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Gosh, not sure I can control my excitement. Yes indeedy do, it's almost that time of the year when a bunch of bloggers bring further awareness of the alphabet. Just think, you can look through your list of favourite blogs and see several of them doing 'A is for Apple'. Wow and good golly!
"The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at , Tossing It Out , the A to Z Challenges to post the letter of the alphabet every day during the month of April, with Sundays off for good 'behavior' (or 'behaviour' if you know how to spell in correct English). Since April 1 falls on a Sunday, that will be the day we start with A." Aha, so you don't get the first Sunday off for good 'behavior'...oops, behaviour. Remember that, all of you who are involved. Otherwise, the penalty may well be that you are thrown into 'blogger jail' and forced to read blogs that tell you about what a great day out they had at the fast-food restaurant with their adorable kids and how, when they went home, naughty little kitty cat had missed pooping in the kitty litter tray. *Giggle, giggle....*
All the info you need to know about this um 'challenge' can be discovered to your ultimate thrill, right here, Blogging from A to Z Challenge April 2012 . So, if you have not signed up and are perhaps interested, you'd better hurry up because the sign-up list will close on Monday night, April 2. I assume that Monday night relates to some time zone in North America.
Of course, if you are really stuck for alphabetical inspiration, I suggest you get a copy of the above British road atlas and see if you can find a place with the letter 'X'.
Living in Leek, Staffordshire, England, I have an advantage if I had the inclination to actually get involved with the challenge. I could go visit this shop in down-town Leek. Ah yes, I can see it now, hundreds, if not, thousands of frantic bloggers in the challenge, shopping for last minute ideas for their themes, by using the facilities at "The Alphabet Store".
What the organisers of this challenge have forgot to mention is this. This being a leap year means that we also have a 'leap alphabet'. In other words, or letters, you must on the first day of the "Blogging from A to Z Challenge, April 2012", Sunday, April 1, or fittingly, "April Fool's Day", duplicate the letter 'a' in every sentence you write to balance out the leap alphabet. Here is an example of what should be done, 'How exciting, the 'Blogging From Aa To Z Chaallenge, Aapril 2012' haas begun! Aand thus, aa is for aagain! Aas in, oh no, here we go aagain with the aalphaabet chaallenge!'
If you are the adventurous type, start on Sunday with this, 'Aa is for Aaardvark!' Or if you are very adventurous, 'Aa is for Aaaron's rod!' Just hope 'Aaaron' doesn't take it personally.
I've had mine written for a couple weeks now. It's pretty boring, but if you can't beat em, join em.
ReplyDeleteHey Grumpy,
DeleteDelighted that you've had yours written for a couple of weeks now. I've no doubt you will dazzle them with your words of wit and wisdom.
Personally, I do my own thing and thus, sorry to inform you, but I shall only do the occasional rant on the whole darned boring thing...
You have a good weekend.
I have to say, I find the whole concept horrifying to contemplate. That said, Hilary, over at positive letters, had a wonderful a-to-z about places in England last year. May I presume that you, as I am, are passing on participating?
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteI just find it horrifying, full stop. Yes, Hilary did an excellent theme and we both now that she will be doing articles on castles this time around.
Just like you, I have no intention of participating. Ironically, in the nature of good spirit, I actually help promote the darned thing :) I wont mention that the hosts begged me to participate....
Enjoy your weekend and take good care.
You know Gary, I was just sitting here thinking, (always a dangerous thing) and it occurred to me that this would be a great opportunity for you to reach even more people with your message of acceptance and compassion. There could be someone out there A to Z'ing that really needs you. Just a thought.
DeleteHey Delores,
DeleteThat's a very kind and thoughtful suggestion and I thank you. However, even though I'm not involved, I'm very well known by those who host the challenge and I have had a fair amount of interaction from them and those who are doing the challenge.
I do appreciate what you've said but I cannot be a part of something that takes me away from doing my own thing
With respect and much fun with it all, your way, Gary :)
I aactuaally aam paarticipaating aagaain this yeaar...whaat waas I thinking? Oh well...I know I can count on you to maake me giggle about the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteHi Delores,
DeleteAahaa! Whaat were you thinking? Hope you aand aanybody who graaces my site, will like my saatiricaal aalternaative postings :)
I'm participating for the first time, and I think it's gonna be kinda fun, but I got some good laughs out of your take on it.
