The Versatile Blogger: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

The Wednesday discussion will return next week.  Today's article is dedicated to the Versatile Blogger Award.  It's a post that's way overdue, since Alexia, over at  The Life and Literary Pursuits of Alexia Chamberlynn, named me one several weeks ago!

The most rewarding part of being a Versatile Blogger is passing the award forward! But before I do that, a couple of other things come first.

Thank you, Alexia, for naming me a VB! I'm thrilled once again to receive it! If you're not familiar with Alexia's blog, be sure to visit and become a follower!

On to seven things about me.  Last time I shared all the exciting stuff I could think of--which wasn't much!  So here are a few tidbits from my very ordinary life:

1. I love chocolate
2. I was vegetarian for about six years
3. I love meat
4. Being pregnant brought me back to eating meat. I didn't crave it, but I did crave protein in the form of cheese and nuts. I decided eating chicken would be less fattening than the mac and cheese and pizza I wanted all the time. Now I eat all meat!
5. I love movies
6. My favorite book is the same as my favorite movie: Gone With the Wind
7. I didn't start writing until I was in my 30's. I never dreamed of writing a book. I'm not a talker, so I figured I could never think of enough to say to fill one. But we non-talkers internalize a lot, so it's much easier for us to write!  Go figure.

Now it's time to pass it forward! Here are seven wonderful bloggers that I'm naming Versatile Bloggers:

1. Kittie Howard, The Block
2. Ivy, The Happy Whisk
3. Old Kitty, 10 Lives, Second Chances
4. The Words Crafter, Rainy Day Wanderer
5. Donea Lee, Queen of Procrastination
6. Julie Musil, Writing and Blogging Beteween Carpools
7. Nas Dean, Nas Dean

If you haven't visited these blogs, pop by today! Thanks for visiting!

Becoming a Versatile Blogger

Earlier this week, I had the honor of being named a Versatile Blogger by one of my peers in the blogosphere. Woo-hoo--my first blogging award! Once being recognized as a VB, a few things are required of recipients:

• Thank the person who named you
• List 7 things about yourself
• Name at least 12 other bloggers (you've recently discovered and find fantastic) as Versatile Bloggers and notify them

Thanks:  I'd like to thank William Kendall (Speak of the Devil) for naming me a Versatile Blogger.  Although a self proclaimed rogue and scoundrel, I find William very nice (even though he hates my  bean recipes) and LOL funny. I enjoy his writing advice, character interviews, political commentary, and his general take on life in the personal experiences he shares. Again William, thank you!

Seven Things About Me:
1. I prefer the mountains to the beach; the solitude and magnificent views win me over (great for writing).
2. I'm married to a wonderful man.
3. I'm the mom of two beautiful boys.
4. I love museums, historic homes, antique shops and thrift stores.
5. I love spicy food--actually I love food (I don't mind cooking, if it's quick and easy, but I hate housework).
6. I enjoy working out. The health benefits are great, but I even met my husband through staying fit!  However, I don't recommend giving your phone number to a total stranger, who pulls over while you're running to ask you out, as a way to meet a potential spouse (but it did work for me).
7. I was a federal witness in the Georgia Mail Bombing case. I was working at the service desk as a librarian, and the mail bomber (posing as a PI) came in one day and asked some questions--thankfully, not about bomb building--I think he already had that covered. About three years later, the FBI came looking for me (regarding my exchange with the guy, who was then locked up) and needed me as a witness for two different trials. Who says being a librarian is boring?!

Fantastic Blogs:
Joanna St. James: Bionic Writer
Dangerous with a Pen
Dancing Down Serendipity Street
YA Audio Book Addict
Artzicarol Ramblings
One Significant Moment in Time
Through the Looking Glass (Dawn) 
Through the Looking Glass (Melissa)
Iggi & Gabi
W.I.P It
Adventures in Writing
Wordplay
Left and Write Brained
Above Water

Now I will notify the above listed bloggers that they have been named VBs, and woo-hoo! I have become a Versatile Blogger!

If you haven't already, be sure to check out the sites of the fabulous bloggers!

Have a happy, blessed and safe Thanksgiving! Thanks for stopping by! Tweet me @: maria_mckenzie.