Monday, August 12, 2013

Our Favorite Curmudgeon

Thought for the day:  A healthy attitude is contagious, but don't wait to catch it from somebody else. Be a carrier.


Mr. Pip
Feeling a little grumpy? Do blogfests, bloghops, and memes turn your smile upside-down?

Not this one. Nuh-uh. This one is a light-hearted anti-blogfest blogfest in honor of our favorite pretend curmudgeon. Gary isn't exactly a fan of blogfests, mind you, but that never stops him from promoting them, or from poking fun at them in his own inimitable way. In fact, this cheerful curmudgeon bends over backwards to promote and support other bloggers, in general. In other words, he's a real mensch.

So thanks to the Aloha kid Mark and his able cohorts AlexTinaRobyn, and Morgan, today's anti-blogfest blogfest is a shout-out and salute of appreciation for the lovable Gary. (Who only gets as grumpy as Mr. Pip on very rare occasions.) Here's to you, Gary!


So, what's the deal? To make up three PG-13 blogfests. You know, ridiculous stuff. Ones you'd never want to join in a million years. Fun stuff. Creative and imaginative, and a teensy bit outrageous.

Got it? Here's my three suggestions, along with a brief description of each:



The Forgettable Blogfest

Here's your opportunity to expound on the most forgettable person you've ever met, book you've ever read, and movie you've ever seen. The sky's the limit! The most forgettable... whatever!

Nope, this one's definitely not for me. At my age, I have enough trouble remembering the most memorable things; don't even expect me to remember the stuff I want to forget.




The Most Disgusting Thing I Ever Ate Blogfest

Test your ability to gross out your fellow bloggers. Did you ever chew on something while it was still moving? Eat unmentionable body parts? Nibble on something people could smell from three blocks away? Here's your chance to brag and complain about it.

I believe I'll have to sit this one out, too. I may have eaten something that would qualify for this fest, but if so, it's something I undoubtedly wanted to forget. And have. (My ability to forget knows no bounds.)

And finally, we have the (ta-DA!) Most Boring Day Blogfest

Go ahead. Tell us in great detail about that scintillating peanut butter sandwich you ate for lunch. Or about that hole in the toe of your favorite pair of socks— and how many stitches it took to close it. Again, the sky's the limit here, people. Nothing is too mundane or picayune to share. The blogging world eagerly awaits your riveting revelations about how many tries it took you to tie your shoe today, or how many times you smacked the snooze button before you finally rolled your lazy butt out of bed this morning.

Hmmm, I might have to pass on this one, too, even though my peanut butter sandwiches are quite delightful. (According to the sign in our kitchen, they're even famous. So what if I painted the darn sign myself... immaterial!) But the thing is, my life isn't boring; it's just one adventure after the other. (It's all in the attitude, ya know. With the proper attitude, even a peanut butter sandwich can be a sticky stepping stone to adventure.)

***************************

There ya have it. Ready to sign up for any of my riveting blogfests? No? Got a better idea? Go ahead. Sock it to me. Make Gary smile. And congratulations to you, Gary, for having a whole blogfest dedicated to you. I hope you're enjoying it. What? Not participating...? Oh. Crap.

                           Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.

107 comments:

  1. Snorting with mirth here. Thank you.
    And I love, love, love the support that Gary so deservedly receives in the blogosphere.
    Sadly, I suspect your most disgusting foodfest could go viral. Eeeuw.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad to hear it, Sue. I'm always happy to make ya snort.

      Me, too. It's amazing how much support bloggers can and do provide to each other.

      HA! You could be right. Still, I believe I'd sit it out.

      Delete
  2. Okay, I'll admit it. I avoid all blogfests and consider them to be synonymous with corned crubeens. I never indulge in extracurricular blog festivities of any kind (that's probably why only three people read my blog.....).

    I'm sure that sounds harsh and selfish - - but the beat of the drummer that I hear is a solo one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You just think you're the only one who hears that drumbeat. The people who follow your blog are humming along with you, cowboy. And there's MUCH more than three of us.

