The A to Z Challenge is coming to a close this Wednesday. Like most endings, I find this one bittersweet. There will be plenty of time for de-briefing on the experience and shout-outs to all my cherished new blogging companions, but I’m one of those people who needs to prepare for transitions. Life after A to Z is on my mind.
I realize I should change my blog name to “That Got Me Thinking” because I have an entire notebook filled with words, phrases, quotes and scribblings for the “bemuzins” I want to write from triggers coming from your remarkable A to Z posts.
Thus fair warning, dear readers. If you are so sick of writing your A to Z’s and visiting A to Zers that you never want to hear the phrase A to Z again (at least until next March), you should stop following me 🙂 because I have a feeling many of my posts in the months to come will begin with “xxblogger from A to Z got me thinking about ….”
What a glorious journey this has been!
A standing ovation for each and every one of you.
bemuzin 
Comments on: "Bittersweet and Applause" (30)
Looking forward to the debriefing! I think my blog will have a little makeover after the challenge too…it’s thrown up so much stuff and so many ideas. Well done, for finishing the challenge and writing such an entertaining and wonderful blog. I don’t care how much you write about it afterwards, I’ll still follow – you’re stuck with me, lol 😉
Whew :-). Ditto from this end. Stuck like glue.
You’re stuck with me too, Sammy :). The A to Z is all about creating blogging momentum and it seems to have done remarkably well here. So blog on with A to Z ideas all you want, because that’s what this is about.
Aww, thank you so much for all your support and visits. I have had so much fun, and learned so much this month. I know many of these friendships will endure, and that is truly rewarding.
Ditto, ditto, ditto!
Bravo and Encore!
Oh, sorry, Lynne. I have two Lynne’s and it was other one who recommended art book. I bet you wondered what I was talking about. I think I got dizzy from all the Bravos and Encores !! Thanks so much for all your visits. I look forward to continuing to get good ( or “no”) book reviews from you!
Relax Sammy! I knew you were referring to someone else, because my artistic streak is non-existent 🙂
🙂 I’ll send you the book once I get my artistic mojo revved up. Don’t hold your breath. Ha. 🙂
Even though A to Z was quite a challenge for me, I agree that I’ve learned a lot about focus and determination in the process.
I’m looking forward to sharing more insights with you. 🙂 Great job!
Thanks, Kirsten. I’m interested to see what you turn to in your posts after A to Z; i have quite a few of yours bookmarked for helping me tweak WP brhind the scenes.
Sorry dearest, you’re stuck with me too. I’m so glad to hear that it’s been a positive experience and that you’ve made lasting friends. That’s our main goal! I certainly count you as a “keeper” of a new friend!
I, too, have a bunch of jotted ideas. I’m a jotter…
Be sure to join us for the Post-Challenge Road Trip which will be announced on the A-Z Blog on 5/6. I’m co-hosting with Nicole.
Tina @ Life is Good
A to Z Team @ Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014
Dearest Jotter – i’m glad you said jotter and not jogger ‘cuz those days are behind me (as evidenced by my expanding behind) but I love a good road trip and have been jotting for Post A to Z debrief 🙂
Cool that you’ll be coming along for the trip– make sure to blog about your experiences in the Reflections post, and add the link to it in the linky list opening on the 5th of May! 🙂
Absolutely! Thanks, Damyanti!
I have a feeling that in the next few months I’m going to be catching up on all the cool blogs I found through the A to Z Challenge. I’m planning a “debrief” post where I’ll share some of the cool stuff I discovered and learned through the challenge…it has been a great time and learning experience. I will be glad when I can get back to my regular posting schedule and topics, but I consider this to be an accomplishment for everyone who took the challenge and crossed the finish line! 😀
So true! A slower pace will be good because more outdoor activities will begin beckoning. Too!
What a good idea! Sorry I haven’t made it to your blog this week, but connection was terrible! And I’m off to London tomorrow for a few days so no doubt won’t have much time to go blog hopping then either! I shall have to make it up when I return. I have enjoyed visiting other blogs other than photography and travel, didn’t find many on flowers and gardens though, and I did find commenting and even visiting some quite challenging in themselves. The crossover between different platforms isn’t easy! Anyway I shall definitely be visiting you after the finish line to see what you are up to. You make me laugh and that can only be a good thing 😀
Cheers, Jude xx
Thanks, Jude. I’m happy to hear from you, and never any expectations from this end – just enjoyment when we connect. You are right; the crossover snafus are not good, and I think many bloggers grew frustrated with that. I hope your trip goes smoothly and we’ll touch base soon! Thanks again for your encouragement.
Absolutely true and well said, fellow A to Z-er! I think I’ll be doing the same as well as continuing to visit the list for a while yet! Too many interesting blogs, not enough time 🙂 It’s been a great month!
It sure has been a great month. I have really enjoyed your “pour quoi” posts and appreciate all your encouragement. Cheers!
Merci! I’m so glad to have found your blog 🙂
Great job for finishing!! It has been a lot of work, but well worth it!! So many bloggers I wouldn’t have met without this challenge.
I agree – i have received so many gifts by participating. And now I get to see my faborite bloggers in a more “normal” mode, which will be just as interesting.
I agree. Being such a new blogger, I didn’t have much time to spread my wings. Now that the challenge is almost over, I am excited to tackle my ‘must write’ topic list!
It’s been a fabulous, albeit hectic experience for me too and I’m so glad we met because of it, Sammy! Looking forward to your future posts as well. 🙂
Ditto ditto ditto 🙂
Now you got me thinking what you said to t’other Lynne about said art book, and after your U I’m wondering if that book will ever get opened..
You’ve done the AtoZ proud and we’ve still a few days to go. Well done for visiting and commenting daily on so many. It’s always a pleasure to see your pic on my comment line. From experience I know I now head into my next challenge which is open studios so I won’t be around for the road trip but look forward to our chess and mah-jong lessons 😉
LOL. I wondered the same thing when I bought the art book – is this next year’s Useless Object for A to Z? My downfall on books is getting to the supply list page; buying the supplies; then scree-ee-ch. good news – I have all suggested supplies except a frickin’ viewfinder which I have to “construct”. I’m generally constructing-challenged! THEN i have to Be Brave and draw a self-portrait! Those are two giant hurdles for me; if I can get past them, I’ll be on my way. Need to put those two on calendar as ‘drop dead’ appointments then should get them done!
I want my road trip to end at your open studios event!! I hope you enjoy that, and don’t stress yourself!
As a reader of A-to-Z, I really enjoyed our conversations. I might have to give it a go next year!
It’s like a trip to Europe. I loved it; it was really hard work, and I don’t want to go again for at least a year! I hope you do join next year; I’m really glad I did it.