Wednesday, May 11, 2011

HUMP DAY .... AN AWARD TO GIVE. SIX NEW FRIENDS THIS WEEK!

Happy HUMP day everyone.... Today I would like to welcome six new friends. Now that I am back in Chicago I can catch up on all my new friends, which I am so looking forward to do. During the A-Z I was fortunate enough to meet so many new and wonderful bloggers. My blog family is still increasing, but more slowly, and that is just fine. Now I can keep up.

So for this week I would like to give a big an warm welcome to Paula, Ann, Sue, Rebecca, Ellen, and Rosalind. I will definitely be popping by you blogs this week to say "Hi."





Today I also have an award to give out. The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award. It was given to me by Susan Oloier of Memoirs of a Writer. Susan, who is incredibly sweet herself, honored me with this award a few weeks ago. I met her during the challenge and she was and still is a wonderfully supportive friend. I appreciated all of her kind comments during the challenge and she gave my ego a boost when I really needed it. It has been a trying time for me lately with the rejection letters piling up, and if it weren't for friends like Susan I would really freak.

Of course this award comes with a few rules. I have always had a tendency to bend rules just a bit, but I will do what I can. I already thanked Susan. That is the first. Now seven things about myself. Since it's been AGES since I wrote about myself it's time for my new friends to know a few things about me.

1. I love ANYTHING creative. I love to write, draw, paint, create things for my home, etc.

2. I LOVE the holidays, especially Christmas. I plan a few months ahead on how I am going to decorate and what I am going to make.

3. I am an INSANE Harry Potter fan. I have already been to Wizarding World in Orlando, Florida about ten times on my two visits there in the past year. My dream is to fly to England and do one of the HP tours there.

4. I became a writer when my Interior Design business took a plunge two years ago. Although I still have a few loyal clients, I barely make it. But on the plus side it gives me the extra time to write and illustrate my books. Now I am querying my first book Amber and the Whispering Willows like crazy.

5. I love anything vintage. I live in a stunning vintage condo built in 1913. The details are AMAZING. Plaster moldings, nine-foot ceilings, and hardwood floors. I have a terrific view of Lincoln Park from seven windows and I can also see downtown in the winter months before the trees fill in for the spring and summer.

6. I enjoy blogging more than anything. It enables me to keep in touch with other writers and information that has really been an important part of my life the past year.

7. After ten weeks in Florida, I am rejuvenated and can't wait to take Chicago by storm this summer. Many friends are visiting, so I will be playing host. It should be a blast!

So now you all know more about me. Now I must pass this on to new friends. Although this award states it must be fifteen people. I don't wish to take up to much of you time so I will just award this to any of my blogger family who wishes to have it. TO ME you are ALL SWEET and deserve it!

Let's make this HUMP DAY a memorable one!

17 comments:

Kittie Howard said...

Great learning more about you, Michael. Happy you're back into your groove. Isn't it great when friends/family visit? We take so much for granted here in the D.C. area, just drive by gorgeous stuff, so when visitors come, yay! Sightseeing is great fun!

Ann said...

Glad to hear you are feeling up to tackle the world again. Warm Sunshine is always a great spirit booster.

The A-Z was great for meeting new bloggers, but whew...I am glad things have slowed down a mite. It got overwhelming at times.

Oh to be able to paint. Lucky you! Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Lisa Potts said...

Congrats on the award, Michael. I've been dying to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and as soon as I can save up the $$$, I think the kids and I will head to Florida.

N. R. Williams said...

It is amazing how we can create something from nothing and change our lives when one plan goes south as you designer business did. I hope it is revised if you want it to be. Many good wishes are sent your way for the query process.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium

Jeana said...

Your apartment sounds amazing--I love old houses and buildings!

Karlene Petitt said...

Congratulations on your award Michael! It's so fun to know more about you. My baby is graduating in your fair city tomorrow, so my husband and I will be flying in for a quick overnight trip. But I will think of you!

Linda Gray said...

We had no idea you were a Harry Potter fan! *shocked face* ;) It's excellent that you're so creative in so many different areas. And congrats on your award, it is much deserved.

Ellen Brickley said...

Welcome to you to Michael - although I should say that on my own blog, since this just reads like I'm welcoming you to your own blog!

It's nice to get to know you better - never knew you were a HP fan, me too!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Congratulations on the award! Sounds like your business's plunge was the prompt you needed. And I'm still trying to track down all of my new followers from the Challenge. Wish they'd all left comments, as some I can't follow back...

Jo Schaffer said...

Nice learning more about you. (=

My whole world is full of creativity with all the stuff I like to do and my artist/ filmmaking hubby and artsy friends-- my kids love to draw, paint and invent.

I have a love of vintage things too and collect antiques. (=

Christmas is a big deal around my house too.

Your place sounds beautiful.

My trip to England in June won't include Harry Potter-- but I intend to explore some awesome places. (=

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Congratulations on the award, Michael. Ten times to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! How I envy you the experience. The latest Harry Potter DVD had a featurette of the cast and JK herself touring the park. Now, I definitely would have liked to have been part of that little group, just listening in, mind you.

ali cross said...

I love reading more about you! You are so fascinating, coupled with being an amazing bloggy friend I could read a zillion things about you without losing any interest at all. :)

Author Joshua Hoyt said...

Blogging has been a wonderful way to connect with so many people. It is a wonderful adventure I have loved it as well.

Susan Oloier said...

Michael, you didn't have to do the things associated with the reward since you already have it. I just wanted to plug your amazing blog and share your creative spirit with anyone who did not yet have the fortune of knowing you. But, I must, say, it is so nice to get to know more about you! I love Chicago, too. My family is from there! I also love Christmas and blogging. I am so happy to have met you through the Challenge!

Susan Oloier said...

Can't forget Harry Potter either! I have yet to see the last movie. I know, I am so bad.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I think creative people are, well, creative! We see the world differently - we see what could be with a little help or we see the hidden treaures. I'm just as passionate about photography as I am about writing.

Deniz Bevan said...

Ooh, a vintage condo, that sounds lovely! And yay for Christmas. What sorts of things do you cook/bake? Someday I'd like to host a Christmas dinner with a real Norman Rockwell look to it...
(And yay for HP too, of course!)