Comes That Time of the Year
I have been enjoying reading all the blogs on WordPress, or at least as many as I can manage, particularly those of my BB’s (blogging buddies), as most are tallying up, evaluating, assessing and reviewing all they have achieved either in life during the last twelve months or in their pledge of commitment to WordPress Postadaychallenge or Postaweekchallenge. It is the reviewing and the assessing that helps us set our goals for the next year and gives us a sense of accomplishment for our efforts. It’s an opportunity to perhaps brag a bit or pat ourselves on the back and I am amazed at what I have learned from my comrades-in-type and impressed that I sort of hang around with the best of the best. Some of you have taken up the Postaday2011 Challenge Questions and I confess that I am joining the pack for no other reason than to celebrate the ‘us’ of it all.
Unlike many of you I did not reach my goal of 365, not because of writer’s block or lack of material but because the presence of mind simply wasn’t there. It may have been because of personal upheaval (Lord knows there was lots of that this year) or just too dang tired. Declaring there was not enough time simply didn’t cut it as proved by 5 Minute Fridays. Five minutes is never too much to ask, and as long as it is clear it is a twelfth of the hour attempt all is forgiven.
So to recognize WordPress.com for all their support and encouragement:
1) WHY DID YOU START THE POSTADAY/WEEK CHALLENGE? I was new to blogging and started with WordPress at the encouragement of MB my daughter-in-law who thought my tales would be of interest to others. I chose Postaday for structure and to gain experience.
2) DESCRIBE THE STATE OF YOUR BLOG AT THE TIME OF THE CHALLENGE. Raw is the only word that comes to mind. I think I started in December and posted once. It wasn’t much and many of my first blogs did not include tags or categories. It takes me awhile to find my way around techie things!
3) HOW DID YOUR BLOG EVOLVE OVER THE COURSE OF THE CHALLENGE? Well the easiest answer to that is that it grew from being tentative observations to embracing ideas, memories, and recognition of events including acknowledging others in the WP family. Themes began to emerge which I would like to strengthen this coming year.
4) DID YOU POST AS OFTEN AS YOU HAD HOPED? WHY OR WHY NOT? No I sure did not. Weekends away were skipped and in this last two weeks of the year my dedication slipped as I became preoccupied with other things.
5) WHAT TYPE OF BLOGGING STRATEGY WORKS BEST FOR YOU? Definitely looking at what is going on in the moment and framing it for presentation. I have found first thing in the morning is best as my mind is fresher then. Since my mornings have become more structured since August it would mean starting before my day begins and I have had some difficulty achieving this.
6) IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY? I guess there is nothing as what I have learned was a part of the growth for the year. Even the techie stuff.
7) WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ACCOMPLISHING THIS YEAR? Hmm. Definitely the enriched relationships I have developed. People in word who become part of my heart, my family. Joss Burnel my Crowing Crone, Judith Baxter, who is growingyoungereachday my down under friend, Val Erde and Pat Cegan for inspiration and encouragement, Tricia at the domesticfringe, Elizabeth at Mirth and Motivation, Paul Johnson The Good Greatsby.
8) NAME 3 GREAT BLOGS YOU HAVE DISCOVERED THROUGH THE CHALLENGE. Wow keeping to 3 is very difficult but certainly Susan Castle at susanthecoach.wordpress.com whose experience and ability to succeed amazed and motivates me. My friend Mark at redriverpak.wordpress.com whose humor and journey gives me strength and who is my idol (hmm guess that is my American Idol hehehe), and Colleen at bikecolleen.wordpress.com who seems very brave in all things.
9) WHAT SURPRISED YOU ABOUT THE CHALLENGE? Definitely how quickly so many people/bloggers became important to me. Many who don’t even know I exist. I was also surprised at the wealth of knowledge out there. If I could read fast enough I would read everyone.
10) WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO WANT TO BLOG REGULARLY? Do it. Don’t think about an audience, just do it for you own self-expression. Be sure to tag your work and reply to every comment and acknowledgement. Also read and comment on other blogs. You know how much work you do to post so you know that to show appreciation or recognition of others is equally important.
11) WHAT ARE YOUR BLOGGING GOALS FOR 2012? Do it. Fine tune. Organize. Read Read Read.
A little wisdom from Erma Bombeck to whose list I would only add…blog blog blog and be sincere.
If I Had My Life To Live Over
by Erma Bombeck
The following was written by the late Erma Bombeck
after she found out she had a fatal disease.
If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television – and more while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”
There would have been more “I love you’s”.. More “I’m sorrys” …
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute… look at it and really see it … live it…and never give it back.
© Erma Bombeck 
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