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Sunday, April 19, 2015

Sunday Sunflower #AtoZChallenge Update







          As we head into the final ten day stretch of the 2015 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge, some of you might be feeling a little worn and ragged like my poor sunflower in the above photo.  If you don't know about my sunflower you can read the beginning of the story here as well as the follow-up here.

         I've mentioned previously that I'm not much of a gardener and this sunflower is essentially on its own as it struggles during our current California drought.  Maybe this is what a sunflower bloom is supposed to look like after two and a half weeks, but I wouldn't think so.  In any case, this flower is still hanging in there and hopefully will continue to stand until at least the May 4th A to Z Reflections Post.   This Reflections post has become a yearly tradition of the Challenge and we hope that everyone who finishes the Challenge will join us in this event.  Be watching for more information in the days to come.

Stay Strong!

        My sunflower is hanging in there for April.   Are you hanging in there as well with your posting and commenting?    Maybe your initial A to Z bloom has wilted away some, but we hope you're still meeting the Challenge as it was initially stated.   Since opening day approximately 250 links have been removed from the list due to not keeping up as the Challenge calls for.  We hope you aren't one of them and hope you don't become one of them.

        So how are you doing right now?   Up to date with posts?   On the right letter (tomorrow will be the letter "Q")?  

Don't Slack Off!

         As we find those of you who have fallen behind or just slacked off for some reason you may feel is fitting to not post, we are trying to leave reminders and notes of encouragement to nudge you into catching up or at least letting us know that you are there.  The co-hosts don't want to appear to be insensitive, but keep in mind that this is a challenge and not just some idle blog hop where you put your name on a Linky List and just expect it to stay there.  

        If you are not keeping up, not keeping readers informed about your status if you are not keeping up, and not communicating with the co-hosts when they attempt to find out what's going on, then you will be removed from the Challenge list.  We want to be fair to all participants including those who are faithfully posting according to the guidelines we've set for the Challenge.  When these participants take the time to visit a blog only to find that blog hasn't posted according to the letters or has shown no activity for many days then they are wasting their valuable time because that slacker blogger wasn't considerate enough to keep their blog updated.

        If you look at the instructions in the "Sign up List" tab you will see that we clearly state:
Blogs on the list showing no activity once the Challenge starts or miss five days in a row will be removed. 
We try to show some leniency and compassion for most of you other than the blogs that are obviously only on the list to be on the list and having no intention of participating--those blogs are cut without mercy when we find them.  But the others we try to give a chance before removal.  It would be unfair for anyone to say that the A to Z Team is unfair in maintaining the list to reflect actual participants.  

We're Only Human

       Admitting mistakes can happen, but we do everything we can to correct the errors when they are brought to our attention.   If you feel that you've been unfairly cut from the list then we apologize and hope that you will let us know so that we can do what we can to fix the situation.

        We are still weeding through the list in hopes of finishing with a list of bloggers who mightily made their way to the end.   And I hope that if you are reading this, you are one of those champion bloggers who cross the finish line with your letter "Z" post and stand with us in the winners circle of the May 4th A to Z Reflections Post.

          You are almost there.  You can do it!  Don't give up when you are so close and catch up to the rest of us if you have fallen a bit behind.  This Challenge is doable.

          Are you keeping up to the letter of the day?    Has there been a point during the month where you fell behind or maybe even considered giving up?    Will you be joining us for the Reflections Post on May 4th? 





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65 comments:

MELODY JACOB said...

I KNOW ALOT ABOUT
http://melodyjacob1.blogspot.com/

Click said...

I've been keeping up with my posting, but my commenting is pretty much nonexistent during the week as I only have internet access on a Sunday at the moment. I know I'm not getting through as many blogs as I would like, but I'm still making sure I comment back on everyone who visits my blog. :-)

Cait @ Click's Clan

Unknown said...

Ive been keeping up despite power outages and a down adsl line. Have had family so will catch up on reading this week. A worthwhile challenge!
yvonnevandalen.weebly.com

Anonymous said...

I thought it was 3 days a blog had to go without posting. I'll remember 5 next time I check my blocks on the list.

~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Member of C. Lee's Muffin Commando Squad
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

JazzFeathers said...

This is my first year and I'm just discovering how to handle myself. I'v ebeen posting regularly and I'm visiting and always returning visits, but I'm also learning and I think if I'll partecipate next year (and I really hope so) it'll be even better :-)

lyndagrace said...

I am hanging in there. I am determined to finish. I haven’t figured out the best way to get through the list of other bloggers. I tried the starting at the top. Then I switched to going to the last one and working up. Of course I did the suggested method of reading the five around me. Now I am randomly selecting 10 or so a day, selection based by what I find is an interesting blog name.

Rob Z Tobor said...

Having the A to Z all preplanned and written means I will make it to the end although to close the circle as I try to do every year Z will have a Part Two on the 1st May which I still need to write. . . .

