Wednesday, April 18, 2012

PLAYFUL/PERFECTIONIST - 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.

PLAYFUL/PERFECTIONIST

The Happy Whisk
Don’t go to Whisk’s site expecting anything but fun. Her followers are affectionately called “boogerbutts.” However, there is a serious side to Whisk - don't mess with her cooking or coupons. She’s also just the sweetest person I’ve ever met. Follow her fun and animated journey and be prepared to “Boogie Boogie.”

Jessica Bell at The Alliterative Allomorph
There is a playful streak to Jessica that she lets out now and then. However, what I see most in this Greek Aussie is perfectionism. She’s an author and an accomplished musician, and you don’t arrive at that point without a high level of perfectionism. And it shows in her books and album. Jessica, as a fellow perfectionist, I know the lonely road you travel. And while no one is perfect, you are DAMN good at what you do!

I admit it. I’m a perfectionist. If practice makes perfect and nobody’s perfect, then I wonder why I keep trying. But my hunt for the ever-elusive perfection continues. I’ll fall short with every word and strum of my guitar.
Thankfully God doesn’t expect perfectionism.

Flushed Away
With Aardman’s The Pirates coming next week, I felt compelled to pull out this movie last weekend. With the voices of Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet (another sexy Kate!), is about as playful and funny as they come. And the singing slugs crack me up every time.

NINJA NEWS!

Don’t forget the First Loves Blogfest on May 14 – First loves of movies, music, books, and person. Click the blogfest title to sign up.

Still doing the best I can to get to as many posts a day as possible. Please don’t be offended if I skip you one day or it takes me a while to get to during the Challenge. I clear out my Google Reader every night and Monday morning, I awoke to almost seven hundred new posts. (Yeah, what would you do? Cry?)

Following Whisk and Jessica? Suffer from perfection? Ever watched Flushed Away? Overwhelmed by posts and comments? Still having fun??? And who’s the playful person or perfectionist in your life?

117 comments:

Nancy Thompson said...

I don't know Whisk but I'd line to be a fellow boogerbutt! I do know Jessica though. Talk about talented. Sheesh! She's overloaded with it!

I must admit, the challenging is, well, challenging. Seems like a full-time job right now. But I am enjoying for the most part!

And I admit, I'm perfectionist in my life. Drives me nuts but I know no other way.

Daisy Carter said...

Am I the first comment? Yay!

I haven't seen Flushed Away, I suffer from perfection, I'm overwhelmed with commenting but still having fun, and I think the most playful perfectionist in my life is...James Earl Jones. :)

Nancy Thompson said...

*sigh*. Bad bad phone typer.

Unknown said...

I'm the worst perfectionist I know, which makes me the best at something, which is perfect, and then I've come full circle. But seriously, this challenge is a lot of fun. You're a blogging inspiration! And I'm trying to learn as much as I can.

Carrie Butler said...

"Thankfully God doesn’t expect perfectionism." And for that, I am grateful. :)

Anonymous said...

"Boogerbutts" made me smile.

I haven't seen Flushed Away. It looks like a fun movie.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Loved FLUSHED AWAY. Who could resist singing slugs? LOL.

Cassie Mae said...

I wanna be a boogerbutt!

I'm still having a major blast with this challenge, even though my eyeballs feel like they will dangle from their sockets at the end of the day.

And my problem is suffering from imperfection. ;)

S. L. Hennessy said...

I hate to say it, but I've never seen Flushed Away. It's already on my to-watch list though.

Kyra Lennon said...

Jessica is wonderful! I won one of her albums the other day - awesome!

Empty Nest Insider said...

I'm heading over to meet The Happy Whisk! It's amazing how much you're able to accomplish as a perfectionist! And you're a patient perfectionist at that! Julie

Jessica Bell said...

Haha, Alex, you are so sweet to mention me. Thank you so much! Seriously, I come off as a perfectionist, hey? LOL Wow ... and I thought I was doing a good job of hiding it! ;o) xxx

I will visit the other blogs you mention today for sure.

Thanks again, Alex. You just made my day all bright and shiny when it grey and stormy outside!

Jessica Salyer said...

I've never been this high up before. I might get a little dizzy. ;) Off to meet new people you suggested. And yes I would probably cry.

PR said...

Oh my god 700, damn! I love that movie. Defo need to become a boogerbutt, that's genius lol. I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my study. I end up falling behind sometimes because of it, but I need to be the best at everything I do! :)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

No way am I perfect far from it, but have had trouble this challenge keeping up as my creaking old shoulders and arms have been painful and have needed shots of corrisone to relieve the pain. However as I had my challenge all done and dusted I'm determined to see it through.
Great links to click onto.