ReplyDeleteHowdy Susan,
DeleteI really do hope you have a good time interacting with new friends and old friends, alike, in the amazing gosh darn fun challenge that brings further awareness of the alphabet :)
All the best and for sure, have fun.
Gary
Last year I nearly got the sack for staring at my blog too much at work cos my dashboard exploded with most of my bloggie friends joining in the A-Z challenge. I tend to do my blogging over my lunch break at work but last year I couldn't seriously keep up with everyone!!
ReplyDeleteThis month - I'll have to not try and not keep up and enjoy my hot cross buns and chocolate bunnies and pray that May comes along quickly! LOL! Take care
x
Hello Old Kitty,
DeleteMe thinks it's best not to try to keep up with all your bloggie friends who are doing that challenge. Maybe go and check out those of us who are not actually doing the *yawn* challenge :)
All I can say, is most assuredly, roll on May, when your bloggie friends return :)
See ya' later eh
x
This is funny. It sounds like the exitement matches that of Mega Lottery here in the US.
ReplyDeleteHi Munir,
DeleteAh yes, the Mega Lottery and the frenzy it caused in the USA, was very much on the news here. Of course, that frenzy pales by comparison to the um alphabet challenge :)
Have a good weekend and happy writing.
Gary
I used to own a children's book by Graeme Base; it was a creative alphabet book. Adults loved it; kids not so much.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit that store!
We did not win any money in the lottery...another chance at mega money down the drain. Oh well.
Hi Susan,
DeleteWow, that books seems like an excellent idea for those who are involved in this incredibly exciting challenge :)
The store in the photo had bloggers camped out all night, desperate for some ideas in the alphabet challenge...
Oh, so you weren't one of the three winners of the lottery. Never mind, when you do win, I will be your 'long lost' cousin :)
Thanks Susan and seriously, enjoy the challenge.
In kindness, Gary
Here's a really stupid idea for you Gary:
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you try writing each post without using the letter of the Alphabet of the day?
So the first post would be written without using the letter 'A' and so on......
Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi bazza,
ReplyDeleteA really stupid idea from you? Say it aint so.
Actually, a wonderful idea and if I was doing the 'challenge', I might just contemplate that.
Have a good one, eh.
Gary
I kind of like Bazaa's idea! That would be a HUGE challenge for the vowels! I've joined the band of crazies this year - so I'll let you know what it feels like from the dark side! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Jemi,
ReplyDeleteYes, it was awesome to see an idea from our esteemed friend, bazza. I'm glad I was sitting comfortably :) It would be a HUGE challenge for the bowels, I mean, vowels :) Just remember that this is a leap year and thus, a 'leap alphabet', means you MUST use the 'a' twice in your first post. Or, be a rebel and challenge your bowels, sorry, vowels....
No Jemi, not you as well! You realise you may get some good natured comments on your blog in regards to the um challenge.
Have a good time, eh! :)
I think there's no better place to be than on the A-Z journey with you, Gary. I'm very much looking forward to where you take us. I'm too involved with painting and renovations to get involved. Or is that too lazy? A little of both, I think. Well, at least you get Sundays off. Writing your posts without the letter of the day sounds hard, but fun. Crazy maybe.
ReplyDeleteI've got most of mine planned out but there are some tricky letters that I'm hoping will be solved by some magical inspiration...good luck with the rest of the alphabet
ReplyDeleteGood grief, what's going on with the comment section? One minute your comment is there and then it vanished and now it has returned.
DeleteI hope you were being at your finest in satire. I am not doing the A to Z. I was trying to point out to those who run this silly challenge that they have overlooked, being a leap year, the 'leap alphabet' :)
Hi Joylene,
ReplyDeleteThanks for that. Actually, I'm not involved in that A to Z thingy ma jiggy :) I'm going to do, just like last year, my satirical, good natured slant on those who are subjecting themselves to it.
And thus, I don't think you're too lazy. On the contrary, I think you like to submit your postings when you want to and not because of some weird challenge. All I wanted to do here was to point out to the hosts at the A to Z challenge that they had forgotten about the 'leap alphabet' :)
I see that you have put up a landmark posting in regards to your 500th post. Congrats and I shall be duly over to visit.
Take care eh and go Canucks go!
You have been appointed as the official anti-A to Z spokesman.
ReplyDeleteOr how about A to Z mascot?
Whatever your role we all love you Gary.
We look forward to your next letter post.
