Are
you Amazing Race fans? I am. As much as I am enjoying the journey
we're on, I am also feeling a bit overwhelmed this last week, with so
many comments to respond to, blogs to visit, technical co-host
questions to answer, err...pass off to those who know how to answer
technical stuff,and a complete logjam in my inbox. I realized that
I'm in the Amazing Race.
In my travels through the list of participants, I've found that we have is a real kaleidoscope of bloggers out there. Lots of styles, colors, vivid writing, and blogs that make you turn your head and say, “Hmmm, I hadn't thought of it that way.” I've seen viewpoints I embrace, and viewpoints and topics that had me exiting stage left as fast as my sturdy Scandinavian legs could carry me. I've read wonderful, mind bending stories in 100 words. I've seen photos and art, watched videos, and experienced poetry so powerful your soul sighs. It's all out there. Waiting for you to visit.
It
made me feel a lot less stressed when I could put my finger on it and
realize that what's frustrating me isn't hard to overcome. Just like
the contestants of that reality show have to overcome hurdles (will
you PLEASE turn off word verification? At least for April???), play
Where's Waldo to find the next hurdle (finding where to comment on a
post is sometimes like a treasure hunt without a map) and get tired,
cranky, hungry, and ready for a drink, I do too. In the end, though,
we signed up for this, and if we just calm down, pour a drink, put
our feet up, and keep going, we're going to finish this race. The
blogging world will be clapping for us when we head into that last
turn.
Break
over. Let's get out there!
Tina @ Life is GoodCo-Host of the April A to Z Challenge
Twitter: @AprilA2Z #atozchallenge
he he - I know exactly what you mean! I saw your blog come up on the network blogs on FaceBook! So, here I am, another follower :-) But I have to say in these two weeks - almost - I've learned so much from mythical characters to high-level physics!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is incredible the variety of posts there are to read, and some bloggers really know their stuff on a certain topic. The Challenge really is open to anything - that's why it's so great!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy the challenge, so many different subjects and new friends.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the blog hop. I hope to have read and commented on every participant's blog by the end of the month. Some are not available, and I can't find somewhere to leave a note on others. But the diversity of the posts is amazing.
ReplyDeletehttp://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.com
Amen to the word verifications. I feel like I'm taking an eye exam. The challenge for me isn't writing, it's reading all the others. I want to read them all, but time doesn't allow, and then I feel bad.
ReplyDeleteOooh Kaleidoscope. I like it. And definitely agree. So many different things being blogged about. It's fantastic!
ReplyDeleteAnna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup
Hi, Yes, it has been wonderful! I love reading all the different viewpoints and ideas. This old head is getting filled up with all kinds of info and fun! Thanks to all those that are visiting my blog as well. I am close to visiting 500 other blogs so far. Hoping to hit them all by end of April or at least by first weekend of May. I agree wholeheartedly with the turning off of the word verification! Thank all you hosts for the grand work you've been doing! Ruby (aka Grammy)
ReplyDeleteYes I agree with you about trying to find where to comment on some blogs. I think on some too many things are squashed at the bottom on the post and some colours tat are used make it very frustrating.
ReplyDeleteyour words this morning made me feel--for the first time since starting the a-z thing--like a part of a community---thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank y'all for cleaning the list. The first week I kept hitting blogs that had signed up but obviously weren't participating. But this has been great, I have about 60 new followers as well as new Twitter friends and have found some great blogs.
ReplyDeleteI must admit that the first few days might have been a bit overwhelming. But I decided not to bite off more that I can chew and just to have fun, make some new friend and while doing that if i can learn something; that would be wonderful! Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteLove your word for "K"!
ReplyDeleteKaleidoscope just brings colors to mind; such a visual word!
When I read the "turn off word verification"- I felt a finger pointing at me - guilty, I have tried to turn it off however to no avail.
Any who - I'm sure I'm not as busy as you must be - blogging, however, I am having a lot of fun!
Hope it gets a little less frustrating for you!
Have a great day!
http://bettyalark.blogspot.com/
Regardless of the repeated requests to turn off word verification I find at least half of the bloggers out there are still using them.
ReplyDeleteIf I told myself I had to visit EVERY blog in the A to Z Challenge, I would be stressed. So that's not my goal. My goal is to visit as many new blogs as my daily schedule allows and to build a list of blogs that I will return to. In fact, what is happening is that in addition to visiting new blogs, I'm returning to blogs I like. My goal also is to gain new followers and readers. All of that is happening.
ReplyDeleteGetting stressed out about this or about anything in life is not necessary if you change your focus and make your goals reasonable.
Jolie
<a href="http://www.preciousmonsters.com>Precious Monsters</a>
This is my first time on the A-Z Challenge and I'm enjoying every moment of it. I don't think I'll get round to everyone, but I have tried to visit as many 'new' sites every day that I can.
ReplyDeleteThe diversity of content is awesome and for writers, a mine of more free information and new points of contact.
