his blog often twice in one day just to read a particular story again and gain a fresh perspective on it. Andrew also has been with me from the “reinvention” of Mr. Grudge. He captivated me with his “White Room” series, and flattered me with a story he wrote which was inspired by one of my posts. Andrew is one of my blogging buddies, and I am pleased to present Andrew with this award and invitation to the Flowers community. Welcome to the "Flower Smellers," Andrew.

Kristyn Marie, author of “Ya Don’t Say.” Kristyn is a heartfelt writer who chronicles her life on her blog and creates a close connection with her readers. I was first introduced to Kristyn during my blog “re-opening” back in September of 2007 when I posted a brief story about living as a middle class family man in a wealthy neighborhood. In that post, I made mention of “Hearst Castle.” Kristyn not only knew of this place, she visited there many times. In her own unique voice with allows readers to bond with her, she filled me in on fascinating details of Hearst Castle and I followed her to her blogs where I still visit for her fresh and intelligent view of the world. I want to thank Kristyn for her support in my writing endeavors, present her with the “Flower Smellers” banner, and invite her to join this wonderful community. Thank you for being a blogging friend, Kristyn.

Lisa McGlaun, author of “LifePrints – Good news for a More Compassionate World.” The name of her blog says all that one needs to know about Lisa. She writes because she believes in the power of good, and her thoughtful and intellectual writing gives breadth and meaning to subjects which many of us overlook in our busy lives. Lisa has been a supporter of mine since the beginning as well, and I wish to thank her for her blogging friendship. It is my honor to present Lisa with this award and to invite her to the “Flower Smellers” community. Thank you Lisa.

Kathy Frederick, author of "The Junk Drawer” blog. I discovered Kathy’s very funny blog several months ago and I am addicted. Besides being a writer (she does not consider herself a writer, but in spite of that, she is a terrific writer) she is a smart observer of the world around her and is able to record the silly events and in her life and deliver humility, suspense, drama, and a solid punch line which is essential to humor writing. Folks who visit her often compliment my story telling, and Kathy does as well. As flattering as it is to have my readers tell me that they loved one of my stories, I envy Kathy’s ability to make people laugh. "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard." The source of that quote is a bit murky, but it is the truth. To write as consistently as Kathy does and draw in the sizable audience as she has takes talent. Take a bow, Kathy, and allow me to present you with this fine award. You're a "Flower Smeller!"

I want to thank all of the bloggers at "Go! Smell the Flowers!" once again, for making me a member of their wonderful community on the internet. To all of my readers who have flattered me with their comments and who have introduced themselves to me over the past several months, you are not overlooked as the will be more banners to hand out to new "Flower Smellers" from now on. For my friends here, I want to say to you Go! Smell the Flowers! Be a proud “Flower Smeller," and pay this award forward. Thank you for being a friend of Mr. Grudge.

Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mike
Thank you so very much for this award. I am very honored. In a few days I will post it on my site. And, I will definitely check out "Go! Smell the flowers"! Again, thank you... enormously. I'll be sending you an email soon as well.
Cheers my friend.
~JD

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much, Mike. You truly are a treasure of the blogosphere, your blog is fantastic, and I'm glad to say I've had the opportunity to share in your lifes adventures though your beautiful words. You honor me in offering me this award! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Lisa McGlaun said...

Mike,

Thanks for this award. I joined Go Smell The Flowers a while ago through blogcatalog but I've never really checked it out like I should. This is just the motivation I needed.

Best Wishes,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

GO! Mike,

ON behalf on all of the crew at GO! Smell the flowers we love having you on board and congratulate you on your excellent choice of your 5 flower smellers.

You have captured the essence of the community beautifully and its becoming the place we dreamt it would!

We'll add them to our special blogroll 'Flower Smellers' right away.

The world needs more flower smellers!

Cheers & group hugs,

GO! Smell the flowers.

Saph said...

Congrats M2 and glad to have you part of the dynamic community of GO! Smell the Flowers, you fit right in with your humour and outlook on life.

Look forward to great posts here and great banter over at Flowers.

Go! Mr Grudge.

M1

angesbiz said...

Congratulations Mr Grudge... Mike... what a lovely award!! I enjoy your interaction at GO! Smell the Flowers and ow it seems there are some more blogs to check out.

GO! Write some more great posts and enjoy smelling the flowers :)

Kathy said...

Mike -- I'm deeply humbled by this award and the things you had to say about my writing. I laughed when you wrote that "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard." Humor writing is sometimes a struggle because everyone's sense of humor is different. That you've chosen me for this award gives me confidence that I'm probably doing something right. It is my pleasure and honor to be part of the Flower Smellers community. Thanks so much!

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi JD,
You're welcome, JD. This award means a lot to me and I am very happy to pas it on to you, my friend. -Mike.

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Kristyn,
I am flattered by your kind words. This award was created for bloggers such as you. I'm happy to have you as one of my readers. Thanks Kristyn. -Mike.

