From One Life Chapter To The Next

A Threesome? How About An Eightsome?

Phew! You survived my mini book-journey blitz. But in a few moments, you’ll wish you were back there, because today, I’m going to whisk you into catatonia with a long-delayed awards post. See? You already resemble a frozen deer in headlights.

The Write Transition readers (Image credit: Microsoft Clip Art)

But seriously, many wonderful bloggers have blessed me with awards over the past two months, and before they rescind, I must attend to their lovely nods.

Rather than follow the rules for all eight nominations—and risk complete reader abandonment—I will massively cheat and create a combined award response. My ménage à huit, so to speak. And I won’t follow any rules.

But I figured I should divulge at least one personal tidbit, so I racked my brain for an anecdote worthy of your time. Needless to say, I found none. So instead, I shimmied to my living room drawer and whipped out my collection of TableTopics cards. Plucking a discussion card at random, I retrieved the following:

If you could have any view from your back porch, what would it be?

Well, TableTopics card, in response to your worthy question, I would say the view as seen from a boat on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. Pure. Heaven.

Lake Lucerne, Switzerland (Image credit: wikipedia.org)

My Recent Anointers and Their Awards

The Sparkly Award from Brigitte’s Banter

Because Sparkly is my middle name.

The Fabulous Blog Ribbon, also from Brigitte’s Banter

Hey, I think I used to drink this beer.

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award from ellamedler

I’ve never been in a sisterhood of anything. Ella, you got this introvert good. Bazinga!

Most Inspiring Blogger Award, also from ellamedler

Apparently I—along with a small collection of millions of other bloggers—am one of the most inspiring bloggers out there.

Inspiring Blog Award from nyparrot

Wait, didn’t we just cover this one? Oh, I see; it’s from a parrot. That explains the repetition.

Very Inspiring Blogger Award from chanceofsun

Okay, now wait just a hari-kari minute. How many inspiring awards are there? But this one’s from an American fitness trainer in Germany, so I’m not about to question. She’ll make me do burpees.

Illuminating Blogger Award from Fay Moore: I Want To Be a Writer

Fay says I’m illuminating. The fireflies around her home probably skew her perceptions, but let’s not tell her.

Super Sweet Blogger Award from Meeka’s Mind

You KNOW this one pleases me. Meeka’s Mind knows Carrie’s Stomach.

The Passing of the Torch

Despite my joking commentary, I extend a big, appreciative thank you to these wonderful bloggers for reading my words, commenting on my site, and interacting with me on theirs.

As for my nominees, how can I possibly choose? I follow so many fabulous blogs.

And I’m lazy.

So, I bestow each of these awards upon everyone on my blogroll. If you are not on my blogroll and I frequent your site, then please accept the awards as well. I’ve tried to keep the list current, but I follow many new blogs and don’t always remember to update.

For those who aren’t slackers like me, please click the links of my generous awarders above for the actual rules for each of these awards. I will not list them here for fear of becoming a recipient of your telepathic tasers.

The Vanishing Likes

Oh, and speaking of my blogroll, who the hell stole all my “likes”? When I first posted that static page a few months back, there were dozens of “likes.” Now there’s one. What exactly is the universe trying to tell me?

Wow. One whole like.

I bet it was Connie*…

What would your response be to that TableTopics question—what view would you want from your back porch? Have you ever used those cards? Have you ever had an eightsome?

*You’ll be happy to know my publisher has corrected my name on their site. Connie is now history.

142 Responses to “A Threesome? How About An Eightsome?”

    • Carrie Rubin

      One finds it at the top of my blog (it’s a static page). Eight find it by singing a song, dancing Russian style, and clicking their heels three times…
      ;)

      Reply
  1. Joanna Aislinn

    That is octagonally awesome, Carrie. And who deserves each of these more than you? And thanks so much for sharing with the rest of us ;)

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      “Octagonally awesome”—I like that one!