      Delete
  3. Hi Susan .. what a great selection of missable blog-fests .. love them and I've been wondering what to do - had one idea (have one still .. now I need to get writing!) ..

    Lovely photos and I'm sure Gary will love this .. he might have a compatriot in Jon? Corned Crubeens!

    Cheers I now need more coffee .. Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi-ya, Hilary. Well, I'm glad to hear you like my missable fest selection, and I'll be looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

      Yeah, Jon likes to pretend he's a curmudgeon, too, but he's a sweetie.

      Cheers!

      Delete
  4. I tried blogfest, bloghops once... I would much prefer people that really want to read my blog or blogs that I really want to read... I am not looking to increase my numbers just to have them look good...

    I loved your take on this, very funny as always Susan... I do hope that the most disgusting food ever does not actually take off... I could just imagine what some people have eaten... that is enough for me, lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right; trying to increase your numbers just so ya "look good" is pointless, but there's a wealth of fabulous, funny, and smart people in the blogosphere, and it's always a treat to connect with them, even if it's only for the duration of a fest. But at best, some of the people you meet during a fest will end up being your closest blogging pals. You just never know.

      Thanks. As for the disgusting foods, we're better off not knowing some things...

      Delete
  5. Everything you said about Gary is true. What's wrong with discussing a hole in your sock? You know that you could make anything sound interesting Susan. Loved your "sticky stepping stone" line too!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, Gary is definitely a keeper. But, nope, I don't think I can make "anything" sound interesting. You read my book, so you should know the futility of trying to polish a turd. HA!

      Delete
  6. You painted that sign yourself?
    Hola, fellow painter!
    I painted my bedroom furniture and a kitchen cabinet.

    I'm not into blogfests, anti or otherwise, but I wish you all well with this and thanks to Gary for organising it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hola! Yeah, I've done quite a lot of painting, but haven't done any in a while. Used to especially love doing portraits, but my thoughtless kids are popping out new babies faster than I can paint 'em! (Just kidding. I adore all my grands.)

      Delete
  7. This one of the more remarkable posts you've ever posted Susan. A post about not posting. How can you beat that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Um, I dunno. Write an over-the-top happy post about how sad I am?

      Delete
  8. All three are excellent 'non blogfest' topics.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. So I trust you won't be participating?

      Delete
    2. Not a chance...thank you very much lol.

      Delete
  9. I've had some pretty amazing peanut butter sandwiches, I have to say, lol!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! Yeah, me too. (Like on toasted raisin bread, with sliced bananas!)

      Delete
  10. The most forgettable blogfest sounds like a fun idea lol. I have to admit, I've yet to participate in a blogfest. Never say never though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wouldn't be surprised to see you in next year's A-Z, but even without ever participating in a blogfest, you have a horde of avid followers. (I NEVER say "never". Well, hardly ever...)

      Delete
  11. Now if that last one was make the most boring part of your day, interesting in words...well, that'd be fun. Imagine that PB&J with teeth taking a bite out of you as you tried to take a bite out of it. Could get interesting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There ya go, Sabrina! YOU can host that blogfest... I might even sign on...

      Delete
  12. LOL! Sadly, those all sound kind of fun and entertaining to me. (Yes, I'm easily amused.)

    The main thing I dislike about blogfests is that they take too much of what I don't have: time. If I participate in one, I feel like I have to go read & comment on everyone's contribution, and that, while it can be fun and entertaining (see above), is also stress-inducing. So I usually sit them out. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! Yeah, I think we both have a pretty low threshold for humor.

      I know what you mean. Blogfests take up a LOT of time. (If ya let 'em.)

      Delete
  13. Most Forgettable .....well, it's not this blogfest it's that I never know that day I'm waking up to. I had forgotten this blogfest and scrambled around early this AM. Shame on me. You are organized as always and I wouldn't participate in any of your hops either.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me? Organized? My hubby would probably argue that one with you.

      As for not knowing what day you're waking up to, I think that's grand! That's one of the wonderful things about being retired. EVERY day is a holiday of sorts.

      Delete
  14. Hahaha...fun post!

