Monday 7 May 2012

REFLECTIONS - A-Z Challenge


I had just started a blog about 3 days before I came across the A-Z Challenge on Pinterest. I am so glad I did. I had absolutely no idea how to blog or even what I wanted to blog about.

I decided right away to join, I had no time to think about it because it was the last day to sign up. I was a little nervous at first and really clumsy about it. I began visiting and leaving comments and met a lot of wonderful, talented people. Oh, the talent that's out there! I felt out of my league a lot of the time but there were such nice people that I began to relax and just roll with it.

My posts were all done 'on the fly'. I had tried at one point to plan ahead but found that it was more fun to take it one day at a time. I didn't have a theme, but I hope to next year.

I especially enjoyed the blogs that used humor. There were two, in particular, that stood out for me. Although their style of humor differed from each other, they both had me laughing out loud. So I'm going to do a plug for them here. They are, in no particular order: Snow Shoveling In Canada and Seriously - WTH?  Two very talented people.

I still have a lot of thinking to do regarding my blog, but two things I learned: get rid of the 'catch-it thingy' (which I did) so people could leave a comment without going through an obstacle course, and keep it short. My posts were kinda long at first - terrible, really. When you have so many blogs to visit, the short ones were the ones that I stuck around for and read through the entire post.  So I tried to keep them short.

I reply to every comment I receive because I'm happy to have people take the time to comment and they deserve the acknowledgement. I know a lot of bloggers have trouble getting to the replies, but many of them did make mention of it and said they were trying to catch up. Others would acknowledge everyone in one reply, which is an excellent option when you're pressed for time or have a lot of comments.

All in all, I absolutely loved this challenge and am thankful to the geniuses who thought it up and to the hosts and co-hosts for running it. Thank you, thank you. I had a blast and can't wait to do it again next year! (I'm hoping to be a lot more organized be then). :)

6 comments:

  1. Visiting from A/Z post challenge reflections; I admire you for just starting a blog and then jumping into this challenge! WTG for doing so and finishing!! Sounds like it was a positive experience for you!

    betty

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  2. Janyce - just finding you through the a-Z reflections list. My kids are grown too, and there is still lots to do! I'm now helping my aging parents, and write quite a bit about that. The A-Z was fun, but challenging! I'll check back and see how life is treating you! You can visit my blog if you'd like...just click my name. Nice to meet you!

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  3. Nice to meet you, too! I will definitely come visit. :)

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  4. Wow, you jumped into blogging with both feet. Congratulations on finishing.

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  5. Hello.
    Visiting from the Post A-Z Road Trip.

    You are one brave lady...to jump right into the A-Z Challenge as a newbie blogger. Congratulations for completing it! It was my first time too & I've been blogging for just over a year. I did find it hard going near the end keeping up with visiting as well as connecting with my regular readers, but it was certainly an experience. I hope to take part again next year. I enjoyed your reflections post (I did not get around to writing one). Thanks for sharing & happy blogging!

    If you're still up for a challenge, I'm debuting the Lovers' Cove Challenge on May 26th. All you have to do is write one line of 15 words or less, BUT your line must continue on from where the previous person left off...that's the challenge! Sounds easy, but is it? Interested? Sign up today at Facebook and linkup at Lovers' Cove on May 26th. Hope you can make it!

    Thoughts Of Beauty In The Stillness Of Dawn...

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