      Thank you, and please feel free to take any awards you don’t already have. Consider it a blogger award smorgasbord.
      :)

      Reply
      • Joanna Aislinn

        Seemed numerically appropriate to throw something eight-related in, lol. Ah, but you’re generous and I do thank you for sharing, as well as for including me in your blog roll! Have a great day!

        Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you! Nothing like hoarding them all up and then putting together a post that follows none of the rules. Funny–I’m not a rule breaker in real life.
      :)

      Reply
      • riainthecity

        haha I just removed all of them from my blog cause it didn’t go with the theme! :X

        Reply
  2. lidipiri

    Will profoundly stupid be okay? Hmmm, can’t think of anything so will revert to telling you -once again- how much I enjoy your writing!

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you! And now I have a new word to use: chuffed. Not sure what it means exactly, but I assume it’s something nice, because I doubt you’d say, “I’m so disgusted by you.”
      ;)

      Reply
  3. Main Street Musings Blog

    You truly are an inspiration. You do such a good job of writing fun and engaging posts while continuing to support others. Keep up the good work. I am honored to be on your blogroll! If I haven’t thanked you yet—thank you! I like the way you categorized your blog roll. You are full of great ideas. :)

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thanks so much for the kind words, Lisa! What a lovely comment to discover waiting for me this morning. And thank you for stopping by and commenting. Your visits are always appreciated.
      :)

      Reply
  4. butimbeautiful

    Poor Connie! Robbed of fame, at the very last moment! Congrats for all the awards, all I can say is, you must be Awe Inspiringly Inspiring! Hey, maybe I can make up another award – the Awe Inspiringly Inspiring Blogger Award, anyone? Anyway, I think you are. Inspiring.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you! And by all means, make up another award. If there’s one thing the blogoshere is short of, it’s blogging awards…
      ;)

      But please take those you don’t already have if you play the award game. Because you are all of those things as well and more.
      :)

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you! Yes, it’s good to be back in control of my book. Well, I guess I haven’t really been in control of it ever since I signed that contract, but at least my name will be on it.
      :)

      Reply
  5. Pat

    Possible view from my window? Went to Petra once and stayed at the Crowne Plaza which is not the best hotel there but certainly the nearest. Opening the curtains in the morning was brilliant! Would like that view please.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Is that Petra in Jordan? Yes, I imagine that would indeed be a stunning view. Much more than would be found in my neck of the woods in Ohio, USA.
      :)

      Reply
      • Pat

        Yes, Jordan. You don’t get the full effect from the hotel window, but there is enough to give you goosebumps and an idea of what is to come.
        And there’s nothing like that around here either. Not even a little bit. :-)

        Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          Just when I think I’ve seen a lot of the world, I realize how little I have. North America and Europe are it for me. So many more places I still need to explore.

          Reply
          • Pat

            And I have only been to America once. To New England in the fall, which was amazing. I’d like to come back again some time and perhaps go over to the west, to the Grand Canyon or some of the big parks.
            Now you have reminded me about the New England trip. Perhaps I will dig up some of the photos for a blog post some time.

            Reply
            • Pat

              Beautiful. We flew into Boston and travelled north, ended up in Niagara. Then went on to Toronto to fly home. An excellent trip and one which I would like to repeat.

            • Pat

              Absolutely lovely – and thinking about it, I have to go back because I didn’t go anywhere near places like Martha’s vineyard that I hear so much about and all those areas that the Mayflower people colonised.
              As you said, there are so many places to visit in the world, and I have only touched a very few of them.

  6. kateshrewsday

    Alas. I can’t be profound or stupid today, so I’m afraid we must settle for inane. Congratulations on all of these. And on being officially un-christened Connie. Life is good.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      I’ll take inane any day. So will Connie, but luckily she and I have gone our separate ways.
      ;)

      And please take an award or two (or eight) if you play the blogging award game. I haven’t updated my blog roll as I should, but I enjoy visiting your site and viewing your lovely images.
      :)

      Reply
      • kateshrewsday

        :-D Thanks. I love to watch others play the game but I’m rubbish at it. I never pass them on or say thank you as I should. I’m usually caught up with some arcane connection or other. Bit too monocular.Love coming here though. A writer’s journey is always compelling.

        Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you so much, Katie! I just left a comment on your blog. You have no idea how much you made my day by mentioning my upcoming book on your site. This blogging community never ceases to amaze me!

      And this award is wonderful–thank you for nominating me. I will tuck it a way and attend to it in the future. Who doesn’t love listing their favorite books?
      :)

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Oh, and by the way, I’m glad you stopped by, because it prompted me to add you to my blogroll. I haven’t remembered to add my more recent blog follows, but I want to put you on there. Which means, of course, that you should take some of these awards I’ve nominated everyone for. Don’t think of it as lazy on my part; think of it as charitable and wanting to spread good cheer.
      ;)

      Reply
  7. writerwendyreid

    I would like my “backyard” to contain the turquoise waters of Tahiti…on my very own island. :-) Congrats on all the awards Carrie. I won’t take one though. It doesn’t feel right not earning it.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Of course you’ve earned the awards, Wendy. You’re on my blogroll. It would be no different if I had listed everyone on my blogroll in this post to pass each of the awards onto. I want whoever participates in blogger awards to take the ones they don’t already have. Plus, if you take them now, then you don’t have to accept them later when they come your way.
      ;)

      Yeah, I could live with “turquoise waters of Tahiti” for my backyard view. Sigh.

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      What a coincidence to find your comment right now. I’m currently writing a post about exercise, and I was just thinking of you. I mean, like only five seconds ago.
      :)

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you! And yes, Lake Lucerne is gorgeous. I was only there for a brief time years ago, but I remember it so vividly. The photo doesn’t do it justice.

      Early in our marriage, my husband and I took a very, very low budget tour of Europe (when the trip is called a Budget Tourama, you know the digs aren’t going to be great), and Lake Lucerne was one of my favorite stops. I need to go back someday.

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      I agree. Connie was way too much of an extrovert for my comfort. Then again, perhaps I should have kept her around for the marketing thing…

      Reply
  8. Anastasia

    ménage à huit..
    ménage à huit..

    that’s so great. and catchy. and…nevermind. i was going to say something about men. but i won’t. :)

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      When it comes to the writing process, I must agree, I sport that frozen-eyed stare myself. But maybe it’s better to be a rabbit like you. I don’t see nearly as many of them stiff-legged and glossy-eyed on the berm. Guess they’re too quick for those cars.

      Sorry about the roadkill joke. Where are my manners?…

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      I figured mine is too long to put in the sidebar. And it keeps growing.
      :)

      I’m sure in time, you’ll become a widget warrior!

      Reply
  9. Pink Ninjabi

    what an honor to be part of your blogroll, which I realize, I wish I had one too! It would save me from the pass it along thing as I’m so lazy too! Woo… I think you’re onto something… Love this post as always :D

    Reply
  10. char

    Maybe I’ll take the super sweet thing-a-ma-bob award. That looks delicious. I wish I was artsy. I would change the cupcake picture to a Knock You Dead Brownie. Your Lake Lucerne setting looks divine as well. I agree. Any lake with craggy mountains is A-OK with me. Congrats on your abundance of awards. You definitely deserve them. Oh, and your book looks cool on the sidebar. Kind of official.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thanks! Yeah, I figured I should probably put it in a side widget. I always seem to be one step behind in this promotional stuff.

      Please take all the awards you don’t already have, including the yummy one. I agree–a chewy brownie would be nice on there, too. Especially if it was covered in vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. Oh, and some whipped cream.

      Hmmm, it seems you and I always manage to slip dessert into our conversations…
      ;)

      Speaking of dessert, I can’t wait to try the cookie recipe in Gina’s new book. They sound wonderful.

      Reply
  11. August McLaughlin

    Hmm…. Do 8-somes in my dreams count? At least in dreams we’re more flexible and have other super powers like…Um, not quite PG enough to share here.

