Saturday, April 7, 2012

GRATEFUL/GREGARIOUS - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

GRATEFUL/GREGARIOUS

Teresa at Journaling Woman
This wonderful woman sees the big picture. She understands grace and is humbled by it. You have only to read her posts to see the gratitude and love. I never miss her posts, especially on Sunday. She keeps me humble and in sync with my true purpose in life. Thanks Teresa!

Tyrean at Tyrean’s Writing Spot
Every day is a blessing to Tyrean. She sees the world through the eyes of innocence and gratitude. Visiting her blog is like going home – you know you’ll be safe and surrounded by the love of family. Tyrean is gracious, encouraging, and a true joy!

Cassie Mae at Reading Writing and Lovin' It!
Gregarious times ten! She once said there were no awkward silences around her and I believe it. But it’s not just her chatter that’s contagious. Cassie understands how to spread the love. She’s everywhere, like a little matchmaker, bringing blogger friends together.

No movie or music today because I wanted to let everyone who visits the blog of this geeky, movie and music loving author know that I am very grateful for you! Thanks for all of your support this week.

Ninja News!

For those who missed it, I am hosting the First Loves Blogfest on May 14 – First loves of movies, music, books, and persons

Hope everyone is enjoying the Challenge. Wanted to wish all of my followers a Happy Easter. It's a day for which I could never express enough gratitude.


Are you following Teresa, Tyrean, or Cassie? Did you sign up for the blogfest? Who in your life is grateful or gregarious? And what is your favorite Easter candy? I’m partial to Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs myself…

127 comments:

Sarah Tokeley said...

I'm following Cassie and Teresa (found Teresa through the A to Z). Will go and check out Tyrean.

I surprised myself by signing up for the blogfest on the spot yesterday. None of my usual umming and ahhing :-)

Happy Easter to you Alex,

Pat Tillett said...

I'm not following 'em, don't know 'em, but I'm gonna check then out!

Patricia Stoltey said...

Definitely the Peanut Butter Eggs...but I can't have them any more than I can have that fast food I talked about...

mooderino said...

Chocolate was a smart move on the part of the people behind Easter. Come to think of it, a lot of holidays involve chocolate. Maybe religion is just an elaborate ruse by Cadbury's...

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Gonna visit soon, thanx Alex

Denise Covey said...

Your tributes to these wonderful bloggers is great Alex!

Denise

Nancy Thompson said...

I know Tyrean & I love Cassie with her infectious enthusiasm. I'll be sure to check out Teresa. Thanks for a great first week of A to Z! I haven't been able to visit anyone really since I'm neck-deep in revisions for a deadline, but I NEVER miss you or Matthew, 2 of my very favorites! I hope be able to fully participate next week. And yes, oh yes! Reece's PB eggs are the BEST!! My all-time favorite! (Along with the Christmas trees & valentine hearts!) Love that PB! Have a blessed Easter, Alex!

Arlee Bird said...

Follow them all. Teresa is among my longest time blog friends.

Chocolate covered marshmallow eggs are my favorites. Bought some today in fact.


Lee
A Few Words
An A to Z Co-host blog

Kyra Lennon said...

Cassie is super awesome, and hosted the first blogfest I ever entered!

I have signed up for your blogfest now - very excited!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Good day Alex Good G post.
Yes I did sign up fot the blogfest.
Hope you and yours have a wonderful Easter,.......no Easter eggs for me as I don't eat chocolate.

Yvonne.

AuthorAlden said...

Haven't been commenting much, but I'm digging your A-Z entries, Alex! Lots of interesting people you're introducing us to. Great idea for an A-Z theme!

J.W. Alden

PK HREZO said...

Aw... you're right about Cassie! Infectious, she is. And I'm off to check out the other two.
And yay for another blogfest!!

Unknown said...

The challenge is great Alex! There are so many new people to visit on the list!

I hope you and all of your followers have a very Happy and Safe Easter!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

gonna check out your recommendations and ask are you a robot... this blogfest is not even over and i see another on the horizon. one week of this challenge is done, we survived with only a day of panic/ranting...

