31 December 2013

Awards

The international blogging community's most prestigious awards are coordinated via this very blog. They are called "The Laughing Horse" Awards and just like the Golden Globes or the Hollywood Oscars, bloggers from around the world jostle to be recognised by "The Laughing Horse" judges. The awards are always presented at the very end of a calendar year. Blogging is a relatively new art form that has opened doors for numerous previously anonymous individuals who would otherwise be festering in the obscurity of their tiny humdrum lives. Blogging connects. Blogging inspires. Blogging gives a voice to the voiceless. And ":Laughing Horse" recognises achievement in the field of blogging.

This year the "Laughing Horse" winners' widget was designed by Yorkshire-based graphic designer Humphrey Blenkinsop - based in Grimesthorpe. Awards winners are specially entitled to copy the treasured widget and to paste it permanently into their sidebars or to simply use it to gloat in regular blogposts. Please note that use of the widget by envious non-award winners is a criminal offence. Here's the Blenkinsop design for 2013 in three different sizes. Winners can take their pick according to the design specifications of their own blogs:-
And so to this year's awards:-
TOP ITINERANT BLOGGER:- GB of "A Hebridean in New Zealand". This lucky fellow blogs from two hemispheres and also blogs with good manners and joyful appreciation of the world we share. He is a good role model for younger bloggers and has a nice beard called Keith.
TOP FELINE CARE BLOGGER:- Jan Blawat of "Cosumne Gal". This hard-nosed northern Californian lady blogger has a soft side to her as this year her heart has clearly melted  and all because of a feral kitten called Wesley. She has told his story in interesting dribs and drabs, allowing Wesley into her house and into her life.
TOP PHOTOGRAPHIC BLOGGER  Adrian of "Adrian's Images". This gipsy-like fellow cruises the British Isles in his love wagon, using his intimate knowledge of camera technology to bring superb and surprising images to his many followers. There is no truth in the rumour that he was also up for a special "Grumpy Old Blogger" award.
TOP QUEENSLAND BLOGGER Unusually, the judges simply couldn't split the two top nominated bloggers from Queensland, Australia and it was decided that the award would be shared between Helen of "Helsie's Happenings" and Carol of "The Week That Was in Aus". Both bloggers have displayed good humour, honesty and a lively interest in the very process of blogging for which they are to be equally commended.
TOP WELSH BLOGGER Well, could it really be anybody else but Earl John Gray from the mountain hamlet of Trelawnyd? (Sorry Jenny - not enough posts this  year!). Earl Gray wears his heart on his sleeve and displays enormous warmth and humanity in his accounts of animal care, scotch egg addiction and village life.
TOP CATALONIAN BLOGGER:- Brian Cutts of "Tannu Tuva". Kidnapped by a lusty Catalonian maiden, Brian has reluctantly had to live in exile from his beloved Yorkshire homeland for many years. He loves music, history and life itself and the judges were pleased to see that his blogging efforts are gradually attracting more interest than they used to do.
TOP ART BLOGGER & TOP BAY OF PLENTY (NZ) BLOGGER - Katherine De Chevalle of "The Last Visible Dog". For a significant chunk of the year, Katherine was unfortunately incarcerated in the women's prison at Auckland but since her release has come back strong. She is at her best when blogging about the processes of creating art.
TOP AMERICAN BLOGGER The judging panel were split on this but after much deliberation plumped for the famous Georgian blogger Robert H. Brague of "Rhymes With Plague". This senior blogger has had several health problems in the past year but he battled through them all to bring a wide range of thoughtful blogposts to his loyal readership. Kindness, fairness, media, music and  a healthy sense of humour colour his contributions to the world of blogging.

And finally, the overall Laughing Horse "BLOGGER OF THE YEAR" award goes to..... none other than Tom Gowans of "Hippo on the Lawn". Congratulations Tom! His Angola-based blog swims effortlessly between memories of childhood, military life and his current happy domestic life on the outskirts of Luanda with Marcia and his boys and the great bloody pond he dug in his back yard. This former army captain writes well and responds to his his fellow bloggers' posts with humanity, good humour and occasional mischief. His blog sometimes provides an outlet for creative use of language - exploring memories and ideas while breaking down some of the walls of convention. There's a novel in that chap so there is.

30 comments:

  1. Why thank you Yorky. I concur, Hippo on the Lawn is the most worthy recipient of the Laughing Horse Award for 2013. His world and stories are so foreign to all of us that it is simply a compelling read. And you are right he is creative and thoughtful in his replies.

    But can we also acknowledge your contributions to the blogging community for your own blogging passion. Your passion for everything Yorkshire, including the Yorkshire pudding and Hull FCC. Your passion for the natural beauty of your homeland, and plodding for miles each week to capture that beauty for us to see. Your passion for education, retirement and renovating. And lastly your passion for Shirley and your grown kids. I therefore nominate you for the Passion is Fashion Award for 2013.

    Have a very Happy New Year's Eve YP. Be in good voice when you sing Auld Langs Syne ~ and all the best for 2014. On a personal note, thank you for all your encouragement this year, in teaching, parenting and blogging. Cheers :)

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    1. Passion is Fashion? Okay I like it and am happy to accept the reciprocated compliment. We'll drink a cup of kindness yet....

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  2. Well, I do thank you for the nod in my direction, not to mention the equine art. If memory serves, you have nodded in my direction before.

    I would like to bring to your attention someone of my generation who hails from your own fair isle and who has more followers than you can shake a stick at, Grumpy Old Ken, for your consideration in future years. .