    I could easily write about having eaten something weird. But I'd rather forget! Why bring back the trauma, right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!

      Yeah, best not to invite trauma. Might as well fuhgettaboutit. (If you can...)

      Delete
  15. I might forget the forgettable one
    I just forgot to give it a run
    As for the yummy treat
    I'll just show zombie feet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You and the cat may sometimes eat
      Zombie tootsies for a midday treat,
      But the third fest isn't for you,
      For no day's boring at your zoo.

      Delete
  16. Most awesome blog fests! Personally think the most disgusting thing I've eaten one might be kind of interesting, though only so long as there aren't pictures :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gee, but think how much more delightful a most disgusting whatever would be with illustrations!

      Delete
  17. Sorry, but I'm still cracking up at the sight of that grumpy cat! :-) Lovely post. Many thanks.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That grumpy cat is (was?) actually from London. He won a "grumpiest cat in the world" contest a couple years ago. Thanks. Greetings back atcha from toasty Georgia.

      Delete
  18. I'm not much of an online joiner of any kind, don't do tags or fests or whatever else they're called, and my entire blog is a blog about nothing (akin to Seinfeld). Even the couple of weekly art groups I did join...well, let's just say I am the most inconsistent, least recognizable member. But I only joined because it was something I aspired to learn or enjoyed--not to gain followers. I have no secret dreams of making money off my blog--ROFL! But I have met some amazing blog friends (who just may have been Seinfeld fans...or maybe they enjoy Garfield). You do make me laugh, lady!! Glad we met. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's one of the neat things about blogging: it's your darned blog, and you can do whatever the heck you wanta do with it. Blog every day, or once a year. Whatever floats your boat. Join fests, or don't join 'em. Me? I enjoy meeting people, whether in person or online. And I'm definitely glad I met YOU.

      Delete
  19. I had the idea for a boring blogfest, too. Great minds think alike! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, indeed they do... great mind DO think alike! It's good to hear from you again.

      Delete
  20. With certain things, it's good to be able to forget. I think nasty nosh has to fall into that category.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure. Some noshes, however, are so nasty, they're impossible to forget. (And a hoot to talk about!)

      Delete
  21. That was awesome! The most disgusting thing one is definitely a blogfest I couldn't bare to even read. Yuck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! Thanks. Good thing you missed my posts about some of the disgusting foods people around the world eat, eh? (With pictures!)

      Delete
  22. i give you a blog-fest of misdirection... now for the trick... come to my site and what for the...

    The Blog-fest that make me want to say "NO"...
    Jeremy H.

    New Look, New Name and Same Stuff...
    [Being-Retro]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A blogfest of misdirection, huh? Sounds like the fest for me. My powers for getting lost are quite impressive.

      Delete
  23. Sadly I could participate in that disgusting food one!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh, yes, please drone on about your most boring day. Hahahaha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely, and be sure to include detailed step-by-step updates on Twitter while you're at it.

      Delete
  25. I think the Most Boring Day blogfest happens every day on Facebook. My memory is slipping by the second, Susan, so I'd stay away from the forgettable one too.

    Thanks for joining the fest. It wouldn't be a party without you.

    xoRobyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you're right! Twitter, too.

      Thanks. And thanks to you for co-hosting. (Where's the punch bowl?)

      Delete
  26. LOL on the most boring day, and Robyn is so right - you can easily find that on facebook, or as Gary calls it, farcebook. Thanks for helping us honor him today, and for your clever ideas.
    Tina @ Life is Good

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, Robyn's a pretty smart cookie. My pleasure; it was fun, and a great idea to honor Gary. Thanks to YOU for co-hosting. (Again... where's the darned punch bowl? And the cookies?)

      Delete
  27. The most disgusting thing I ever ate blogfests has real potential. Sign me up.for.that one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, you could be right. It'd go real well with a fest a few others have suggested that has something to do with vomiting...

