Friday, July 5, 2013

Here Comes the Ninja and Celebrate Super Blogger Award

He's the Master of Blogging.
He visits hundreds of blogger buddies and leaves nice comments.
He helps to promote books, blogs, cover reveals, tours, bloghops and anything else that inspires him.
He reviews movies, he plays guitar, he is the successful author of CassaStar, CassaFire and soon-to-be-released CassaStorm.
He is the founder of the very successful (and growing) Insecure Writer's Support Group.

And none of the above is the reason why I am including Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh in the cave's Hall of Fame as part of my Dragon's Eleven. Don't take me wrong. It is all great. Alex is Da Ninja. He deserves all the recognition he gets. I don't believe there are many in the blogsphere who can do as many things as he can, and stay sane. If dragons wore hats, I would take off mine.

But the truth is, the first time I ran into his blog, I clicked on all tabs, checked the very long blogroll and noticed the high number of followers. I thought, "this guy is very popular and successful. Good for him!" And I moved on. I didn't believe we had much in common. I came from another world. I am not into rock. I rarely go to the movies. I am no author so I have no published or seeking-to-be-published book, and I had no idea what a bloghop/blogfest was. Lastly but not least, I had always been reluctant to join support groups (regardless how much they say I might need it). To me, dragon and ninja were different "genres", so to speak.

The only way to find out if there was common ground between us was through actual conversation, beyond comment and reply. Fat chance, I thought. Having such a tight agenda, why in the name of the Ancestors, would he care to converse with a dragon? He started by making me laugh. Surprise, surprise. There just might be something in common after all. Then he showed me he paid attention to what he read and not just understood it, but remembered it as well. And finally, he did care for conversation, even if it had nothing to do with blogsphere, books, hops and fests, rock or movies.

I'm including him because of a one-to-one approach. Neither the ninja left the suit behind, nor the dragon his scales, but they did walk on common grounds. Laugh and heartfelt conversation got the Captain Ninja into Father Dragon's heart. That's why his name will be in the Eleventh's wall for as long as Father Dragon writes.

Alex, this friendship has been a joy and my pleasure.

Celebrate the small things is the brilliant idea of VikLit. Each Friday we post something we wish to celebrate achieving or doing during the week. It can be writing/reading or life related. You can find the list and join us here.

Mother Dragon and I decided on celebrating doctor's good news with Italian food and red wine. Too drastic a change for a vegan stomach. It protested with fire (as dragon's stomachs do) so I spent three days pondering on the benefits of small and progressive "permissions." I'm celebrating my stomach forgave me already for my impulsive feast. (The wine was heavenly sweet, though. 8D)

On Monday, I was interviewed by Alex at Blogging from A to Z. He did a wonderful job putting the interview together and I had fun answering the questions. If you have not dropped by, check it out. (You'll get the chance to witness something completely unbelievable and extraordinaire. The one and only, the official Anti-A to Z, Gary Pennick, was there! Now I can say I've seen it all. Thank you for your sacrifice, Gary! ;))

On Sunday, sweet S.K. Anthony awarded me with the Super Blogger Award. This is a brand new award created by another blogger friend  of mine, Mark Means at Left and Write. The rule is: Take the award for yourself, and then pass it along to someone who inspires you or you just think is 'super' one way or another. Tell us why you think this person is super and deserving. Now, all the recipient has to do is reveal one small secret about themselves and pass the reward to another person.

Thank you very much for the award and for your kind words, S.K. You made me smile and float several inches above the ground, humming...
Those were the dwarves. They also thank you for mentioning them. There are many inspiring super cool bloggers, but since "there can be only one" I pass this award on to Jeff Hargett at Strands of Pattern. A dragon story should include a knight. Just this knight is not up to kill the dragon (thank goodness). Jeff was my very first blogger friend, critique partner and beta reader. Hidden under his cloak, I got the courage to enter this community and make this blog. Thanks to him, I've met awesome people I've come to cherish and who make my life richer. Tassin, Pancholin, Milin and Sessin owe their life to Sir Jeff.

To the Guardian of the Book, the Keeper of Secrets, Knight of the Order of the Red Dragon and my dearest friend, this award is yours.

Dragon's secret: I collect parrots. I have plush parrots, clay parrots, battery parrots, parrots in puzzles, in posters, and in hangers...and a Mr. Potato Head. The secret? I still play with Mr. Potato Head. (Long live the Inner Child!)