Thanks for all you've put into it.
http://sherrygloagtheheartofromance.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/z-challenge-day-11-k.html
It has been an amazing journey! I try and make a comment more like a beginning of a conversation. When someone makes it more personal, recommends a book or movie or You Tube, it's even better. Thank you for your hard work!
ReplyDeleteA race to be sure
ReplyDeleteThe nice thing is there is this huge treasure box of writers that we can open on any day of the week and find yet another outstanding idea
thanks for the kaleidoscope
Word Verification is such a pain. Sometimes I leave a comment asking people, "Do you know you have Word Verification on?"
ReplyDeleteThere IS quite a kaleidoscope of fantastic blogs out there. I am enjoying visiting and commenting and know I am very grateful when people visit me and leave some kind words about what I am doing with A to Z Challenge.
ReplyDeleteI am not the fastest runner on my... English, French, German, etc and ofcourse born and bred in the US legs, but I do the best I can! :~)
Julie Jordan Scott
Fellow A to Z Challenge Writer
twitter: @juliejordanscot
K is for Kate Chopin
On a Mission to Spread Word-Love Throughout the World
great post. i love the amazing race.. and didn't realize i was in one. nice. as you said "hmmm, i hadn't thought of it that way." thanks for following...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina, for pressing on in the amazing A to Z blogging race! It's folks like you who keep us going when we are exhausted, and don't think we can take another step. Although I am not feeling that way at this point, I'm sure many are...don't give up!
ReplyDeleteJarmDelBoccio
If anyone ever wants variety, blog land is the place to find it, that's for sure. I've been randomly visiting and have met some new bloggy friends! But YES! Turn that danged word verification OFF! Immediately! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's like an obstacle course.
ReplyDeleteGreat comparison! Hear hear about word verification - It is so frustrating to find it on and to hit yet another hurdle.
ReplyDeleteGreat comparison! Hear hear about word verification - It is so frustrating to find it on and to hit yet another hurdle.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to what you're feeling, Tina. I'm treading water just to keep my head up and keep swimming, but it is almost overwhelming--but in a fun and rewarding way.
ReplyDeleteLove all the comments for this post and the support we're getting from everyone. As for Word Verification, I agree that a lot of bloggers out there might not realize it's on and a friendly reminder can't hurt. I've been doing that when I think about it, but usually I'm speeding so quickly through commenting I just play the WV game and usually pass through on the first attempt.
Lee
A Few Words
An A to Z Co-host blog
Thanks for visiting my blog! I love the word you picked for the letter K! I have visited a lot of different blogs during this challenge and it is true how very many styles there are! I love finding new ones to read and am glad you too stopped by to visit me during this challenge. My K word is Kindness today, and I would like to thank you for showing kindness!
ReplyDeleteI am stressed too! Work, home, and blogging are pulling me from every end. I wish I was a little more prepared. However, I am having a lot of fun and meeting new people.
ReplyDeleteEat Live Move: Intuitive Eating from A to Z
I agree completely. I have discovered so many blgs that I will now follow through this challenge. There are so many unique bloggers. It is the challenge of reading, exploring, and commenting as appropriate that takes the most effort and time, rather than the actual post writing.
ReplyDeleteAnd the verification if it is still turned on for any blog I refuse to comment anymore. I just have too many other blogs to visit to waste time squinting at the screen.o
Yeah, I agree with you that participating in this challenge has become quite a challenge. There just isnt't enough time in the day to juggle writing daily along with reading and commenting on other blogs. I have become grumpy and tired and have a sink full of dirty dishes. But I have also enjoyed reading each and every one of them, getting to know new people and learning about many new and interesting subjects.
ReplyDelete-Debbie
I love the kaleidoscope of bloggers that are out there - it's fascinating to see all the unique and interesting people and posts. I've tried to turn off my word verification twice now - hopefully it's saved in the "off" position finally.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying the kaleidoscope as well. Reading about other people's interests and passions is completely fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI am having a blast on my first A-Z Challenge, but just wish I had more time to visit and comment on others. Love what I have found so far!
ReplyDeleteBTW ... I have turned off word verification 25 times in the last 2 weeks, but it keeps coming back! Does anyone know why?
Cat
This has been a really fun adventure so far and I am happy that I came across someone who posted about doing it in time to register. Yesterday I visited a blog for a different meme and saw that she was also doing the A-Z Challenge, it's a small bloggy world!
ReplyDeleteI love the A to Z challenge. I must admit that last year, my first time participating, it took me until halfway through the challenge to understand that I needed to turn off word verification. We learn as we go :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. This A-Z Blog Challenge has been wonderful. No problems encountered so far with word verification.
ReplyDeleteFeather
At the rate that I'm reading, I'll probably never get through ALL the blogs. But, I'm trying.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post, I needed a reminder to turn off word verification. :)
We are having a blast with the A to Z Challenge and do not mind the word verification. I find when it is not on then our blog receives so many more spam comments then without it. But, we have turned it off several times during this challenge and will continue to monitor it since it seems it turns itself back on whenever it feels like it.