I don't know how you keep up are you sure "Captain Ninja" isn't "Superman?"

Yvonne.

J.C. Martin said...

Yay for featuring Jessie! Checking the Whisk out. I too can be a perfectionist, but sometimes you just have to learn when to say "That'll do," or risk wallowing forever in a sea of neverending edits.

J.C. Martin
A to Z Blogger

mooderino said...

I don't think i'm a perfectionist, more of a give it a go and see what happens sort of person.

mood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
The Funnily Enough

Laura Eno said...

I'm a perfectionist but I've noticed I'm a bit more willing to let it go the older I get.
I've never heard of Flushed Away but singing slugs intrigues me.
Still having fun with A to Z!

Laura
A to Z of Immortals, Myths & Legends

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nancy, she is talented! And yes, it is a full time job right now.

Daisy, that's an interesting choice!

Michael, thanks!

Carrie, Amen!

Roland, no one can resist the singing slugs.

Cassie, I think you already are one.

Kyra, you will really enjoy it.

Julie, the patience doesn't always come easy.

Jessica, you are most welcome!

You can do it, Yvonne!!!

JC, I finally learned.

Moody, lucky you!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yay for God not requiring perfection from us! :)

The Happy Whisk said...

Thank you so much for thinking of me. Very kind of you and what a great thing to wake up to.

Thanks bunches and boogie boogie.

Patsy said...

My OH is a perfectionist - I admit I'm far more slapdash.

Unknown said...

New blogs to check out and a movie I have never heard of. Thanks Alex :) My hubby is a perfectionist when it comes to detail but a slob in daily life. Makes me just a bit crazy :)

Ciara said...

I've never met Whisk so I'm looking forward to that today. I love that your highlighting all these great blogs. I've met lots of new people this month. Yep, I'm signed up for First Loves Blogfest.
Thanks again for the shout out yesterday. You're the best.

The Angry Lurker said...

Have been following my Queen of the Boogerbutts for a long time and have enjoyed it!

Old Kitty said...

Charlie's pretty perfect! LOL!

Awww totally loved Flushed Away!

Take care
x

Rusty Carl said...

Saying I'm overwhelmed would be an understatement - give me another word to use.

Cindy said...

Thanks for the blog recommendations. It can be frustrating when you try to be perfect at something and can't.

Unknown said...

I love Jessica, she is awesome and I will most definitely check out Whisk's site.

I am a perfectionist as well, and it really cripples my writing at times.

Unknown said...

I consider myself to be pretty playful, though others would call it childish :P

Jamie
Fellow A-Z Buddy
Doing a monumental blog catch-up
Mithril Wisdom

baygirl32 said...

its been a while since I watched Flushed Away - I think I shall rewatch it tonight

Anonymous said...

Flushed Away is another one of my fav movies I enjoy watching with the family! It ranks up there with The Incredibles and How to Train Your Dragon! Such a funny movie! :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lynda, that's right!

Whisk, you are welcome.

Ciara, you're welcome.

Kitty, I figured you'd enjoyed that movie.

Rusty, extremely overwhelmed?

Baygirl, enjoy!

Luanne G. Smith said...

I think more grownups should be allowed playtime. :)

Christine Rains said...

I'm following Jessica and I'll go check out Whisk. Kate Winslet is one of my favorite actresses. I use to be a perfectionist, but I've cut myself some slack over the years. I still push myself, but because I want to learn not because I need to be perfect.

Unknown said...

Sometimes it's a good thing to be a perfectionist, but I'm trying to learn when it's okay to "let go"!

I think Aardman's stuff is brilliant, so I'm really looking forward to The Pirates!

Lindi said...

Alex--thanks for introducing me to all these great blogs.
I am not a perfectionist by any means. Not sure if that's good or bad, but it's the way it is.

PK HREZO said...

Yay... we love Happy Whisk and Jess! ANd I agree about the perfectionist part. I think I have a streak of that in me as well, which is why I haven't jumped on the self-pub wagon yet.

Anonymous said...

Can totally relate to the perfectionist thing. It's a sickness. ;-)

Heather M. Gardner said...

You are a Ninja Machine!
We all know how hard you work.
I tried to be first last night/this morning. I kept hitting refresh and there was your brand new P post and you already had 4 comments. I'm amazed.
Love Flushed Away especially the scene during the Billy Idol song.
Heather

Gossip_Grl said...