Buy an ice-cream to your inner child and have a marvelous weekend! I leave you dragon hugs.

59 comments:

  1. Aloha AL,

    I *love* that banner you use for Alex - it really does rock, so congrats to the designer:)

    I know Alex will be (nearly) speechless when he reads this - you have captured the true meaning of friendship within the paragraphs of this post:)

    Congrats on getting the SBA - it is *well-deserved:)

    Now I must go read your A-Z interview - how amiss of me that I missed it :)

    Take care (and perhaps have a little more wine and less pasta - it's an old tradition that works for me :)

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    1. More wine and less pasta, hahaha. Century-distilled wisdom, Mark!

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  2. Wine and pasta are two of my favorite things. And I love your parrot collecting. I've collected several things over the years, lose interest, start a new collection. Gives me something to focus on when I'm forced to tag along on shopping sprees with my sister or daughter, lol.

    Friendships are marvelous things, especially when they are unexpected. Glad you're making so many wonderful friends here :)

    .......dhole

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    1. Collections are fun, don't you think? Collections makes me happy and friends too. You are one of those wonderful friends. :D

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  3. Always remember to celebrate the inner child. We were all one once. I get the parrots *whispers* I collect hippos!

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    1. Hippos! I like hippos. I made one once for my nephew. The one who sings "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." :)

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  4. Another beautiful post. My Inner Child is often the healthiest part of me, and would love to meet yours.
    And I soooo understand collecting parrots.

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    1. And then we can play! I have more toys, not just Mr. Potato Head. I could let you borrow the magic screen. :)

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  5. Hi Al - great that Alex and you were able to get together to chat and then let us know about your creative chats ... I don't do parrots - warthogs yes .. tusks meet scales and fire?! Then wine and pasta ... most definitely -thankfully without fireeating stomach afterwards!! So pleased you're feeling improvements if you keep to the vegetarian options .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Warthog, like Pumba? :D Sure we can. Thank you, I'll take it easy on the food. :)

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  6. Great to see Alex on your wall of frame. I'm still trying to figure out how he does it all. Sorry the celebration meal didn't continue to celebrate well in your stomach, but a good glass of wine is worth a lot :)
    As for the inner child - uh. . .was I ever supposed to grow up?
    Gorgeous award, btw!

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    1. Yes, a good glass of wine is always worth!
      Hahaha, no, Tonya, I don't believe we were supposed to grow up. Thanks!

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  7. Whoa! My friend, I am honored. And touched. Thank you for including me in your Dragon's Eleven. To see how close we came to not even knowing each other is scary. Dragons and Ninjas can mix though. And to think I won you over with snark!
    Well deserving Mr. Super Blogger, and an excellent person to pass it on to.
    Thanks again for doing the interview.
    And this weekend, go easy on the wine...

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    1. Hahaha. Yes. Scary is the word. Hearing already the Twilight Zone theme? :D This weekend will have ice-cream!!

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  8. Alex is everything you write about and more. Since we met on that first A to Z he has been there for me. He knows much about my life and has given me countless advice on many things. There ought to be a special Alex J. Cavanaugh Day.
    Great post and a pleasure to read.
    Yvonne.

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    1. I thought on that, but I wanted it to be another day. One I can remember because I have a bad memory. :)

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  9. Awesome post. Alex is brilliant. I still have my Mr. Potato Head. Maybe I should find time to play with him again.

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    1. You should, Stephanie. Someday we may gather and have a Mr. Potato Head reunion. :)

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  10. I really like you dragon hug!I try, try to celebrate my inner child on a daily basis, it's good food the brain.

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    1. True enough. This week my inner child feel like collecting stones. :)

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  11. Glad you stomach is better. Alex is pretty awesome isn't he? Glad you got the SB Award and that you passed it on to Sir Jeff. Hoping to meet Jeff and his wife in North Carolina in September. Go steady with the wine but I hope you don't have to give it up altogether.

    Parrots eh?

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    1. Alex is one special man, yes.
      You've got to tell me how the trip goes when you come back! I wish I could join you. :)
      Never the wine. Anything but the wine. hahaha.

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  12. Congrats on your award. Alex is super awesome. All of us adore both you and Alex.

