Today’s challenge was yesterday’s rain.
What I mean, is that the skies clouded over as if the Pacific Ocean showed up for an unexpected visit and poured on my plans. Yesterday me and the Hub were going fishing, 4-wheeling and picnicking.
Before the rain hit, Hub announces that the Blue Goose (our truck) is dead-dead. Not dead as in we need to jump the battery, but dead as in the battery no longer takes a charge.
That announcement came as I was pulling fried chicken out of the oven to cool for our to-go food. No truck means no 4-wheeling; no 4-wheeling means no driving anywhere but paved roads and who picnics on paved roads?
You see, 20 days out of the month I’m alone on this little ranch with nothing but dogs and ducks for company. I had the expectation of an “outing” and I planned it for Tuesday, in between writing goals. Determined to get out, we drove into the crashing waves of a Pacific Northwest thunderstorm. We escaped the downpour just 30 miles south of British Columbia, finding refuge in an antique store.
It was there that the owner made me realize that versatility is a virtue. You have to look for the gift in being adaptable. If not for the dead-dead truck, the rain and my determination that I was going to get off the ranch, I wouldn’t have met Sue today. It took meeting the antique shop owner to meet Sue who knows about Elmira.
Elmira is the town where I live despite my address posting as Sandpoint (16 miles south). Every spring I dig up clues in my horse pasture that the property we rent has a past. But no one knows about Elmira. So learning about Sue and that she works for the Boundary County Museum was a gift.
Of course, it meant leaving the ranch again today, but we left early, ate huckleberry flapjacks at the Elmira Store (the only remaining business here) and caught up with Sue at the museum in Bonners Ferry. At first she claimed not to know much, saying “Nobody knows about Elmira.”
Sometimes I think people mistake stories for being dramatic or exciting or important. They think they don’t have a story, or a place doesn’t have a story. But I’m a story-digger. Maybe versatility, the ability to turn from one thing to another, is why my mind can follow the bread crumbs forgotten stories leave behind. With Sue’s help, I’m onto a big Elmira story that is just now unfolding from all the clues I’ve collected in the dirt and at the museum.
I can’t wait to write that story, but wait I must. It’s time to turn to my Wednesday post and set aside Elmira musings and rain-fouled plans. I started to write another post before dinner, but decided that it didn’t fit. Part of being versatile is being flexible. I’m stretching it here tonight because I’m trying to accomplish a dual-purpose post.
Evidently my writing versatility has been detected within the greater blogosphere. In fact, a couple of other writers who’ve visited Carrot Ranch find it deserving of a VBA–Versatile Blogger Award.
So what is a versatile writer? In the words of the organizer, “consider the quality of the writing, the uniqueness of the subjects covered, the level of love displayed in the words on the virtual page.” Love could be defined in several ways, I’m thinking–positivity of posts, words that build up others, passionate subject matter. Of course, if you want a hug from me, I’ll give you a {hug}.
My loving thanks goes to both nominators of the Carrot Ranch VBA–Norah Colvin and Teagan Kearney. Both writers are versatile, as well. They openly share what they are learning: Norah focuses on education; Teagan on writing fiction. You will find quality writing, unique subjects and love-on-the-page at their respective blogs, Norah Colvin and Writing My Novel. Thank you, both, for the nomination!
Rules. Even versatile writers have rules: don’t spit into the wind, keep your coffee away from your laptop, and always kiss your Hub/Wifey/Kid/dog/cat/horse goodnight. VBA has rules, too:
- Thank the person who gave you this award. That’s common courtesy.
- Include a link to their blog. That’s also common courtesy — if you can figure out how to do it.
- Next, select 15 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly. ( I would add, pick blogs or bloggers that are excellent!)
- Nominate those 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award — you might include a link to this site.
- Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.
Number 1: check. Number 2: check. Number 3: check, except I’m going to shake things up. Number 4: check, see warning at Number 3. Number 5:
- I live in Elmira, Idaho with my Hub of 26 years and our two German Short-haired Pointers.
- I love stories–hearing them and telling them. I’m a story-digger. But I’ve never done story-slam.
- When I was 12, the local newspaper published a three-part cliffhanger that I wrote. All 96 residents of my hometown read it.
- I started college when my eldest of three children started kindergarten. I finished before she started college.