Good Stuff... to the challenge "G" is for Genuine!
Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
A to Z Co-Host
IZOMBIE: Visit the Madness

Anonymous said...

I'm following those bloggers. :) I was already following Teresa and Cassie, and now I'm following Tyrean. Thanks for the recs.

Have a great weekend.

Huntress said...

Tyrean is fantastic. I'll check out the others as well. As always, thanks for the tips.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Great post on great bloggers. Have a great, great, great, Easter!

Mina Burrows said...

Cool blogfest! I love Cadbury eggs about as much as the Reeses peanut butter cups. Enjoy Easter! :0)

Jaye Robin Brown said...

Thanks for the links! I love Gracious people.

michelle said...

Will check them out... as soon as I have a moment to breathe! Phew!

...another blogfest? And we're still trying to get through the A to Z... still time to think about it... thanks!

Laurita said...

I'm finding all sorts of great new blogs thanks to these posts of yours. Such a fabulous idea.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sarah, good for you.

Patricia, once a year is all right though.

Moody, Cadbury must have access to a higher power...

Nancy, I appreciate you taking the time to come here then! Hope you are done with revisions soon. Have a blessed Easter.

Lee, will they make it until Easter tomorrow?

Kyra, thanks!

Thanks, JW.

CM, same to you!

Jeremy, I never even had time to panic...

Michelle, that's why it's not until mid-May.

Thanks everyone!!

Marta Szemik said...

Cassie cracks me up all the time. Love reading her posts!
Happy Easter to you and your Family Alex!

Unknown said...

Some great bloggers, Alex! And can't wait until your blogfest.

Rusty Carl said...

I think it says a lot about you that you've managed to cultivate so many friendships through blogging. Kudos to you!

Tracy Jo said...

Following Teresa but not Tyrean or Cassie. Now I got two more good ones from you! I am grateful for that and for you. :-) Favorite candy...jelly beans!

Lisa said...

I am in a state of constant gratefulness.

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

That sounds like a great blogfest! I'm excited. :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Thank you, Alex, I appreciate the mention. You know that I enjoy your posts and the incredibly decent person you are.

I've mentioned it before. During this Easter season, I faithfully eat a dozen eggs a week-- a dozen chocolate marshmellow eggs.

Teresa

Bish Denham said...

My husband and sister are more grateful and gregarious. As for Easter Candy... Anything chocolate will do.

And this morning, after about 4 years of not hearing one, we heard a chuck-poor-widow (similar but larger than a whip-poor-will.) It was a wonderful Easter present.

Laura Eno said...

You reminded me that I don't have any Easter candy! *sob*
This has been a great first week for A to Z and many of us can be grateful to YOU for that.

Unknown said...

Signed up for your blogfest yesterday. Love reeses peanut butter cups, but can't get them here :( Guess I would have to say Jelly Beans and marsipan. Happy Easter Alex!

SharleneT said...

Thanks for the intro to these ladies. You can have my Reese's; I'll take the Peeps and Jelly Beans. I'm #424 in the Challenge and am going out of chrono order to say howdy and have a Happy Easter!

Brinda said...

I think Teresa's the only one listed above that I haven't visited before. I'll go!

Natalie Aguirre said...

I don't know them but I'll check them out. I love how you're shouting out about your blogger friends.

farawayeyes said...

Peeps, of course.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Happy Easter, Alex. Off to check out some more of your blog friends.

xoRobyn

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Marta, same to you!

Rusty, I could do a shout out for a blogger buddy with every post and never catch up.

Thank you, Tracy.

Teresa, you are welcome, and those are the best kind of eggs.

Bish, that is wonderful!

Thanks, Laura.

Siv, I should send you a box.

Hey, Sharlene! Thanks.

Thank you, Natalie.

Thanks everyone!

Unknown said...

Great word for the day. These look like great bloggers to highlight.

Gregg Metcalf said...

Great theme! Very generous of you!

Unknown said...

I've joined all three - thanks Alex, it's lovely to find new friends. Over here we eat sugared almonds which are hell on teeth!