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    1. Thank you, Rachna! Yes, the ninja can chat, hahahaha. :)

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  13. I agree about Alex. I have very little in common with him either, but his genuine kindness toward others and his tireless cyber-visiting and promoting makes our differences insignificant. He is (and you are) one of those people who make me want to be a better person.

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    1. Geez, Melissa, that's one of the best things someone has ever told me. Thank you very much! Double dragon hugs.

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  14. Alex and Jeff are great choices yo acknowledge each bringing their unique gifts, personality and skills to the blog world (and you too!!).

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    1. Thank you, Julie. They have enriched the Dragon's life so much, indeed. But they are not the only ones. :)

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  15. Alex and Jeff really are making great strides in transforming the author/blogger community, whether they know it or not. Fitting awards bestowed on extremely worthy recipients. I approve, Father Dragon. :)

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    1. I agree with you, Sir David. They are. THank you for visiting. :D

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  16. Isn't is amazing how you can connect with someone even when you are very different in taste and lifestyles? I'm always delighted to interact with others who have world views unlike mine. I learn so much. And here I am interacting with a parrot collector (I'm a sissy when it comes to parrots) and still has his Mr. Potato Head. I never even owned a Mr. Potato Head. :-( Now I can live vicariously because of Your Dragonness. :-)

    Take care. Be well. Drink wine in moderation or keep a supply of Tums on hand.

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    1. hahaha. You should buy yourself a Mr. Potato Head. It's never too late to own one. THank you, Lee. I'll follow your advice. Dragon hugs!

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  17. Alex is an excellent choice.

    Are you a vegan, too? For how long? I went vegetarian 24 years ago and vegan 17 years ago.

    My inner child still sleeps with a stuffed toy. His name is Eddie.

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    1. Yes, for...two years. After my last surgery. You do have a record, no doubt. :)
      Ah yes, the little tiger?

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  18. Congratulations to the Super Blogger winners and to everyone else who appreciates the small things we sometimes overlook. Hope you're all having a great weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Deanie. Plenty of little blessings around. ;)

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  19. An awesome blog post, recognition for Alex is very deserved, he's an awesome example of friendship in the blogosphere. A true individual, but so are you, and that always shines through even in this realm and it's exciting that it does. Make it so worth while!
    Celebrations all around today, I've many lovely blogging friends posting my covers, interviews and guest posts and it's a blast. I too am celebrating the awesome world here!
    You my friend are a SUPER BLOGGER, with such heart and wisdom to impart!
    Thank you!

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  20. I'm happy to read your stomach is doing better. That's really good news. Woo hooo!

    Alex is good people. So are you. Your heart always shines through, Father Dragon. Have a wonderful weekend!

    I always really liked Mr. Potato Head.

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  21. Very interesting to hear how you and Alex connected. It is always a bit shocking when someone with that many followers takes the time to actually listen to YOU. Yes, you. You are special. You have something to say that is worth reading. It is a bit of a jolt to the system, no? I have felt that way, too. I am sure that Alex was inspired by your kind words:)

    Sorry to hear about your celebration going awry. I quit eating red meat and pork back in 2001. Several years after that I was put in a situation where the only things served at a dinner were beef or pork. Gah. I didn't want to be rude, so I ate it. Plus, I was starving. Like you, I paid for it dearly later. My stomach rebelled and it wasn't pretty. I can totally feel your pain here:(

    In happier news, I left you something on the HERE'S TO YOU post. I saw it and thought of you. Hope you like it:)

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  22. Alex is a fine young man who will go far, mark my words.

    mood

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  23. Glad you're feeling better FD, and congrats on your award. AJC is a great choice for your highlight. Have a wonderful week! Writer’s Mark

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  24. I thank you, Al. I'd weep with joy, but moisture makes the super suit's spandex shrink to the point of discomfort. ;-)

    If ever I've done something right in this community, it was encouraging you to venture outside the cave and join it. We're all better for having met the dragon whose magic entices and inspires.

    Oh, and that ninja guy...what's his name again? Albert, Allen, oh yeah, Alex! Yeah, he's pretty cool too. :)

    Now I must be off and ponder upon which of my many secrets to reveal. hmmmm

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  25. Yes! Alex is amazingly awesome! You are too, and congrats on your award! Have a great weekend! :-)

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  26. Congrats Alex. A well deserved award Al.

