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!

Monday, January 4, 2016

Lost & Found Blogfest & The Question of the Month

       After the Question of the Month for January 2016, I'll be announcing a brand new blogfest coming on February 1st.  Don't forget to keep on reading to the end and be sure to sign up for the special Valentine's themed event we've got planned for you!


The Question of the Month is hosted by Michael G D'Agostino from A Life Examined. The first Monday of each month I'll be answering a question posed by Michael prior to event day. Click on the link to his blog for more participants. 


In honor of the new year, this month’s question is:

What are some new year’s resolutions you’ve had in the past?

      I've never been much of one to make New Year's resolutions.  A few times in the past, in order to be in the spirit of the season, I might have said something about a resolution to someone else, but I can't recall specifically whether I did or not.  Likewise I don't remember ever putting any resolutions down in writing for my own reference.   If I ever did, it would have been something to do with health, finances, personal accomplishments, or improved habits--the usual cliched stuff.  Not necessarily bad, but usually another failure of my own initiative.

      Making resolutions is not a bad thing by any means and I admire those who keep up with them even if they are not fully realized in the end.  And the way I see it, if I were going to make resolutions I'd probably keep them to myself anyway so that others would not hold me accountable to them and see me in a lesser light if I didn't follow them through.

       There's enough that I have to account for without adding a New Year's Resolution to the mix.

And now...BIG NEWS!


Coming on Monday February 1st!!

Lost & Found:  Valentine's Edition

       Do you remember  that special feeling of love found?   And who hasn't experienced the emotional experience of love lost?  Some of you might have even lost a love only to find that person later for another go around.

         Tell your story about love lost or found in our special Valentine's blogfest.   Your post can be a short fiction, an essay, poetry, or even a song--let your imagination run free.   Any genre is fair game, be it romance, historical fiction, memoir, or even science fiction.   After all there are no limitations when it comes to love.

          This special blogging event was inspired by a collaboration between myself and Guilie Castillo-Oriard.   Joining us will be Elizabeth Seckman,  Yolanda Renee,  Denise Covey.  and  Alex J Cavanaugh.   Don't be left out!   Sign up to participate by adding your link to the list below.

----------

----------

       A note for Battle of the Bands participants--Guilie and I will be posting our BOTB offering as a tie-in with the romance blog fest.  We will be using songs that tie in with the Lost and Found Love Theme and incorporating our song picks into that theme.   We invite other BOTB participants to join us by doing the same.

     For those who might not be familiar with Battle of the Bands or have not voted in my current Battle, be sure to stop by my What's New post and vote for your favorite song version.  Read about Battle of the Bands at the blog of Stephen T McCarthy.  

       Guilie has prepared the following badges and banners for you to use if you are participating in the Lost & Found blog fest.  Please add them to your site if you are joining us.















85 comments:

  1. I might actually enter this blogfest....I love to tell the lovestory of how my husband and I got together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoJo, you should do it! Despite what you've sometimes said, you have a real way with words and this would be a good time to express yourself in such. Then again there's always your photography. Maybe you could do something with that as well.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. Well, JoJo, now you got me curious about your story; you absolutely *must* join :) It's going to be great, great fun!
      Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

      Delete
  2. I don't make resolutions either.
    Looking forward to the blogfest although I have no idea what I will be posting about...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex, I'm sure you'll think of something.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. Those "no clue what I'll write about" posts turn out extraordinary, in my experience. So glad you're co-hosting this, Alex! (And I'm really looking forward to reading what you come up with ;) )

      Delete
  3. I'm not much of a resolution person. Either I'm going to do it or I'm not and, if I'm not, making a resolution isn't going to help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew, "Either I'm going to do it or I'm not" --That's a philosophy that I go along with.

