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Come on and join author Melissa Bradley as she sets off on her latest adventure...

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If you are not 18, please exit stage left. While there is normally nothing naughty here, I do write and review erotica so there are links to spicy stuff and the occasional heated excerpt.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Oh, How I Miss You Blogfest

Today is a cornucopia of awesome sauce as all around the blogosphere we celebrate with Captain Ninja Alex, Andrew Leon and Matthew MacNish with their incredibly brilliant and thoughtful Oh, How I Miss You blogfest. We celebrate those bloggers we love who haven't been around a whole lot of late and those we would miss terribly if they were no longer around to inspire us, to make us laugh, to make us think and to cheer us when the chips are down. For all the magnificent participants please click here.

Life happens and for whatever reason, these wonderful people have had to step back from posting as often. I miss their posts terribly. This blogosphere is indeed a dimmer place without their voices each week.

Matt Vanacore at FilmMattic Matt is truly one of the most gifted cinephiles out there. His knowledge of the film world is breathtaking. Each post is an in-depth look at directors, actors, film styles, movements and cinema history. He encourages discussion and debate in a professional, friendly manner. Flamers and ignorant folk need not apply.  He's not posting so much of late and I do miss his insights.

The second person I miss is someone I see every day, my sister Karyn. Doing It MY Way is her blog. She is one person I admire most in the world. A single mom who's been dealt some blows, but she handles it all with grace and humor. She doesn't post very often, months go by sometimes, but what she says is always thoughtful and inspiring. Karyn's not a blogger by nature, she started this as a way to help her deal with the stress, but I encourage her to keep writing. even though her uber busy schedule doesn't allow for much time to devote to writing. Karyn will probably kill me for shoving her into the spotlight, but I am so proud of her. I really hope that she continues to write because I know that there are people out there whom she does help, even if she doesn't realize it.

I love, love all my blog friends out there and honestly wouldn't know what to do without you all. It was very hard for me to narrow this incredible list so I chose three people I've grown closest to recently. These three bloggers are people I count on each week for laughs, for inspiration, for fun and just plain good company. They are pillars of this blogging community and this place would be a much colder place without their bright posts each week.

Ella at Ella's Edge. This woman brings so much sunshine and so many smiles into this world, it would indeed be a sad, gray time if she were to ever stop blogging. Her art, poetry and thoughtful words make her blog a must for me. I hope you all are following her because she is wonderful.

Robyn at Life By Chocolate Robyn's humor strikes me deep in the funny bone. I laugh at her trials and tribulations of being single and dating. It is a brutal world out there and Robyn skewers it with  sharp wit and a fantastic outlook.She also does fantastic posts about her city with great pictures and not to mention her love of al things chocolate. Follow her for sure if you're not already.

Michael De Gesu at In Time has become one of my dearest friends and go to support people. his warmth just radiates out to the rest of the community. he always offers smiles and encouragement. He also posts regularly about health and fitness, cheering us all on as we face the battle of staying an d getting shape.

There you have it, some of the exceptional bloggers I miss and would miss. How about you? Know these awesome peeps? Want to know them?

Have a great weekend. Go Bears and Go Notre Dame!






50 comments:

  1. This has been such a wonderful and supportive blogfest!

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    1. It sure has! I'm so gald that Andrew, Alex and Matthew put together such a wonderful festto bring support to people in our community.

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  2. All excellent people! Yeah, haven't heard much from Matt lately. And Ella is just wonderful.
    Thanks for participating in our blogfest and glad I didn't have to say I miss you!!

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    1. Matt's film insights really are missed. I adore Ella. You're so right about her blog being a place of safety.

      I loved participating.I think this could be an annual event. ;)

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  3. Great choices, sadly I don't read those blogs enough :)

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    1. Thanks, Anna! Good to Meet you. :) If you get a chance definitely read Ella, Robyn and Michael more often.

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  4. Fantastic post! I miss Matty a lot! I'll have to delve in and check out your other choices!

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    1. Thanks! I miss Matt, too. He has such great discussions on his blog. Do check out my other choices, they are all amazing.

