Grannymar

Been there, done that, but got no tee shirt!

No. Don’t feel sorry for me.  My day was full of surprises and I came home on Sunday, laden down with goodies, I thought George was going to charge me for excess baggage with all the booty he packed into the car. He had to carry all the bags because my arms ached from all the hugs!  Even the lovely Karen @stwidgie and Mr Karen brought me birthday gifts from Chicago.  It was wonderful to meet then and only sorry that we did not have more time.

So, as the song says, Where do I begin?

How about a link to the winners of the 2011 Irish Blog Awards.  The months of preparation and organising by Damien Mulley and his army of helpers means that this part of the proceedings is always casual and great fun with lively participation from the audience.  It seems to pass in a flash and then it is time for the party, the pints and the stories to begin.  A hot buffet provides sustenance for the hungry hoards.  This year we had the added bonus of delicious cupcakes.

In the past few years the Irish Blog Awards has become more like a weekend of events. This year they began at noon on the Saturday and continued until Sunday afternoon.

I was unable to attend the Bestest Photowalk in the world – The IBA Belfast Photowalk organised by Davy McDonald began at noon.   The man is a real trooper also organising a two hour Bus tour of Belfast with lunch all courtesy of the Belfast Tourist Board.

There was another pre-event meal called Blog Awards Bites at Cayenne in Belfast.  This was organised by Walter Higgens.

The Ladies Tea Party organised by Sabrina Dent and sponsored this year by BAGglitz.com included food, wine, dessert and swanky swag bags was a smaller affair this year, but it gave us the opportunity to really get to know those who attended.  As a result of that event we have at least one new blogger on the map.  I felt like a child at Christmas when I opened my Swag bag.  We had treasured that included

• BAGglitz handbag hangers
• Beauty products from Edward James Hair and Beauty Salon from Ballymena.
• Chocolates with compliments from Saorla O Corrdin of DovVinia
• Cards & Stationery from Nicola Carthy, The Letterbox Press & Placed
• An assortment of gifts from Craft makers who sell their wares through etsy

I am surprised that the services of Fire Brigade were not needed at the Ladies Tea party for all the candles on my cupcakes

Do you really want to know what I was up to at the Awards?   I shared my musical talents and dancing skills!

I told you already that I wanted to meet Ike, and I did.  I am sure that you would like to meet him too.

Ike out of harness came to say Hello.

Ike keeping my feet warm.

As I was leaving the hotel on Sunday look what happened

Toyboys trying to escape!   Not really, it was a 130ft abseil down Belfast’s Europa hotel in aid of charity.  All the photos are courtesy of Digital Darragh and Ike

I know I am supposed to be doing something today…… now let me think

• Shopping?  No.
• Walk to the park and feed the ducks?  Maybe.
• Go to town?  Now that rings a bell….
• I know I have a date. The dress is on a hanger across the room, the shoes are so shiny I can see my face in them.

I remember!  I am off to the Irish Blog Awards, the Ladies Tea Party and to meet a new Toyboy.

Every year I write about new friends that I am looking forward to meeting.  This year I will mention only one.

I am so excited to be meeting Ike.  This will be his first visit to the Blog Awards.  I know you would like to meet him too..

Photo blatantly lifted from Digital Darragh’s Blog

Ike is Darragh’s seeing dog.

I did meet Freddie, his predecessor at several events and very well behaved he was too.  Freddie has retired and a blog post titled Thanks Freddie has been finalized in the best blog post category.  I have my fingers crossed that it will be the winner.

I know Ike will be working so if you meet him please remember these Do’s & Don’ts:

Dos

• Do allow the dog to concentrate and perform for the safety of its handler.
• Do understand that, for safety reasons, some blind or visually impaired people may not reveal their guide dog’s name.
• Do allow the handler to give the dog commands.
• Do assist the handler, upon his or her request, but always ask before you attempt to help.

Don’ts

• Don’t touch, pet, or feed a guide dog while it is wearing its working harness.
• Don’t call the dog by its name.
• Don’t try to take control in situations unfamiliar to the dog or its handler.
• Don’t give the dog commands.
• Don’t walk on the dog’s left side, as it may become distracted or confused.
• Don’t attempt to grab or steer the handler while the dog is guiding him or her, and don’t attempt to hold the dog’s harness.

Santa has his elves, but they are nothing when it comes to Mulley’s Army.

Unlike the Lapland crew Tapping and banging away while wearing colourful outfits, whistling and singing “Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho…!”  Mulley’s Army work tirelessly in the back ground, unseen, and unheard.  Without their input and output there would be no party.  No Irish Blog Awards!

You think I’m kidding, right?  No way!

Over many months Mulley’s Army beaver away organizing a Venue, Sponsors, the Music, the team to live stream, live blog and Twitter the event, a Photographer, the Props, the Awards, Name tags, the food and the liquids and goodness knows what else for the evening. A band of Pretty Maids & Guys check out the talent welcome everyone and answer questions. Runners play an important role - every successful event has people to run and fetch this that or the other in the hours before Lift-off!  Glass hammers and long stands are always useful!

Two people that deserve special mention are John Blackbourn – responsible for building the nomination and judging system. Rick O’Shea is the ever professional and reassuring MC for the evening.

I am not finished by a long shot.  The very long shot are the band of 100 judges who voluntarily give of their every waking moment, once the list of Nominations has been published, to read, mark, and inwardly digest all the blogs listed.  This is necessary to make sure the blogs are actually ‘live with regular posting’ and fit in the category in which they have been nominated.  Once the Short Lists appear, the blogs that make the grade are re-shuffled and the Judges begin all over again to find the few with that something special to become Finalists. That is where the Judgely huddles are at the moment.  Oh, the excitement!

Other supporting acts that take place earlier in the day and over the years have proved popular are:

The Blog Awards Photowalk, organised this year by Davy and Phil I hear whispers that they have a very exciting programme planned.  NO. NO. NO.  Kill that idea right now! I will not be posing in my Birthday suit beside Queen Vic in the grounds of the City Hall!  Goose bumps do not a pretty picture make!

Now the Hi-light of the afternoon for me is the sedate Ladies Tea Party!  Splutter!!!!  Did I say sedate? Who was that woman in the bath last year?

This year yet again the wonderful Lady Sabrina has hit gold with another exciting venue and Sponsor for the event.  Goody bags are being packed as we speak!

My click clacks are all polished and ready. Now what do you think I should wear with them?