      Delete
  28. Susan, I am here to make a confession. I am not a fan of blogfests, just like Gary. I am a non-conformist, just like Gary. The "Just like Gary" addition is a statement made to protect myself from harsh criticism, because I know Gary is a very popular guy. Hahaha.
    So, I will join the antiblogfest.
    Ah, I forgot to mention it. I don't have farcebook either. I meant facebook, sorry.haha
    I hoped I made you smile at least.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lots of people don't care for blogfests. Fests can be a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people, but they're also a huge time sink. I don't blame ya for not being on Farcebook, either. (Yeah, you made me smile.) The only reason I joined was so I could see up-to-date pictures of our grandchildren.

      Delete
  29. I don't know if I like where your number two took my imagination! I may need some therapy now .

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hahahaha!!!! Susan, how have I not met you before??? Loooove your fests here. Too funny. Gary will love this post!

    And so glad to be connected now. Love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gee, I dunno. Maybe you were hanging out with the cool kids?

      Thanks. Nice to meetcha. And welcome aboard.

      Delete
  31. Oh my...I know several people who look just like that cat!

    Happy Anti-Blogfest Day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! I hope you don't work with any of the grumpy cat look-alikes.

      Happy Anti-Blogfest Day to you, too!

      Delete
  32. Personally, I am in favor of any strange collective enthusiasms that keep Blogger from going ghost town like Tribenet, but then, I never joined Tribe --just read its wonderful discussions. So I'm ambivalent on this cause --I think that means I abstain equally well with both hands.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. By golly, with your ambivalence on the matter, I'll bet you could hold a scintillating debate with yourself, dude. (But I won't say anything about being a two-handed master debater. Nope, you might take that the wrong way...)

      Delete
  33. One of those pictures makes me want to be a vegetarian! I'll take a peanut butter sandwich please:)

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'd definitely be avoiding all of these as well :)

    The pig feet gross me out, ewww :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Smart lady! Aw, come on... pig's feet aren't so bad. I'll bet they taste a lot like pork...

      Delete
  35. Boring and gross...I think there is a theme for the entire fest!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, you could be right. If we put some sports stats and a little more oomph into the fest ideas, we might be able to attract a bunch of adolescent boys to participate..

      Delete
  36. Most Boring Day Blogfest

    Easy! Whenever my wife and her kinfolk got together with my late dad-in-law to watch golf.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm, not our idea of excitement, either. You could always raise the interest level by having a wee nip of a little something-something every time someone sinks a ball... or hits a ball... or misses a ball...

      Delete
  37. I was shopping at the strip district in Pittsburgh and seen pig feet like you have pictured.... so gross.

    This blog hop is so funny because Gary is so against them. LOL... I think he is very humbled that people care about him so much. I really like him myself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. (shhh) Don't tell anyone, but I've actually bought 'em a couple times, and pickled them for my hubby. Turns out, he's just as happy with the pre-pickled ones in a jar, and that suits me just fine.

      Yeah, I think (I hope) Gary's enjoying all the support. It's always nice to know how much people care.

      Delete
  38. I bet participating in the least memorable blogfest would be low as everyone would forget.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I've just had to google crubeen. Apparently it's an Irish delicacy and even mentioned in a song. They used to be popular in Birmingham (England) where my wife comes from. We just call them pig's trotters over here. Does that make us disgusting?
    As usual an informative and entertaining post. Thanks, Susan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi-ya! Long time no see.

      Nope, I can't call you disgusting, because my hubby happens to love pickled pigs' feet, and there's two jars of them in our pantry now. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  40. About snorted coffee out my nose! And, (dare I admit this?) in the Caribbean where I was raised, eating pigs feet and... ox tails, is quite normal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My hubby eats pigs' feet, too, but not very often. I've heard oxtail soup is quite good, but I've never had it. (Doesn't mean I'm not willing to give it a go, though!)

      Delete
  41. this is not really a comment, since we are not participating in blog fests or feasts, etc. today. Very funny.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hilarious Susan!
    A triple no-no to your batch of blogfest boo-boos!
    NO! NO and NO!
    Writer In Transit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Glad you found something here to tickle your funny bone. Wow, a triple? Cool. Not quite as good as a homer, but not too bad for an old broad.