Michelle said...

Great theme! :) I'm a Reese's peanut butter cup girl too! :) Enjoying the challenge! Happy A to Z!

LynnRush said...

Love this. Oh, candy? Anything chocolate is good for me. I had some jelly beans the other day ... first time in a long time and YUMMO, so I'll stick with jelly beans for a while.

Jemi Fraser said...

I know Teresa very well, but haven't met the others... yet :)

Rick Daley said...

I'm grateful to have the opportunity to participate in this challenge! Have a great weekend, enjoy the break tomorrow...

Unknown said...

Thanks for the links - shall have to check those guys out :) I'm kind of hoping that I don't get any chocolate for easter - they feed me enough in work and I want to try and shed the love handles :P


Jamie
Fellow A-Z bloggy buddy
Mithril Wisdom

Gossip_Grl said...

I am grateful for a lot of things too numerous to name. I did sign up for your blogfest. My fave treat at this time of year is the pecan eggs at Easter time, though they have gotten smaller over the years

Robyn Campbell said...

I have been munching on jelly beans and chocolate the past day or two. Yikes! I'm on a diet too. *hangs head*

I'll check out your pals today, Alex. Signed up for the blogfest. Uh-huh. Have a lovely Resurrection Day.

Allison said...

Tyrean is a great example of grateful... she is wonderful! I will have to check out the other two on this list. For some reason, I like those chocolate eggs that are filled with icing.

Allison (Geek Banter)

Gwen Gardner said...

I don't know how I've missed all these awesome blogs. Thanks, Alex!

Nate Wilson said...

I like biting the heads off rabbits. Also, I like chocolate.

Surprisingly, only half of the Gregs I know are Gregarious. (The rest are Gregorys.)

Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all month. Try the veal (garnished this weekend only with Cadbury eggs).

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gregg, just trying to give back.

Susan, but they sound good.

Karen, same to you!

Jamie, you're too young for those!

Robyn, glad you're on board! And yes, that is the true meaning of Easter.

Thank you, guys!

Tonja said...

I really love your theme and how you appreciate so many people for different qualities.

I need to remember to stay out of the chocolate this weekend or I'll have a migraine all week - maybe it would be worth it ... no, definitely not.

M.J. Fifield said...

I follow Cassie's blog. It's a lot of fun to read.

My favorite Easter candy is yellow peeps. I used to love cadbury cream eggs but, as it turns out, my irrational fear of eggs extends to candy ones as well.

Dani said...

I love Cassie, she's great! I need to go check out they other tow awesome bloggers!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Oh, man, you've got to see Cassie's post today!

Or maybe not. ROFL

Donna K. Weaver said...

Oh, man, you've got to see Cassie's post today!

Or maybe not. ROFL

Jessica Salyer said...

Know and love Cassie. Heading over to meet the other two ladies. :)

Ciara said...

I'm checking out the other blogs. Thanks for the links. A happy day it shall be, for he has risen.

Cassie Mae said...

Okay, okay. I KNEW I should've changed my post today when you told me last night to be sure I stopped by your blog. I'm pretty sure I'll shock everyone into an awkward silence once they read it. How's that for ironic, lol.

On a more serious note, thank you so much for including me in your blogger buddy spotlights! I had to look up what gregarious meant, haha! I was like, I'm what now? When I read the definition I fist pumped the air and said SCHWEET!!

Tyrean is one of my favorite blogs to stop by (I think I say that a lot, but I guess I have a lot of favorites. :) ) I haven't met Teresa but will soon! (Oh dude, I'm excited!)

Gosh, another paragraph? Um yes, sorry for the post within a post. Reeses eggs are so yummmy, but I prefer the Reeses bunnies on Easter. And Cadbury eggs, but the creme filled kind. But not if they are going to explode all over my hand once I bite into them. And peeps are disgusting. Bleck. Funny story...

I'll just tell you later. I think I've reached my word limit. :) Thanks again for the shout out!!

PR said...

Happy Easter. I love Lindor eggs, they are so smooth and creamy and just melt in the mouth, mmmmm...off to the shop I go! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nate, you're hilarious!