- I sat in a saddle before I could walk and I walked at nine months. My first pony was Barney.
- My ancestors were Jacobite Scots, Irish, Welsh, Danish, Basque, German and Portuguese.
- I like to fly fish because it guarantees that I will never actually hook a trout.
So, I’m going to pay this award forward a bit differently. After all, I’m versatile and I know the 15 recipients I have in mind are versatile, too. Many on my list have either received previous recognition, declined it or have have no blog. The latter is a bit of a stretch, but I’ll make it work.
And here’s why: Every Wednesday since March 5, 2014 Carrot Ranch has hosted a flash fiction challenge. Honestly, I had no idea if anyone would actually participate. But not just anyone has participated.Willing, creative, thoughtful, intelligent, funny, encouraging, kind, quality and committed writers emerged from all English-speaking corners of the world. The flash fiction they craft is insightful, their comments stimulating and their writing is top-notch.
My 15 recipients add to my own versatility in such positive ways that I want to recognize and thank each one. They make me think, laugh and push deeper into the writing process. My ranch is richer for their work. Yet they are more than flash-writing ranch hands. They are rough writers. Buffalo Bill Cody called the best horse-riders of the west his “Congress of Rough Riders.” I’m calling Carrot Ranch’s best writers in the world, Congress of Carrot Ranch Rough Writers.
Each week I will spotlight one Rough Writer and her or his blog. In preparation, I’m asking each to email me at wordsforpeople@gmail.com answers to the following questions:
- When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?
- When did you start your blog? (If you don’t have one, why not?)
- What are your blogging goals?
- Do you have a writing mentor and if so, how does that person guide you?
- What writer do you admire most and why?
- What is your primary writing goal and what are you doing to achieve it?
- Has writing flash fiction benefited you in any way?
If a Rough Writer has already received a VBA, he or she may add a numerical count (such as 2x) to the award blog button. You’ve already paid it forward, so no need to repeat the recipient rule. If this is your first VBA and you accept the button, do your best to pay it forward when you can. Even if you wish to be an award-free blog (or you don’t have a blog), I’d still like to recognize you as a Rough Writer. Please email me your answers unless you are too terribly shy to be spot-lighted (then let’s talk)!
Honoring the Congress of Carrot Ranch Rough Writers
Because I believe that Rough Writers will find their way to Carrot Ranch, looking for that prompt, I’m going to leave notification to this post. And if you are looking for that prompt…I know, I was off being versatile after being thwarted by the rain…I’m late. But technically, in my hemisphere and time zone, it’s still Wednesday!
If you are new to the prompt, know that this post is not typical, but do know that the Rough Writers listed are worth getting to know. If you’ve dabbled your toes once or twice before at Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction, please jump in! The more you practice flash, the more you’ll notice a shift in your writing and creativity. All writers are welcome.
Exhaustion. It can be mental fatigue, emotional, physical, even spiritual. I’m feeling pooped after my two-day adventure and late-night writing. Even good things can wear a person out. So that’s where we are headed this week.
June 11, 2014 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about exhaustion. Who is tired and why. Explore the different types of weariness from the subtle to the overt. Respond by noon (PST) Tuesday, June 17 to be included in the compilation.
No Rest for the Wicked by Charli Mills
Sarah rubbed the small of her back with her knuckled fists. Slowly she hung her neck forward, then side to side. Glaring at the cauldron of dirty water, suds and shirts, she lifted the paddle to stir again.
“Need a back rub?” Bill Hickok swung a long leg up over the top railing of the horse pen and perched like a blonde crow. Even his buckskin pants and fringed shirt shimmered golden.
“No. Just taking a breather.”
“I hear Mary McCandless is working the spunk out of you. Come on, Sarah, take a break. Even idle hands get rest.”
###
Rules of Play:
- New Flash Fiction challenge issued at Carrot Ranch each Wednesday by noon (PST).
- Response is to be 99 words. Exactly. No more. No less.
- Response is to include the challenge prompt of the week.
- Post your response on your blog before the following Tuesday by noon (PST) and share your link in the comments section of the challenge that you are responding to.
- If you don’t have a blog or you don’t want to post your flash fiction response on your blog, you may post your response in the comments of the current challenge post.
