Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Loyalty: Why It Runs The Gamut From A to Z



A to Z Challenge [2013]
                                                                   

Though I originally wrote this for the letter L in 2011, it is the reason that I'm looking forward to participating in my third  Blogging From A to Z April Challenge . There is still time to sign up for this amazing event that  Arlee Bird  began in 2010, which continues to bring many returning, as well as new bloggers together to form everlasting bonds.
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I've always tried to instill in my children the importance of loyalty. Whether it be your family, friends, school, place of worship, or workplace, showing loyalty is rewarding in itself. Recently, I've had the pleasure of experiencing loyalty from an unexpected source  the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge.
 
At the beginning, I had no idea what the challenge would be like. I thought it would be interesting and a great way to meet new people, but I never expected it to be such a warm and inviting experience. There is a certain loyalty among bloggers. It's a polite society of writers who support each other in very endearing ways. While some are quick to gain new followers, others stay and chat awhile. It's like the perfect neighborhood on a warm summer day, where everyone is sipping lemonade and telling stories.

It doesn't matter how old you are, where you live, or what you write about, there is an unwritten code of honor among the writers in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. I don't know if it's the same in other writing competitions, but I'm grateful that this is my first. I hope that I am as gracious as others have been to me. If I have offended anyone with my stories or comments I am deeply sorry.

This whole experience has brought back memories of my college sorority. What I liked most about it, was that we didn't fit one mold. Some were pretty and athletic, while others were funny and artistic, but we all banned together for the good of the house. I believe all the hosts of the challenge should be commended for creating such a welcome and rewarding environment. Likewise, all the participants should be proud of their good conduct. It will be very bittersweet when the challenge comes to an end. Hopefully, we will not have to go through Hell Week.
 

41 comments:

  1. What a wonderful way to look back at your thoughts on your first Challenge!
    And I believe we met during that time as well.

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  2. This post is another L word... "lovely". Guess I'm not fitting the bill for "loyal" right now, because I'm not gonna play in the challenge this year. All the things you say about it are true, and I did enjoy it last year, but I'm not willing to put all that time into this year. I have GOT to get my book published and do some more research so I can get to work on my next one, so I'm probably gonna take the whole month off from blogging. Maybe I'll be A to Zing with y'all next year. Have fun with it!

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  3. I guess I'm another who hasn't been too 'loyal' as I am not participating this year either. Looking forward to your posts though.

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  4. "It's like the perfect neighborhood on a warm summer day, where everyone is sipping lemonade and telling stories."

    I LOVE that. That's exactly right.

    And I'm like Susan up there. I've done the challenge the last two years, but this year I gotta focus on the novel and get it done.

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  5. We met then too!So glad! Love A-Z wouldn't miss it!

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  6. You seem to be a great example of loyalty! What a fun idea. Also, learning the meaning thru your experiences in college has to be endearing.

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  8. Your post today by coincidence reflects loyalty among bloggers.
    I enjoyed your post and it was a pleasure to read.

    Yvonne.

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    1. Yvonne - We also met my very first year of A to Z, and you've been a loyal participant from the beginning! Sadly, I've tried several times, and I still can't get on your site.

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  9. Alex - I'm so glad we met then, and I'm also glad you're still co-hosting!

    Susan - I LOVED your book, and that really has to be your first priority! Hope you'll still pop in from time to time.

    Delores - We also met through A to Z, and you did a great job cooking through the alphabet last year.

    Luanne - I 'll also miss seeing you this year. I'm very excited about your book!

    Jen - We did meet through A to Z, and I look forward to doing it again with you!

    Tammy - I try to be a loyal friend, though I know I've made many mistakes. Thanks Tammy!

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  10. What a sweet post!

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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  11. I am also looking forward to this year's A2Z. Will be keeping my posts succinct and pithy, hopefully witty and thoughtful, etc. All good A2Z words!

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  12. Beautiful, and true, sentiments on the event.

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  13. Thanks Shelly!

    Susan - These are all great words for A to Z! It will be fun seeing your pithy posts!

    Joy - It is all true, and the crazy last minute rushing all adds to the fun! Thanks Joy!

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  14. Hi Julie - you're so right .. it is such a wonderful community and the co-hosts are brilliant that they do such a fantastic job putting the Challenge on. Big Kudos to Arlee for kickstarting it in 2010 ...

    Excellent post and everyone's comments tie in exactly ... cheers and I'm looking forward to April ... Hilary

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  15. Sigh. Wanna play but blasted novel needs my attention. I love blogging so much it just sucks up all my time BUT...
    I look forward to reading your A-Z blogs Julie!
    Lovely thoughts up there. ALways a pleasure to read your posts. I count you as one of my always-good-to-read-blogmates! *hugs*
    ~Just Jill

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  16. Hell Week! I hope not! This year will be my first A-Z experience, and I'm looking forward to it.