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Lisa,
I am happy to give you this award as i feel that you'd fit in there. I'm sure that when you return, you'll find the folks there to happy, fun, and smart too. Enjoy GA. Talk to you soon. -Mike.

Jones. Bridget Jones. said...

Kewl to read that you feel you belong with us at Flowers M2!

GO! Get amongst it ha! ;)

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi GSTF Group,
I am so flattered not only to be made an official Flower smeller, I am also floored that I am one of the first five recipients. I won't let you fine folks down! Thanks again. -Mike

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Mike,
I feel I fit in with the group over at Flowers already. many thanks, my friend. This is an an honor and an exciting time in my blogging life. Thank you. M1! -M2

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Ange,
I am eager to check out all of the blogs of the GSTF group. All of you have welcomed me into you community with open arms and I am deeply grateful Thank you once again. -Mike.

P.S. Thank you for reading my blog.

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Bridget Jones! It's great to hear from you. I can't wait to read of all of the lovely blogs of the Flowers group. I am excited to be invited into your community and the award is fabulous. I think you'll find the folks I gave the award to are nice people as well. Thank you once again. -Mike.

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Kathy, You are doing everything right with your blog, and you deserve this. Now, I want you to write 500 times "I am a writer." You'll feel better and you'll have wasted two or three sheets of loose leaf paper. Ha ha. Talk to you soon. -Mike.

1st Lady said...

Well done Mike! You write some truly interesting stories direct from the heart.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike

Congratulations for receiving the Flower Smellers Award!

And thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your kind words about the sudden loss of my father.

I look forward to getting to know more about you via your writing and of course over at Flowers.

Good luck with everything.


Arvind

Dizzy Dee said...

Touché - Kristyn is a remarkable blogger!!

Jack Payne said...

Congratulations, Mike. GSF is a great, uplifting site. I go there often.

Bob Johnson said...

Congrats on a well deserved award, and good picks on your part to pass on the award, keep up the great work, always enjoy my visits here.

Swubird said...

Mr. Grudge:

Congratulations on receiving this award. I have read your articles for a month, or so now, and I think you deserve everything that was said about you.

Have a nice future.

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi 1st Lady,
Thank you for your kind words about my stories. It's always a pleasure to have you by. I enjoy your blog and I feel welcome there. Once again, thanks. -Mike.

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Arvind, I feel welcome at Flowers, and I am happy to have been given membership there by such fine folks as you. I meant what I wrote on your blog, and you are welcome here whenever you'd like to share as well. Thank you, once again. -Mike.

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Dizzy Dee,
It's a pleasure to meet you, and thanks for stopping by to offer me congratulations. Yes, Kristyn is an amazing blogger, and I admire her for it. I look forward to reading yuour blog tooo. Once again, thanks. -Mike.

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Jack, I agree with you about GSTF being an uplifting sight. The name of the blog alone immediately lets everyone know that they are optimistic and good people. I am proud to have made thir acquaintence, as well as yours. You have such an important and informtive blog. I used one of your articles to convince my dad that scam artists come off as friendly folks who want to do them a service. He was convinced. Thanks for the work you do, and thank yoy for reading my blog. -Mike.

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Bob, Thank you for your kind comments. I only visit and comment on blogs I find fun, informative, and interesting, and I find myself visiting yours quite often. You have a great ability to teach, take photos, and have fun showing others how much you know. My guess is you will be blogging for a long time as you seem to know an awful lot about astronomy and photography. My hope is that you continue for a long time so I can continue reading. Once again, thank yoy for reading and for being a fan. -Mike.

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Swubird,
I am flattered by your words here. I think we found each other's blogs at the same time and I am hooked by your writing. You have an ability to teach, and are very knowledgable. I love to blog because I meet fine folks such as yourself who not only know how to write, you treat your readers with respect and return the favor by visiting other blogs. Thank you, Swubird, for reading my posts and supporting what I do here. -Mike.

myonlyphoto said...

Funny you say that Mike, sometimes we do start in one direction but our viewers sometimes win of what they want, and then we have no choice to change, but it is rewarding on the end. Congrats on your award, and very pleased with the nominated recipients, I will try to pay visits to some of them as some are already familiar faces. Thanks for sharing, Anna :)

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Anna,
I want to thank you for your kind and encouraging words here. It was fate which made me turn this blog around and i will never look back. If I didn't listen to my heart and blog about what I do best, writing, I would have never been introduced to such fine bloggers, writers, and photographers, such as you. Thanks for being a visitor here. I deeply appreciate it. Have a great weekend. -Mike.

myonlyphoto said...

...Mike a bit late to reply, but I also want to thank you for your always kind comments, Anna :)

Michael J. Kannengieser said...

Hi Anna,
"...Mike a bit late to reply, but I also want to thank you for your always kind comments, Anna :)

lol...even later still for me, but you're welcome!

-Mike