- Keep it is business-rated if you do post it here, meaning don’t post anything directly on my blog that you wouldn’t want your boss to read.
- Create community among writers: read and comment as your time permits, keeping it fun-spirited.
- Each Tuesday I will post a compilation of the responses for readers.
- You can also follow on Carrot Ranch Communications by “liking” the Facebook page.
- First-time comments are filtered by Word Press and not posted immediately. I’ll find it (it goes to my email) and make sure it gets posted! After you have commented once, the filter will recognize you for future commenting. Sorry for that inconvenience, but I do get frequent and strange SPAM comments, thus I filter.
Why They Call It Labor
By Paula Moyer
Push. Again. Oh, not done yet?
Jean had pushed for two hours. No baby’s head emerging yet. Her body was coated in a patina of sweat.
Lynn, the nurse-midwife, had suggested pushing on the toilet, and it seemed like a good idea. But nothing.
“Let’s go back to the bed and think this through,” Lynn said.
The bed. Eight feet and a universe away from the bathroom. Baby’s head somewhere in her pelvis.
“I’ll need help,” Jean whispered. Her husband, Lynn, and came together.
She walked. The head pressed.
“Oh, God! This hurts!”
He was born forty-five minutes later.
Oh, yeah, that’s exhausting! Great way to write a scene that shows the emotional and physical expression. I like the line, “Eight feet and a universe away…”
Oh how I remember this 🙂 Great one!
I love what you’ve done here with the award. What an awesome way to recognize fellow writers. Thank you so much, Charli. 🙂 And thanks for hosting this every week. It’s wonderful.
Also…LOVE your story and your flash. (Is this a new beau we haven’t met or did I miss him in one of your flash pieces?)
You Rough Writers are awesome and make this whole project dynamic! I’m so glad you show up to the range. As to the story, I write in scenes, something I learned from a professor a ton of years ago. But it wasn’t until I started getting into the storyboard that scenes began to make sense for writing…so I’m exploring the brother of my third great-grandmother, Julia McCandless. A scene here, a scene there. The flash works well to let me drill out possible stories. That all said, this is a sorta-beau…I don’t know yet! History tells us that Wild Bill Hickok had a fling with Sarah Schull at the Rock Creek Station. There’s fact, legend and I think a deeper story to it all. I’ve often wondered what Hickok was to her and I think I’m just letting them tell me by bringing them together. 🙂 Thanks so much for being at the ranch!
I am intrigued by your comments here, Charli. I also write in scenes, but have been stymied to realize them into a cohesive story. Maybe I’ll end up storyboarding, yet. Do I need to wear a life-vest?
I’m already looking forward to what you have uncovered about Elmira. I love knowing the history of any place I live and its surrounds and enjoy hearing about others. It sends us to a different world.
I agree with Sarah abut the treatment of your award. A great idea and thank you for including me in it. I will get my answers to you as soon as possible. What is even better – I’m going to proudly announce that I am a member of the Congress of Carrot Ranch Rough Writers. I just love it. I may even put it on my bio. Pity one has just been sent.
The exhaustion, both subtle and overt were well shown in your flash. The visual pictures as she rubbed her back with her knuckled fists and stirring the copper are superb.
It really makes us look at it differently, doesn’t it–to dig into the history. It connects us to the place, especially when we are transplants. I want to know the dirt! I’m still putting together clues, and blown away by some of the obvious things that were right in front of me. For instance, the “shed” I look at outside my window and across the road when I do dishes is not a shed. It’s a log cabin school house. In a town no longer a town I have two school houses next to my property! More to look up before the pieces all fit, though!
Thank you for accepting your inclusion in the Congress! I love it–yes, include it in you bio when next you update it! Your writing adds to the group and I’m glad to have you here, hopefully to resolve that wheelbarrow! In fact, I saw one on my adventures, abandoned in a field, but it was too rainy to take a photo. It did make me wonder…
Thanks, glad those visuals came through!
It sounds like a journey of discovery. I don’t know yet where we are going with the wheelbarrow but soon…..
