It's time to reflect on a hectic month, and a challenge that's been part of my April life for several years now.....
Along with hundreds of other bloggers, I participated in a blogging challenge this past April which involved blogging about something beginning with A on April 1, all the way to Z on April 30, with breaks only on Sundays. (26 letters = 26 days of posts). My theme was "New York State". I completed the challenge, and today we are supposed to publish our thoughts on the challenge.
This year, I decided to participate at practically the last minute, meaning I had to scramble to write some of the posts. I find myself mentally exhausted. I also had a lot of leftover photos I never ended up using.
The Challenge
Because of my pantsing (writing at the last minute) I changed my mind about certain letters at the last minute. There are some wonderful places I never got to blog about, including the Culinary Institute of America and Westerfield, New York (aka "Concord Grape Heaven".)
The Fun
Part of
the fun of this challenge is finding new blogs, and rediscovering blogs I read during previous challenges but didn't keep reading past April
30. When I think about the blogs I try to read regularly, I realize I discovered many of them during a previous A to Z.
The Apology
We are encouraged to visit at least five blogs a day, but (like in past years) I spent so much time enjoying blogs I already read that I didn't do much exploring. If you did find me, I did reciprocate, though - and I thank the several people who have now followed me.
As for those blogs I found too late - they had abandoned the challenge midway, for whatever reason - life is fragile, especially in these times, and I hope you didn't quit because of something bad happening in your life.
What About Next Year?
It's too soon to think about next year's A to Z!
The Thank You
If you discovered my blog through A to Z, either this year or previous years, and are still here reading this, I thank you.
Last but not least...
I've been blogging daily for some 10 years now. I don't know how much longer I'll do it for (it does take a lot of time, as much as I enjoy the writing and the photography) so I hope you'll stick around and check out my regular programming: Music Moves Me on Monday, a Wordless Wednesday, Thursday Tree Love the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, and Skywatch Friday.
...keep going.
ReplyDeleteGreat reflection post! Of course I'll be sticking around for your regular programming. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Alana ... I need to run through your entries again - so I can learn a little more about NY State ... enjoy May's freedom! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on surviving the challenge. Glad to have found your blog way back in another A-Z, that's the best thing about the challenge imho. All the best.
ReplyDeleteMonday, Wednesday, two Thursdays a month, and Friday sounds like plenty! Sure, we'd miss you daily, but part time Alana is better than no Alana! Of course, you do other platforms too, so that takes time as well. I quit the others. Plus, you work! No wonder you feel burnt out!
ReplyDeleteFor a last minute participation, you did very great! It didn't show and your posts were always well documented and your photos, pretty. Well done, and read you soon😉
ReplyDeleteYou could take the posts you didn't get to do and make them a weekly feature until you've run out of them. Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, keep writing
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you blog everyday. I'm retired and I couldn't do it.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting those who use the alphabet for differnt posting, Nothing like a good challenge.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
Alana,
ReplyDeleteYou did a fabulous job. I love your blogging style and I love you! You've become such a great friend in Blogosphere. I don't know what I'd do if you ever stop but we won't speak of such things now and just enjoy the journey together. I'll resound what songbird's crazy world said, "Keep writing"! ;)
Curious as a Cathy latest mews...2021 A to Z Challenge Reflections
keep it up!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a challenge well done. And your regular blogging schedule is amazing. I'm not sure how you do it, but if you're having fun how does it get any better than that?
ReplyDelete