      Lee

      Delete
  4. Hi Lee - I'm not good with resolutions and plans - but must start making lists and getting lots done this year. That's great you're adding in the new blogfest - not for me .. but I'll happily read .. cheers and Happy New Year to you - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary, you certainly do some good planning in your intricate and well researched blog posts.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. Agreed, Lee! Hilary's posts are a joy to read. I'll be looking forward to your comments, Hilary. Hope you enjoy reading :)

      Delete
  5. Happy New Year, Lee! ☺
    My main resolution always is to lose the weight gained over the holidays, plus extra pounds. Some years are more successful than others, but I'm fairly determined this year, as the weight has been piling on. Too much time sitting on my ass at the computer! (Like now ;) )

    Interesting concept for a blogfest and involving some of my favourite people. Count me in!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie, this holiday season I'm sure I lost some weight having been ill.

      Glad to have you join us for "Lost and Found".

      Lee

      Delete
    2. Sorry you were sick. Hope you're feeling better now. I'm looking forward to this Blogfest and will also do a BOTB tie-in. Such fun!

      Delete
    3. So happy you're in, Debbie! We've missed you... and I know you'll have an awesome story to share for this one :)

      Delete
  6. Sigh. I said I wouldn't, but I signed up. :-D

    Have a splendid 2016!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Misha, we're glad you signed up.

      You have a great year to come as well.

      Lee

      Delete
  7. My resolutions never work out so I've decided not to make any this year. They would just be the same goals I constantly have anyway.
    I'll probably sign up for the blogfest, once I think of a good post to share.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah, think of one! It will be fun to have you join us with your story.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. YAY! Looking forward to reading your love story, Sarah :)
      Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

      Delete
  8. Yep, I sure ignore the resolutions. Anyone asks me I'll pfffft and that will be that. I know, so not polite lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, resolutions? Bah! (which is another way of saying "pffft!").

      Lee

      Delete
  9. Karen, resolutions are made to be broken. And this sounds like a blog fest theme that you'd be good at.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  10. I set goals. Resolutions are iffy, but a goal is a dream with a deadline.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. L.Diane, "a dream with a deadline" is much better than a resolution with dubious resolve.

      Lee

      Delete
  11. Just another month to flip on the calendar. :)

    Great fest idea! Sounds like fun!

    Heather

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you signed up, Heather! I know your post will be a pleasure to read :)
      Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

      Delete
    2. Heather, you will help make the blogfest funner (as my daughter used to say).

      Lee

      Delete
  12. I don't to "resolutions" either, just goals. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I set resolutions every year or what I call goals. I'm pretty good at achieving them. Hit all but one last year - this year I'm shooting for 100%!

    Thanks for inviting me to be part of the blogfest. Great badge, Guilie, outdid herself!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, Yolanda, thank you! I'm glad you liked it—and I'm thrilled to have you on board! It's going to be awesome fun, I know :)

      Delete
    2. Yolanda, it's always nice to have creative folks on board for a blog fest and we've got some good ones in this one. Thanks for being a part of this.

      Lee

      Delete
  14. Do join, Karen... Even if it's a two-line post. Seriously. We'd love to have you. (And yeah, breaking resolutions is way more fun than making them ;) )
    Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am possibly the world's worst resolution-maker — or -keeper, for that matter. My dad used to make his on a small square of paper and keep it in his wallet, to cross off as he achieved each one. We still have (in a box somewhere) a few of these squares, all the resolutions neatly crossed off. I wish I were like that. (But you love me anyway, right, Daddy? Wherever you are?)

    I'm excited about the blogfest, Lee! You put together a great co-host team, and we're going to have a *blast*.
    Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Guilie, your father had some good discipline. I can't even make the effort to create the resolution list.

      Like Yolanda said, your artwork is wonderful. We should extend some good reach among all of us.

      Lee

      Delete
  16. I think my last new year's resolution was not to make any more of them. That's the only one I've ever kept.

    Your blogfest sounds great. I look forward to reading about those loves lost and found!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. C.Lee, I've been good about keeping that same resolution though unconsciously I suppose.

      Maybe you can join us in the blog fest?

      Lee

      Delete
  17. I'm not a resolution maker either and probably never even stated one out loud to any one. The blog hop sounds interesting. I'm thinking about it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan GK, think a few more minutes and then sign up! Don't forget!