But I am not getting to visit blogs much due to ongoing work and I am to put it bluntly rubbish this year as an Ambassador (sorry about that Mr B). I guess each year brings its own little hidden challenges to us all as we attempt complete the A to Z. I think my 10 to 15vr year old PC is very challenged this year and likes to sulk a fair bit first thing in the morning (much like myself).

Upward and onward

Rob Z Tobor

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hope you are watering that poor sun flower.
We've only ten more posts to go...

LuAnn @ BackPorchervations said...

I received one such note of encouragement on my blog (I've missed the last couple of days but plan on catching up today). Sending virtual water and encouragement for your sunflower.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the well timed prod. I had everything planned out and surprised myself with getting all my posts out on time so far. Now, I'm panicked because this week nothing is written, no photos taken.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Well said, Arlee. We can all make it with some encouragement and a little water!

Anonymous said...

Sunflower blooms usually last a little longer in this area but eventually they start to look ragged and you are left with just the seed heads maturing in the sun.

Denise said...

Not sagging, but I've learned from previous years how to do this and not stress out. I'm also making notes as I visit other blogs so that my reflections post will be ready to go. I'm even getting ideas for next year.

Arlee Bird said...

Maybe you can make up for lack of commenting now by following the A to Z Road Trip over the rest of the year.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Three days would be overly harsh I think since a sickness, family catastrophe, or a computer problem can easily put one out of commission for that long. It's also good to let bloggers know before deleting the link just to know their story. It's kind of the do unto others philosophy I think.

Lee

Arlee Bird said...

You are becoming the kind of blogger that we like to see emerge from doing this Challenge.

Lee

Arlee Bird said...

Lynda--Going with the system that works best for you is a good way to go. Just so you're visiting at least a few new blogs and making some networking contacts and hopefully some long range blogging friends.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Rob, I appreciate your efforts on the Ambassador Team and what you do has been important to cleaning the list of some of that rubbish so fewer others have to contend with it. I know that older computer hindrance and my old computer wasn't even that old! Yours needs to retire and be put into a museum.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

We're supposed to get some rain this week, Alex. My automatic sprinkler system waters my front lawn, but the vegetation in the back is on its own.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Keep going, LuAnn! You can finish!

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Well, Transplant, if it's any consolation to you, a few of my posts on 3 of my blogs still need to be written. Day by day at this point.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Heather, one of the duties of the A to Z Team is to keep up the spirits of the participants. You have been doing an excellent job as has the rest of our Team and their sub-teams.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Thanks for that info, Delores. Then maybe this sunflower is just following the natural course of development. It does look like a ton of seeds are forming.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

That's the way to do it, Denise. Maybe your example will help others how to A to Z better and not get discouraged.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Yvonne Van Dalen, I can understand how life events can derail us at times. Keep at it and thanks for sticking with it through your travails.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Anonymous said...

Just let it be...ragged and all....until well into fall. Then you can harvest the heads.

Jo said...

Maybe you should try watering it Lee. Yup I'm still here.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

I think it is great you took the time to post this bit of encouragement and explanation for everyone! But you gave me a moment of "O, Shit!" when you said tomorrow was letter Q. As my post of tomorrow focuses on We Will Rock You, and for a moment I forgot that means Queen. Whew! I'm good. All I have left is my Z post, which I have the idea, just got to busy visiting, commenting to do yet.
Visit me at: Life & Faith in Caneyhead
I am Ensign B of Tremps' Troops
with the A to Z Challenge

betty said...

Sure hope California gets some rain; been in a drought way too long!

Keeping up with the letters, keeping up with reading blogs, keeping up with my assignment as a minion; struggling a bit visiting new blogs daily because of being on mandatory overtime at work of an hour extra daily of work which has cut into my blog reading time, so I've been trying on the weekends when I have more time to visit lots of blogs.

betty

Unknown said...

Arlee I know how much each of you put into this and it is so appreciated. Every year I take a different tack with my writing but what I enjoy the most is meeting some very creative and thoughtful people (including the host.)
My "Q" might be more droopy than "A" but it is scheduled. Here's to Q to Z!!!
http://moondustwriter.com/2015/04/18/p-poison-has-its-uses-atozchallenge/

Arlee Bird said...

That I shall do, Delores.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Rain coming this week, Jo. On the package the seeds say the plant is drought resistant and needs little watering..

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

I've been getting paranoid about my posts too, Barbara. I keep checking to be sure I really did them and they are ready to go up at the right time. Keep at it!

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Betty, I've often heard it cited that Southern California is a desert zone and we've created something artificial. Rain is supposed to come this week, but it will never be quite enough. Your job comes before A to Z so tend to that.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Anonymous said...

Thank you to the entire A to Z team. This is my second year and I entered rather reluctantly remembering how difficult it really was to stay on top of it last year - blogging, visiting, commenting, responding. It truly is a challenge. This year I was better prepared, but it still feels like a marathon and we're approaching the 30k mark :)

Unknown said...

Trudging on. I only started blogging in March, but this has been FUN. I WILL finish the month (if I can come up with an "X" word). I am very behind in the visits department as it seems a lot of folks are, but crossing my fingers that this week will allow me more time to get around the block, so to speak. Thank you for hosting the challenge, sending some rain for the sunflower!

