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When I first heard about the challenge in February, I thought I’d prepare some posts beforehand (like the other smart writers). The plan was to ease into the Challenge gently, the way a zephyr caresses your skin on a hot day.
Well, that didn’t happen.
I got out of the starting gate with a lotta zest on that first day, hoping I’d still be able to stay ahead of the game. My muse had other ideas, so most evenings found me sitting before the monitor afraid that zero hour would hit, minus a subject to write around.
I zigzagged my way through the month, finding ways to connect the words I selected for each day to the craft of writing. Now that I have this Challenge all zipped-up, I feel like a blog-writing-and-blog-stopover-zombie and I still haven’t covered all the participants.
I’ve met some interesting people and learned a whole pile of stuff (more about that in the A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post on May 2). Alas, I don’t have the option to zonk out for a few days after the Challenge ends, much as I'd like to. See my four legged friend below? Boy, would I love to be in his position. Anyway, I have to continue promoting my blogiversary giveaway and my second book, Dissolution, which comes out in May.
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Be back with you later in the evening, but I’m off to a seminar today. Whatever you do, don’t forget to participate in my Anniversary Giveaway. It’s getting lonely over there.
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On the foodie front, I've come across curried zucchini soup and zucchini bread, but zucchini (which we call squash) is not a staple in the Jamaican diet. It is also diced and cooked in fish tea (not a tea per se, but a brothy - Is that a word? - fish soup). I'm not sure I've ever had squash, but it's like cho-cho (another all-but-tasteless vegetable that's grown here) so I don't think I'm missing much. Hope you didn't hear me say 'Yuck!'
I was sure from the start I didn't want to plan it out - seemed like it would turn out too stilted! But next year I definitely have an idea for what I will do, and it'll be a lot less full-on than this year was. :D
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say I love your blog layout - gorgeous blue flowers!
I'm lagging on this challenge, still have six letters to go, but I'm getting there. I've met lots of great people like you and I am grateful for the experience. Thank you for following and commenting on my blog. I wish you much success with Dissolution and the Anniversary giveaway. :)
ReplyDeleteit's been quite tough, especially trying to visit as many people as possible. Hoping it's got me in good shape for the future though.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
I've loved your posts and you've done a great job today (I love the word zephyr). As someone else wrote about zucchini today, I discovered it's courgette in British English - and I didn't know! We have chu-chu here in Portugal and I adore them.
ReplyDeleteKeep in touch.
Sue
Thanks, Trisha. I'm glad I got it done. I like to play with wallpaper and this one is very nice. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good wishes, Melissa. It was nice meeting you too.
Mood, I agree, the combination of writing and visiting was tough.
Hi, Sue. Didn't know you were in Portugal. Thanks for your kind words. It's been great following your blog too. I know the word courgette, but didn't have a clue what it referred to. :D I suppose the other stuff I mention (foodwise) would be common to a lot of other places, since migrants brought them to Jamaica.
This has been an awesome blogfest! I had such a great time meeting new people and reading so many wonderful blogs. I can't believe it's over already. April went by super fast!
ReplyDeleteThe challenge has been fun. I had wanted to pre-write some posts and managed to get a few down to start the first full week then for the rest of the challenge I've been writing posts daily. Next year I want to have all my posts ready to go before the challenge starts so I have more time for visiting other blogs and commenting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog :)
I'm with you! It's been a great ride but I'm glad I'm getting off. I need a long nap.
ReplyDeleteLaura, yes, April did zip by.
ReplyDeleteClaire, that sounds like a good plan.
Clarissa, and how!
I loved your posts they were always so fun and the food was very cool idea. Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteJL, we did it! Congratulations! I have an award for you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Josh. I learned a lot of stuff about our psyche by coming to your blog. You know I'll be around after the challenge.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Elizabeth! We did it! :D and many thanks for the award.
I am so ready to zonk out too! Well done for getting to the end :-)
ReplyDeleteThese have been great. Especially the tidbits on food!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel, I posted last night so as to have a holiday today.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, thanks!
I'm so glad you dropped by my blog today and commented. I've barely touched the tip of all the blogs involved in the challenge. I found it was full on trying to keep my head above water mainly because I entered two blogs which was madness. I've eaten zuccini and choko (which is what it's called here) as well as yam and sweet potato (assorted varieties) I'm not so good cooking yams, but I enjoy the rest. Congratulations on finishing, it's a reals sense of achievement. Sue@JumpingAground (Alliteration & drabbles)
ReplyDeleteSue@traverselife(Workplace bullying)
Sue, congrats on making it through the month with two blogs. Dunno how you managed that, plus the visits.
ReplyDeleteThat zonked-out kangaroo is exactly how I feel. Well done for completing the challenge.
ReplyDeleteDenise<3
Thanks for your occasional visit.
*high five* Woot!
ReplyDeleteYeah, yeah, I thought I was going to be one of the *smart* writers you talk about. Some mornings I'd wake-up and think, today is H. What do I write? But we made it. Loved your posts and will be visiting lots.
May 1st-7th I'm doing NAPIBOWRIWEE. It's like NANOWRIMO only for picture book writers. Write seven picture books in seven days. (((hugs))) *ZONK*
Thanks, Denise.
ReplyDeleteRobyn, sounds like you have another challenge in front of you. I'll be by to see what you're up to.
OK loved the post but I could hardly get past the Zombie Z. How cute! I absolutely love it. I will be reading your post on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteHalf the fun in doing the posts was picking out the letters and ictures to go with each.
ReplyDeleteJust reading everyone who participated in the challenge makes me exhausted! Zucchini is delicious- especially roasted in butter with other vegetables. You have to try it!
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