Tonja, not worth a headache.

MJ, that's funny.

Donna, too late!!!

Cassie, no I think you're fine with that post. Remember, no awkward silences around you! And you are very welcome.

Kela McClelland said...

I do follow Cassie and am now following Tyrean. Will go check out Teresa next.

I signed up for the blogfest and already my firsts are running around in my mind. Music is going to be tough, but it's going to be fun.

My favorite Easter candy is also Reese's eggs. I always get those and jelly beans. Yum.

And Happy Easter to you :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Alex! My favorite Easter candy is black jelly beans, although I don't eat them anymore. Not good for diabetics and I'm trying to cut out all unhealthy foods from my diet. I guess I need to find a new favorite Easter treat.
: )

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Not sure I follow any of those bloggers.

I used to love chocolate bunnies, but I no longer eat chocolate. Now it's all about the jelly beans.

Charles Gramlich said...

Grateful is a very fine word.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Teresa's Journaling Woman blog was one of the first ones that I followed. I figured we have some things in common, and we do. I love reading her posts. She has great humor and insight into the world and literature. Plus, she loves Laura Ingells Wilder.

Play off the Page

baygirl32 said...

Umm peanut butter

D.G. Hudson said...

Will check out the blogs you recommend. I'm following one of them (Teresa)already.

Probably won't be able to do the next blogfest (First Loves), I have to finish revisions. But I will come here to cheer the participants on when I can.) Will consider if I finish revisions before the last signon day.

cleemckenzie said...

I love Journaling Woman's blog. Now I have to go and find those others. Thanks for all the great referrals.And thanks for the post at the Write Game. The Goddesses appreciate the kind words.

Golden Eagle said...

Already following Tyrean and Cassie, and I just found Teresa's blog through a comment she left on my blog. :)

I just added my blog to the linky list!

Rachna Chhabria said...

I will check out your 3 blog buddies. They sound wonderful.

Martha said...

I'm already following Journaling Woman, on my way to check out the others too. My favorite Easter treat isn't candy, it's beer! I give it up for Lent every year - Easter Sunday is party time ;)
I hope you have a great weekend and a wonderful Easter!

Andrew Leon said...

I have to admit that Cassie sometimes scares me with how bubbly she is.
That's the introvert in me.
She's like a never ending explosion of Dr. Pepper.
(yes, there's a reason it has to be Dr. Pepper)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

The Reese's plant is ten minutes away from me. My sister-in-law works there. There's nothing like fresh peanut butter cups.
My one son is always grateful and happy. He's contagious too.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kela, thanks, and same to you!

Susanne, chocolate covered raisins maybe?

Laura, think she's one of my first followers as well.

DG, here's hoping you finish by May 14!

Golden, thanks!!

Martha, that's funny.

Andrew, that probably earned you some points.

Susan, that sounds dangerous!

Annalisa Crawford said...

Only Tyrean I don't know from this list - another blog to visit!

Cheryl Klarich said...

My kids are both grateful and gregarious (at times the balance goes a bit gregarious)... but I am so grateful for the fun and the serious times.

Thanks Alex.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

It must have been just me, but yesterday's post from you fizzled at the end, not allowing me to join the blogfest or add a comment.

Sometimes I think that Blogger hates me. I follow all three lovely ladies. Ah, that sounds like cyber-stalking, doesn't it? Ah, follow in only the best way! Roland

Laura said...

Happy Easter Alex!
I follow Cassie and Theresa, but I'm looking forward to meeting Tyrean.
Have a lovely weekend
Laura x

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Great spotlight today. Have a great Easter.

Debra Harris-Johnson said...

Alex, you always put others first. What a great blogger friend you are. Many blessings and Happy Easter. I love chcolate peanut butter eggs.
dreamweaver

Eliza Wynn said...

What a fantastic theme! I'll be checking out those blogs. As for a favorite Easter candy, that's almost impossible to answer. I'm thinking maybe Russell Stover maple or vanilla cream eggs.

