Real Neat Blog Award — Say what?!?

This morning I woke up to a lovely email notification from WordPress telling me that fellow blogger Ignitedmoth had nominated me for a Real Neat Blog Award.

Really?  Really?!

And I didn’t have to kill anyone for it and steal it from their pockets??!?

I started this blog for fun and as an excuse to keep making ridiculous stuff, so to have someone not only like it, but share it like you did really makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside…and it’s genuine affection…not just brimstone and caterpillars like usual!

Thank you so much Ignitedmoth!  I’m genuinely touched!

Speaking of really neat blogs, if you haven’t checked out her site  you really should.  She does killer reviews of books and comics as well as absolutely adorable art.  She is so ridiculously talented and if that isn’t enough to convince you to check her site out, you really should see her cat Bailey wearing a cheeseburger costume.  No, really.

Shamelessly stolen from Ignitedmoth’s page.  This cat is ridiculous…and adorable.

Now, with an award like this, there are rules that need to be followed, so here we go:

THE RULES:

• Thank and link the person who nominated you.
• Answer the seven questions your nominator has provided.
• Nominate 7 other bloggers and create 7 questions for them.

Okay, seems simple enough.  I think I can handle this.  Onto the questions.

1.) What is your favorite memory of 2016?

Gosh, if I answer this question, I guess that means I have to reveal my super secret day job?!  Well, I guess it’s not so secret…but I do tend to keep my blogging life separate from my working life, but okay, here goes.  I work in the film and television world when I’m not cooking in the Devil’s kitchen and last year I got to work as a staff writer for the Syfy television series Z Nation.  I wrote episode 306 “Doc Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” which was an absolute lifelong dream come true…but what was even better was getting all my friends and family together in my hometown and having a huge watching party the day it officially aired on television.  That was pretty damn special.

2.) If you could make a living in any profession (your absolute dream job) what would it be?

I’m lucky in that I’m already doing it.  I love to write and I love to create crazy things and I’m so amazingly blown away that those two things seem to be coming together pretty well right now.

If I were to have another dream job…and by dream I mean truly ridiculous, I’d love to have my own private tropical island populated with once homeless pets and my only job is to spend all day playing with them.

3.) Have you ever met anyone famous?

Yes.  Lots.   Because of my line of work, they’re usually my co-workers.  Some are horrible and I’m so sorry I had to meet them because I can never look at them the same way again.  Some are absolutely delightful.  Here is a photo of my dog Lucifur meeting her personal hero, George R.R. Martin when we were all working together in New Mexico on Sharknado 3.  He called her the tiniest dire wolf.  Made her entire year.

4.) If you could travel to any one place in the world right now where would it be?

Hawaii.  I really really really need some time on a beach with fruity drinks and warm breezes right about now.  I’ve been in a freezing location for about 4 months and I need some SUNSHINE and HEAT!

5.) Who is your favorite author?

That’s like asking a mother to pick children.  I have too many.

6.) What is your favorite mythical creature?

A Boyfriend.  I heard they exist, but I have yet to actually see one in person.  My parents and friends keep telling me to keep looking but I’m starting to lose hope.

OMG, hot and holding a puppy?  Seriously, how is this even real?

7.) What do you look most forward to in 2017?

TBH, I’d like a stable job that allows me the time to chase all my dreams.  Working in film and television is such a huge rush but it’s also full of lots of down time and uncertainty.  I’m starting a new job in a few days that is a lot more consistent.  No, it’s not nearly as exciting, but hopefully it will give me the ability to do some other things that will lead to more excitement down the road.

So there you have it…my seven questions.  Now this is the part of the award when I nominate another 7 bloggers.

In no particular order, I nominate:

Cooking Without Limits

Whatever you do, don’t look at this blog if you’re hungry.  Between the gorgeous photo layouts, the absolutely delicious looking treats, and the easy to follow recipes…this blog is a feast for both the eyes and the brain.

The Panda Chronicles

The illustrations are adorable, the stories are sweet, and the overall panda awesomeness is amazing and ridiculous.  If you have a few hours to spare and want to read something that will genuinely make your day better, swing by the Panda Chronicles for a quick booster shot of happiness.

Granny Moon

Regardless of your personal belief system, the information on Granny Moon’s site is powerful for all women.  Take a minute to center yourself and breathe deeply with mantras that are designed to inspire, empower, and enlighten.

Horrorgasm

Don’t let the title of this site fool you…it’s about so much more than just horror.  Are you a gamer?  Like to read?  Want to get honest reviews…and by honest, I mean brutally honest?  On top of that, author Richenbaum Fotchenstein is shameless about how much he loves what he’s doing and for that, I give him serious props.

Ancient Beauty

A demon never reveals her true age, but what I can tell you is this…the title of the blog Ancient Beauty appealed to me on a very personal level.  The content is carefully curated and the reviews of products and techniques are honest and straightforward.

Yes!  All Roads Lead to Food

I’m giving this blog the same warning I did for Cooking Without Limits:  whatever you do, don’t look at this blog if you’re hungry.  Speaking of hungry, I have just two words for you:  churro donuts.  Mmm…

Now this used to be a daily blog, but the author is taking time off to travel which means once weekly blogs are now the norm.  Luckily for us, travels mean new adventures and new foods so I’m sticking around to see what comes from all those exotic miles.

Meg Sorick, Writer

Wow.  Wow.  Wow.  If you want hauntingly beautiful stories that will fill your mind and soul like smoke then check out Meg Sorick.

And once you’re done with all that, stick around for her pound cake recipe as well.  Damn!

My questions:

Now that I’ve assembled my seven victims, er, nominees, here are your questions.  I can’t wait to see your answers!  And thanks again for being awesome blogs I truly enjoy following!

1. What is the most recent food photo you took with your phone and why?
2. Tell me about your most vivid dream.
3. What is your favorite monster movie?
4. Tell me about your best summer ever.
5. If you were trapped on an island for a year and could only have 3 things with you…what would those 3 things be?
6. Quick:  Cats or dogs?  Why?
7. What do you know now as a blogger that you wish you knew when you first started?

Final thoughts:

I’m still looking for even more fun blogs to follow and read so if you know of any that you think might spark my interests, please let me know in the comments.  Know someone who loves Halloween as much as I do?  Have a friend or fellow blogger who makes crazy food too?  Let me know!  I’m dying to expand my blog library!