A Special Thank You to My Friends

A big thank you to The Pet Museum for awarding the Stylish Blogger award to me (and 9 other blogs)!

First, if you haven’t visited The Pet Museum you need to go! You don’t have to buy a ticket--it’s free. And I know you’re all pet lovers! The Pet Museum is a virtual museum. While you’re still lazing around in your bunny slippers, you can explore “the lives, times, art and history of our pets.” I’ve enjoyed some incredible art and photography from the historical to the contemporary.

Everything You Didn’t Know About Me... But Were Afraid to Ask

A couple months ago, I was sweetly and informally presented with the SBA award by one of the nicest and thoughtful bloggers out there, Jenny, author of A Tale of 2 Kitties: The World According to Sam and Lucy (Miss you!) Thank you! I bow to you. And Caren of Cat Chat awarded it to all of her followers (since she has a heart the size of Texas, one of the many reasons we all love her so!)

According to “the rules” I am supposed to list 7 things about me you don’t know (not so good with rules):

1. I’m tall. Just 1/4 inch away from 5'11"! But a shrimp compared to my 2 siblings!
2. I’m not a TV watcher, although I uploaded all of Mad Men on my computer and watched it in a marathon frenzy.
3. I am always in search of a cupcake that tastes like what my Nana used to make.
4. I once caught a live bat when I was a toddler. I was sleeping and the bat flew through a hole in the screen and into my open hand. I closed my fist around it. My parents heard squawking and ran into the bedroom. Were they surprised! Luckily the bat did not have rabies.
5. I believe chocolate is a vegetable.
6. My past tuxedo cat Bibsy launched a successful catering business.
7. Swimming is my zen.

The Award Goes To...

Now it’s time to give the award to 14 other well-deserving bloggers. I LOVE all the blogs I am following. My only regret is I’m not able to visit you all every day!

I would like to present the award to 4 blogs. To follow this list I want to give a shout out to some special folks:

Catachresis
Caro, the author of this blog, is owned by a handsome tuxedo kitty named Austin. This lively tuxie has “an addiction” to fabric softener and flat out refuses to pose “cute” to please anyone. He’s quite a handful, but Caro, who has a way with words, and is quick with a quip, is one to reckon with.

The Whiskeratti
I absolutely love the name of this blog, it sounds like a secret society for pets! The Whiskeratti is Toby, the orange one; Leia his consort for life, plus guest barks from woofie cousin Max the Terrible Terrier.  Leia is owner of “the special-ist nip squirrel ever” and Toby excels in waking his Mom up 3 hours before work!

The Monkeys

Four of the most fabulous and fluffiest kitties on the internet. Meet Samson, Delilah, Bella and Sweet Pea: a tuxie and 3 torties. And the most helpful kitties too! When their Mom was sick, Bella did “some sort of germ-scaring ceremony,” Deli “pre-tasted” Mom’s food and Samson, why he “made sure the bed was warm and cozy.”

A Cat in my Lap
Dana, the author of this blog, is a talented artist who loves decorating, gardening and Daisy her sweet calico. Daisy’s got a mind of her own and her own Facebook page!

A Shout Out to Some Special People

Instead of presenting the award to 10 other bloggers, I would like to take the time to thank some special people I met on Twitter who are authors of blogs.

You all are already award-winning “Stylish Bloggers!” But if you haven't received the award, you can officially take it! You have supported me from the beginning when I first started tweeting last July.

You have ALL touched me in so many ways and enriched my life. You have made me laugh out loud with your stories and videos. I have felt sadness when you have shared that your beloved kitty is ill or life is not going your way. And I am impressed by how deeply you care about your animals and the animals of the world.

I feel so fortunate to have met you and call you my friend.

A heartfelt thank you to:

Cat Chat with Caren and Cody
The wit and wisdom of Caren and her side-kick kitty, Cody. From the beginning I felt like I could make myself comfy on Caren’s couch. One of the warmest and friendliest blog hosts on the internet, Caren always sees sunlight where others might only see clouds. My dear friend!

The Conscious Cat
Ingrid is the author of this popular blog. She brings authority to her discussion of cats as well as practical advice. She is a lovely, generous friend and mentor. She is Mom to Allegra, a tortie.

Catsparella
This stylish blog has got a paw on the most up-to-date news in the cat world--from art to videos. If it’s not here, it’s not happening! Stephanie, the CApTivating author of this blog, not only loves cats; she loves cupcakes. A woman after my own heart. And my sweet friend.

Jan’s Funny Farm
Jan runs her animal-packed farm with love (although sometimes she seems to think it runs her!) but she always approaches each day with a sense of humor. Jan was one of my first Twitter followers and she always brings a smile to my face.

Bunny’s Blog
Bunny Jean Cook is one of the busiest bunnies on the internet. With her Mom, Vicki, the author of this blog, she helps raise significant money for animals in need around the world. And that’s not the only way Vicki rocks, she also has rockin taste in music!

Kokoro Purrs
Kokoro, a gorgeous mismatched bicolored seal rag doll kitten, has his own comic about his exciting adventures. (He's a therapy kitty!)  Michelle, his hip Mom who drives a Mini, brings cute, chic and comical together in one strip. You’re sure to recognize your cat’s antics in these charming illustrations.

Haute or Not... Pets
This snazzy blog features the latest and the greatest pet product reviews by Corsa the kitty and Loca the pug. Now that’s Haute!

Brian’s Home
Brian is a powerful Cat-vocate of all animals who deserve a loving forever home. The motto of Brian and his lovely sisters: “Remember adopt cats, we deserve it!” Purrs to Brian!

Catladyland
Angie, the author of this blog, pulls the curtain aside on the cat world. Follow the humorous antics of her 3 kitties--the petty jealousies, the secrets, the rivalries. It’s a delightful hit of catnip to start off your morning.

And of course,

The Pet Museum

And if I neglected to mention anyone, well then, let’s add:

#8. I am an absentminded writer. Apologies! Excuse me while I go look for my glasses.