Ellie
Ellie's Blank Book
Ellie's Couch
Help Michigan Pets

Empty Nest Insider said...

Another great list Alex and we're all grateful for you! Julie

Jenny Hansen said...

I'm finding all sorts of new friends through the AtoZ challenge. Lots of fun and it is challenging me to write shorter blog posts.

Thanks for helping to host!

p.s. I'm a fan of those cute little marshmallow peeps. :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Roland, sorry you had trouble!!

Laura and Michael, same to you!

Debra, thank you.

Eliza, vanilla cream eggs sound good.

Thank you, Julie!

Tara Tyler said...

i love your blogger highlights =)

have a sweet easter!

Leovi said...

Grateful Dead is one of my favorite bands.

Leigh Covington said...

What I love about your theme is that I am able to find so many fun new blogs to follow. It's great to meet to new people. :)
And I thank you for your kind words on my Thursday post. It means a lot.

Ella said...

Thank you Alex, for sharing all your great friends with us~ They are fun, unique and you very are gracious ;D

ooh, favorite Easter candy would be Cadbury Mini eggs, solid milk chocolate!

Happy Easter to you n' yours~

Kimberlee Turley said...

I'm always a fan of Dove chocolate, but I especially love it when they shape them like mini Easter eggs.

(It just seems like there's more chocolate in every bite.)

J.C. Martin said...

New people to follow! Thanks, Alex!

J.C. Martin
A to Z Blogger

Hart Johnson said...

Hey, thanks for sending me over to see Cassie--that was the best story ever! teehee And I'm signed up. So there.

Cate Masters said...

Have a wonderful Easter, Alex. I'm grateful for your support as well.

ediFanoB said...

Need to visit Teresa, Tyrean and Cassie
after writing this comment.


HAPPY EASTER!

Chuck said...

I am thinking of joining your First Loves and yes I am addicted to the Reeses eggs...but I can't have them anymore so they can't even be in the house. Dammit!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Tara.

Leigh, you're welcome, and thank you for visiting my blogger buddies.

Happy Easter, Ella!

hart, good for you! And knew you'd dig Cassie.

Cate, and I appreciate yours.

Happy Easter, Edi!

Chuck, bummer. Join the fest - you know you want to!

Theresa Milstein said...

How Generous of you to provide the links.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Hoppy Easter!
Great choices today!
I'm off to visit!
Heather

Laurisa White Reyes said...

Gregarious is definitely my 4 year old son. He never stops talking! http://1000wrongs.blogspot.com

Brianna said...

Yes, I follow Tyrean, and my soul is richer for it! I'll have to check the other bloggers out! It's so awesome how you are spreading the word about different blogs - very gracious of you :) Happy Easter!

Saumya said...

These blogs sound wonderful! I can't wait to check them out. I'm grateful to bloggers like you who keep me inspired and encouraged. You rock, Alex!

Kern Windwraith said...

What a lovely, generous-spirited post--a pleasure to read. I'll be vising Teresa, Tyrean and Cassie, and I'll also be checking out the First Loves Blogfest.
A
s for my favourite Easter candy, I'm a bit of a purist: just plain old (high quality) dark or milk chocolate for me. Doesn't even have to be egg-shaped!

Jessica L. Celaya said...

Thanks for the head's up on the awesome blogs! PS I've been seeing your books on-line everywhere. Makes me very interested in them!

Suze said...

My favorite Easter candy is a nice gooey marshmallow egg. I think I may like strawberry best. After that it's those chocolate and coconut nests followed by (drumroll, please) PEEPS!

A very blessed Easter to you and yours, Al!

Anonymous said...

Teresa at Journaling Woman is amazing! I haven't stopped by Cassie Mae's for a while and will do so. And I'll meet Tyrean for the first time.

Nick Wilford said...

You definitely know how to spread the love. I know Cassie but not the other two, will have to check them out. Hmm, I'll have to have a look at that blogfest - sounds like another good one!

Talli Roland said...

I don't think I know any of these wonderful bloggers... or, at least, I haven't visited in a while! I must pop over and check them out.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, happy Easter!