    Congrats on your awards! You deserve them. That lake would be a lovely backyard view, as would a mountainside or simply a grassy, lush patch to call my own.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Dreams always count, PG or not.
      ;)

      The August McLaughlin Lush Grassy Patch–sounds like a perfect view. On second thought, that sounds kind of dirty, too…

      Reply
  12. Smaktakula

    I’m not sure why I’m supposed to be pleased that your publisher killed off Connie. She was a great character!

    What’s with the first picture? Are you saying your readers are fawning? Or that they’re aDOEable? Buck you? Oh, deer, too many puns.

    So is the Seneca Scourge available now? I’m gonna click the new link, which may answer my question, but I demand an immediate answer!

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      As far as I know, it’s not available yet. Hopefully, they’ll actually tell me when it’s out instead of me stumbling upon it on Amazon–or worse, receiving a tweet from someone who’s seen it on Amazon. I just figured I better put a widget up of it, because that’s what we authors are apparently supposed to do. Once it’s on Amazon, I’ll put a link on the image.

      Thanks for working through my award post. I know how thrilling blog award acceptance entries can be…

      Reply
  13. jmmcdowell

    Whew, I thought I had a back up with 4 awards…. And I’m sure I’ve eaten 8 cookies in one sitting when I could do that sort of thing without gaining weight or cholesterol. Darn that Madame Weebles. Her post put cookies on my brain.

    I like Kate’s magical waterfall idea for the back yard. I might have to steal that idea for my answer, too. :)

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Yes, her preferred view is pretty spectacular. Tough to compete with magic waterfalls.

      I realize I let these awards pile up too long, and I shamefully disregarded all the rules. Please accept those you don’t already have. Then maybe you can do a post with a ninesome!

      Reply
  14. robincoyle

    I am relieved to see I am not the only one behind on award acceptances. I am truly grateful, but you wouldn’t know it based on how behind I am. May I simply copy this post and put it on my blog? It would save so much time.

    Reply
  15. Helen Devries

    Well deserved awards…I look forward to your posts appearing on my computer.
    The view I’d like is the one I have, looking out over a quiet valley.

    Reply
  16. Perfecting Motherhood

    And I thought you were going to change your name officially to Connie. Doesn’t it sound like a cool name? ;-)

    I can’t believe you got both the “inspiring” and the very “inspiring” blogger award. It beats perspiring for sure!

    I can’t complain about my back porch view, although it’s a backyard and I’d LOVE to have a back porch. I see trees, lots of trees, soaking their roots in the San Diego River. But if I could choose, I’d love to have a view of a lake with lots of trees all around. When I took the kids to Lake Hemet in July, it was an amazing feeling to stand in front of all that blue water, green trees and blue sky. And even though I live 30 minutes away from the ocean, I wouldn’t want to have it as a view. It’s very bare and I love greenery over water. That’s why the lake and trees would be perfect. Now I just have to win the lottery!

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      It seems the best views involve water of some kind–a lake, a pond. Maybe we could have a rotating view. One day it’s mountains, the next a beautiful lake, the next a field of flowers and trees. That would be nice.

      I’m actually happy to say good riddance to Connie. She takes things that don’t belong to her. And I think she’s the one who perspires a lot.
      ;)

      Reply
      • Perfecting Motherhood

        Well, if Connie was trying to impersonate you like Mr Ripley, no wonder she was sweating it.

        Flowers, what a great idea for a view. Alright, I’ve changed my mind. My favorite view would be a whole bunch of lilac trees in bloom (various colors). Not only they look beautiful, but their fragrance is to die for.

        Reply
  17. 4amWriter

    Congrats on all the awards. In answer to your questions: I have never used those cards, but they sound awesome. I would want the view from my back porch to be of a pond with a waterfall that I can walk behind and into a magical land where everything goes my way. :)

    As far as the eightsome, do 8 slices of pizza count?