      Lee

      Delete
  18. Resolutions made on New Year's seemed doomed to fail, but I make them anyway. The Blog Hop sounds great, but I need to come up with a solid idea before I join. A little distracted today with a sick young'un.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tamara, I'm distracted today with a sick self. Hoping to beat whatever I've got by tomorrow. Keep on thinking and then sign up--I'm sure you'll come up with a good idea.

      Lee

      Delete
  19. Ha! I like your style, don't tell anyone so you won't be held accountable - except to yourself! And even then I'm sneaky about it. Instead of promising myself to lose weight, I challenge myself to do something that will cause it.
    What a fantastically fun topic for a blogfest! I've already signed up since I had three ideas at once. Hopefully I won't get cold feet...:-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diedre, I've already lost some weight during the holidays, but not in the way I wanted to.

      We look forward to what you come up with for "Lost and Found".

      Lee

      Delete
  20. Your love fest sounds interesting. I need to think about it a bit before committing. But, a fiction piece might be fun. Maybe you're constantly evolving and don't need to do any resolving.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary, we'd love to hear your fiction about love--or your reality for that matter.

      Always evolving, devolving, revolving, or something.

      Lee

      Delete
  21. At first I rejected the blogfest. Now I'm reconsidering. I could reprint the poem I wrote for Willy Dunne Wooters.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janie, sure, why not. Get your poem seen by more.

      Lee

      Delete
  22. It's funny to me how so many people I've seen today don't believe in new year's resolutions. If so many people don't believe in them, why is it even still a thing? haha

    Your blog hop sounds cool! I've signed up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Madilyn, thank you for signing up to "Lost and Found". We look forward to hearing what you come up with.

      I guess the New Year's Resolution is considered old school by many.

      Lee

      Delete
  23. I was never big on resolutions because I don't think I've met anyone who has made them and actually did them. They all fell by the wayside for people I know. Not very motivating for me to do it myself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patricia, come to think of it I don't think I've known anyone who has actually made resolutions or followed through with them.

      Lee

      Delete
  24. I probably won't join but I'll read them!!! I don't believe in love anymore. Just kidding, or am I?

    Hey, I would have met you and your wife somewhere for dinner or lunch when you were in MO. I live near-ish Branson. And I was on break, Lee!!! You should have told me you were coming!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Teresa, if I had told you we were coming would you have baked a cake? It was a pretty flyby visit to Branson and we were pretty beat by the time we arrived and up cold and early to take off. I'm hoping someday we'll do a more leisurely jaunt through the area. After getting a quick taste of Branson my wife wants to go back.

      Hope you reconsider the love story. I'll bet you have some good lost and found stories to tell.

      Lee

      Delete
  25. Hmm...I only have one love lost story to tell but it's not too interesting...sad perhaps but boring. I haven't really found love either, so I guess I'll be bowing out of this blog hop. Sorry. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys, you're a writer--you can make a story interesting no matter how boring it might seem. And the story doesn't have to be true. Anything in what you've written so far?

      Lee

      Delete
    2. I have no idea where the comment box is ... ur blog has so much info ... it makes my head spin ... about love ... i'd rather continue 2 speak in riddles about that ... Love, cat.

      Delete
    3. Cat, not sure what you're using, but the comment box is pretty plain to me and looks like you found a comment box to use. Yes, love is riddled with conundrums and mysteries.

      Lee

      Delete
  26. An exciting way to start the new year, Arlee. I hope you're catching up on your sleep after your marathon drive. That would make an interesting story, I'm sure. Nice reaction to the Lost and Found. And I like the way you and Guilie are thinking of combining! Imagination at work! I'm thinking of a Part A and Part B story to use for the WEP fest.

    Ciao!

    Denise :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denise, the marathon drive are routine for me, but not so great when I'm feeling somewhat poorly. Onward is my mantra and tomorrow will bring better days.

      I've done a lot of combining and offshooting and such in blogging over the years. I think it's a way to keep things interesting. I'd say go for the A + B approach.