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  17. Hilary - This will be our third A to Z together! Looking forward to your lovely posts Hilary!

    Jill - Sorry you won't be able to join in, but it's great that you're working on a novel! Thanks for the kind words Jill, and I really enjoy reading your wonderful stories too. It's been so much fun getting to know you!

    Carol - The key is organization, so I'm confident that you'll be on top of things. It will be fun doing A to Z with you!

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  18. After experiencing other corners of the internet, the blogging experience has been paradise! A wonderfully supportive and accommodating community thrives in Bloggyville. I'm glad I moved into the neighborhood.

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  19. Meeting good people is one of these I enjoyed about the A to Z challenge last year. This year I will be busy with other writing projects. How I enjoy reading the writings of the friends I made last year.

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  20. You captured the warm, supportive nature of the challenge through this post, Julie. I hope you have a great time with it. (I did. This year, I won't be on-board, but I look forward to reading A-Z posts.)

    xoRobyn

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  21. Jeff - I'm glad you moved in too!

    Yvonne - I'm happy that we met last year, and wish you all the best with your writing projects!

    Robyn - Though we didn't meet during the challenge, you've always been very supportive, and I really appreciate it Robyn!

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  22. So THAT'S why we keep writing each other? Cool.

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  23. Looking forward to another year. I had to skip last year as we were traveling, but I am getting geared up for this year.

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  24. Al - Did I forget to mention that it was also fun reading blogs like yours?

    Rhonda - I'm excited that you're back again this year! Thanks for getting me through our first A to Z Rhonda!

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  25. The blogging community here is top notch and I expect nothing but great things and awesome posts from this year's challenge :)

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  26. Dang...blogger ate my comment. I HATE that.
    I'll try to reconstruct...nicely said. I'm going to be sending this link to Lee for his next round-up of participants doing promos for the Challenge. This was particularly good because it emphasizes our main goal: community. Well done.
    And thanks for your understanding comment about my wormhole trip. I appreciate it.


    Tina @ Life is Good
    Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
    @TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

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  27. Julie, we met through the challenge.
    You were the FIRST commenter on my A post last year... and we've been connected since...
    I'm so glad I met you through A to Z and looking forward to this years challenge!

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  28. Mark - I agree that this year will be more exciting than ever!

    Tina - I'd be honored to be included on the list! Thanks so much Tina!

    Michelle - I'm so glad that we met through the challenge! I remember how much fun your posts were, and continue to be. Now you're a minion, and will be busier than ever this year!

    Julie

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  29. I completely agree - I think loyalty and commitment are super important. I may have some faults, but I've always been completely loyal to friends and family. It's sad for me that not everyone's that way.
    Great post and good luck on your A-Z 2013! :-)

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  30. Good for you in taking on such a challenge for the first time. It's good to push yourself to new heights and break some barriers.

    There are definitely some kind loyal bloggers out there, who support and encourage you to do well and even if you bump into a bad one, just use it as a learning curb. Most of us try to be gracious with our writings but sometimes it's not always seen that way. We can only do our best with a good heart and clear conscious.
    I wish you all the best with this challenge and I know it will an experience.

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  31. Lexa - Your friends and family are very lucky to have you! Thanks Lexa!

    RPD - You hit the nail on the head, as part of the fun is pushing each other on! Thanks RPD!

    Julie

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  32. This will be my first time with the A to Z Blog challenge. I am NOT a writer. I just like to write. About my life mostly. My theme is going to be about places I have been...Hope to see you around

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    1. It's nice to meet you Paula, and after completing A to Z you will certainly feel like a writer! Glad you're doing the challenge, and I'll be on the look-out for you!

      Julie

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  33. Very nicely done. Thank you. I'll add this link to my post on the A to Z Blog for March 19th.

    Lee
    Wrote By Rote
    An A to Z Co-host blog

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  34. I hopped over from the A-Z blog. I'm participating for the third time and agree, there is something for everyone. I am curious to see how the categories pan out. I didn't put myself in a category because I'm the queen of random. I'm also an empty nester who likes to write...will be following along with your A-Z posts!

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  35. Joyce - I'm also not in a category. It's nice to meet you, and I look forward to seeing you at the challenge! Thanks for following me Joyce!

    Julie

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  36. Thanks for this lovey post...it is heartening to see such support for the A to Z Challenge.

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  37. Hi! This is a lovely post. I am participating for the first time. Hope to come up with some interesting ideas!

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  38. Damyanti - I look forward to seeing you again this year! Thanks Damyanti!

    Archana - Welcome to A to Z! I'm sure you will do a great job, and the fun part is trying out new things! I'll be on the lookout for you! Thanks Archana!

    Julie

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