Actually, it's a BELATED Blogiversary because I trusted my memory (BIG mistake) and thought I popped my blogger cherry (in a post aptly titled Virgin No More) on February 17th, 2007. Turns out it was February 10th. DOH!
So here I am two years later. I've made a lot of online friends, more than a few enemies, and a handful of frenemies. There's a few people that I no longer care to visit, some that have made it clear that I shouldn't visit, but even more that I follow in Google Reader and would definitely miss if they weren't around. I think there's probably a reason why certain people play a part in our lives (cyber or real) for a while, and then when they are no longer needed because they've fulfilled or failed to fulfill whatever our initial needs were, we drift away or something happens to take them out of our (cyber or real) lives and we move on. A lot of days (actually it seems like MOST days lately) I'm sure that I have nothing more to say. But then something silly or impassioned or bawdy will set me off and I'm back to posting and commenting again. Hell, you guys would have to turn off your blog comments to get me to shut up and leave you alone. And in case you don't realize it, I really appreciate those of you that drop by this blog and make blogging so much fun!
The very first Sweet Beefcake Eye Candy pics I posted were oldies but nummies. I find it interesting that they illustrated how I saw certain characters in books (LKH's) and here I am two years later discussing how I envision characters in books again (Madelynne Ellis').
And OMG, I was bitchin' about Sunny and her Monere series back then, yet I'm STILL reading that damn deritive, yet addictive, sludge. It's a SICKNESS I tell you and I owe every single LKH "negative fan" a huge ass-kissin' apology for any and all thoughts I may or may not have expressed that involved words that in essence meant "If you don't like them, don't read them." It seems I've fallen on my own sword and I can't get up!
Somehow, though, as I browse through some of those first few blog posts, it seems surreal that it's been two years since I wrote them. Sure seems like it's only been a month or two! Damn, I went off on a lot of F-bomb laden rants and nauseating whines. Either I've mellowed a bit since then or maybe it's just that I'm more cognizant of the fact that a few people actually READ what I rant/whine about and, when I realize later how asshatty I sounded, I also realize that I probably should have just STFU. Ah well. Live and learn that not every single thought in my head needs to appear on my blog. 
To honor this auspicious occasion, I've decided to dial down my over-the-top decorating theme and replace the cherry blossom strewn chocolate wedding cake background that I've had for two years (except for the Holiday snowflakes) with something more than a wee bit different. Let me know what you think or if it's displaying hinky. I couldn't decide between that matching header that you see or some chocolate books on a black background that I have. Who knows, I may change it again. We'll see. But lest you think I've suddenly acquired good taste, let me assure you that the rest of the over-the-top confections theme WILL remain unless I someday grow tired of Eye Candy and Books. At which point, please shoot me and put me out of my misery, kthx.
I've also decided that I need to remember the main reason I have this blog-- to keep track of books I've read and books I need to buy. With that in mind, I am determined to not read another book until I've got my sidebars updated including writing QB's Commentaries and updating my index for all the books I've read in the past few months! Will I be able to hold out that long? We'll see.Speaking of my index, I did a quick fix over there simply by getting rid of the cherry blossom strewn chocolate wedding cake background and replacing it with a chocolate silk background. That's pretty much all I'll probably do over there for right now since it uses a standard Blogger template that I really don't want to bother messing with. We'll see.
And now, on to Cubies Confections, year 3! Anyone wanna come along for the ride?
24 comments:
Wow, congrats!!! 2 years is a long time in my book to keep something going. You know, there's a saying in Japan that it take 3 years to know someone as well as you're ever going to know them. So you've got one more year. But to do something for even 2 years and stay fresh and not keep repeating or get redundant, is very hard.
But you do keep managing to keep doing it. Coming up with interesting things and fun takes on the books you read as well as life in general.
I can't believe you've made some enemies. WTF? I guess the romance world is very small though. I really thought what you said is very insightful. That we travel with people who meet our needs or whose needs we meet for a while and then move on when it's not working anymore.
The fluidity of that is really nice, even if it's hard sometimes to deal with conflicts or misunderstandings that come up, especially online when people can't really see that your eyes are rolling and that the comment you made was a joke and not with intent to hurt.
