Reflections on the A to Z Challenge

Yes, I am a few days late, but here are my few reflections on the blogging challenge I just finished.

I never knew I could do it! I am a procrastinator at heart. At least when it comes to writing. If there is not a deadline I can write all day long. Give me a deadline and my brain halts. So finishing each day, each letter, is quite something for me!

It would not be right not to thank those who have read, visited and commented. I know I have a few lurkers who never commented (you know who you are!), or who contacted me on Facebook to talk about my latest blog. And those of you who actually took the time to comment and offer public encouragement, your words mean so much to me! There were some days where I took a leap of faith in posting sensitive matters of my heart, and you embraced me wholly. I thank all of you!

Since I had only had my blog open for a few days before the challenge started, I did not have much of a following. I think, actually, I was at a grand total of 2--and both of those women I know personally. Through this challenge I have gained 22 followers! My ticker also shows nearly 900 views! Wow! This is amazing to me! So many like to read what I write, controversial or not. It is a huge shot in the arm!!

I am going to add the "I survived" button with great pride!

And if you are bored, wondering what to do or what to read, there is a bloghop for you to check out at the end of the post. Yet right now I want to speak to a few in particular:

Jenny's The Modest Peacock. "You are the reason I'm in the mess..." I believe were the words I gave to you a week into this challenge. I have not yet had a chance to amend them and thank you for helping me to expand myself beyond my meager world. Thank you so much for your support and guidance during April, and my entire life!

Arlee at Tossing It Out for hosting this grand mess! I have helped be a judge for fanfiction awards and that is crazy enough...I can't imagine how you juggled your personal life and then supporting those of us who decided to follow you into madness. Thank you for bringing us into your world!

And of course, Shannon from The Warrior Muse. You bestowed upon me my first blogging award, which completely took me by surprise as I did not know those existed. I have enjoyed lurking on your blog with the few comments I have posted. Please know that even if I did not post, I certainly saw! I love to see what you will post next, and I look forward to lurking on your blog some more!!

MybabyJohn, I do not know your name but I have valued your comments each post. Thank you for your insights and offerings. I hope you continue to follow me as I blog. I do not plan to blog every day, but at LEAST once a week! (And then, in addition, whenever the mood strikes.)

There are so many more that I would like to give my thanks to, but I fear this blog would be extremely long as a result! Even if you were not singled out, if you have posted comments please know that I value your time and efforts!

Thank you for joining me on this ride. Perhaps there will be another challenge soon and I will attempt to pick up that gauntlet as well!