      Lee

      Delete
  27. I have not made resolutions for years because I broke them in the first 2 weeks. I am like you, I think of something I want to do and keep it to myself. I seem to do better that way. I am thinking about joining the Valentine's bloghop and have thought of a couple of things to write about. I have to ponder a bit more:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Birgit, keeping things to yourself means you can change your mind and no one knows any different. Don't just think about joining, sign up and share your story. You have over 3 weeks to get it together!

      Lee

      Delete
  28. Hi! I came across your blog from Yolanda's and am looking forward to the Valentine's bloghop. Lovely linky with the wooden boards. I will surely participate once I'm a little more concentrated. May I just add that I followed your blog but it took me a bit of hunting before I could track down the email sign up. Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KM, Glad to have you join "Lost and Found". Also glad you found the "email sign-up". Not sure why it was difficult to find it since I've purposely put it near the top of the sidebar. Maybe it's something to do with your screeview set-up? What would you suggest as to making it easier to find?

      It's good to meet you!

      Lee

      Delete
  29. I tend to do life changes throughout the year. New Year resolutions tend to fall on their face. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna, doing changes that way makes more sense than compiling a to do list all at once at the beginning of the year.

      Lee

      Delete
  30. Great post Lee, look forward to the Feb. Blogfest.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yvonne, this will be right in your line of expertise. I think you will have a wonderful poem to share with us on that day.

      Lee

      Delete
  31. I was the best man at my wife's previous wedding. . . . . I have no plans to write about it. Even though I am and always have been a chap of honour.

    See you at the A to Z Mr B . . . . I dont think I will be able to be an assistant this year (not officially anyway) things to do and places to go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rob, hope you come back around as you were always a big help to me.

      Lee

      Delete
  32. Great idea for the Valentine's bloghop :) Since it's on the first Monday of February, I might make next month's question about romance. We'll mix together the two bloghops ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael, you were reading my mind. I think that's a fantastic idea! More readers that way too.

      Lee

      Delete
  33. I've signed up, let's see how it goes!

    Have a blessed 2016, Lee!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Damyanti, Thanks for joining us! I'm sure you will have an impressive offering for the blog hop.

      Lee

      Delete
  34. I'm so glad you mentioned this to me Lee because I totally missed your post here! It's been a crazy week and I haven't spent much time with the computer at all. So thanks! I'm signed up and am looking forward to the fun!
    Re: resolutions: I gave up on making New Years resolutions years ago! I just try to make improvements over the previous year and if I can achieve that, then I call it a successful year...

    Michele at Angels Bark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michele, I thought you might enjoy this blog hop and it works so well with BOTB.
      We should be continually striving for improvement and don't need to rely on resolutions to do it.

      Lee

      Delete
  35. Hey Lee,
    I'm working on my post for the Lost and Found: how do I add the list of Blogfest participants to the end of my post??
    Thanks!
    Michele at Angels Bark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michele, there is a code to use. If you give me your email I can send you the code.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. Thanks Lee. My email is michele@angelsbark.com

      Delete
  36. Hi,
    I thought I had subscribed to your blog, but obviously I didn't, so I'm going to try this once more.

    I don't do New Year's Resolutions, but I do write down my goals for the year in my diary during the month of January. I also look at the ones that I completed in the previous year and move the opened ones over to 2016 because they are plans that I want to see take place in my life. And I have to admit that when I read over what I have accomplished, it gives me a big boost, especially when I am down in the dumps.
    Also, I find the idea LOST & FOUND to be super and look forward to participating and reading all of the stories that will come out through it.

    Shalom,
    Patricia

    ReplyDelete
  37. My resolution is to focus on self care this month and also manage my time better. (same as last year's ;-) )
    I am signed up for the Lost & Found and have a comic love story. So do we post on Feb 1? :)

    Fabulous badge. That Guilie! Love her!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vidya, Guilie did a wonderful job with the badge. She's very talented.

      Lee

      Delete
  38. I really want to participate in this, but I have been wracking my brain all day trying to come up with something.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Timothy, hope you do come up with something. We'd love to have you join us.

      Lee

      Delete

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