By Milli Thornton
Call me a double Aquarian but I’ve never been into awards. If I ever received a national or international award for anything about my life’s work, I would have to sort through a mass of conflicting emotions about it.But isn’t it typical of a writer to magnify something into the Worst (or as least, Biggest) Case Scenario? All this because I’m actually very touched to have twice received the Versatile Blogger Award.
I’m touched, but also conflicted. But, don’t worry. I deleted the long and winding thing I started to write about my inner conflicts. ;~)
(Update: Since at least one reader was worried about me, I’d like to clarify that it has nothing to do with feeling like I don’t deserve recognition.)
The first time I received it, from my friend Julia Munroe Martin over at the excellent wordsxo blog), I responded to the award in what I felt was a fun way but I didn’t follow all the rules of the award. You can read that post here (opens in a new browser tab), see my list of 7 Random Things and take advantage of some very cool guest blogger links:
This latest time the award came from Robin (@Zumbalicious_) at A robin’s View. Thank you, Robin! I loved reading your award post and seeing the Fear of Writing blog featured!
Rather than presenting a list of 15 bloggers I’d like to pass the award to, I’m going to highlight Robin herself.
If you haven’t ever visited A robin’s View, you’re in for a treat. Especially if you deeply enjoy blogs that feature “honest and moving writing from the heart” (which was how Robin’s writing was so aptly described by the blogger who passed the Versatile Blogger award onto her).
Here are three posts that I’ve lovingly selected for your convenience. Choose one, click the link and indulge yourself in a little quality time on Robin’s blog. You won’t regret it.
Somewhere between all the embarrassing incidents, the heartbreaking regrets, the laughter and triumphs, or even the inane, lies our humanity. It’s our stories that make us who we are.
#Reverb11 Prompt: Day 4 – Letting Go
What have you let go of this year and how has it affected you?
True Confessions – #Cultivate2012
This post has everything! Humor, fun, honesty, grandiose dreams, realism. We’re almost half-way through 2012 and this post can give your dreams (or did you make New Year’s resolutions?) a healthy kick in the pants.
Or, just go to Robin’s home page and start exploring!
http://robinsview.blogspot.com
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Milli Thornton is the author of Fear of Writing: for writers & closet writers. She is owner of Unleash Your Writing! and the Fear of Writing Online Course, where her mission is to put the fun back into writing. Milli also blogs at Screenwriting in the Boonies and Milliver’s Travels and coaches writers at Writer’s Muse.
You are such a humble and gracious person. You do deserve recognition. I think it is an honor and I know you’re proud about being who you are and you like the simple things in life. That’s OK too. I get your ambivalence.
I think you should boast from the roof tops because you are a hard worker and an engaging writer/blogger.
I say congratulations! Good for you! Well done.
Marilyn
Twitter: fearofwriting
Thank you, Marilyn. 🙂
Actually, it’s not about feeling I don’t deserve recognition. In the case of this particular award, it’s about fulfilling the rather lengthy guidelines for how to accept/pass on the award. Instead of listing 15 bloggers I want to give the award to (who my readers might never have time to visit), I decided to stick with one blogger and feature her properly.
xo
Twitter: cjtreggett
Congratulations, Milli. I think it’s kinda cool how you allowed yourself not to get caught up in fulfilling all the time-consuming requirements after accepting it, and then wrote this post introducing your readers to the blogger who gave you the award, generously highlighting some of her work for us to check out. I’ll definitely be visiting Robin’s blog.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Thanks, Carole! I know for sure you’ll enjoy Robin’s blog.
Twitter: wordstrumpet
Congrats, Milli. I share your feelings about blog awards. If they didn’t come with such complicated requirements to fulfill, I’d probably feel a lot better about them! But you do deserve recognition and I will go visit Robin’s blog as well.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Charlotte, I’m fantasizing about starting a blogging award where the rules for accepting the award say something like: “Take a week off from blogging and eat an exquisite piece of gourmet chocolate every day while you do. You’ve earned it!” 😀
Milli, congrats, I couldn’t think of a more deserving person to receive this – and you are so humble and all round amazing person! You deserve to receive it twice 🙂
Awww, thanks! You just made my day!
(It’s weird, I don’t think of myself as humble … but I guess some others see me that way. Maybe I should redefine my meaning of the word.)
As long as you’re not defining it as Uriah Heep does in David Copperfield, I think you’re safe 😉
Kidding aside, love the way you turned the award you were given back to its sender! I think that says so much about you!
xoxo
LOL! I must admit it’s a looooong time since I read David Copperfield. How did ol’ Uriah define it?
Well, EVERYTHING for him was humble, while only maintaining an appearance of humility. That kind of makes one arrogant, right?
(“umble” – this is how he said it and why it stuck with me for so long; I’ve only read the book in high school)
Ah, yes, false humility. Usually feels like a guilt trip in disguise.
It’s ages since I’ve read Dickens but you reminding me of how the characters speak in his books makes me nostalgic for a good dose of it.
Twitter: jmmerchant86
Woooo! Go Mighty Milli! 🙂
Well deserved my friend, and will be taking a peek at Robin’s blog soon.
x
Now, Jo. It’s really going to be hard for me to stay humble with you calling me Mighty Milli.
LOL!
Twitter: jmmerchant86
…sorry… MILLI HERSELF IS AWESOME!!!! 😀
That’s supposed to HELP???
(((LOL)))
Twitter: jmmerchant86
Where did I say I was trying to be helpful??? 😉
Hahaha! You’re reminding me of my grandson. I’m planning to use reverse psychology on him when I go to New Mexico for his birthday party in June. Otherwise, his four-year-old answer to everything I suggest will be “NO!”
Twitter: Zumbalicious_
Milli, Thanks so much for highlighting my blog in this way! I feel honored and humbled at the same time. That was really unexpected, and I’m inspired by the way you’ve changed the rules to better reflect your own feelings. I’m glad you got the award twice and hope you continue to be recognized for your talent, hard work, commitment and generosity of spirit!
Also, I’m delighted you enjoyed True Confessions. I nearly deleted it because my humor sometimes feels misplaced on what is otherwise a rather serious blog. Maybe I’ll indulge in my lighter, playful side a little more in the future! Thank you.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Robin, I love hearing you say that maybe you’ll indulge in your lighter, playful side a little more in the future. Hearing that just caused me to fly over to your blog and subscribe by email so I don’t miss anything!
Congratulations, Milli! What a great honor. 🙂
I just started following her via e-mail. That’s the kind of writing I want to do in my blogs!
~L
Twitter: fearofwriting
Awesome, Lois! I know you’ll enjoy Robin’s writing. Speaking of writing for your blogs: I love the title of your new post! Will be over to read it soon. 🙂
I do so far. 🙂
Awesome! 😀
The best award that a blogger can receive is be known and be recognized by the blog readers, it does not have to be materialistic award but it’s a good thing if you got one. Congrats Milli 🙂