Did You Mean "Lobster?"

I received a wonderful compliment this week. The fabulously funny Tracie over at Crack You Whip gave me a blogging award. Tracie is a published children's book author. Noticed that I put the word published in italics. I did that to draw attention to the published part. I am not assuming my readers are stupid and do not know what italics are for (unless you really don't know, then maybe you are), I just intend make this part very clear. I won this award from a PUBLISHED (see what I did there, capitalized and bold that time) author. It was not just thrown at me by some goober that happens to know how to use the internet. This means I am recognized by the literary world. They're going to start sending me checks any time now.

For those of you who don't believe me, I can prove it.
Here it is.   See.   I can do stuff.

I have seen this award floating around the blogosphere, but never knew what it was for. Mainly because I did not know what a Liebster was. I won the Versatile Blog Award from Brandi Boddie at Penning Praises a few months ago. I knew what that one was for since I know what a versatile is, but I had to turn to Google for the meaning of this one. Liebster is actually a German word that translates to "dearest" or "favorite" in English. Now I really feel special.

This is not to be confused with CRACK YOUR WHIP
which focuses on professional bullwhip competitions.
Not as exciting as it sounds.

In order to properly accept this award, I have to follow a few rules. First, I have to link back to the person who gave it to me. As I stated earlier, the Liebster was passed on to me by Crack You Whip. Pay her a visit if you are not already familiar with her blog. It is well worth the trip. Believe it or not, she draws those illustrations herself. Seriously, go check it out.

Second, I have to pass the honor of this award on to five other bloggers and notify them on their blogs. However, they must have less than 200 followers. We don't want those bloggers who already have thousands of followers to get big heads.

When I have have done this in the past, I really had trouble because I did not read many blogs, but now I read a few hundred (slight exaggeration) so the problem is whittling it down to only five of the dozens that immediately come to mind.

The first is a friend of mine. Rob over at Rob's Altruistically Self-Serving Blog. He is one of the few bloggers that I know personally. He has just started blogging and only has eight posts at this time, but he has told a few good stories. Rob may have just started blogging, but he is no stranger to the internet. He is part of a podcast that records every week. The link for the show is on his site.

Next is the fabulous Nellie Vaughn at Buttons Are Not Currency. Nellie writes on a variety of topics, has some short stories and shares her life. Sometimes funny, sometimes thought provoking, always entertaining. On a side note, her name is not really Nellie Vaughn. I know her real name, but am not telling.

Violet at Creative Devolution is one of my absolute favorite bloggers. She lives in Africa and tells her stories through pictures. Her drawings are hysterical and she captures the moment very well. I always get excited when I see that she has a new post available. I wish I could draw.

This blogger I will get to meet this summer. My cousin is getting married in the same city she lives in (Portland) and Jen from "Jen" e sais quoi graciously offered to show us around. She just barely met the requirements of the award since she has 175 Google Friend followers, but she is still under 200 so she gets it. Jen has the courage to disclose exactly who she is in her posts, even on the occasions when she isn't painting herself in a positive light. Her readers love her for her honesty and openly sharing her struggles. She is very funny when she wants to be and is equally adept at addressing serious issues.

Lastly, I have to send some love to my internet fiance, Red from Doesn't Speak Klingon. I became a follower of Red early enough that I commented on her very first post. I have read every one since and have never been disappointed. In fact, one of her posts moved me so much, I proposed to her on the spot. I still don't know her real name, but my offer stands. Red picks apart the destruction of the English language, is anti-Valentine's Day, pro-Star Wars and loves her parents. Pay her a visit.

Here it is again in case you forgot what it looked like.

There are many deserving bloggers, but these are the ones who came to mind for me. I am off to each of their blogs to let them know of the great honor that has been bestowed upon them. Check out each of these blogs for yourself. I will be watching.