Justlittlecajunme said...

Your sunflower would drown here because all its been doing is raining. THANK MY GOD for sunshine today!

I want to take this time to THANK EVERYONE who has hosted this challenge. I was anxious about the THOUGHT of blogging for 26 days straight but the comments and visiting other blogs is making it easier not to mention your awesome support and tidbits. I subscribed to many blogs and have been putting them in a folder so I can read them when I have more time but I do comment on some. Again, thank you!!

Anonymous said...

Flowers are mainly trying to make seeds. If we have any sort of water-shortage in the UK a hosepipe and sprinkler ban is the first thing that comes into force! Grass can usually look after itself. Watering cans may be tolerated.
I am failing dreadfully at this challenge. I prepared in advance in order to make time to write - and I haven't so far! Reading blogs, commenting on blogs, rescuing comments from Akismet, and blogging on a new blog, how many days are left? I need to reform - and yes, I have started writing my reflections post.
Sue’s Trifles

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

Aw, ditch the lawn and water the sunflower :D

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

Now that's brilliant! I will just have to make it up out of whole cloth when reflection time comes around!

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

So far I'm keeping up with posts, a little less so with visits (I've visited everyone who visited me, and a few more, so I'm not awful, just not great). Three of the remaining days are ready to go, two more started, and at least a couple don't even have a plan. I'll get there.

Greenpatches said...

Barbara, I've just finished pre-scheduling my post for tomorrow, and when I read your comment, it made me smile. You'll see why later!

Greenpatches said...

Sunflowers mean a lot to me, for all sorts of reasons.

I've surprised myself with how I've managed to keep up with posts, less so with visits, but we'll get there in the end.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lee - been doing my bit .. got some posts to write .. and for a good reason I decided to double my workload this month .. and am doing something else in April. I am getting across to comment - as here ... and I've been visiting my 5 a day bloggers ... perhaps have slipped in the last few days - but I'll catch up after Wednesday, when one deadline passes ...

It's fun and I am meeting and greeting new friends .. always good .. cheers Hilary

Elizabeth said...

It came down to a couple late nights finishing up, but I've managed to get all the letters out on the right day so far. I wish I had more time to go through the list and comment more, but I have mostly just stuck with my new followers and a couple others. It has been a great first year experience nonetheless and I hope to do more next year.

Unknown said...

Great encouragement as we head for the finish line. Thanks. Maria@Delight Directed Living

Arlee Bird said...

I think a lot of posts may be getting more "droopy" but as long as they show up we're okay with that.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

A lot of it comes down to the preparation beforehand. I've done a little better each year, but I also know I could do better. I know what you're saying though.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

You'll come up with something creative for "X" I'm sure. I think A to Z is the ideal trial by fire blogging experience. I'm sure you've learned much from it.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Thank you, Lisa, for hanging in so diligently with the Challenge.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

You don't have far at all left so I know you can make it.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

The visits are the biggest Challenge for most of us. Hang it there!

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Keep at it and you'll make it to the end. Then you can do your victory dance.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Kieron said...

I've had to use my Sundays to play catch up a few times, but I managed to get caught up with my posts. I'm just having more fun with it this year. No room for stress on my plate.

Wishing everyone else a great ending to a fun challenge!

Metamorphosis 3.0

Fee said...

I had a wee wobble when I got to O, just because I have so much else to do this month and it's daunting to add 'write another twelve blog posts' to a very long to-do list. However, I pushed on and I'm really glad I did. Can't believe we're in the home strait now! :)

Arlee Bird said...

Pushing on when the temptation to give up is so strong is something we usually feel better about after we've done it.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Michelle Wallace said...

I've had an unexpected, super-hectic April, so I've been falling behind by one post, then catching up, then falling behind again... but I'll NEVER give up.
I plan on catching up tonight and keeping up for the remaining 9 letters *fingers crossed*
Love the flower!

Unknown said...

Thanks :) I've also been writing off the cuff each day so don't have blogs planned in advance. It's been so worthwhile from that aspect!

the little princess said...

I'm glad I didn't give up! in the midst of vacationing, I almost thought i'd not be able to write at all...

Now come the final few letters, and the toughest too! wonder how that will happen!

reflections post? I am sure I'll be there...there's so much I want to say!

Arlee Bird said...

Sometimes it takes more time than we have, Elizabeth, but whatever we can manage is enough when the effort is honest.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Stress can be unhealthy so best to avoid it if it's bad, Kieron. Having fun is one of the main goals of A to Z.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Michelle, better to fall behind by one post rather than one week. We've been getting some of those folks.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

We look forward to your thoughts in your A to Z Reflections post.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Anonymous said...

I am still hanging in here. I have connected with several new bloggers through this challenge and I want to thank you all for everything! See you all at the finish line!

Arlee Bird said...

Thanks for the networking. That's one of the key opportunities created by A to Z.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out