Will definately check out the blog suggestions. At work, I am a perfectionist. I got a little behind in the blog reading area because of working two weekends in a row so have been trying to catch up this week.

Brinda said...

Yes, I would cry at the thought of reading 700 posts. :(

I won music from Jessica when I commented on her site this week. YAY!!!

Elise Fallson said...

Thanks again for the blog suggestions, will head over to Whisk and Jessica's blog today. I haven't seen Flushed Away but plan on it. A little overwhelmed by posts and comments but it's still exciting and I'm having fun and hanging in there! :D

Julie Dao said...

I think many writers are perfectionists (including myself) so you're in good company! It helps more than hampers us, I like to think :)

Anonymous said...

I'd forgotten about FLUSHED AWAY. And it wasn't that long ago.

I hold myself to perfectionism, but don't always hold anyone else to the same.

Trying to catch up on posts from being unable to read yesterday, so away I go!

Budd said...

I remember watching this but can't for the life of me remember what happened it it. Same with Ratitoui. Maybe my mind blocks out mice related movies. No, that can't be it. I remember An American Tale and Secret of NIMH just fine. But they are Don Bluth films.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rachel, so am I!

Thanks, Heather. Sorry, you have to be quick around here.

Gossip, working weekends is just wrong.

Brinda, you'll really enjoy it.

Anonymous said...

Yep, following both these amazing bloggers. And still having lots of fun with the challenge. Never a dull moment and meeting lots of awesome people.

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I'm a pseudo-perfectionist. When it is for things that I really want done right, it will be done right, but that doesn't carry to every aspect of my life.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. great post - totally agree about Jess .. and Whisk I need to stop by .. love her followers names .. Boogerbutts ... good one.

I do what I can towards perfection - beyond that I'd stress and burn out! So I keep the positive out front .. that's my P .. I can see from the great Team here - there's a degree of perfectionism amongst you all - you're achieving so much .. great support we're getting ...

Cheers Hilary

Cherie Reich said...

I'm now following Whisk, and I've already followed Jessica Bell for a while. :)

As for that many posts, crying sounds about right.

Rick Daley said...

I haven't seen Flushed Away but my kids did and they loved it. I've seen Chicken Run and Wallace and Grommit vs. the Were-Rabbit. I think the Pirates movie looks great, I cracked up at the trailer.

Claire Hennessy said...

More great blogs to visit - I am spoilt for choice in this A-Z. I have found so many fantastic blogs. Yay. I just wish I understood Google Reader better - you make it sound so easy and helpful. Argh!

Jennie Bennett said...

I'm a perfectionist too, and I love the movie 'Flushed Away!'

M.J. Fifield said...

I haven't seen Flushed Away but the pirate movie looks like it'll be a lot of fun.

Creepy Query Girl said...

yay jessica! I once had a catholic priest tell my I was a 'selective perfectionist' based on my hand writing in the point book during one of our highschool basketball games. I was keeping books for our team while he kept books for the catholic school we were playing. But I found his analysis to be pretty spot on!;)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I thought it was funny that Kate Winslet called Leonardo diCaprio fat in a recent comment about the differences between then and now with the Titanic 3D release.

Julie Flanders said...

I've never heard of Whisk's blog, how fun! Jessica is great and such a talented author.

I loved Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit and can't wait for the Pirates movie. :)

Suze said...

'I admit it. I’m a perfectionist. If practice makes perfect and nobody’s perfect, then I wonder why I keep trying.'

Learning curve, maybe?

Unknown said...

I love how you're making a tribute to bloggers everyday! You're awesome.

Mark said...

Cool! I'll check all of these great blogs out, thanks:)

Marta Szemik said...

The singing slugs stole the movie!
I try to be a perfectionist, but only for as much as time allows.
I'm very overwhelmed by the posts and comments. I try to be 2 days ahead with the pre scheduling. A writing deadline looming over my head. I think June will be a welcome month to breathe (yeah right!)

Donna K. Weaver said...

Perfectionism is why I have problems using the Dragon software. I keep looking at the monitor and feeling and need to make it perfect rather than just letting the words flow. I think I need to work on that somehow.

Morgan said...

I think all us writers have some form of perfectionism in us... at least I'd *hope* so... it does, after all, create good/solid work. :D

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Thanks for the new blogs to follow! (Well, new to me.) :)

I don't think I'm a perfectionist, but I'm very Type-A. :) I think the world needs perfectionists...we're glad to have you just the way you are, Alex!

D.G. Hudson said...