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    1. Err...I have previously crossed swords with said G.O.Ken and therefore don't visit his blog any more. And yes you have received Laughing Horse awards before! How could you forget such an honour?

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  3. Thanks for a post like this because now I can go over and check these blogs out,
    Happy New Year to you.

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    1. I hope you are not too upset that the judges overlooked you this year Red. Better luck next year sir! Happy New Year!

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  4. Thank you once again YP. I'm flattered to achieve this award once again. I've been a bit behind in my blogging efforts this year- think I'm running out of inspiration. I promise I will try harder next year.
    I think Carol's Fashion is Passion Award to you is a good idea and heartily agree with your choice for Blogger of the Year.
    Cheers ( three of them !!)

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    1. The judging panel realised that your craftwork - quilting etc. + having to care for a demanding husband - meant your blogging activity was much reduced. But it is quality not quantity that counts!

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  5. This is better than a Golden Globe or an Oscar.
    You'll have to forgive my crying and blubbing but despite my turning up here in the tap room of the Pickled Frog attired in my least moth eaten attire and clothes that were clean on a month ago. The Laughing Horse Award was totally unexpected....Gulp. I would just like to say that I really do deserve this recognition but that I couldn't have achieved it without all the support from the thieving blighters at Canon and Adobe. Thank you.

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    1. So gracious! So gracious sir! Oscar winners could learn a lot from your humble acceptance speech Adrian. A worthy winner indeed!

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  6. And I dedicate this award to the lasting memory of Margaret Thatcher....

    Just kidding! No seriously, I was definitely just kidding!

    We must not overlook your contribution to my success, though. 2013 has been the Year of Coaching English during which you have improved my grammar, spelling and sentence construction. Without your encouragement I would never have considered writing a book. Now I am confident that 2014 will see me finish the draft of a book which, with all sincerity, I will dedicate to those who encouraged me, a man so thick he has gravel rash on his knuckles, to start writing.

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    1. Are you positive. Would you really taint an honour like this by donating it to a family of crooks and thieves.
      Surely not.

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    2. Adrian...Hippo! Make it a clean fight and no scratching!

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  7. Yeah! Thanks, I'm overjoyed with the award and will certainly be washing down the 12 "good luck" grapes tonight with a sizeable bottle of cava to celebrate the award.
    I do love blogging, and visiting blogs, and just wish I had more time to spend on this activity - it is hard, though, to get a good internet signal up here in my mountain hideaway. Once we've acheived Catalan independence, I vow to come back to Yorkshire and help you in the fight for independence from the Cameron and Clegg double act ...

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  8. I am thrilled that Tom won!
    And I accept my welsh trophy with alacrity xxxx

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    1. Now that I have sobered up for the first time in two decades, I'd better go back and read some of the stuff I have written!

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  9. Yeah! Thanks, I'm overjoyed with the award and will certainly be washing down the 12 "good luck" grapes tonight with a sizeable bottle of cava to celebrate the award.
    I do love blogging, and visiting blogs, and just wish I had more time to spend on this activity - it is hard, though, to get a good internet signal up here in my mountain hideaway. Once we've acheived Catalan independence, I vow to come back to Yorkshire and help you in the fight for independence from the Cameron and Clegg double act ...

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    1. No need to publish your comment twice Brian! Lay off the sangria!

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  10. Congratulations to all the nominees and the winners! Of course, I am now eagerly awaiting pictures of the red-carpet defilee of all those celebrities gathering for the award ceremony.

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    1. Dear Ms Librarian - So sorry you were unsuccessful this year. The judging panel didn't know about your blog till the year was almost over. I hope to report on the red carpet frolics in due course.

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  11. Thank you, dear friend. Your award winners are favorites of mine, as well.

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  12. Wonderful choices. You and your friends take me on pleasant journeys most every day. Just reading their blog entries, I can view photographs of places that I will never visit, be enthralled by the beautiful use of words that tell their stories, and be captivated by the kindness and affection and gentleness they show toward their fellowman.

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    1. Yes Madam Thyme, blogging can restore your faith in ordinary human beings. We are not as bad as sometimes painted. Happy New Year to you Mama! And watch out for the bears!

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  13. Well, of course, it is the Awards! Doesn't seem a year since the last ones! Thank you to the judges for seeing fit to include TLVD again. And congrats to all winners, and good luck to those who missed out. Can hardly wait for the bash.

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    1. A private jet will pick you up shortly before whisking you over to Queensland to pick up Helen and Carol and then zooming you to the British Isles. Make sure your suitcase is packed!

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  14. Now I'm in a quandary. I announced many moons ago in the early days of blogging when awards were ten a penny that my blog was an award-free zone. I accepted the thought behind the award with what I hoped was grace and left it at that. Somehow this one seems different. Membership of the august company of those being honoured as Members of the Order of the Laughing Horse is one that I can hardly decline even if I was minded to. The fact that it's for the Top Itinerant Blogger (and the only itinerant blogger in your Blogworld that I happen to know other than Adrian) seems a good reason for accepting too. After all I've never really thought of myself as an itinerant before. So, YP, I accept your honour with pleasure and in the spirit with which it was granted. There are one or two of the others whose blogs I don't know so I shall pop over and have a gander.

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    1. The Order of the Laughing Horse is a secret and exclusive clan. By accepting membership you will find that doors open for you GB and your career will advance in leaps and bounds. We even have our own special handshake.

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  15. 'Not enough posts' eh? Am I bovvered???

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Mr Pudding welcomes all genuine comments - even those with which he disagrees. However, puerile or abusive comments from anonymous contributors will continue to be given the short shrift they deserve. Any spam comments that get through Google/Blogger defences will also be quickly deleted.

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