Schmooze...Criminal!

schmooze. "To converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection.” (dictionary.com) To gain advantage? I don't know about that. To converse casually, make a social connection? Most likely. Taken in the latter two contexts, we are all schmoozers.

The knowledgeable and sexy CS, author of Another Tangential Thinker, says I have the power of schmooze. Thank you, CS. I hope you are as forgiving as you are smart--because I'm breaking the rules here by passing the Schmoozer award to not just five but eight other bloggers. I'd like to nominate lots more, but these terrific people (among others) will do for now.


H. I didn't want to crop the picture because little girl H and Sibling look so adorable together. This woman had me at, well, H--and all the other letters in the alphabet. The way she weaves words, sentences, paragraphs together is an art form, which is uniquely hers--and it never fails to take my breath away. I'm abashed but greatly honored to be called her soul sister. I'd love to get cozy under the covers with the boons/banes of her life: the two halves of her brain.


Houseband00. It's a privilege to call this man a friend, both online and offline. Behind the boyish naughtiness lies a sensitive soul. I appreciate how writes about the connections between music and his thoughts, his stories about his son, other family members, and friends, and of course, memories of his beloved wife M. Posts about M are real tear-jerkers.


Nunu's Mum. Nunu's mum is a Filipina who lives in England with her family. She's on hiatus now, having fun with a friend. Her blog covers topics from family to life in Barnsley to travel experiences to silly stuff. She's funny yet poignant, well-traveled, and a food lover. I can't wait for her to come home so I can sample her cooking--and embark on our one-on-one drinking showdown.


It's the Little Things. Marlayna's posts run the gamut. She is a thoughtful yet fiery person. Her thoughts about her life and life in general can certainly be thought-provoking: her interest in the paranormal, the trials and joys of being a single mom, lessons learned from past relationships, to name a few. Read her blog and if you like it, please vote for her here. She'll post nekkid pics if you do. (Kidding!!!) But she will appreciate your votes.


Yaxlich. There was a time when this Englishman made multiple posts a day, until he went and got himself a job. Though he posts sporadically now, he's still a joy to read--notwithstanding the fact he specializes in poo and farts. He's shared so much about his life, such as the status of his underpants and socks, an Agoraphobic Peruvian's impact on his toilet habits, and the things that make his Beefy McManstick twitch.


Matt-Man. His sense of humor over at Bagwine Ruminations is irreverent, to put it mildly. With a bottle of Wild Irish Rose, a roommate called Schmoop, a cat called Corky, a boy nicknamed Ryno, and a crazy-ass mind--there's no telling what he'll come up with next! Matt's always been a comforting (though sometimes mildly disturbing) online presence in my small circle of blog friends.


Nursemyra. Hardly a day goes by without something interesting (and usually hilarious) happening at the Gimcrack Hospital, where the nurses are pretty and the doctors are pissed--and the patients are in all colors interesting. The Good Nurse is not only a credit to her profession, she's going to have an unbelievably perky attractive chest abdomen soon, too.


Penfold. Also known as the Papersurfer and spawn of the one and only DaddyPapersurfer. I enjoy his droll sense of humour, through which he can make even the most mundane things laugh-worthy. Except when it comes to surfing. Which can be funny. But mundane? Never. Once in a while, though (or when he showers) he comes up with a profound post that stops me in my tracks. Also, he's such a sweet thang.

There you have them, my eight schmoozers. You people can pass the schmooze love to others or not. Do whatever you like; just don't forget to shut the door and pull down the blinds.