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  27. Congrats on your blogging awards and congrats to Alex!

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  28. There is a reason we affectionately call him the "Blogfather"! :)

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  29. I've read many a fine tribute to Alex J, but none as inspiring as yours. You are truly a sincere friend.

    Sorry to hear about the unfortunate celebration. Why do we do those things to ourselves? If you figure that out please let me know.

    Parrots, you say. How absolutely delightful. I think I even remember a post where you talked about a living parrot friend.

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  30. I'm sorry your stomach didn't appreciate the finer points of wine, but I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. Enjoy your weekend! :)

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  31. Yay, Al. I'm so happy I made you smile :D
    Parrots, huh? hehe, congrats to Jeff for receiving the award now!

    And Alex? Gotta love him. I'm convinced he has clones of his own to follow so many blogs so closely, he is awesome!

    I'm also sorry about the consequences of celebrating with the impulsive feast, but hey... glad you enjoyed that wine at least ;)

    Hope you are having a great weekend!

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  32. Long live the inner child!!! Many hugs back!
    Congratulations on your award! You deserve it!

    I hope your stomach gets friendlier and less fiery soon. I've got a number of foods that make me ill, so I feel your pain. (maybe not exactly the same pain, but the pain of stomach rejection of favorite foods at least)

    Best wishes for health, happiness, and happy writing!

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  33. Congratulations on the award Al.
    "Long live the inner child". I like that. Adults need to tap into the inner child that resides in each one of us; from time to time adopt a child-like perspective with its playfulness and curiosity, which is so refreshing... perhaps we'd be less stressed out...
    I'm off to check out the A to Z post. Seems like I missed it.

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  34. Congratulations Al on your award and bravo for selecting Alex for the "Celebrate Super Blogger Award". You could not have picked a better or more deserving person than Alex. He always and I do mean always goes the extra mile for everyone. Speaking of which, many thanks to Alex for working as a go between for you and me, as I was not receiving your emails. I don't know if Alex told you about the difficulties that I experienced in having your iPad mini (Yea & congrats to you for winning my grand prize) sent from Apple to Mexico, but I hope you know that I made several attempts before I left for my vacation.

    I have good news. I just got off the telephone with an Apple rep in Mexico and your engraved iPad mini is in route and I have an order number, but not comfortable putting in in this comment. I will attempt to email it to you and I will also email it to Alex. Now, for the bad (kinds bad ) news, it seems that you will have to wait a few more days. The scheduled delivery date to your address in Mexico, is July 18, 2013.

    I apologize for the delay and I hope you enjoy your iPad mini. Thank you again for participating in my blogfest and thanks again to Alex for demonstrating, yet again, just how willing he is to help fellow writers and bloggers.

    Take care,
    Melissa

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    1. Got your mail, Melissa! Actually got all of them thanks to Alex. Yeah, the guy deserves a box of tamales or something. Don't worry about the delivery time. I'm a patient dragon. Thank you for going through so much for delivering to Mexico. You're a sweetheart! :D

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    2. Just doing my best to help two friends! Glad it all worked out.

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  35. Congratulations on your award, and yay for Alex! He definitely is an amazing person. Hope you're having a wonderful start to your week. :)

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  36. Greetings Al,

    Can you believe due to my own frantic blogging interaction, I've only just reached your site. Of course, the wait for my eagerly anticipated comments is always worth it. LOL

    Awesome banner at the top of your posting. I celebrate your good news. I'm glad you got awards. Keep that inner child curious and the magic of life will continue to grow.

    And yes, even though I hate the A to Z, ironically, I'm in the background supporting those who do. And yep, Alex is a good man. Alex also knows that in the true essence of this diverse community, we rejoice in the all equal, all different ethos. Something to celebrate, indeed.

    Be well and smile, my friend.

    Gary

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  37. Long live the inner child indeed!!!
    Yay for Alex! He really is an amazing person.

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  38. Thanks for honoring Alex who is such a good friend to so many of us. He's truly deserving of this honor.
    I'm sorry your celebration caused you discomfort...that must have been disappointing. One step at a time!
    Tina @ Life is Good

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  39. awww what a sweet tribute! Alex definitely rocks! How wonderful of you to include him as part of your inner circle :)
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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