I have this vivid imagine – in black and white – there’s a range (the cooking sort) with the ubiquitous coffee pot bubbling away. Gregory Peck pushes open the door to the yard, takes of his six gallon and wipes his brow while Katherine Hepburn pours him a coffee. Around the table are a group of exhausted ranch hands. He sips the coffee ; it’s strong but it’s what he needs. He looks at the group, sweat-stained after a day out of their comfort zones. ‘Let’s write, my buckoos’. They know how to bring out the best in each other and the others they bring to their fireside. Welcome to Carrot Ranch and The Congress of Carrot Ranch Rough Writers. Charli you are a star – as they say in my neck of the woods TA EVERSO. Lovely thoughtful post and prompt and flash. What a perfect Thursday. I get to sit at the cricket all day and come home to this. I will give due attention to the questions and the prompt and be back. MWAH!
That just might my day, Geoff! What an image! I can just see it now, in black and white…”sweat-stained after a day out of their comfort zones.” That is just brilliant! I agree with your observation–this group does have the touch for bringing out the best in each other and others. Let’s write, my buckaroos, let’s write! Love the phrase TA EVERSO! Thank you and MWAHS all around to the Congress of Carrot Ranch Rough Riders!
That. Is. Awesome. 😀
Charli – I can only echo what a lovely idea and way of acknowledging this growing possy of fabulous contributors. I just got a bit of a shock seeing myself on the list which was such a lovely surprise I would love to add another phrase from these parts (although a little more downstream) to Geoff’s TA EVERSO and say BLOODY MARVELLOUS, DARLING! What would we do without you?!
I can’t imagine I’d be writing any fiction that’s for sure – and I do have Anne Goodwin to thank for giving me a push and a shove to have a go – but after a couple of attempts, it’s feeling less scary. More than that, though, there is a growing sense of writing community amongst these writers which I find really supportive – only one or two I haven’t come across so I look forward to checking them out soon.
Meanwhile, talking of rest, I’ve been up all night bit poorly and shortly going back to bed. I’ll get round to your questions soon and start the gears a-whirring on this prompt..
Thank you xx
Bloody marvelous that you got me writing memoir! It’s not something I would have tried without the push. Hope you recoup soon, whipping and spurring those bites along!
Love your flash here as well – I’m right there feeling weary with Sarah but also taking in the rough and ready golden angel perched on the railing – I’d like to know more about him!
Lisa, part of what flash fiction is helping me explore, is who’s the hero? I don’t know if Sarah, Cobb or Bill would make the strongest hero’s journey, and as much as I dislike the historical character of Wild Bill Hickok, he was young during this time in history, and so was Sarah. Cobb was noted as being charismatic, which is interesting because Bill goes on to be a charismatic figure in the wild west after his first kill–Cobb. And that intrigues me. Was Bill destined to become charismatic or did he digest the large personality of the first man he ever shot? And Sarah…caught in many “middles.” Exploration is why I love fiction! It’s brain-play.
So much in this extremely versatile post, Charli. I’m trying not to get tired thinking of the prompt but instead marvelling at how lovely it must’ve been for everyone that your newspaper published your story at 12. And I’m thrilled to be part of the rough writers, was going to say it’s probably the nearest I’ll get to a ranch, except that I did stay on one once in Brazil. Will get my contribution to you when I can.
It was a very tiny newspaper but I loved that the editor gave a kid a break! Enjoy your weekend–you’ll have to tell me about the rocks in your Twitter photo. I could just step into that picture and bask in the sun on one! Glad you are a part of this ranch outfit!
Vampire on the Job
Cynthia stepped out the door with a smile. She skipped to her car. For once, she wasn’t dreading work.
Slipping on strappy pink sandals, she threw her sneakers on the seat and walked into the office.
“Good morning,” she beamed. “What a beau…”
Then she saw Amber.
Cynthia deflated. “I thought you were out today.”
“Nope!” Amber attacked Cynthia with anecdotes and questions. Another date, another mess. Paperwork problems. Computer issues. A date for tonight. How to work the coffee machine.
Cynthia dragged herself through the door. She plopped down with a pint of ice cream and a beer.
Oh, that is horribly evocative of my office life; those energy-leeches who leave you as the merest husk of your former self while they go and find another soul to de-juice. Great story.
Yup. Emotional vampires. Energy leeches. They are THE most exhausting thing I have ever dealt with. (Hee. “the merest husk of your former self…”)
Oh, those office vampires suck you dry! Laughed that Cynthia refueld with ice cream and beer!
