I love the alphabet and throughout my careers as a reading specialist, kindergarten teacher, children’s librarian, and mother of 4, I have read my fair share of alphabet books. I think alphabetical order is a wonderful way to organize information which is what drew me to the A-to-Z Blog Challenge 3 years ago.
My theme his year was Library Love and I had a blast finding and sharing all things library. If you think libraries are boring check out my posts on things found in library books, long overdue books, and brave librarians here and here.
There are so many wonderful A-to-Z bloggers. Here are some that I am following:
Evelyne Holingue who shares her life and perspectives on being a French-American writer, wrote 26 posts featuring French authors. I feel like I just finished a French literature class.
Eva at Mail Adventures has inspired me to start sending out postcards again.
Hilary at Positive Letters where I learned something new from A to Z with her fascinating posts about British Rare Breeds.
Jen at Jen’s Lexical Creations with posts for writers and readers
Shirley who Writes to Inspire and posted 26 days of ways to Build a Better Blog
Lissa at Rainswept because her art and writing are just so lovely.
Melanie at Atherton’s Magic Vapor with Stranded! stories based on illustrations from Strand Magazine.
True North Bricks because LEGOS!
Of course some letters were harder to write about than others. J was difficult but X was my toughest. Thanks to the nearly extinct card catalog, I was able to write a post. I actually think I could go through the alphabet one more time with my Library Love theme.
Were there any letters that were difficult for you?
Some random thoughts about the challenge:
Last year I was a member of a team that checked in on an assigned list of bloggers to see how they were doing. Because the linky list was dropped, there was no need for these teams. I missed Pam, our fearless leader, at Unconventional Librarian and the camaraderie we developed during the challenge.
I miss the linky list with the categories listed. I found myself reading and commenting only on blogs posted before I linked in which means I probably missed blogs posted in other time zones. Also, with the linky list, I was far more organized as I went down the list visiting new 5 new blogs a day.
I’d like to continue to visit more A to Z blogs. What do you think would be the best way to do this?
I’ll admit that I didn’t post much on social media because I find that once I get on, I have a tough time stepping away and then get nothing done. I need to figure out how to better manage my time.
Cheers to the wonderful organizers. You each deserve many new followers and a long rest.
thanks for the mention but I must correct you, it’s ‘the last rain girl’ or rather ‘rainswept’ is the name of my blog but it’s no big. I actually get ‘the last train girl’ a lot when being mentioned.
I was late to your blog but I enjoyed reading your libraries posts especially those gorgeous libraries around the world.
I’m not on any social medias so I have no clue what’s going on in that area but I think it was for promoting your blog & like you, I felt like I missed out on something but I don’t care. social media isn’t for everyone and I like to think a blog is social media although probably a rather slow one.
congrats on finishing the challenge.
have a lovely day.
Hi Lissa,
I went back and changed the name of your blog. Thanks for letting me know that I had it wrong. I’ll be checking in on your lovely posts from time to time.
Cheers!
Hi Claire .. I thoroughly enjoyed your posts on Libraries – they are a wealth of information at the front end – before we even look at books etc … the librarians et al just love communicating with others. Thanks so much for the shout out … I agree with your thoughts re the A-Z.
I need to visit a few other bloggers you mention – that I didn’t find (because I didn’t look) … but can now go and clock in … it’s good to be in touch … I create around the letters Q, X, J etc … there’s always a way …
Heather Gardner of the A-Z challenge used to do a road trip – but I guess the best way is to find new people via comments on others’ blog posts … there is a list up for the Reflections posts – another way … I doubt I’ll put mine there … but great you want to see more A-Zers … cheers and I so enjoyed your posts … and see you around – Hilary
I have really enjoyed your posts (as a library lover and a reader), and I hope I’ll continue visiting your blog. Oh, and I feel happy happy happy that I inspired you to send more postcards. That’s great!
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Eva – Mail Adventures
Hi Claire, I didn’t get to read your blog at all during the A to Z but I love your theme. Yes, I agree. I missed the linky list too. On the other hand, I just randomly dived in and out of blogs and met some stunning people in the process, and read some fabulous blogs I would probably have missed if I’d gone by my interests!
Bravo, Claire for finishing this challenge. I love your theme. Thank you also for mentioning my blog. I posted my reflections a few days ago, since I’m currently on the road. Best to you.
Claire ,
I have enjoyed each of your A to Z challenges the past few years.I know it takes tons of work, but you have given us such blessings through them.
So, I thank you –
for your creative ideas, your lovely writing, the laughter, and for the new things I have learned.
I enjoyed reading your A to Z posts this year as I’m a big fan of all things library. I wish I could have popped by more often during the challenge.