Just So You Know… A-Z is Over

Monday, May 2, 2011

I have spent the last month concocting stories, tidbits and so on regarding the letter of the day, whew it’s over. Well sort of, I’m supposed to reflect first.  That will be quick and then I’ll give you the “Just So You Know.”

Reflecting back I came to only one conclusion regarding the A-Z challenge, it’s not for me. I know as writers you guys thrive on this sort of thing but for me it actually became work. I have never been one to do what I was told, when I was told, then throw in doing it by letters and well, it felt like work.

I do, however, love the fact I met some wonderful new bloggers and realize that was the point, for that I am grateful. To those new followers and passersby I say thank you.

To all my followers there is going to be some changes. First, I will be changing my comment time to the evenings. I will be limiting my reading material to real, heartfelt postings; all the writing tips are overwhelming me. I hope this does not offend anyone but there are just so many hours in the day. Also, I have collected several awards which I will be passing on when I get the chance.

But…

Just so you know… this weekend I attended the Kentucky Rolex 3 day event. Since 1985 I have only missed about 3, something about seeing a horse running at full gallop in an open field makes my heart skip a beat.

Just so you know… my face and eyes are so sunburnt I’m applying for Rudolph's job. 

Just so you know… people with severely white legs, wearing spandex can startle a horse.

Just so you know… (There is a lot of logistics to work out) I am contemplating driving to Alabama to volunteer my hillbilly talents. If later this week I go MIA I’m rolling with the tide.

Just so you know… they combined the Rolex with a Reining competition (real riding to me). Saturday was horse heaven for me.

 Just so you know… rednecks will cheer louder for the tractor guy than they will for the actual horse/rider competitors.

Just so you know… Sunday was spent soaking my aching feet. We parked at one end of the farm and walk to the other side of the farm several times. After about 5 miles, I blew out my flip flops.

Just so you know… I had a conversation with my dogs the other day (which I will not bore you with) but they requested I give them all Indian names.

I began with youngest working my way to the oldest; should have known she had a smart mouth.

”Shadow, your Indian name shall be, dog with bald ears.” She cocked her head, got an offended look and replied, “And we shall call you, human with no teeth.”

Peace…



32 comments:

Li said, 

LOL white legs and spandex are bound to startle most living things. Glad you at least met some nice bloggers via the challenge. It's certainly not for everyone! And I've found that commenting eats up a lot of time, so I've taken to limiting them to when I really have something to say, or when I enjoy something immensely. Doesn't mean I'm not reading (or skimming)other posts.

May 2, 2011 at 8:08 AM  
Liz P said, 

I did have fun creating my posts (though it was still a lot of work), but really what got me is trying to get around and read everyone's blogs, AND comment. I'd come home from work and start in right after supper, and it would take most of the evening - and I still wouldn't get to every blog I follow.

But, I was happy to have met a lot of great new people and I look forward reading more from them.

May 2, 2011 at 8:19 AM  
Alex J. Cavanaugh said, 

You were a good cheerleader for those who did participate though!

May 2, 2011 at 9:13 AM  
RHYTHM AND RHYME said, 

Loved your write and hope you enjoy the week-end,

I personally enjoyed the challenge,
Have made some new friends along the way but won't forsake others who have been with me for ages.

Please don't lose touch Yvonne.

May 2, 2011 at 9:13 AM  
Velvet Over Steel said, 

First, I am very glad that you had a good weekend watching and doing what you love... seeing the horse events. Sounds like such fun!!

Second, I'm sorry your feet hurt and you got sunburnt. BTW I'm blown out many a flipflops and keep an extra pair or 2 in my car. Does keeping extra clothes and shoes in my car make me 'redneck'? I would love that honor! lol

Great post, I love all your 'just so you knows' that always make me smile, laugh, shake my head or all 3 at once!! :-)

Have a wonderful week, Jules!!!
HUG,
Coreen XOXO

May 2, 2011 at 9:32 AM  
Golden Eagle said, 

I found the reading and commenting the hardest part of the A-Z Challenge; I know I missed a lot of posts by people I follow during April.

Sorry to hear you got so sunburnt!

May 2, 2011 at 10:25 AM  
Bossy Betty said, 

Sounds like you had a great weekend. The blog challenge would have been tough for me. Good for you for giving it a go!

May 2, 2011 at 10:27 AM  
Roland D. Yeomans said, 

I love horses as well. They just don't love me back. LOL. Sorry you got sunburned. Have a great week and remember : blogging is for fun. Just enjoy what you can of it. Roland

May 2, 2011 at 11:42 AM  
Southpaw said, 

I'm very glad it's over too. I enjoyed your "just so you knows", especially the last one.

May 2, 2011 at 11:44 AM  
Anonymoussaid, 

I love to watch the ponies run. Very exciting. Sunburns are never fun. Vodka works for me. No, not rubbing it on my skin.

May 2, 2011 at 12:29 PM  
Ann said, 

I loved white legs in spandex. Made me start. Can't even imagine the fright it gave the poor gigis.

That is one witty dog you have there.

May 2, 2011 at 12:36 PM  
Arlee Bird said, 

Maybe you needed to whistle more if you found the Challenge to be work. It's like going to the gym: It hurts and is uncomfortable at first, but then you get used to it, get in shape, and pretty soon it's a breeze. That advice coming from someone you'll never find in a gym, but will probably blog from A to Z again.

You did a great job in the Challenge and I'm honored that you made this effort. Congratulations on seeing it through.

And just so you know, this post displayed your usual wit. Love the dogs with Indian names.


Don't forget to pick up your Winner's Badge at my site.
Lee
Tossing It Out

May 2, 2011 at 1:22 PM  
Blasphemous Aesthete said, 

Horses are majestic animals. I didn't know bright white legs startle them. :P :)

Have a nice week ahead.