I loved it Sarah. And I could completely relate to the slipping on the work shoes and throwing the sneakers on the seat. That was me every morning when I worked in the office.
Here you are, Charli; a bit rambly (what’s new, I hear you cry) but the flash is at the end, as usual, if you want to skip the bubble wrap
http://geofflepard.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/bone-tired-but-happy/
The bubble wrap is part of the package and most fun! Yes, buckaroos get teary and cry. I’m a gentler, kinder buckaroo than John Wayne.
Thank you so much Charli, I am absolutely flabbergasted and honored that I get to be a Rough Writer! It will take me a few days but I will properly say thank you on my blog and email you the answers to your questions.
In the mean time, here is my Flash. I barely finished it today, and I am beat down so perfect prompt, once again!
The To-do List
By Amber Prince
https://fictionandfood.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/99-word-flash-fiction-challenge-6/
Glad to have you riding the range over here! Thanks for being a Rough Writer! Sorry to delay my response–I was having a play-weekend!
Play weekends are the best!!!
[…] Charli Mills with her 99 word flash fiction challenge […]
Still no inspiration for this week’s flash but wanting to let fellow ranchers know about a call for submissions for UK national Flash fiction day on 21 June http://flashfloodjournal.blogspot.co.uk/
they are going to be posting one of mine
Thanks for the link and congrats!
Thanks, Anne! So appreciate you sharing these with us…we need to whip and spur our ponies that direction! Congrats on the publication!
Want to be on time. Attaching my take on this prompt 🙂
http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2014/06/what-day.html
Thanks, Ruchira! You were on time–I was out for the weekend. 🙂
So, I’m trying to follow my hero’s journey after all, Charli, and my poor banished unicorn is feeling a little tired:
http://annegoodwin.weebly.com/annecdotal/9-fictional-psychologists-and-psychological-therapists-7-therapy-by-david-lodge
And don’t be put off by the title of the post, you’ll find him in red at the end.
The reluctant hero! I’m happy to see a few returning unicorns.
This is the first time I am participating here. My post : http://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2014/06/muddy-ride.html
Thank you! Had a weekend with my kids, so my apologies for not responding sooner!
Hi all. Here is my 99-word contribution to the Exhaustion Challenge:
************
William of Charleston by Larry LaForge
William has had it. His dream job has gone sour. Getting through each day is pure drudgery.
He’s always taken pride in pulling his load at work, but now there’s no joy.
The historical port city has lost its charm. Quaint cobblestone streets, once a thing of beauty to him, are now just another occupational hazard.
Tour guides are more annoying than ever. William cringes when they misinform, but is not in a position to correct their embellished stories.
William fears he’s trapped in this dead end job. You see, he has no formal education.
Few carriage horses do.
*************
A 100-word version of this story is posted at my Flash Fiction Magazine site LarryLaForge100words.
http://flashfictionmagazine.com/larrylaforge100words/2014/06/16/william-of-charleston/
Yup another classy example, Larry.
A brilliant story . Feel sad for William as he so helpless.
Ah, poor William! I especially like that he cringes when the tour guides misinform. It’s a great story about mental exhaustion from dissatisfying work.
[…] In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about exhaustion. […]
Hi Charli,
I’ve just posted mine. http://wp.me/p3O5Jj-hd Scroll to the end of the article for the flash. Stuck on the unicorn again!
We like unicorns in these parts! Sorry to show up late–been playing with my kids!
No need to apologize for that!
I try to be punctual with writing related activities, especially among the Rough Writers (or the Rough Lot, as Lisa said)!
[…] http://carrotranch.com/2014/06/12/june-11-flash-fiction-challenge/ […]
The barrow slowing down is still chilling…all this winding down and exhaustion hints at something big about to come.
Wow, Charli! You sure are quite versatile. I loved how you began this post with a story about you and your hub’s adventure and ended it with the VBA. A few things here…
Isn’t it AMAZING how the universe puts us in places where we never thought we would have ended up? You wanted to go on an outdoor excursion but you found yourself in an antique shop gathering information for a future story. How beautiful is this!!
