Awards Received....and NEW one to give

I have to admit that I have been eying this award for quite some time. Is it not the MOST hysterical, creative button you have ever seen?! Truthfully, I read the description and while I could immediately think of several blogs that I knew deserved this coveted award, I never thought my blog would be so honored. I am very grateful to Lilly and Melissa for thinking of me when paying forward their good fortune, but I have to wonder if there is something rather dubious about receiving the zombie chicken twice in one day.

The Zombie Chicken Award is described as:

"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..."

I always have the hardest time with the selection process of passing along these awards. I currently "follow" about 150 blogs and no joke, there are at least 30 of those blogs that I anxiously wait for daily postings so that I can read what they have to say - what is going on in their lives - what books they suggest for my TBR pile. I have honored all of these lovely blogs several times in the past, and I am afraid that they may grow weary of my constant praise (although truly...is there such a thing as too much praise - if it is sincere and from the heart?!). So...let me start out by saying that if you have received an award from me before --- you are also a recipient of this one as well.

I did think I would try to honor those blogs that I have just recently found, but have quickly become a devoted fan. If these blogs are new to you, then please take the time to check them out; if you have followed them for a while, then you know why I have bestowed them with this honor:

Anastasia at Bird-brain(ed) Book Blog (she has a great new meme entitled Thursday Tea)

Kathy at Oklahoma Booklady (she got a new camera for Christmas and is becoming quite the accomplished photographer)

Darlene at Roses over a Cottage Door (doesn't the title just sound warm and inviting?!)

Margot at Joyfully Retired (oh.....how I am counting down the days. Unfortunately, I have about a decade to go!)

Natasha at Classic Vasilly (she is always so willing to tweet with me)

As some of you know, I have decided to spread my wings, so to speak, and host a summer reading challenge. I am still working out all the details, but hope to have an official post published sometime later this week. In the meantime, I want to publicly thank Robin at A Fondness for Reading for designing the buttons that I will use for the challenge. I am photo-software challenged, and she willingly volunteered to make them for me.

I am still in need of some tutorial help with setting up a Mr. Linky for the challenge, so if you are available to help, I will be happy to also award one of these cute buttons to you as well.

If there are any of you who have received blog help that you would like to publicly acknowledge, please feel free to copy Robin's button and pass it along the heart-felt appreciation.