Monday, March 19, 2012

Reflections



March, as you know, is blogoversary month here at Write Now, so I've been in a reflective mood. It's been three great years, and I can't thank you all enough for sharing in the journey. You've added rich, abundant blessings to my life; you are by far, the best blog followers on the planet! 

As a small token of my thanks, I'm having a giveaway (details below). I'd love to send you all some chocolate, but that is not feasible until my ship comes in. In the meantime, we'll have a random drawing to choose the winner, but know that I treasure each and every one of you.

I've also been reflecting on my writing. The catalyst? Reviewing a few old articles, and a booklet that I self published some years ago.  Yes, there's been a fair amount of cringing - I'm fairly sure I uttered things like, "I can't believe I was that wordy," or "Did I really say THAT? Eeesh!" 

Once I quelled my shudders, I realized that it simply means my writing has grown, and this is a good thing. It reminds me of something Lewis Carroll said:

If you limit your actions in life to things that nobody can 

possibly find fault with, you will not do much.

I often aim only for the destination, when really, the journey, with its ups and downs (and lousy writing episodes), is what makes the destination what it is. Writing and life are that much sweeter through growth and lessons learned, don't you think? 

Blogoversary Giveaway Details


 
The prize package includes a handy bound notebook and pen and a delectable chocolate bar. No blogoversary celebration would be complete without chocolate! 

 
To enter, please note the following details:

  • You must be a follower and leave a comment, with email address, on this or any post through Friday March 30.
  • Gain bonus entries (+1 each) by posting this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please include link with your comment where applicable.
  • Open to residents of the United States.
  • Deadline to enter is midnight EST, Friday, March 30, 2012. Winner will be notified via email and have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, April 2.

Thanks again for being a great support to me!

What are you reflecting on? Read any of your old writing lately? Is it any different from your current writing?

Happy writing,
Karen



Photo Credit: azjack2008 at Stock Exchange

38 comments :

  1. Congrats on three years of blogging.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  2. Karen,
    I am so glad I discovered you in the blogosphere. Don;t put my name in the drawing. I am dieting :), but do know that your writing has impacted me and many others.

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  3. What a great quote!! Yes, my writing has changed, even from this book that's coming out next month.

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  4. Glenda,
    Thanks so much! Glad you are a part of it! :) I enjoy hopping over to your blog.

    Linda,
    I am too! It's been good to get to you know you. Thanks for your kind words. You are quite the inspiration yourself!

    Jessica,
    I know, it resonated with me too! Looking forward to reading your book! Our writing is always growing, isn't it?

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  5. Congrats!

    It's amusing to go back and read old work. Yes, I often cringe!

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  6. Oh I hate to read my old writing. Cringe yes! Love that you have been blogging for three years and that I have been part of it. :))))

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  7. I can always use a chocolate bar! Happy blogoversary.

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  8. Diane,
    Thanks so much! Well, at least I'm not alone in this; some of my old writing - phew! Glad I can move ahead. :)

    Terri,
    So glad to hear you say that - not because I wish cringing on you, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one! :) I'm glad too, that you've been a part of it. You were one of my earliest followers!

    Carol,
    Who can't, right? :) Thanks so much!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  9. Happy Blogaversary!!! I attached a little bit about your blogaversary at the end of my post today.
    http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/2012/03/she-sparkles-self-discipline-and.html

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  10. I'm Canadian, so I don't qualify for the draw, but I do want to wish you many more happy years of blogging, Karen!

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  11. Hi Karen .. I think that's great three years - me too .. just gently rocking along! I can't wait for your boat to come in - then I get some choccy tooooooo - good quote by Mr Carroll - isn't it ..

    I've grown so much in so many ways being around bloggers - learning, appreciating life, adjusting, and growing .. fantastic time ..

    Cheers and so many congratulations - Hilary

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  12. Congratulations! How many years of blogging now?

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  13. Tyrean,
    Thank you! And thanks for the shout out on your blog. You are a blessing! :)

    Linda,
    Thanks so much! Sorry that I had to limit it to US this time. Thanks so much for your support. You are one of my many blog blessings!

    Hilary,
    It is simply wonderful, this blogging experience, isn't it? What a blessing to get to know you and so many others. Happy blogoversary to you too! I like that: gently rocking along! :)

    Alex,
    It's been three - hard to believe. It's a great adventure. Thanks for being a part of it!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  14. I love that you may have cringed at your old writing, but you were happy that you had grown so much. What a wonderful attitude. Congratulations on your three wonderful years.

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  15. CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!

    ;)

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  16. Oops. Forgot my email address. everythinghomewithcarol at yahoo dot com.

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  17. Happy Blogiversary! I wish I could get around to everyone's blog more often. I definitely think life is sweeter with lessons learned.