ReplyDeleteWe are visiting as many blogs as we can in this challenge and we join as followers on the ones we find interesting. We are still finding several that are on the list but the links are not good, or they are not participating, but overall you guys are doing a great job with sponsoring this challenge.
Thank you to all who are participating and/or sponsoring this challenge. We are so grateful to people like you who make it interesting to read and meet new bloggers who would otherwise not be on our radar.
I haven't found many word verifications, but then, I'm not trying to comment everywhere. I only comment when something particularly speaks to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat is frustrating me is the number of blogs I find where the person is not actually participating in the challenge. There are also many that I drop in on, but find they're just not "me" so I back out again.
On the other hand, I've found some terrific blogs to follow, and have gained a few followers in return. The numbers of new followers haven't been staggering, but a few have followed, and a few have unfollowed again later, judging from the ups and downs of my stat numbers. Fair enough.
I am VERY glad I scheduled my posts ahead of time. I couldn't have done this otherwise.
hah, a great analogy...yes I am an Amazing Race fan and do feel a tad overwhelmed. I don't want to miss anyone but hey, we are almost half way there!
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I am trying to visit everyone that I can, but it seems endless. Still I'm enjoying the variety I see. So many different, talents, interest, perspectives!
ReplyDeleteFrankly speaking this is really hectic ...... never wrote at this pace before.
ReplyDeleteBut it was fun writing on Jim Reeves :-)
It has a whirlwind feel to it! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know I'm not alone.
I'm having an easier time this year by keeping my posts short and sticking to a simple theme. And yes, I love Amazing Race. There are definitely some similarities between that show and this challenge.
ReplyDeleteLove the word you chose for K and the great analogy. I feel inspired and ready to post my K today. Thanks for the pit stop.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
I don't watch that show, but I know what you mean!
ReplyDeleteSonia Lal, A to Z challenge
It seems that people are starting to lose steam, or maybe it's just what I'm noticing. I'll be starting a blog hop soon, but my will be just a week long. People should be okay for just a week.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that show! This post reminded me that I may have missed a few episodes of Amazing Race tho, lol.
ReplyDeleteThe last one I saw, I think was where the contestants had to make like 60 little Spanish sandwich thingys and a team of sisters was almost to the finish line but they went the wrong way in search for the host and another team grabbed the last spot during that time.
Anyway, my feet have been up, down and walking around...I've also poured a drink -- Iced tea and water on the menu today :)
You're right. We signed up for this. I'm in it for the long haul!
Cheers!
~Nicole
Blog: The Madlab Post
@MadlabPost on Twitter
Amen!
ReplyDeleteChristine@
Coffee in the Garden
In the Care of the Great Physician
This is my 2nd year. I didn't finish last year, I missed it by 3 days. It's so much easier this year and I am going to make it.
ReplyDeletehttp://thewritejoyce.blogspot.com
What a great analogy! This post, along with yesterday's, were perfectly timed.
ReplyDeleteA2ZMommy and What’s In Between
liked this one. very much. You put it all into a great perspective. As I'm now stuck on L.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the words of encouragement! I was starting to feel overwhelmed too.
ReplyDeleteI love The Amazing Race too and this challenge has been a blast. It is difficult to visit and comment as much as I'd like working full time as well but just a reminder...the posts aren't going anywhere. I try to visit everyone who comments on my blog and if I miss anyone I am truly sorry but for the others, I hope to visit them at some point, just maybe in May :)
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how you get to all the blogs with the comments you receive every time you post. I'm afraid I return visits way too late--blame it on the day job. Thanks for stopping by my C blog. I'm finally making it back to you.
ReplyDeleteCatch My Words
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com
I don't know how you are wading through all these comments! I'm trying to look at about 10 blogs a day. I get so caught up, hours go by. Then, my butt hurts, and I have to get up. Loving it, though!
ReplyDeleteLoving the Challenge and can't believe we are almost half way through. Some great posts out there and the variety of topics, styles and design - amazing.
ReplyDeleteJudy
I learned some interesting things by reading some of the blogs over the weekend. I leave blog reading until then since I don't do any paid writing assignments over the weekends. There is so much information, personal quirkiness, personal victories, etc. that people are sharing. It is amazing!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and thanks for the challenge! I've loved it and am now followning you...
ReplyDeleteIf you've the time, pop over to my blog. I'm the award winning author of the Bella and Britt series for kids. My new book about Winter, the dolphin, Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage launches next month.
Thanks, again!
I am beginning to struggle to come up with something to write each day. I am enjoying visiting all the others though and am really going to try to make it to the end.
ReplyDeleteHello.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first year participating and I must say I'm having a whale of a time. I don't think my Assistant sees it that way though, because she's the one who has to type up all my posts (I'm from the old school of pen & paper)!
I hear you about word verification...it's my nemesis and serves no purpose except to frustrate me! Other than that, I'm enjoying travelling around a few different blogs. Thanks for the words of encouragement...makes me want to write more (lol).
Have a great weekend everyone and write on!
Thoughts Of Beauty In The Stillness Of Dawn...