This Is Me--2024 A to Z Theme

My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2024 the theme is a personal retrospective that I call "I Coulda Been" which is in reference to my job and career arc over my lifetime. I'll be looking at all sorts of occupations that I have done or could have done. Maybe you've done some of these too!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

What's Next?

May 3rd A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post

        As the A to Z Challenge winds down I'm sure that many of us are thinking about WHAT'S NEXT?   The most immediate thing on my mind, and I hope on yours as well, is the May 3rd A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post.  I think most of you are aware of this, but if anyone has missed what this is then I will once again explain.  On Monday May 3rd we are hoping to have anyone who would like to join us, challenge participant or not, to post their thoughts about the A to Z Challenge.  Just tell the rest of us how you felt about it:   How it helped you or hindered you, what you liked or didn't like, your favorite posts or blogs--anything the you would like to say about this challenge and if you would like to do it again some time in the future.

       Now I am not a very technological sort, but hopefully I've correctly installed a McLinky in my Side bar that also has a Blog Hop feature.  From the way I understand this, if you will be participating in the May 3rd Mega Post then enter your information onto the list, which will open Sunday May 2nd, and if you would like you can add the same McLinky so it will appear on your blog with the same information.  Theoretically all participants should be able to hop from one blog to the next to see what is being said in the Mega Post.  If I don't have this right then please let me know.  Those of you with McLinky Blog Hop experience may want to check what I've done and let me know if I got it right or need to fix it.  You should be able to add your name to the list until May 5th to account for any stragglers.  I'm looking forward to learning some new things about blogging and hearing some fun stories on Monday May 3rd.

And After the Mega Post?

         What's next for me?   It's back to what I was trying to do before this Challenge suddenly flew into my life.  I plan to continue to post daily on my regular schedule at least until September 20th, which will be my first blog anniversary, after which I will have to reassess whether or not I want to keep up a daily schedule.  I want to at least be able to brag say that I blogged everyday for one full year.

          I will try my best to continue visiting the blogs I follow and commenting on them.  As you are well aware this is a daunting and time consuming effort that can interfere with other projects, but I do want to maintain my contacts with all of you.  Of course, I will always try to acknowledge those who comment on my posts first, so I hope you will try to stay with me as well.

         Then I have my father's autobiography that I was supposed to compile back in January.  This is a project that became delayed when I "lost" the manuscript.  I finally found it again at the beginning of March and began scanning pages.  I still have a way to go on that project.  I'm also behind on completing my 2009 NaNo novel, A Desert Place, which I'm really hoping to have wrapped up by the end of June. I'm sure I could find more to do, but that should keep me pretty busy I'd say.

        How about you?  What are your plans now that you will not have the challenge to take up your blogging time?  

How About Another SMALL Project for May?

         Before the A to Z Challenge even came into my mind, I was working on another collaborative effort with my blog buddy Stephen T. McCarthy.  Stephen had proposed a comparative blog study of our fifteen favorite music albums-- not just a list, but an in depth examination of the fifteen albums that we would want with us on a desert island and why.  Stephen and I, as well as many of his regular readers, enjoy music and we enjoy hearing about what other people like because it broadens our knowledge of music.  This was the plan that Stephen came up with back in March and I have been working on my list since then.

        We have had such a good time blogging with all of you A to Z'ers that we've decided to extend an invitation for all of you and anyone else who likes this idea to join us in the blogfest, FIFTEEN FANTASY ISLAND FAVORITES,  on Monday May 17th.  We would like to limit the list to fifteen but if you can't think of that many then 12, 10, or whatever number you can think of will work just fine.  It will be your blog post so you can certainly do whatever you like, but if you would like to have a guide like we will be using you can refer to Stephen's Best Album Cover Post .   It would help that for each album you post a photo of the album's cover, the album's title, artist, and date of release, followed by a brief paragraph explaining WHY you have chosen it and maybe a short description of the type of music it contains.  As far as genres are concerned, everything's acceptable: Classical, Country, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Movie & Broadway Theater Soundtracks, "Greatest Hits" and "Best Of" compilations, you name it.