Lee
A Few Words
An A to Z Co-host blog
Hey Lee,
DeleteYesterday, I left a very informative and thrilling reply to your highly anticipated comment to my shy, humble and unassuming site. Then, just as I clicked on "Publish", the internet crashed. Perhaps it was an omen. Perhaps it's part of an evil plan to try and put my anti-A to Z campaign to rest.
Anyway, I am trying again with another comment and I wonder if you will get the chance to read it. Can I assume that it has been duly noted on the A to Z Challenge, that I am the official "anti-A to Z spokesman" and will it get the awareness it warrants?
Of course, what a great idea making me the "A to Z mascot". After all and rather ironically, I have promoted your challenge and even put a link in that directs folks back to your must read blog. Even more ironically and help, a few people who have left comments on this here posting, seem to think I'm doing the 'challenge'! Well, NO I'M NOT!
Gosh, nice to know, whatever my role is, I'm loved. Sure can feel the love as the hits on my site drop dramatically during your challenge. Still, maybe someday, in the land of fantasy dreams, shy and humble me, will be almost as loved and adored as you. Do you think that's possible. Nah, I'm so silly.
My next letter post maybe sometime from now. How about the letter 'Zed', sorry, forgot, the letter 'Zee' :)
I found out about this A-Z challenge too late to get my act together, so I'm giving it a miss.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll work on something ahead of time to put up next April.
More likely, I'll forget about it....
Hi River,
DeletePersonally, I'm glad you are giving it a miss. This is the official, 'anti-A to Z site' :) Last year, I did a number of satirical postings on the whole silly thing and it's attempt at increasing further awareness of the alphabet and getting more followers to those involved...
My friend, do the right thing and forget about it. Hopefully, it will end up just being another long forgotten um 'challenge'.
With kindness and happy writing, your way, Gary
Regretfully, I had to pass on this, my first, opportunity to participate in the A to Z Challenge. However, I am enjoying reading as many posts as I possibly can, and will take this opportunity to leech off of other blogsites and steal/borrow more blogsites to follow. I always have enjoyed writing stories, but never had any idea how fun it is to blog. I find this form of communication very encouraging to my writing.
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie,
DeleteRegretfully, I always pass on the whole darned thing. This might surprise you, even though I do the occasional satire, alternative posting to the A to Z Challenge, the hosts have begged me, yes, begged me, to get involved.
Ironically and actually this is good natured fun, I wish those participating, all the very best with increasing awareness of the alphabet.
The good thing is that, as you relate too, is that such challenges and checking out a variety of blogs, helps interaction amongst us. For sure, blogging can be a lot of fun and the encouragement, the support you can get from others and they, in turn, from you, is most inspirational.
All the best, Jackie and happy writing.
With respect, Gary
I'm passing this year. I'm deep in writing an mid grade novel (that you are so kindly helping me with the setting). I'll try and get around and read as many posts as I can during the evenings. I did it last year and it was fun, but since I'm on a roll with NAH I don't want to mess up my muse.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteMe too, I'm passing up this awesome chance to be involved with such a challenge, meet new folks and most importantly, dramatically increase my 'followers' total :)
I shall read a few of those involved. Did you know that the hosts of the A to Z thingy ma jiggy begged me to be a part of the whole darned thing that brings further awareness of the alphabet?
Seriously, I know you had fun with it last year and despite my good natured ribbing of it all, I wish those who are involved, much joy and fulfilment :)
With respect and good wishes, Gary
Hi Gary.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about the challenge. Yard work is my priority. I do like this post... definitely an "EH" plus post!!
Love, Dix
Hi Dixie,
DeleteI am doing my best to forget the 'challenge' that I did not sign up too. Can you believe it? The hosts of the A to Z whatcha ma call it, begged me to join their lil' ol' um 'challenge'. Much to their dismay, I said, "Thanks but NO thanks!"
Me too, yard work or in metric, 'metre' work, is also my priority. Got to make it nice for the 'wee folks' "EH" :)
Love to you, my friend,
Gary
A great post.
ReplyDeleteBravo for leaping into this
Challenge.
Hi Madeleine,
ReplyDeleteOf course, I'm not actually doing this amazing alphabet challenge :) Just doing the occasional satirical and yes, even sometimes serious musing on it all. The hosts begged me to join up and I said, 'thanks kids, but no thanks!' :)
Cheers Madeleine and happy writing.
In kindness and a bonus letter 'a' your way, Gary