Those singing slugs were great in Flushed Away - Motown in the background. Hubby had to convince me to watch it, though. Consider the subject.

I already follow Jessica, since the beginning of this challenge. Will check out the other.

Perfectionism is one of those traits we can be born with - we strive for the difficult, and stress ourselves in the process.
I've been accused of having it.

Gwen Gardner said...

I think perfectionism is linked to writerism. But I'm selective, LOL. Boogerbutt! That's fun to say - I'll have to stop by. Thanks Alex!

Mina Burrows said...

I live in a playful household. What can I say...we like to have fun!

And...as far as perfection goes, I think you're perfect. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Budd, maybe that's the difference between mouse and rat movies?

Karen, we can only be our best.

Rick, Pirates looks awesome.

Katie, my handwriting bucks my perfectionist trend.

Suze, perhaps!

Marta, I don't schedule mine until the night before, but they are all written, formatted, and ready.

Thanks, Elizabeth!

Juliana Haygert said...

I watched Flushed Away many times with my little one.
And I love me some bloghop. Can't wait for the first loves blogfest!

Robyn Campbell said...

I follow them. They are awesome, Alex. Flushed Away is too. I am looking forward to seeing The Pirates.

We all laugh and have fun on this farm. (Even today, this rainy, rainy day.)

I hear ya crying. *grabs tissue* :-)

Anonymous said...

I just checked out The Happy Whisk. I'll have to check the blog out further. I'm a couponer also, so I may be able to pick up some great tips while there.

Ella said...

I don't know Whisk, off to visit her...happy whisking sounds fun ;D
I love that movie, so fun! I can remember my daughter laughing so hard in the theater, people turned around and started watching her.
I suffer tendencies of the p, but then I started blogging and all my bloopers started to appear. I want to do better, so I know what I have to do read, write and face the reality of hitting the books again! If you don't use it you do lose it...
I lost it during the motherhood, military moving years. What makes me cry is the suggestion of moving again...augh!

Pat Tillett said...

Jessica is an amazing and multi-talented person! I'll check out the other link! Thanks...

Karen Lange said...

I follow Jessica but not Whisk. Will check it out. Thanks for the links!

Laura said...

I'm going to see if I can get flushed away on love film tonight. I wish I was a perfectionist - but I'm a bit scared as am a slightly obsessive personality anyway, - off to meet whisk now
Laura x

farawayeyes said...

Love 'Flushed Away'. The slugs are my favorite.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Hugh Jackman did voice work? I missed that. Jessica is great and her music is awesome. Very talented.
- Maurice Mitchell
The Geek Twins | Film Sketchr
@thegeektwins | @mauricem1972

Leigh Covington said...

Oh man! Those singing slugs are hilarious! Always make me laugh. Now I'm off to visit those blogs. :)

ali cross said...

Great entries today Alex! I am a perfectionist and because I'm rarely satisfied with my efforts I can be really hard on myself. It's good to have to stuff to work on, lol!

Sarah Ahiers said...

I know i've seen flushed away, but i can't for the life of me remember the singing slug.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Juliana, it will be fun!

Robyn, I still have at least eighty more blogs to visit today...

Ella, hope you don't have to move! And hate the bloopers. Hate typos. I'll go back and delete a comment if I get one word wrong!

Maurice, yes he did.

Ali, I imagined you a perfectionist as well.

David P. King said...

Perfectionism? Yeah. A little bit. Doing my best to put that little monster in its place. Looking forward to some stop motion pirates! :)

Rekha said...

I haven't met any singing slugs, though people may consider me one.
Haven't met Whisk but passed by Jessica's a few times.
Does trying to be perfectly imperfect count?

M Pax said...

I have perfectionist tendencies, too. Not in everything though.

Golden Eagle said...

I can be perfectionist about things, though I try to leave things alone when I'm micro-organizing and putting stuff into sub-categories. :P


The Golden Eagle
The Eagle's Aerial Perspective

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm probably more playful than perfectionist. I know how to half-ass a job when I need to.

Leovi said...

I think one of my virtues or shortcomings is that I accept my imperfections too soon, at least the photo.

CA Heaven said...

Perfectionist, that's good and bad. I used to be, but I have learnt to relax it. Being a perfectionist means you're doing good work. I t also means you might overdo, paying too much important to less important detail. I've learnt to do things just good enough >:)

Cold As Heaven

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sarah, slugs! Many singing slugs.

Rekha, that means you're human!

Leovi, your photos are perfect though.

Cold, just means doing our best.