What I really miss are some of your reviews and recommends. Even though I'm so eclectic in my taste and what I review, out of all the reviewers/bloggers out there, almost everything that I've read from your recommend, I've loved, so I miss that you haven't done that in a while.
But I totally understand that you have to do it as you feel to. I've been going through a lot about my blog and the energy that needs to go into it and such, and it is rather exhausting at times. So I will take anything you do offer because I love your blog.
Keep hanging in there and Happy Birthday!
OH and sorry, in that little book that I wrote above I forgot to mention that I really love your new background. Very delicious! :D
Hey there, I'm looking forward to seeing year 3 in blog land right here with you.
Yeah, what MB says, I miss your reviews, even if they're things I know I'll never read.
Oh, and I like the new background, though I can't precisely pinpoint why.
Happy Blogversary, Bev!
Leah, it IS true isn't it? While I can't always pinpoint what I was to someone else, I almost always can (in retrospect at least) see what I learned or gained from someone whether we drifted apart or separated through a big blow up.
So in that respect, I don't usually regret befriending someone, even if I sometimes regret that a friendship couldn't have ended on better terms.
And yeah, I DO have enemies (including a few that started online and threatened to roll over into real life). And I can honestly say they came about because I was expected to shut up and show respect or reverence where none was due. Or rather it was because I DIDN'T shut up as expected. Boat rocking... I haz it. My bad.
Now you two have got me feeling guilty for not reviewing lately. I think I got burned out on talking about books when I reviewed for the other site. Actually there's a perfect example of what I was referring to above- I learned a lot when I was with TGTBTU, but the relationship had reached it's end. Unfortunately, that end was rather ugly. So I don't regret reviewing over there, just that it had to end with a blow up instead of an amicable parting of ways.
I do intend to get back to reviewing and talking about books. It's just that I've let them pile up so long that the thought of detailed reviews for all or even most of them is rather overwhelming.
But then again, I never know how much I've got to say about a book until I start writing my commentary. I've started many a review as a Quickie and ended up writing some of my longest commentaries about them!
I've also cut out a LOT of previously auto-buy authors, and I'm reading almost no ebooks at all because of eye strain, so maybe once I catch up, I'll again feel like talking about the few books I still read.
And I thank both of you for saying that you actually look forward to reading my opinions. That warms the cockles of my heart. ;-D
So, you guys like my new dark look, huh? I've had the entire pic for some time (not all the strawberries made it on here) and was always drawn to it but it never dawned on me until recently that it was perfect for my blog. DUH!
Although I guess all that darkness is offset with my poufy pinks, greens, yellows, and blues. I always liked the juxtapostion of the over-the-top girliness versus the dark books I read, but those strawberries fit in with all that darkness while still maintaining the confections and romance book theme so I figured I'd give them a try and I do like how it turned out-- at least on MY pc. I just hope it's not hinky on other screen types or browsers.
Geez, speaking of writing books...
*blush*
Hey Bev, I discovered you late in the game, but congrats on two years. I just celebrated one year myself. It was definitely a feeling of accomplishment. I like that you went back through some of your old posts. It's interesting how we evolve over time - tastes change and personalities mellow. Keep the posts coming!
Happy Blogiversary!!! I have loved reading your blog this past year or so. You always make me smile. And like Ms Ellis said, I love reading your reviews even when it is not something I will read. Congrats :D
Aw, shucks, thanks you guys!
Hooray for longevity! :) My wee blog is only 9 months old. Two years seems forever away!
I love your posts and your blogging style. I think my favorite posts are the ones about your shopping (mis)adventures.
And of course a little eye candy never hurt anyone. ;)
I do, however, solemnly resent your Audible posts, you evil Audiobook Madame. My husband and my bank account share my sentiments. :P
*hugs*
Oh man, Jen, I'm just so tickled that someone besides me is promoting audio books that I don't even mind that you don't listen to what I tell you to listen to. ;-p
That's so weird that you've only been blogging for 9 months. I guess because you were already infamous around other blogs makes it seem like you've been a must-read for a lot longer.
Hmmm... you know, I've been getting kind of neglectful with the eye candy lately. I'll have to open the vaults and post some classics.