        Presentation can be in any format.  You can be as creative as you care to be.  Turn your list into poetry or a short story if you like.  Make it an autobiographical account of how this music has influenced your life.  Create a video of yourself talking about it or put together a photo or art montage that tells us about your list.  It all comes down to one day's post and you can make it as simple or complex as you like.

        We want to learn about some music we might have missed.  I already know that there are a lot of music fans in the A to Z Challenge because many of you have done posts about music already.  Now let's focus on getting to know one another better by the music we like and what that music means to us.  Are you with us?  I hope so and I hope we can get a lot more folks to join us on this one since the time commitment is nothing like Blogging From A to Z.

        If you would like to post on the May 17th FIFTEEN FANTASY ISLAND FAVORITES you can leave a comment below.  Later you can add your name to the McLinky that I will put up after May 7th (if I got that McLinky thing right).  We hope you will all join us and spread the word!
 
Monday, May 17th Fifteen Fantasy Island Favorites   A McBirddogg Production

38 comments:

  1. Hi what alot going on, I would love to join the Music blog, but I only have a limited know how of posting album covers on the post.
    Techincally I am a no go, I can just about post an award or download photo's. Also the Mckinly in May sounds good,so will try that also. Loved the blog,

    Have a good day
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Arlee, I am really impressed by your arduousness and your efficiency and excellent time management. And your creativity and mostly by your sincerity. I cheer you on. I am considering that Fantasy Island post and will confirm back with you. I am not able to commit to anything because I can experience sudden chronic blog block:)

    As for the McLinky, it looks like it is going to work. Why don't you sign in first and then there will be you are next!

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's me again, I not thick( well yes I am) I was looking on that sidebar which one has to click.
    I have clicked but can you tell me if I am registered? And is the 15 albums done over 15 days?

    Yvonne.
    Sorry if I confuse you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yvonne -- We would definitely like to have you post your favorite albums since I know how much you love music. Don't worry about the technology part too much -- it was a suggest-- and actually I think you know how to add the album picture, you just don't think you know. Briefly, it's the same as the photos you add to the post. You just find am image of the album you like on Google, Amazon, or someplace like that; save it to your pictures; and then add to your post like you do the other pictures. Hope you join us because we love your posts.
    The Linky List, which I have fixed to open on Sunday (my time) is for the May 3rd Mega Post. You will be able to add your link to that sometime this coming Sunday (afternoon your time).
    I will add another Linky List for the 15 Fantasy Island Favorites closer to May 17th.

    Let me know if this makes sense. If you want I can try to post some kind of Tutorial or something this Saturday explaining the Linky List and how to put up album cover pictures on your site.

    Don't discredit your technical knowledge so much! I don't know that much either. And you have music and other things on your site that I haven't figured out how to do yet.

    Thanks Yvonne!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AA -- Great! As I said in my note to Yvonne, I will add a Linky List about the Music post as we get closer to the May 17th date. Yay Allomorph! -- We'll look forward to hearing about your music,

    Ocean Girl - You are much too flattering and I thank you. I don't know about that time management part--I wiah! Hope you will do the music post -- it won't take that much effort. And you can certainly give your man Jason Mraz his due. The Linky list on the side bar is for the May 3rd Mega post (which I hope you'll post something on) and I've fixed it to open on May 2 California time. I'll add another Linky for the favorite albums later in May.
    Thanks for all of your kind words and continued support!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yvonne -- the 15 albums list is only one post on Monday May 17th. It can be a simple or elaborate list as you please. This is just a one day Blogfest type thing. Don't want to do another daily thing for awhile-- it takes a lot of time, but you already know that.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I blogged every day for about two months when I first started. It quickly grew to be too often for me. Right now three days a week works fine. But I know exactly what you mean about keeping up with other blogs. I always comment on blogs of those who comment on mine. I also make it around to everyone on my list at least once every couple of weeks. I used to visit my list every day, but it's grown too long for me to continue with that enjoyable practice.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very cool projects! I am impressed at how you can organize these things!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Arlee, hey there, I am sorry I have been absent, you probably heard or read my virus got into my lungs and turned into Bronchitis and I had to go to the hospital...I am starting to feel a bit better and thought I would come over and say hi there, I will be participating in the May 3rd post and will link up with the Mcklinky thingy...I really just want to thank you for this Challenge we are in, it has grown me as a blogger and I have made some amazing connections (Gregg) with other wonderful bloggers that I will cherish in my heart forever. I will post more of this in my May 3rd post!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Whew, you've got a lot on your plate, Lee. I certainly would have thought you've been blogging over year. I definitely participate in the A-Z Mega Post but since my knowledge of music/artist are limited, I'll leave that to the music buffs.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've got som blogfests for writing that I signed up for that should keep me posting every few days through to mid-May...othere than that...revisions, revisions, revisions!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am so there with the music! Been doing it at least once a week on my blog already.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Lee, You sure do have a lot on your plate. I will join in the May
    3rd, McLinky; I look forward to it!
    Not, sure yet about the music one, I will let you know, It should be fun!
    I am going to see what I can come up with, after I finish this challenge!
    Tomorrow should be interesting!!!