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  18. Nancy,
    I still am not crazy about reading it and seeing the mistakes, but at least I know I'm learning! Thanks so much; glad you are along for the ride!

    Laura,
    I know! Who can resist? :D

    Carol,
    Thanks a bunch! Entry noted! :)

    Angie,
    Thank you very much! I hear you; I have trouble getting around to see everyone. More hours in the day might be nice, but then, maybe we'd never stop working, right? :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  19. Happy Blogoversary, Karen!

    I posted this announcement on Facebook. susanjreinhardt AT gmail DOT com

    Some of my early writing, even the stuff that got published, makes me want to hide. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  20. Hi Karen...

    Congratulations on THREE YEARS BLOGGING! My three year blogversary won't be until this coming October.

    My email address with writingstraightfromtheheart@gmail.com

    Oh yes, Karen, I read old writings and definitely cringe. But I'm always happy to think that my writing has grown over the years. Susan

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  21. I love that quote, Karen. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway opportunity!

    I recently thought about reading a clip of my first manuscript but thought better of it. It's hidden away for a reason. :)

    sarah at sarahforgrave dot com

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  22. Susan,
    Thank you! You, my friend, were one of the first followers and cheerleaders! Thanks for sharing this. :) Yes, I've wanted to hide too...:P Got you on the list!

    Susan W.,
    You were an early follower too, and one of my first giveaway winners! Thanks so much! Happy early blogoversary to you! :) I've got your name down for this one.

    Sarah,
    You are so welcome; glad you liked it! Yes, that's why we have good hiding places! :) Added you to the list!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  23. Karen:
    I think its marvelous that you take the time to post here. I always look forward to reading your thoughts and your writing tips. Thank you for all you do.

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  24. Eating chocolate while re-reading past writing is a good idea. Thanks for the opportunity!
    sdlbishop2(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. Cecelia,
    Thank you so much for your kind words! You were one of my earlier followers, and I so appreciate your support. You are a blessing. :)

    Sally,
    Yes, see, you're my kind of friend! Added you to the list. Thanks for the support!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  26. I like that quote, even while it makes me squirm. So moving on...

    ...to that giveaway. I love great pens and journals. The chocolate I'd use to shamelessly bribe Mr. Schrock's kids or - even him. :)

    Anyway, my email is rschrockmt@yahoo.com. Here's to another great year of blogging for you, my friend!

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  27. Congrats on 3 years of blogging. Here is hoping you celebrate many more blogoversaries.

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  28. Rhonda,
    I know, I guess it could me too, but as you said,, moving on, we move on...And know that we are doing something to move ahead! :) Got you on the list. May throw in some Chapstick too. :P

    Rachna,
    Thanks so much. I'm glad we met through blogging! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  29. Congrats on the three years of blogging! The Lewis Carroll quote reminds me to keep stepping out of my comfort zone, even if I have to nudge myself the whole way.

    Yes, I read my old writing and cringe here and there. But if we weren't cringing, we wouldn't be improving, right? ;-)

    Be well. Thank you for the opportunity to win free chocolate and other goodies! Here's my email address: writerjanettedolores AT gmail DOT com.

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  30. Hi Janette,
    Thank you! So glad you've been a part of this journey with me! I know what you mean; I must push myself out of my comfort zone too - all the time! I've got your name on the list. :)
    Thanks again,
    Karen

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  31. Nothing like some specific date to make one reflective. I'm glad I've gotten to know you.

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  32. Chocolate AND a notebook? Too good to pass up. Please count me in!

    Email: writinginthebuff@hotmail.com

    I have read some of my old writing and yes, it makes me cringe. But it is so nice to see so clearly how far I've come.

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  33. Theresa,
    I know it! I'm so glad to have met you too. You are a blessing!

    Lisa,
    Got you down on the list! I thought you might be up for chocolate! :) It is nice to know that we are growing!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  34. I can't remember a time before blogging.
    Bit far in Australia, but I will buy some Hershey kisses this weekend and tell myself they're from you :)

    Wagging Tales

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  35. Charmaine,
    I know, me too. Whatever did we do with our time? :) Yes, Hershey Kisses are just the chocolate thing to share. I'll have some chocolate this weekend and will be thinking of you too!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  36. Hi, Karen.

    Sometimes when I get discouraged, I read my old writing. It helps me to reflect on the ways that I've matured as a writer.

    Happy blogoversary!
    Jean

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  37. Congratulation on three years. I remember you being one of the first blogs I followed when I began blogging 15 months ago. I have received a lot of good advice here. Thank you

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  38. Jean,
    Me too - but I have to guard against beating myself up too much! Thanks for the blogoversary wishes! :)

    Shanda,
    Thank you! I'm so glad we've gotten to know each other a little better. Thanks for your kind words! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!