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  5. Oh I love Michael's In Time blog. I'm so jealous of his new writing space, but he has so much talent and such a keen eye for what is tasteful.

    Oh Melissa, I'm gonna chat American Horror Story here, so if you haven't watched this week's episode, you may want to look away.

    I had to say, I was suspicious of Zachary Quinto's character from the very beginning. I even made a passing statement to a co-worker a week ago, "It wouldn't surprise me if he was Bloody Face." But the way in which they unveiled it was truly horrific.

    That poor reporter has been treated so badly at that asylum that for a moment she had hope that she'd escape. I can't say that I wouldn't have made the same decision were I in her shoes. But to suddenly now be gone and NO ONE knows where she is now is terrifying considering that she's in the basement of a serial killer now. Wow...she is so totally screwed.

    However, there's part of me that thinks she'll survive this. I mean in the modern timeline, it's apparent that someone blew the lid off of Briarcliff and got it shut down. Maybe Quinto is in a Hannibal Lecter mood and is trying to "cure" the reporter of her lesbianism, and if he feels he succeeds, then he'll let her go. I mean Lecter, when he wasn't eating victims, was actually a successful psychiatrist. Not saying Quinto is/was successful, but merely that he might be going for that with no intention of killing her.

    He did hint that she would win a Pulitzer for writing his story. Maybe that's what he wants. How terrifying though.

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    1. Hi there! I LOVE Michael's new writing space, too. He's so talented.

      AHS was epic the other night. I knew Quinto was more than met the eye. That poor reporter and the nympho. My God, how much torture can they stand?! I think you're right, he may see her as a patient rather than a victim. And I have to say that Cromwell is terrifying. I get more drawn in as each episode unfolds.

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  6. I remember the old days when I was the first follower of Matty's blog... such nice times... he kinda disappeared after that.
    And you know I love De Gesu and Ella too!

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    1. I wish Matt were back too. How awesome that you were his first follower. You were one of mine, too. :) Thank you sweetie.

      Michael and Ella are wonderful, positive people.

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  7. Oh Melissa, I'm so touched. Thank you. Not sure if you know that you're one of my picks too!

    Love and hugs,
    xoRobyn

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    1. Hugs my sister! I am blown away that you chose me. I really would miss your stories and your awesome sense of humor. :)

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  8. Thank you Melissa! You hold a special place in my heart~
    Every time I see a cardinal I think of you! Someday, when I head home I might make a detour. It would be so fun to meet :D
    xo @>-----------

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    1. Aww... that made me smile huge just when I needed to. Thank you! It would be fun to meet. Maybe I'll take a road trip one day.

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  9. Glad you made it to the epicest of blogfests! I, too, would miss all of your choices, and you as well! :)

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    1. Thank you David! Your words mean so much. :) I was happy to be able to participate and I think this should be an annual event. I would miss you and all my blogger buddies out there. You all make this world a lot brighter.

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  10. I'm jealous you get to see Michael, Melissa!!! He is truly, truly awesome. Why is Chicago so far away??? And I'm excited to get to know you better! You have a lovely blog and you are a lovely person. :D

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    1. Hi Morgan! I am so very happy we connected. I'm looking forward to getting to know you as well. Maybe one day we can road trip to central location. It would be hugely fun to meet in person. And thank you so so much for the high praise. You have made my entire week. :)

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  11. I wouldn't miss anyone... OF course, I'm JOKING!:) I would miss all my fellow bloggers, with you being on the top of that list.
    I wish Matty were able to post more frequently. His posts are one of a kind.

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    1. It goes without say that I would miss you horribly. I think I would come to Bulgaria and hunt you down if you ever left. :)

      Maybe I should hunt Matt down too. LOL I miss his film posts and the discussions they inspire.

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  12. You have a great list here and as for me, I would miss you if you ever leave as well. You were gone for just a while and I hated it...LOL...Have a great week-end!

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    1. Aww.. Siv, you're making me tear up. :) I'm really happy that you enjoy my posts so much. You have a great weekend too.

