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Saturday, May 4, 2013

A Conspiracy? (A-to-Z Reflections)

I entertained the idea of participating in the A-to-Z Challenge this year. But I knew April would be a demanding month at work, so I logically decided against participating.

I was at peace.

Until a certain dragon delivered mail asking if I'd do it. I again debated the pros and cons, weighing them until the balance tipped. I replied, relaying my sincere apologies.

Now I said my A B Cs...
I was again at peace--mostly.

Until a certain ninja (or a clone of one) emailed me. He pounced with his mystical power of persuasion. I heard music in the email. A guitar, I think. This masked master of omnipresence tempted me.

Was there a conspiracy afoot? Were other tempters and temptresses out there lying in wait? It quickly became obvious that resistance was futile. I caved.

And I was no longer at peace.

I fretted over theme. I fretted over time. I fretted over Xs and Zs and Qs. I garnered curious expressions from my wife as she watched me roam aimlessly throughout the house muttering my alphabet.

I chose my theme. I chose my entries. I wrote and posted, visited and commented. I found new friends, discovered great blogs, and learned a few things in the process. I do not regret participating.

I am at peace.

at

34 comments:

  1. Alex J. CavanaughMay 4, 2013 at 12:14 AM

    Knew you couldn't miss it! And when a Dragon and a Ninja say you need to participate, there is just no arguing. Because after that come the dwarves and the clones...
    Glad you had a good time, my friend! And are at peace. I knew you would be.
    Was at a concert tonight, so think now that I am home I need to go crash...

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 4, 2013 at 2:23 PM

      Well that explains why you're up so late! And the dwarves and the clones and cloned dwarves... I had no choice, but relent. :)

      Delete
  2. Shell FlowerMay 4, 2013 at 12:44 AM

    Wow, if a dragon and a ninja asked me to do the same thing, I'd probably do it, too. Glad you had a good time and didn't have to feel left out in April. Plus, you wrote some good posts!

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 4, 2013 at 2:23 PM

      Thank you! Never anger a dragon and never cross a ninja. That's my motto.

      Delete
  3. Maurice MitchellMay 4, 2013 at 1:09 AM

    Roaming "aimlessly throughout the house muttering my alphabey" LOL No conspiracy Jeff. Just peace. Congrats

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 4, 2013 at 2:24 PM

      Thanks, Maurice. My only regret was not being able to hit more participating sites. There we so many!

      Delete
  4. AnonymousMay 4, 2013 at 6:16 AM

    Congratulations on the completion of the Challenge,
    also a great reflection post.

    Yvonne.
    A TO Z AMBASSADOR

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  5. writing and living by Richard P HughesMay 4, 2013 at 7:42 AM

    For something you didn't want to do, you did a fabulous job of it. I enjoyed reading some of them, though I did not comment.

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 4, 2013 at 2:26 PM

      I appreciate that, Richard. I'm reluctant to commit to anything unless I can make every attempt to do my best. I'm just strange like that, I guess. :)

      Delete
  6. JoMay 4, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    A dragon and a ninja eh, how could you possible refuse them? I think I should take on a different persona, its fun.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 4, 2013 at 2:27 PM

      There is something so alluring about adopting an online persona. The dragon and ninja I mention have it down to an art.

      Delete
  7. Al DiazMay 4, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    I am glad you did enjoy it and I am glad if you would have not, there was someone else to take the blame there (what a lucky dragon I am! hahaha) I think your theme was excellent, your posts were enjoyable and I learned a few new things. For the record, there was no conspiracy. I thought this was a good chance for people to get to know the wonderful you. I guess Alex thought the same. :)

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 4, 2013 at 2:28 PM

      True conspirators never admit the conspiracy exists. But far be it from me to doubt the word of a noble dragon. I'm glad the two of you prodded. :)

      Delete
  8. S.P. BowersMay 4, 2013 at 12:26 PM

    I'm glad you did it. I enjoyed your posts. Always obey the dragon and the ninja.

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 4, 2013 at 2:29 PM

      Me too, Sara. And thanks. Life expectancy is much longer when dragons and ninjas are obeyed.

      Delete
  9. BethMay 4, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    Awesome! I enjoyed A-Z this year too, though I didn't get around as much as I would have liked due to a mid-April book release.

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 4, 2013 at 7:39 PM

      A book release is a very legitimate excuse. Congratulations on that, by the way! There were so many participants; visiting them all was almost impossible.

      Delete
  10. AnonymousMay 4, 2013 at 6:56 PM

    I loved your theme, Jeff.

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 4, 2013 at 7:40 PM

      Thanks, Donna. You and I do love our magic. And we did both tout Harry Potter. :)

      Delete
  11. klahanieMay 4, 2013 at 7:20 PM

    Hey Jeff,

    You did well, dude. I was delighted to interact with you during and after that alphabet challenge concluded.

    You may not know this, but a number of the hosts of the A to Z, begged me to participate. However, I didn't think it would be fair to the rest. Then again, you know me, I'm a rebel and would never, ever participate.

    Seriously, my friend, hearty congrats and thank goodness it's May!

    Gary :)

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 4, 2013 at 7:42 PM

      Thanks, Gary. I have no doubt the powers that be begged you. You're in high demand. Such is the price for greatness. You're such the rebel, the Han Solo of Bloggyville. And everybody loves the rebel. :-)

      Delete
  12. widdershinsMay 5, 2013 at 1:08 AM

    A great A-Z was had by all. Thanks.

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  13. Heather R. HoldenMay 6, 2013 at 2:33 AM

    I'm glad you participated in this. I really enjoyed reading your posts during the A-to-Z challenge!

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  14. Empty Nest InsiderMay 6, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    I'm also glad that the dragon and ninja persuaded you! You did an excellent job, and it was nice getting to know you better!

    Julie

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 9, 2013 at 8:48 PM

      I have the proper amount of respect ("fear") for dragons and ninjas to know better than ignore them. :)

      Delete
  15. jaybirdMay 9, 2013 at 9:48 AM

    I'm glad you participated too. I loved your posts and really enjoyed your comments on my blog. Looking forward to next year.

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 9, 2013 at 8:48 PM

      I still haven't made it to everyone's blogs. I'm looking forward to next year too.

      Delete
  16. TrishaMay 10, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    HAHA. I shouldn't laugh at your initial misfortune, because as you said, you are at peace and it was all worth it (that last bit was the implication I got out of this post anyway). ;)

    Sounds to me like it was totally a conspiracy! No question.

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 10, 2013 at 12:56 PM

      They can say what they like. I choose to believe it was a conspiracy. Doing so provides an ego boost. ;-)

      Delete
  17. SuzanneMay 23, 2013 at 9:31 AM

    Hi Jeff, found you through the reflections list, didn't 'meet' you during April. Love your A-Z theme! Also, my better half is a Jeff, also 49 - are you sure you're not him in disguise? Come to think of it he says he doesn't 'get' blogging - although that could be a ruse LOL
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe

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    1. Jeff HargettMay 23, 2013 at 9:24 PM

      I may not be him in disguise, but he sounds like a terrific guy. Right name. Right age. Appreciates a good ruse. :)

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