Brianna, have a great Easter.

Saumta, thanks - and you rock!

Kern, sometimes that is best.

Jessica, thanks.

Suze, it always comes down to the Peeps/ Have a wonderful Easter.

Nick, hope you can join us!

Leovi said...

I have the good fortune of being in the lives of many people thankful...

Alexandra Heep said...

Thanks for the reminder that one can never be too grateful.

Happy Easter to you too.

M Pax said...

I'm partial to the Trader Joe's version of the peanut butter egg. Happy Easter!

LA Nickers said...

LOVE the idea that you are highlighting fellow bloggers. Generous indeed!

I’m stopping in as an A to Z blogger. I invite you to visit my blogs, leaving a link to your own post, so my readers can find you too!

All on Blogspot.com and all in the A to Z Challenge:

Heart of a Ready Writer – Bible &Devotional
Meme Express – Daily Blog Prompts (A to Z)
Nickers and Ink – Featuring favorite classic poems from A to Z
Practically at Home – See what fellow writers are cited – with article links!
The Mane Point –Pprofiling special horses from A to Z
Working in Words – Writing How-to’s

Simply Snickers is not posting daily in the A to Z Challenge, but you are invited to comment with your A to Z/NaPoWriMo poetry links!

Click my name/icon for links to all these blogs! Happy A-to-Z!

Jaycee DeLorenzo said...

I follow both - Cassie is a little ray of sunshine in my life and makes me smile every single day!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mary, didn't know they made one!

Thanks, Linda.

Jaycee, she's a big ray of sunshine!

Anonymous said...

I'm now following all three of the blogs you profiled. Great stuff!

klahanie said...

Greetings Alex,
Thank you for those three links to those, I'm sure, very articulate bloggers. This is most altruistic of you to share your site to bring further awareness of others in what I consider the true spirit of a sharing caring, blogging community.
I like to think that folks 'follow' other blogs for all the right reasons in the true spirit of positive interaction. I struggle with the usage of the word 'followers'. I wish we could use another word.
Wishing you well with your "First Loves Blogfest" and continued inspirational interaction with all of those involved in the alphabet challenge. I have the great privilege to know folks who are grateful in a social and uplifting sort of way.
And Easter 'sweets'? I'm quite partial to "Cadbury's Easter Cream Egg".
Thanks Alex and once again, I'm grateful you manage to find the time, when you can, to note my shy, humble and unassuming blog.
With respect and happy writing, your way, Gary

Anita said...

Thanks for sharing these wonderful blogs :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Spotts!

Gary, my way of giving back. And I visit because you are genuine. Don't always find that in life.

Donna Shields said...

New blogs to follow. Thanks!

Georgina Morales said...

Great blogs! Thanks for all the hard work you do to keep the A to Z working and help us connecting. Also, thanks for stopping by my blog. Happy Easter!

From Diary of a Writer in Progress

Angela Brown said...

I've been adding quite a few blogs to my reading roll so I'll have to check and make sure I'm following these wonderful ones.

As for Easter candy, I found myself getting hooked on jelly beans of all sorts. So much sugary yumminess in tiny bean sizes. And I got a hold of a box of Hot Tamales. That last candy I clearly blame on you, Alex lol!!!

Hoping your Easter was the best.

Pa Ul said...

interesting G post

Angela Ackerman said...

Brilliant theme for your A to Z! I love celebrating people in this community. :)

Angela

Cindy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tracy MacDonald said...

I do love your giving-back theme-it's done so rarely these days. I do follow Cassie and love reading her posts. It's like you're just hanging out chatting with coffee and about 300 of your closest friends. Gregarious- the most gregarious person I know is my college roommate. It's admirable her love of life, energy, enthusiasm, and joie di vie!
Happy A to Zing.
A2ZMommy and What’s In Between

Tina said...

Cadbury creme eggs. And Journaling Woman. She's so very good. I'd love to participate in the First Loves Blogfest! Is there a linky coming for that?
Tina @ Life is Good
Co-Host of the April A to Z Challenge
Twitter: @AprilA2Z #atozchallenge