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      A waterfall with a magical portal delivering one to a land of constant success. Oh, I like that. I definitely should have set my sights higher regarding my chosen view.

      Those TableTopic cards are pretty cool. Sometimes we’ll do them when we go out to eat and are waiting for our food. I just stash a few in my purse.

      And 8 slices of pizza always count!

      Reply
  18. Daniel Nest

    Those awards just keep on coming, huh?! It’s a good thing they’re virtual, otherwise you’d now be renting a separate apartment for them ;)

    Congrats and welcome back to the “standard blogging” routine! I expect to do the very same on Saturday when work “sprint” is all over at last.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      And you know I’m counting on you to collect that Sisterhood award. It should be no more awkward for you to put on your blog than it was more me.
      :)

      Reply
  19. Elliot

    That disappearing likes is amusing. Where have they gone? Perhaps we all didn’t like someone on the list and rescinded the like. But who would it be? Or maybe wordpress is having a mad moment again. Should I press like again? Would I be a like whore making sure my name is there? But if I click would it ruin todays post? Hmm…

    Congrats as always. on the awards. I still have a couple that have been sitting there for a while (from before you last did one).

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Ahh, to play the award game or not? I think this may be my last hurrah. I can’t think of anymore sarcastic award posts. But never say never, I guess.

      I wonder if my likes disappear when I update the page, which I do fairly frequently? Guess I never paid attention, but I just noticed it the other day. From over 50+ likes to one. Mysterious….

      Reply
  20. starlaschat

    When I clicked the like button there where eight! So I guess yes I have had an eightsome. Involved in an eightsome likesome. Now I see there are others who have joined in isn’t that the way eights never enough. Groan….

    Lets see view from my back door my thoughts are from a studio in Siena Italy or some place where the light is great sunset pink and the buildings are interesting with balconys and lots of outdoor markets to buy my food. Snap…. come back I was really getting lost in thought looking around at my new backyard. Thanks for that, that was fun. Thank You for the Awards I appreciate your rule breaking ways. I tend not to be very complient when in comes to Awards myself so appreicate that quality in others.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      A view of Italy–I could most definitely live with that. And thanks for clicking my “like” button, but it’s the “likes” on my blogroll page (at the top of the blog) that vanished. It was weird. I had fifty or more, and now I have one. I wonder if whenever I update the page it kicks them off? Who knows, and I guess I really don’t have the time to worry about it.
      :)

      Reply
      • starlaschat

        Oh I don’t this week I have found lots of time to worry about things and I would be happy to add that one to my list. Where would your likes be floating around? Actually every once in awhile strange things happen to my glog ( that’s blog when your fingers are trying to type too fast….. lightning speed.) Oh too much coffee! :+)

        Reply
  21. raeme67

    I did not even realize I made the blogroll until today!
    Loved being nonimantaded ( Even if I have to share it) for the awards, but the blogroll thing that is the best honor of all, thanks! :)

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      You’ve been on there a while now. I try to remember to add as I go, but I’m sure I’ve left someone off. For which I’ll feel horrible, but eventually I catch on.

      And please, take each and every award you don’t already have (kind of like a blog award smorgasbord). Despite my sarcasm, the awards are a nice way to recognize other bloggers, and I certainly hope others will accept them if they choose to play the game.

      Reply
  22. El Guapo

    Congrats! I’d go check out the nominators, but I don’t want to get caught up in the writhing wriggling limbs in this sublime eightsome.
    (Or did I simply miss an octopus/squid joke and have now outed myself as a pervert?)
    Anyway, looking forward to checking out the bestowers, and I’m sure Connie will go away after she’s had a chance to copy your hairstyle, accent, style of dress….

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Well, if Connie wants my hairstyle, my nasal voice, and my style of dress–more power to her.

      And no, you’re not a pervert (well, maybe you are; how the hell would I know?)–I was referring to an eightsome the way you thought. But the octopus thing is good, too. Maybe even kinkier…

      Reply
  23. annewoodman

    I Liked you! Here–I grant you an eternity of Likes. Poof!