Blasphemous Aesthete

May 2, 2011 at 1:45 PM  
Summer Ross said, 

LOL- Jules you always know how to give a smile!

May 2, 2011 at 2:01 PM  
N. R. Williams said, 

The challenge isn't for me either. I got behind on my writing. Sounds like your weekend was fun, sore feet and all.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium.

May 2, 2011 at 2:08 PM  
Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said, 

What a wonderfully honest post. Not all things are for all people. It's just the way the world ticks!

I'm happy you spent the weekend doin' the things you love and make ya happy!

God bless and enjoy your day sweetie! :o)

May 2, 2011 at 2:10 PM  
Cruella Collett said, 

Loved your "just so you know"-post today :) I think I'd have liked to be sunburned (just a little) too - but our wonderful summery Easter weather turned back into Norwegian spring. Good thing I am leaving the country tomorrow!

And I can relate to your A-Z feelings. There ARE a lot of blogs with writing tips, aren't there... *sigh*

May 2, 2011 at 2:17 PM  
PK HREZO said, 

LOL! I love it! You nut! :)

Well you did great anyway and the whole idea was a challenge. So now you know, and you're right.... there are only so many hours in a day and we just can't do it all.

Hope to see you around and if you do go to Alabama to help, you're my new hero. :)

May 2, 2011 at 2:50 PM  
Karen Lange said, 

I like your "just so you know" info! It's actually a phrase that my kids and I toss around - I think we picked it up from a sitcom years ago.

If you go away, have a great trip!
Take care,
Karen

May 2, 2011 at 3:52 PM  
Tiger85 said, 

Love this post, you always brighten up a day. Hope the weather calms down for you. Have a great and hopefully nice weather and stress free week.=)

Poetry, Quotes and Book Reviews.

May 2, 2011 at 5:39 PM  
Ella said, 

As always Jules, you make me laugh and smile till my gums hurt! No I didn't neigh like a horse, but my daughter, does. Don't tell... lol

I grew up the good girl, but now I want to rebel. It is making it difficult as a Mom to a 22 yr old and 15 yr old... I'm trying to behave ;-D

I learned a lot; so glad it is over!

May 2, 2011 at 5:52 PM  
floweringmama said, 

Just so you know . . .

You crack me up!!

Stay safe and dry. If you choose to head to 'Bama, be careful!

May 2, 2011 at 8:01 PM  
Tiger85 said, 

Okie dokie Jules lets talk. =)
Here my email: Luv2read85@gmail.com

Poetry, Quotes and Book Reviews.

May 2, 2011 at 8:10 PM  
Gail said, 

My kind of weekend!!!

May 2, 2011 at 8:26 PM  
Author Joshua Hoyt said, 

That looks like it was so much fun. I like the look of your blog.

May 2, 2011 at 10:19 PM  
Tammy said, 

Thanks for starting my day off with a laugh! And that "severely white legs with spandex" thing is good to know. FYI, that also startles humans.

May 3, 2011 at 8:45 AM  
L. Diane Wolfe said, 

And the redneck thing surprises you? Good thing there weren't pig races. Or were there?

May 3, 2011 at 10:32 AM  
All-4-Alabama said, 

Jules,

Thank you so much for stopping by ALL 4 ALABAMA Disaster Relief Auction Site

It is hard to see all this devastation, but I am blessed in so many ways. I hope this helps to raise what we can and to spread the word.

Thank you again!

-Courtney

Visit My Kingdom Anytime

May 3, 2011 at 12:02 PM  
Mary@GigglesandGuns said, 

1) I'm jealous of your time with the horses. They are so beautiful!!!

2) A to Z left me drained. Next year I'll probably watch and bring out my cheerleader.

3) Writing tips are going through my brain at such a clip I can't write anything. I'm with you, I am reading for enjoyment.

4) If your dogs ignore you admit that you deserve it. What are you thinking -- changing an old dogs name. For shame ;(

May 3, 2011 at 1:53 PM  
Unknown said, 

What a funny post!!! I hear ya about the blog burnout from the A-Z. I was writing micro-fiction, so I embraced the challenge. But it got long near the third week for me. Plus, I have a new story idea that's calling my muse in a serious way. Can't wait to get writing!

May 3, 2011 at 4:58 PM  
Olivia J. Herrell, writing as O.J. Barré said, 

Hi Jules, my take on A to Z parallels yours. I found myself posting little short nothings, then literally nothing, mixed in with a few heartfelt posts.

I'm with you. I don't enjoy reading writing tip blogs, either, unless I'm actually doing that kind of research.

My life has gotten overly busy again. I'm nesting and starting over in a house with nothing, having to collect everything and do without in the meantime. Like plates. Knives. Furniture of all sorts.

Then there's work. Finally. I bit the bullet, rented an office and started my business over again in one more town. That this is my hometown seems to be making a difference. But it takes most of my attention, nonetheless.

I finally have a personal life again. Which means a lot of comings and goings. It occurred to me earlier tonight that some of that has to cease.

I haven't written on either of my manuscripts in months. Time for that to change. I'm sick of Facebook. The bin laden stuff finished me there.

All this to say, "I hear ya!" And I agree wholeheartedly.

Which is what you should find on my blog going forward. My heart. When it has something to say. No filler. So stop by, wontcha?

Glad you had fun with the horses! that rebel, Olivia

May 4, 2011 at 12:20 AM  
Corine Moore said, 

Yay... you're free! :D And don't feel bad about not reading every post from every blogger... honestly, who can? ;)

May 4, 2011 at 1:43 AM  
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