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Monday, May 7, 2018

2018 A - Z Challenge - Reflection - Say Cheese!





Let’s be honest, after publishing your final A – Z Challenge post on the morning of April 30, 2018, who didn’t breathe a sigh of relief, dance a little jig, or flash an irresistible grin at your reflection in a mirror? I can’t think of a more enjoyable and satisfying way to sharpen your writing skills than through social engagement, can you?  And who, besides me, is already thinking about next year’s challenge?  Congratulations, Survivors!

Congratulations, as well, to everyone who attempted the challenge but for some reason didn’t finish. The challenge of writing every day can seem formidable; given life’s propensity for interference at times, but all it takes is a toe in the water to decide you want to get your feet wet. Next thing you know, you’ll be swimming!

My theme this year was Things We Appreciate, but in reflection, I’m compelled to mention the people behind the concept:  Arlee Bird (founder and blogger extraordinaire), as well as congenial and gifted assistants such as John Holton and J Lenni Dorner who do so much to make this annual event such a success!  

For anyone who may be harshly judging themselves by the number of visitors and/or comments they receive, I offer this (loosely) coined phrase by Ben Jonson (playwright and poet) “Happiness consists not in the multitude of friends but in a few well chosen.”  And while the Challenge has ended, the blogs (and bloggers!) remain – go visiting!

Personally, I find the timing of the A to Z Challenge to be an added bonus as nature provides an incentive in springtime inspiration to keep on blogging, keep on writing, don’t you? Were your fingers restless when it was over? Good! We’ll be seeing you around, then ;-)

In closing, I’ll share a fun fact I learned while camping with kids one year - Wintergreen Lifesavers visibly spark in the dark…but so does any hard (sugar) candy when crunched ;-)

Happy Trails this summer!

20 comments:

  1. Hi, diedre!

    As you might expect, I felt the same sense of satisfaction on Z-day of the annual Challenge because, as a non-participant follower and devoted friend, my writing skills were also tested as I composed comments during the 30 day run. The older I get, the more miserly I become with my time. This year I selected the two bloggers I most admire, bloggers who inspire and have gone out of their way to make a meaningful connection with me over the years. I made a commitment to be there for them every day of the A To Z. It feels good knowing that I saw the Challenge through, as did you.

    Pensive Pens is the Wintergreen Lifesaver of the blogiverse. :) It is always a pleasure to come here, find out what's on your mind and cleanse the palate of the stale taste of blogging mediocrity.

    Have a wonderful week, dear friend diedre!

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    1. Hi Shady!

      Indeed I did think of you and your thoughtful comments throughout, as well as the encouragement you provided in doing so each day.
      You must be exhausted too, my friend ;-) Thank you so much!
      Not sure I deserve the Wintergreen compliment, but it sure is something to strive for ;-)
      See you soon!




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  2. That's a wise saying.
    Congratulations on completing the Challenge!

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  3. Hi Diedre - your Ben Jonson adaptation is so so right ... better with a few good, trusty ones and in our case interesting blogs ... than a million (or slightly fewer!) unexciting ones.

    Loved trying to think of different things I appreciated that were good for your letters - and that others hadn't mentioned.

    Well done on completing this year's A-Z - congratulations and cheers - Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary!

      I must say your ever-pleasant, uplifting blogs have had such a positive impact I couldn't help but try to be half that good ;-)

      I'm glad you enjoyed, it makes every word worth writing.

      Thank you!

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  4. Congratulations on completing the challenge, diedre! Sorry to have missed most of your posts, but I wimped out this year. (Stepping back into the Blogosphere this month, though.) That saying is excellent and one we should all keep in mind. Quality over quantity. ☺

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    1. Hi Debbie!

      Thank you! And, no worries, it's just good to see you around again ;-)
      I'll be by to see you soon!

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  5. Love the Reflections! And that advice about friends is so true.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Hi Arlee!

      What can I say? I've learned a lot from the best there is ;-) You ought to receive a Medal of Blogging Honor for such an engaging idea as the A to Z Challenge!

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  6. Congratulations of finishing, dIEDRE!

    I'm not an A To Z'er, but your blog was one of those that I visited most frequently this April. You had a number of different subjects mentioned in each blog bit, so it wasn't difficult finding something I could at least post a remark or two about.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

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    1. Howdy Reno!

      Thanks, I appreciated your visits and thoughtful comments ;-)

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  7. Congratulations on completing the challenge, and thanks for participating!

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  8. I didn't take part this year, but good to hear the A-Z seems as lively as ever. Need to plan for 2019!

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    1. Hi Nick!

      Missed you this year but we know how busy you are. Hope to see you at the next one ;-)

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  9. I wasn't able to participate this year, but next year may be my return to the A-to-Z! Congratulations on finishing!

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    1. Hi Shannon!

      Thanks, I was determined to see it through ;-)
      No small wonder why you didn't participate this year - you're by far the busiest Writer-bee I know!

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