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  13. So many amazing bloggers. I visited your sister's blog and it's very heartfelt. I missed you while you were gone Melissa. Glad you're back!

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    1. Yay, you visited Karyn. Thank you! She definitely writes from the heart and I wish she would post more, but alas with the monstrous schedule she maintains, it's hard.

      I am happy to be back and I know I missed you while you were gone. I'm elated that you're back!

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  14. I love this blogfest so much. What a great chance to say hello to so many old friends.

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    1. Matt, you, Alex and Andrew did such an incredible job. I can't thank you all enough for this. I think it should be an annual thing. I love hopping around, visiting everyone and saying hello to old friends.

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  15. I'm glad I met you, Melissa. I always enjoy visiting with you. Have a great weekend.

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    1. I am so happy we hooked up, Mary. Getting to know you and your work has been wonderful. Here's to many, many years of continued friendship. :)

      Have a great weekend, too!

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  16. Straight over from Alex's - nice to meet you!

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    1. Hi Dani! Welcome to the Imaginarium. It's wonderful to have you here. Very nice to meet you as well. :)

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  17. Those three have been getting a lot of mentions in this blogfest. :) Love your list!

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    1. Thanks Golden! Honestly, I wish I could have put everyone on here. I would miss all of you so much.

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  18. I love that you included your sister. Great lists here. I only just discovered Robyn from this blogfest and I already know she will be a new favorite read of mine.

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    1. Thank you, Rhonda! Robyn is amazing and you will love visiting her blog all the time. She makes me laugh often and very loudly. Good to meet you! :)

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  19. Great list, love reading about new blogs! Bear down, Campbell for the win this week at least ;-)

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    1. Thanks, Daniel! I know you will enjoy these bloggers. Yes, Campbell for the win!

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  20. Hi, Melissa,

    I am speechless... Thank you SOOOO much for mentioning me. You mean a lot to me TOO!!!! Sorry I haven't visited as much as I should. JUST insane as usual.

    BUT WE ALways have our chat-a-thons at cafe Baci.... I hope to see you there on Monday....

    Have a great weekend. I hope you are writing diligently... LOL.

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    1. It was my pleasure, sweetheart. You are definitely one of my most favorite people. I am so looking forward to spending time with you at Baci this week.

      No worries about the visits. I know what an insane schedule you keep so when you get over here, it is extra appreciated. :)

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  21. Melissa, your choices are wonderful. I'm really looking forward to reading their posts. Thanks.

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    1. Hi Joylene! I'm so happy you enjoyed my choices for today. They are all wonderful people and you will love them for sure. Have a terrific weekend. :)

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  22. Great choices. I love Ella and Michael too!

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    1. Thank you! I just love visiting Michael and Ella so much. :)

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  23. What a thoughtful tribute to your blogger friends. Must be nice to get to share the love of writing with your sister.

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    1. Thank you so so much. It's great having a someone in my family completely understand when I am going off the deep end about characters, plot and story ideas. :)

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  24. I just met Ella through the blogfest, and now I know why everyone is raving about her! I agree with everything you said about Robyn! She's always coming up with something fun. It was also nice that you wrote about your sister.
    Julie

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    1. Hi Julie! Ella is awesome and her blog is definitely a must visit. You'll find yourself there quite often. :) And Robyn always manages to put a smile on my face no matter what.

      Thanks! Karyn is a terrific writer for sure, I only hope that she gets an opportunity to use her gift more.

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  25. This is so nice that you included your sister's blog, that's awesome that you both write. I am anxious to check out her site now. :)

    I hope your Bears win tonight, Melissa! I know you had fun watching Notre Dame yesterday and seeing the top 2 go down! :)

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    1. Hey there! Thank you so much, Karyn is wonderful and I hope that her schedule calms down more so she can visit more with her muse. She's got a great gift. And she is an excellent cook, unlike, yours truly LOL

      Thanks, too for the Bears. I hope our D can really step up because campbell is just that bad. And I'm still in shock over ND. I'm happy, but I'm afraid to be too happy. :)

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