If anyone deserves the VBA, it’s definitely you. I always enjoy reading your posts and look forward to reading your new short story once you decide to share it with us=)
Thanks, Gina! It’s always great to find those unexpected open doors. I think I’ll be posting a series of history-mysteries (solved and unsolved) over on Elmira Pond in between birds and horses. Trying to get my “versatility” under control at the moment and catch up! 🙂
[…] week Charli’s Flash Fiction prompt over at the Carrot Ranch […]
Stationary in the car park leaving Robbie Williams – attempting to ping on my phone! Hope it works😅
http://sharingthestoryblog.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/flash-fiction-time-enough/
It worked! Some reason, though, WP doesn’t automatically post pingbacks, even from within my own my blog! And I’ve been an absentee-blogger since the kids arrived Friday afternoon. But was worth the down time!
Incredible flash! That’s an angle I hadn’t thought of, which is why I so enjoy reading what interpretations others come up with. Do you feel like you’re getting a hang of fiction? Because you are doing marvelous writing!
It feels better each time, Charli, so thank you. I’m glad I’ve pursued it – in its small way, it has been proof of the power of writing practice. Whether what I write is any better is almost not as important as the fact I can now just ‘get on with it’ and have it done in about 15 minutes. (Though I’ve learned to come back the next day to dust it off before posting!!)
All this dusting and polishing Lisa. Quite the domestic goddess!
[…] flash this week is exhausting–in many […]
I think I just got this done in the nick of time 🙂
http://everythingsusanandmore.blogspot.ca/2014/06/sleep-deprived-flash-fiction.html
Yea, Susan! What a joy to see you writing!
[…] Trials of a Unicorn, Part 2 by Anne Goodwin […]
[…] raise a barn–in the form of a new page on this site–dedicated to the recently declared Congress of Carrot Ranch Rough Writers. From an idea born in the wild west–to wrangle weekly flash fiction from 99 words each […]
Hi Charli,
I can’t believe I didn’t leave a comment on this post (other than to dump my flash!). Thank you for linking back to me for nominating you for this award. It becomes clearer with each post just how much you really deserve it. Thank you also for including me in the Congress of the Carrot Ranch Rough Writers. I am honoured to ride with the posse. Although I have been on a horse a few times in my life, and possibly even before I walked as did you, I am no rider. I get the impression you have stayed in the saddle and were probably riding, not just propped, before you were walking!
I’m impressed that you wrote a 3-part cliff-hanger at age twelve and had 100% readership in your local community.
I like the way you describe yourself as a ‘story-digger’, and I admire your persistence with study. It can’t have been easy studying and bringing up three children!
Thanks for including me with illustrious group. 🙂
Good to have you in the posse, Norah! I think we are all a versatile group and that’s part of what makes the mix so interesting. I can only imagine what the original Congress of Rough Riders were like–Indian chiefs, female trick riders, buffalo hunters, cowboys and gunslingers. It’s diversity that makes the show interesting! Each of you brings that kind of value to the ranch. Ah–my peak riding days are behind me, but I’m slowly working on breaking a young horse. Never really liked that term “breaking.” If you want to see an inspirational documentary on horse handling, watch Buck. He talks about what fearful creatures horses are. So really, it’s more like building trust to train a horse. I’ll have to figure out a catchy word! Maybe one day I’ll ride her, but for now it’s getting acquainted. Thanks for being part of the “luster” in this illustrious Congress!
Hi Charli,
I agree about the term ‘breaking’. It’s a bit like telling parents to break the spirit of their toddlers. I like your idea of building trust. I remember years ago watching ‘The Horse Whisperer’, but not much about it. I think it was a pretty nice movie.And, um, I hope you mean lustre, rather than luster. But checking online, that’s probably just the American/Australian/British spelling difference. To me, luster means something else entirely!!
Ooh, you’ll have to tell us an Aussie Outback Luster story one day! Luster is the Americanized version of lustre (which my dictionary calls, “chiefly British”).
Yes. It’s interesting the difference one letter, or its position, can make to the meaning of a word, phrase or sentence. If only our spellings were standardized. It might make it easier to clarify our meaning. I’ll have to think on a the lustre of a luster story!
Ha, ha–the lustre of a luster story!
🙂
[…] a Liebster Award. Not only that Geoff has nominated many of these same bloggers for this award, and Charli Mills has nominated them […]