This post was originally published in celebration and acknowledgement of Once Upon a Screen receiving a wonderful mention as Blog of the Year from Sarah as you can read below.  Upon learning of that accolade I was thrilled knowing Sarah is as big a classic movie fan as I am.  That still remains true.  However, today I learned Annmarie of Classic Movie Hub bestowed upon the blog the same honor.  I am now beyond flabbergasted.

Instead of writing an entirely new post in acknowledgement I thought it best to add to my previous post in appreciation of both these fabulous ladies who are extremely supportive of Once Upon A Screen.  So here is a heartfelt THANK YOU to Annmarie whose blog you can read about below as well – I can think of nothing else to add except to recommend that you GO THERE!  I’m a huge fan of the Classic Movie Hub and of Annmarie’s work.

This was me when I learned of this honor…

It means the world.  This is a great way to start a new blogging year.

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There’s a Spanish saying that goes, “Cada loco con su tema,” which translates to “every crazy person has his/her theme.”  I hope I don’t offend anyone by that as it’s not my intention.  My intention is simply to note that for this particular crazy person this is my theme, classic film and this blog is the means through which I express it.  The rest is gravy…

…or, actually, Tangerine Marmalade.  But more on that in a bit.

I’d barely gotten my blogging feet wet when 2012 began.  Then suddenly I went for it and posted as often as I could because the more I did so, the more fun I had.  Film after film, star after star – the words, images and talents that enthrall me.  Blogathon after blogathon I joined to feel a part of a wonderful classic film fan community I’d encountered.  All too soon the year was over and I’d published about 70 posts, finishing the year with a recap report from WordPress that I am very happy with.  Although I’ve no way of gauging what a successful blogging year is since 2012 was the first full year of Once Upon a Screen, the mere thought that people actually visit the site to see what’s going on or what I might think about classic film is truly amazing to me.  I can say with certainty it is as exciting today to get a visitor or see a comment as it was when I first started.  So as far as that goes, 2012 was as great a blogging year as I could have ever imagined.  Now, two days into 2013 and things get even better.

Earlier today Sarah of Sarah’s Place named Once Upon a Screen as her pick for Blog of the Year.  I commented on her site that it may well be a sure sign of the depth of my geekiness but this really moved me.  Sarah’s been a staple commenter on this site for a few months – I can never gauge time appropriately.  She’s been an amazing supporter of my posts and has never failed to share her views and commentary – all passionate, lovely and comforting.  Although I’ve never met her, I bet that’s just how Sarah really is as is her blog, Sarah’s Place – where you find the comforts of home.  And now to that Tangerine Marmalade, which is one of the many recipes she’s featured that I cannot get out of my mind, hence the picture.  And that’s not to mention the Chilled Avocado Soup, which I picture Bogie and Bacall having in To Have and Have Not to…um…cool the heat…

“You know how to peel an avocado, don’t you, Steve?”

Well, OK, maybe not – but still looks delicious.  You see, aside from classic film, food is another theme of this crazy.  In Sarah’s Place you’ll find that comfort and more, all by embracing the simpler side of life.  I love it there and know you will too.  I’m feeling all warm and cozy just thinking about it.  For this city girl – now more city than girl – it’s always a sight for sore eyes.

Receiving blog awards is always fun and an honor but as you know, there are always rules and the “Blog of the Year 2012” is no exception.  If anyone is interested I’ve listed those rules at the end of this post, but I do so with one caveat, which is that I never want to give (or nominate) a site with an award where someone may feel pressured to continue passing it along – there is no pressure with these things.  If they stop being fun then what’s the point?  You may also note I’m not following the rules very closely adhering to what I deem are the two most important parts – noting and thanking the fabulous, Sarah for honoring this blog and choosing (at least) one blog to give the award to (I’ve only chosen one despite so many I admire and visit often).

So, I officially thank Sarah with an image I think she’d enjoy…

And the blog that I believe deserves this because I can’t get enough of it is… Classic Movie Hub (CMH): Fan Favorite Films.

Without knowing about the “Blog of the Year 2012” award a couple of days ago I tweeted to the talent and passion behind CMH, AnnMarie, that the site is one of the best of 2012 “for being one where so many of us (classic film bloggers) gather to share our love for the classics.”  I know a bit about the work, time and effort AnnMarie has put into the site and the care with which she works on it day in and day out.  The result is a fabulous forum through which many of us (classic film bloggers) converge, where our articles and posts are shared and where we happen upon other bloggers from all over the world with whom we share a passion for film.  It doesn’t need to get any better than that.  But at the Classic Movie Hub it does – also a part of the fun are giveaways, contests, trivia, movie ratings and on and on.  I’m honored to have my posts featured on CMH and visit it often to read writings by other bloggers whose posts I now can’t do without.  So, by my estimation, Classic Movie Hub is “Blog of the Year 2012” – and it has yet to celebrate its one-year anniversary.

So, here’s to you and here’s to 2013!  

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