      Delete
  43. Ha! I knew your answers would be UNforgettable :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. that boring day blogfest could be such a delightful yawnfest :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, it could. Problem is, some of the participants would be operating under the illusion that their every word was worthy of a ticker tape parade.

      Delete
  45. Hi Susan,

    Okay, rock n'roll! Two on a Wednesday morning and my tour finally rolls up to your blog site and stops for a read.

    Susan, what's happening? Okay, your first non-choice. What was it? I forgot. Must scroll all the way back up and check. One moment please.....I'm back now. Scrolled all the way up and now I scrolled all the way back to this part where I'm typing. Yikes, I forgot what the first one was. Um non-choice number two. Just a second...darn slithering slug is hard to swallow. Non-choice number three and I wont mention my peanut butter and Marmite sandwich. I will mention I used smooth peanut butter. I like either smooth or crunchy.

    Congrats and I most certainly wouldn't sign up to your blogfests. A great result, I reckon.

    You might remember one of your favourite (favorite) suggestions by me for those crazy enough to get involved.

    The "DogFest BlogFest" : This would be a blogfest where we show our appreciation for our doggy friends such as, oh I don't know, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!

    Thank you for your kind words, Susan. Thank you for being part of this irony of ironies.

    Gary :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi-ya, Gary.

      I hope you've thoroughly enjoyed today's blogosphere-wide salute, and you fell asleep with a big smile on your face.

      Yes, a Dogfest Blogfest would definitely work. A LOT of us have loved at least one dog in our lives. (Our spoiled cats might not appreciate my participation, though, so I might have to distract them with some catnip.)

      Delete
  46. I think I'd take part in The Most Disgusting Thing I Ever Ate Blogfest, lol ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! Now, you've got my imagination going... (That could be a dangerous thing!)

      Delete
  47. Awesome, I love the fests with the pictures! Well, I did until the pigs feet showed up! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! Thanks. Try not to think about all those footless pigs pushing themselves around on wheeled carts...

      Delete
  48. I would love to read the entries for the most disgusting thing ever eaten blogfest! Then, of course, I may not eat anything for a while.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There ya go! Sounds like an easier way to drop a few pounds than doing some of that pesky exercise...

      Thanks for signing on as a new follower. Welcome aboard! (Care for some pickled pigs' feet and a cup of tea?)

      Delete
  49. I adore the idea of a "most disgusting thing I ever ate" blogfest. I suppose "haggis" ought to be my answer, except it was kind of yummy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I only ate haggis once, but it was many years ago. Let's just say I wasn't a fan. My grandmother wasn't the world's best cook anyway, but the smell of that stuff when it was cooking, and the sight of that trachea (I guess that's what it was) hanging over the edge of the pot was enough to gross me out before I even tasted the stuff.

      Delete
  50. Excellent! Mundane, forgettable and gorss are all things I could use less of.

    And BTW, did you just quote Jerry Springer?!? Cause I love you even more now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! You're the first person who's mentioned that quote since I started writing this blog. (I put it at the end of every post.) To tell the truth, I never quoted him on purpose. After I'd used that tagline at the end of a monthly amateur radio newsletter and mid-monthly summary for about ten years, someone told me Jerry Springer said the same thing at the end of his shows. At first, I wondered if I should quit using it, and one of the guys said Springer might just as well have been copying ME! HA! Not likely, but I've been using the phrase for so long, I decided to stick with it.

      Thanks for signing on as a new follower. I do appreciate it. Welcome aboard!

      Delete
  51. This post was awesome reminder of all missable things!

    Nas

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anti-blogfests are great. I have repeated this many times today, but as a vegetarian, I would rather eat Spam than participate in blogfests!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whoa! You REEEEALLY don't wanta participate in a blogfest!

      Delete
  53. I have to admit that I would probably read the entries in the most disgusting thing I ever ate blogfest LOL. I'd be curious! :D

    It's been fun to read all the posts for this fest. Gary is great, and Penny is too. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I probably would, too.

      It's been the best non-blogfest blogfest ever!

      Delete