This first week of May I am sitting with a door open upon the Atlantic Ocean. It's delightful, and the view helps inspire introspection. This seemed the perfect time to write my reflections upon the April challenge.
First off, I felt the moderators did a wonderful job. Several of these fine folks did visit my posts, both here and on the Artist's Retreat blog. And they left very bolstering, friendly comments.
The guidelines seemed to be ignored by many bloggers, but on the flip side some very friendly participants reminded me to include my website's location within comments. That really does help others to find you, and many took that opportunity to make a kindly reciprocating stop. I know of one person who dropped out due to a lack of comments from others. Perhaps she missed out on this directive.
There are so many wonderful folks I want to mention.
Talented author Catherine Noon is one because she introduced me to blogging and inspires me on a regular basis in all things writing and beyond.
Vidya Sury kindly mentioned me on her blog in thanks for my encouragement when she truly inspired me with her lovely theme of writing for her son. And we plan to begin sharing blessings weekly on that aforementioned Writer's Retreat Blog. That should be a fun way to spread love and joy.
Keith really wound me up for writing flash fiction for he is a master. And he had sweet commentary for me whether I blogged about gardening, music, or celebrities. I look forward to his return from a fantastic sounding visit to Turkey. Travel safely, Keith!
The Squirrel Nutwork is a fantastic resource on nature in Virginia hosted by a foursome of delightful squirrel characters. Nutmeg and company are a joy. I continue following them for wonderful images and information.
Moggies and all things cat-tastic can be found at That's Purrfect. I'm addicted, and Carlton the cat is a delight.
If you want to read about a hero to feline strays, look no further than The Cat Woman.
I count my blessings when reading the stories by Drusilla Barron about her difficult childhood and equally thank heaven that she came through the other side with such an obviously awesome attitude.
Would I do the challenge again? I think that answer is a resounding YES. Will I also do the Camp NaNoWriMo novel challenge simultaneously? Probably. April was interesting, for sure.
Happy May, all! I look forward to gardening upon my return home.
What are you looking forward to this month?
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Congrats on surviving A to Z 2015. I agree with you about bloggers not following guidelines and to be honest that detracts from the experience for me. Bloggers not posting every day, for example, bugs me. If most of us can do it then why not all? If you can't do it, drop out or don;t sign up. Too harsh? Maybe. Maybe I'm too much of a Pharisee and too competitive. Anyway, I missed your blog during the challenge, but I'm here now to have a look around. I really like the subtitle of your blog btw.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind comment. I wish you all the best in your writing, both books and blogs. You clearly have a gift.
DeleteAwesome! Glad you made connections. It's about community not just being a "lone wolf" blogger. I was a minion so really got to see a lot of new blogs this year.
ReplyDeleteMaui Jungalow
Thank you for your hard work and wonderful attitude! I wish you all the best.
DeleteThanks so much for the lovely comments about my story. It has been such a pleasure to read your blog; I look forward to coming back regularly.
ReplyDeleteMay is move to Maryland month for me so it's also pack and divest month too. I hope your garden is beautiful and look forward to photos (please?).
Drusilla Barron
(also @ http://glamofgod.com)
You are very kind. Take care and be safe during your move. I saw a bit of Maryland before heading south to North Carolina in visiting family. The heat surprised me! I hope you enjoy your new home.
DeleteI'm so glad you had fun during the A to Z challenge! I enjoyed reading your posts and maybe I'll do the next challenge on my blog.
ReplyDeleteBTW... I hope you'd share more photos of your garden here, too. :)
You are a dear. Thank you for the wonderful support.
DeleteThank you so much for the mention. I appreciate it. I lost Rosy today She didn't make it. I am enjoying your blog and I'm very happy I found it during the challenge.
ReplyDeleteYou deserve the accolades, my dear. My heart goes out to you over Rosy's loss. I'm happy to have found you, too.
DeleteI agree that it was lots of fun and I found some interesting blogs that I plan to continue to follow. Write on everyone !
ReplyDeleteAmen, my friend. Happy writing!
DeleteHi Darla,
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my page. It's nice to be greeted by pretty spring flowers upon opening yours on my browser :) I will add your blog to my reading list and when I have more time, I'll track back on your A-Z posts. Such a pity that I didn't get to see your page while the challenge was running. I followed blogs with travel (TR) contents. But now I have your link and I could start reading :D
See you around bloggers and hopefully during the A-Z Challenge 2016 ;-)
Cheers,
Maria
http://lostforwords101.blogspot.com/
That's very sweet of you. I like your idea of blogging about your hobbies and look forward to more pictures. Best wishes!
DeleteJust now getting around to visiting the blogs in the challenge. April was a busy month for me. Congrats on completing the A to Z Challenge! Looking forward to next year! See you on the Road Trip!
ReplyDeleteMary www.JingleJangleJungle.net
Thank you! I'm sorry to have just now seen this. Life can certainly get busy.
DeleteThank you! I appreciate the visit. I'll be by shortly. ~grin~ Best wishes!
ReplyDelete