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.

34 comments:

  1. 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...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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!

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

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

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

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

    Yvonne.
    A TO Z AMBASSADOR

    ReplyDelete
  5. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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

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

      Delete
  7. 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. :)

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

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

      Delete
  9. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. I loved your theme, Jeff.

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

      Delete
  11. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. A great A-Z was had by all. Thanks.

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. 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

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

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

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

      Delete
  16. 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.

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

      Delete
  17. 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

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

      Delete