Kittie Howard said...

Jess is awesome! She hits all the right notes. I'm a perfectionist when I know it's within my grasp if I work a bit harder.

Thanks for the amazing support, Alex!

Johanna Garth said...

Not following Whisk but I am following Jessica and totally suffer from perfectionism!

Jemi Fraser said...

They are both lovely ladies! I do tend to suffer from perfectionism - it can be very annoying!

Helena said...

I'm never completely satisfied with anything I write, but I'm not sure if that's perfectionism or neurosis.

Emily Genther said...

I've found some playful bloggers through the AtoZchallenge, such as Shay at Seriously-WTH? and Janye at Ach Du Leiber Janye! I also liked Flushed Away. Very cute movie.

klahanie said...

Hi Alex,
I know, you've been anxiously awaiting for one of my 'eagerly anticipated' comments. And thus, I thought I should whisk my way over here. You know, one of the goals in my life was to be called a 'boogerbutt' and I guess I know what I should do next. Heck, I shall even check out those other links you so kindly brought to attention.
And with that, I shall now whisk myself right back out of here.
All the best and happy writing.
Gary

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Jessica's a neat lady.

And boogerbuttdom, here I come.

Thanks, Alex.

xoRobyn

Enid Wilson said...

I won't add playful to perfection but you're doing great. I strive for playfulness, not perfection. Otherwise, life will be too hard.

My Darcy Vibrates…

Leslie S. Rose said...

Ah, perfectionism - one of creativities greatest enemies. I think overthinking and overworking art can drain the life from it. Solid is good, perfect is scary.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Playful is a great word, and I fear I suffer from the the whole perfectionism thing . . . but I try to ignore it. Loved Flushed Away - the slugs are really funny.

Denise Covey said...

Yes, I'm following both these happy chappies.

Denise

Erin M. Hartshorn said...

Perfectionism has ruined more potentially good things that I'm afraid of starting because I won't do them right . . . I've gotten better, but it's a hard thing to overcome.

Erin

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kittie, I'll highlight your book tomorrow.

Helena, a blend of both I believe.

Gary, being called boogerbutt is a lofty goal!

Tyrean, the slugs are great!

Tara Tyler said...

loved flushed away! hugh jackman in any form =)
and aardman cant go wrong =)

Cat Lavoie said...

Jessica is definitely awesome. I'll have to check out Whisk's blog! Loved Flushed Away. I feel like watching it again now! :)

Jay Noel said...

Still sick, but traveling anyway. So yes, I am drowning in posts and comments...but I will power through it.

Nicole said...

Holy cow - I can't believe you get around to that many blogs. Kudos! And never feel bad if you can't quite visit 'em all. :)

Heather M. Gardner said...

It's 11:18 pm EST and you have 1499 followers!

Bish Denham said...

I do follow Jessica. As for suffering from perfectionism... not a chance!

dolorah said...

Just stopping by to say "Hello Alex" and wish you a good week. I'd say a slow week, but you signed up as an A-Z host, silly boy.

You are a treasure to the internet Alex, and if you miss me several times - especially while I am away - I'll not be offended.

Later Dude :)

........dhole

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jay, you can do it!

Heather, it's been on that number for two days now.

Thank you, Donna. Yes, I did volunteer for this. And I'll still try not to miss one of your posts.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, Captain...

It's been a while. Sorry I haven't been by. A new design project is keeping me VERY busy. I am lucky to still keep posting.

This year I am really scrambling for time, but I am having a great time with the challenge.

Thanks for featuring such AWESOME bloggers... I know them all... Great choices.

Have a great rest of week.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Yes, Alex, 700 would make me cry. I haven't looked at my Google Reader because I'm working strictly from those who leave comments on my blog and from the A to Z signup list. That's enough to keep me busy...I still need my 8 hours of sleep. :D

Nick Wilford said...

Don't know Whisk but do know Jessica. Don't forget e-zine editor as another of her talents. There's a lot on her plate!

Flushed Away was on TV in the UK the other day. Great laugh!

Tracy MacDonald said...

Catching up on A to Z readings. Thanks for mentioning the Happy Whisk. Checked out her site and love her voice, honesty and humor. You're doing a great job of giving back- it's admirable.
A2ZMommy and What’s In Between

loverofwords said...

Thank you for all your hard work for the a-z Challenge. A little intimidating to read about all you published authors and your accomplishments, but setting the bar high is always good.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nick, yes it is!

Thank you, Tracy.

Loverofwords, I'm just a dude doing my best!