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  14. rLEE-b ~
    Knowing me, I'll quit on the music list after album #8. :o)

    Ha! Just kidding. I've already got the first 14 lined up. It's just so tough trying to decide what to place in that final spot because there are about three recordings left that I just don't want to leave for the island without. What to pack?! What to pack?!

    ~ "Lonesome Dogg" McMe

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sounds very ambitious to me, too. But I always enjoy reading what everyone has to say.

    ReplyDelete
  16. It has been FUN blogging from A to Z... a lot of work... I think I will be needing an away from the blogging world vacation to really relax!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello! Thank you so much for coming by my blog and leaving a comment - pleased to meet you. :)

    I didn't take part in the A - Z challenge but really enjoyed reading the posts from folk who took up the baton. The album cover thing sounds fun, but I find it so hard to commit to a definite blogging project - real life work and the novel-to-be takes up all my time so my blog posts are a bit hit and miss. But I am now a follower (301 to be exact!) so can keep an eye on what's happening!

    ReplyDelete
  18. as for May 3rd? i intend to participate...Lord willing. then...i'm taking going to be in busy mode for quite a spell. gonna continue following/reading my new friends:)

    trying to decide wether or not to begin a new blog for writing a book online or....move my blog to my own website. for sure, writing will continue regardless...

    ReplyDelete
  19. Stephen, I understand yor dilemma. I've chosen mine too :) But there are 16. So I've decided the 16th album is what I'm allowed to listen to when I get saved and sent back home ;)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Karen -- thanks for becoming my 300th follower. The Linky tool activates on May 2nd so you can still post some comments on you blog and link them before you go. Also love to have you join us on the May 17th music post.

    Carole-- I know what you mean. I wiah I could get a job commenting on blogs. Lol.

    Bossy B. -- Join us for the music post on May 17th. Would love to have you join us.

    Shannon -- I wish you a rapid recovery-- that was an ordeal I'm sure. Thank you for your participation--I look forward to reading your Reflections on May 3rd.

    Wanda -- You can still join us on May 17th. After all it's all about personal favorites and not musical expertise. We'd like to know what you like to listen to-- think about it.

    Raquel -- thanks for all of your great posts and comments. May 17th you can even just submit a list of favorites--nothing fancy--it would only take a few minutes to tell us a little more about you and what you enjoy in music.

    Diane -- It will be fun! Will we see you on May 17th? (Well of course I'll be seeing you on your blog all the time).

    Alex -- this is definitely something for you. You always have a lot of cool things to talk about in music.

    Ellie -- Yes I'll be anxious to see your contribution to May 3rd. And sure, join us for the music post on May 17th --easy and fun. Tomorrow is X -- yes!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Yay! Looking forward to May 3rd :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm there for the blog fest and if you could put tutorial up on those of us that are not of the techno world.
    There have been problems with you getting my URL up so this may become a collaborative effort. LOL
    Anyway I've had fun with the challenge and can't wait for the mega ending.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Stephen -- I know you're not going to quit on this one. I'll bet you have several versions of this list already prepared.

    Debbie -- It's not all that ambitious, it's just your personal opinion put down in whatever format of a list you want to make. Join us! You'll have fun and we'll learn more about you.

    Fifi -- you've done an amazing job in A to Z. If you do get rested up before May 17th I hope you'll decide to join. I think a really artistic creative version of 15 favorite albums would be really cool.