I listened to the Fever books and now I'm listening to the Highlanders! What else was I supposed to listen to?
I was infamous on Amazon before I became infamous in blogland. Plus I had that Yahell group and stuff. I get around. ;)
By the way, the strawberries are making me hungry!
Congrats Bev! 2 years is awesome!!!
I will come along fer the ride, lady. And steal some chocolates (and men) while I'm here.
Happy Bloganniversarybirthday!
(mwah)
Happy Blogversary, Bev!
Looking forward to new reviews and (blushing to admit) eye candies!
Also, love the new background! Looks absolutely delish!
Happy reading and lots of wonderful posts,
Aradia
Thanks you guys! You know what though? Confession Time: I don't particularly care for the taste of strawberries and chocolate together, but they just LOOK so damn yummy and kinda smexy. Kind of like cheesecake-- I can't stand the taste, but it LOOKS like it should be delicious and decadent.
Happy #2 Blogiversary, Bev!!! :) I'll be joining you for the ride, no doubt. I know I haven't visited often, but honestly these days, I'm lucky I actually visit and post on my own blog! I'm hoping life will become 'normal' again soon... well... in a couple of months... and I'll be able to make regular stops everywhere again.
I see that you've got Kathryn Smith's first Brotherhood of Blood book on your wish list. I really love that series, and am currently procrastinating reading the most recent release because it is the last book in the series, and I'm trying to make the ending last. Okay, so I haven't even bought it yet... how's that for ultra-procrastination tactics! LOL!
I love the new background... it coveys a message of sinful, luscious ... um... adult things. ;)
Cheers!
Hey Christine! You, busy?! Say it ain't so! LOL I haven't exactly been burning up the blogosphere with my own comments and posts lately either, so believe me, I understand completely!
That Kathyrn Smith book is on there because of a rec from... hmmm... I thought it was JenB, but now I'm wondering if it was you. Damn, sometimes I remember to note the rec right there on the wish list, but I didn't do it that time.
Hi Bev,
I think the original recommendation probably came from JenB--I seem to recall her posting about the series before, and perhaps I commented on how much I enjoy it as well. In any case, I hope you enjoy it. And lucky you will get to read the whole series straight through if you wish, without waiting for the next installment! :)
Have a great weekend! :)
I'm so sorry I'm late - it's been a long week, but Happy 2nd anniversary!
I've come to realize I am just terrible at keeping up with my fave blogs and posting my appreciation of them in comment areas, but I love your blog and I look forward to another year of it!
And I chuckled over your Monere/LKH comments - I think we all have a series like that. ;)
all thoughts I may or may not have expressed that involved words that in essence meant "If you don't like them, don't read them." It seems I've fallen on my own sword and I can't get up!
snerk... yup... its hard to quit them sometimes... Even if its a love to HATE them...
The time to worry is when apathy sets in (happened w/anita, going that direction with Merry)... I dont even bother to follow her blogs anymore or snark on them...
sigh... maybe JR Ward will be my next love to hate author (the last few were real WTFs for me)
Ooo, Kmont, what's YOUR love to hate series?
Sallahdog, half the fun of the BDBs is hating them. I have to admit that I miss the original over-the-top 'hood language. It was that extreme awfulness that made the BDBs so appealing to me. Since Ward has toned all that down, it's lost some of its appeal. I haven't switched over to complete apathy yet, but after the V/Butch boinkus interruptus, it's getting close.
Bev - at the moment - it's the Fever series! It's all me though, because now I don't want to read it till the last book is out too. :( It's great series, but you know why it's on my **it list lol. *wink*
And ooohhh, we're talking BBD too, eh? Total craptastic crack at this point in the series. And Rehv's my fave. I haven't read the excerpts yet. I'm still debating reading the book -- but he call is getting stronger! *cue the stabbing music*
Happy blogversary! You're the sweetest!!
Geez, Kmont, Fever is on your shitlist because of the ending scene in one book? Oh, you're tough!
I wish the BDBs would return to their "craptastic crack" roots. I MISS all the fun to be had making fun of them and our addiction to them.
Sarah! Me, SWEET?! Dude, do NOT let THAT rumour get started, kthx.
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