    My back porch view would be of somewhere tropical, like Tahiti. I would not own a coat.

    Congrats on the awards! I am lazy like you and run out of ways to pass them on. ; )

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Yep, I think I am out of award post juice. Not sure what I could think of next.

      And thank you for the “like.” Not sure what happened there, but it does look quite sad.

      I could definitely do a tropical view, especially if it meant I got to frolic on the beach and bask in the sun. Like you, I rather enjoy summer.
      :)

      Reply
  24. Diane Henders

    Love the “deer in the headlights”! And congratulations on all well-deserved your awards. I’m trying to decide if it’s morally wrong to “accept” all the awards and then refer back to a couple of my other acceptance posts to fulfill the requirements… yeah, probably.

    The best I’ve ever done is an sixsome, if you count Twister games when I was a kid. Probably not the kind of excitement you had in mind. And my ideal backyard view would be long stretches of grain fields with mountains in the background, and maybe a little lake in there somewhere. Sigh.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      I could live with a view like that, though I’d probably keep the mountains and lake and ditch the grain fields (guess I saw enough of those growing up in North Dakota, not to mention my brief sejourn in Saskatchewan).

      I know I should probably play by the rules for these awards, but I’m still torn on whether I want to participate or not. This seems a good compromise. And of course, it’s way more fun to be sarcastic about it.
      :)

      Reply
  25. Brigitte

    Carrie, was intrigued by the title, but like the Seinfeld episode, just not that kind of crazy — you’d have to get new clothes, new lighting, cool lamps….oh, that was just your title — the three/eight-some thing. Anyway, thanks for the recognition and thank gawd your name’s been corrected.

    My view: Italy or Paris with a vineyard and the big fat ocean around. Or Nantucket in a big beach house. There’s so many.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Sorry to seduce you with the title only to end up with a lousy awards post. But it had to be done. And thank you for the awards, by the way. Despite my snarky acceptance posts, I remain appreciative and grateful for them.
      :)

      As for your choice of views? Beautiful!

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thanks, Stacie. How very, very disappointed readers will be if they click open the post, hoping for an entry on sexual experimentation…

      Reply
  26. G M Barlean

    I think an eightsome might technically be an orgy. NOT that I would know a thing about that!
    Bless you for your laziness. I hold my breath when I read these blog award posts! Not me! Not me!!!
    I think the view you posted is pretty darn stellar. Water would certainly be in my view too, says the landlocked girl from Nebraska!

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Gina, you gave me my first laugh-out-loud of the day with that orgy comment. Then again, your comments frequently do get a rise out of me–in a good way.

      But you know, you ARE on my blogroll, so feel free to accept ALL of these awards and write a post on them. And just for fun, follow ALL of the different rules and then pass each one onto 10-15 more bloggers. By the time you finish, it will be Christmas.

      Reply
      • G M Barlean

        Oh, ok. I’ll get right on that. ;-) Right after I’m done going through facebook and liking all the little signs that say, “Like if you think this dog is cute”, or “Like if you think daughters are wonderful.”

        Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          Everytime I think about setting up a Facebook fan page for my book, I read something like what you just wrote. Oy vey, who has the time for that? (And no, I’m not Jewish; I just enjoy saying oy vey.)

          Reply
  27. i mayfly

    Scottish reel eightsome? Or is this a writer’s sequel term?
    I love your oh so diplomatic treatment of the awards. You are an inspiration!
    And Bambi with antlers? That is twisted, sister.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      I am twisted. Especially ever since I did yoga this morning and did an inversion I probably shouldn’t have.

      Thanks for dropping by for an awards post. Nothing sends the masses running away faster than those.
      :)

      Reply
  28. La La

    I always thought an eightsome sounded kind of tedious. Oh, is that not what we’re actually talking about here? My bad.

    Then….congrats, and I am drooling over those cupcakes.

    Reply

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