    Jayne -- thanks for following. Feel free to post your opinions about A to Z on May 3rd--if you do just add your name to the Linky tool. And no real commitment in the 15 favorite album post. If you have time to do it just post add your site to the Linky that will be up by that time. And to clarify any confusion-- It's not the 15 favorite Covers(that is just the format example I used), but it's the 15 favorite albums based on content. Hope you decide to be a part of this.

    Bud -- whatever you end up doing I'm sure it will be very interesting. You have been quite a force in A to Z. I for one will continue to watch what you do next.

    AA -- Yeah, I understand too. Can we make it 1500?

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'll have to pass on the music one but I will definitely stay tuned to see what else is going on. I've been jotting my ideas down for the big mega post...am so excited to see what everyone else has to offer.

    I will definitely be sticking around and following your blog, it has been such a great pleasure meeting you!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Count me in for the music thinga-ma-jiggy. I LOVE music - just love it! That said, I oftentimes love the song without knowing who the artist is, so I'll just do my best.

    Thanks Arlee!

    ReplyDelete
  26. My goodness, you are ambitious! Not even through with one challenge and already coming up with another—I admire your gusto. Once again, I'll most likely be a lurker rather than a participant, but I'm looking forward to the music thing just the same.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Cheri -- Good! I want to hear what you have to say. Are you going to join us for the Favorite album post on May 17th?

    Debra -- When you post your Reflections post make sure you add it to the Linky tool in my side bar so you'll be part of the Official listing--Shouldn't have the same problem I had before which for the life of me I still can't figure out. So you're going to join us on May 17th with the favorite albums post? Maybe I'll put up some kind of tutorial up but that's almost like one non-techno person to another, but maybe it will work that way.

    Trudy -- What! You can't join us for the music post? It's not like your going to have a new born baby to take care of or anything like that. Maybe during his naps you can still put something together--that is if you're not sleeping yourself. We'll be anxious to read your May 3rd Reflections.

    Lisa -- yay! There you go with your theme already: Guess what my favorite albums are from my hints.

    Jane -- If you decide to jump in there will be a Linky and you can just post and add your site. I'd like to know what Jane like's to listen to .

    ReplyDelete
  28. Lee,

    I think I might give it a try...might not be conventional..but might be a different take...
    some ideas/responses are tripping my gray matter...

    Sig

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow - you really do plan ahead Lee! I'm more of a 'by the seat of my pants' writer and blogger. I'll put it under my thinking cap, but I rarely create a blog post in advance and I won't commit unti. I'm sure :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Arlee, you're a powerhouse! YOu probably don't need it, but I gave you a blog award over at my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Arlee, thanks for your visit to my blog. I'm a little dizzy after reading all the different things you have going. Slow down, so I can follow. But then, it might be my fault.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hey Arlee Bird

    I had a wonderful experience through the challenge..will surely share them in the Mega post..!!!

    my trip for the next month...i mean this month....the month of may is a the same challenge once again...with different words..!!

    so Am with May A-Z Challenge..!!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sig -- Great! I'm sure you'll have a great approach to this and I'll be interested in your music.

    Jemi -- Sometimes I plan good and sometimes not. Hope you do the album list-- won't be difficult I don't think.

    Lydia -- The award will show up on my Saturday post.

    gutsy -- thanks for stopping. I am going to slow down a bit next week -- but hey I was on a roll and had to keep going.

    Wasabi -- love it? then do it!

    Yamini -- I'll have to check it out. You must have really liked it! Hey a person could actually do this every month and keep coming up with new ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  34. You know? What the heck. This doesn't sound like a bad idea. You don't need to ask me twice. I want to try this Fifteen Fantasy Island Favorites thing. One question, do you have to like the whole album? I know how some people comment on albums, saying this and that. I've never really understood that. But I will give my opinion. Thanks for another blogging.... thing.
    -Wolfie

    ReplyDelete
  35. No, you don't have to like the whole album. It's just like if you could have only 15 albums, what would they be?

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'm putting my Mega Post together now ;) Off to find the McLinky Blog Hop thingy (and hoping I can figure out how to install it).

    ReplyDelete

Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

Lee