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Wednesday 7 May 2014

Reflections


                                                    



Till last week it was very hectic, frenzied and full of excitement. Most of us were caught in a maze of  alphabets and words. Yes, I am referring to A to Z  challenge.  There are 26 alphabets, one for each day of April, except Sundays. We were supposed to select a theme or to write at random. I read about this challenge about two months ago, but did not pay any heed to it.I could not imagine myself writing a blog every day  of the month. Not for me this challenge!.  As days passed by I read enthusiastic bloggers writing about the challenge.I too searched the post written by Madam Corinne. It was truly motivating.  I discussed about it with my mentor, Shilpa. Her advice was so inspiring that  then and there I decided to take the plunge! Now another  dilemma. Whether to select a theme or to write at random. After weighing several thoughts I decided to take the theme.I decided to write on 'Festivals of India'. In my younger days I had travelled a lot and witnessed quite a number of  celebrations. 
                   I do not regret that I selected this topic. I wrote with great zest and enthusiasm.  I wrote minimum two posts every day and completed  twenty two posts by first week of March.  The last four  proved to be challenging.I discussed with friends, consulted the great Google, and took a final decision.  I am  contended with the support and motivation  which I got from friends. I made many new friends, and retained the old ones.  It was a very fulfilling experience to read blogs, which touched the  heart. The variety  of themes and the text and subject matter of the blogs was amazing.I mention a few which were exemplary. Shilpa's  55ers on marriage ,to say the least were unique. Sreeja's story  left the readers guessing what next.The doggies of Carol Graham were such cuties. Vishal's memoirs of his college were  soaked in  pleasant remembrances. Jayanta, being a Rotarian,wrote about social  issues and how they can be curbed by society. Beloo Mehra, herself a great educationist is concerned with the  drawbacks in the  prevalent system of Education and how the age old practises can be erased and a new and more practical changes can be brought about.  Many of Swathi's posts expressed feelings and emotions which we face in our daily life.I enjoyed  the posts of Sushree Dash, Rajlakshami, S(t)ri,  Shailaja.The little Princess, Jyotsna Bhatia, Kathy Combs and Nabanita and many more posts brilliantly written by friends whose names have been left out inadvertently.
   This has been a memorable journey under the  leadership of Madam Corinne, who is herself a prolific writer and a friend and a guide to all the participants. My special   thanks to my group leader, Shilpa,who has  guided every one  efficiently.

























26 comments:

  1. I enjoyed reading ur theme, Usha Ma'am and its been an educating reading you bout' festivals where I learned so much. There are so many things I never know and what an honour it is to find my name on top:)

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    1. Thanks Vishal I am glad that you came to know many new things through my posts.

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  2. Such a simple, beautiful way to speak about your experiences :) We all loved your 'Festivals', and we loved your zeal more than that !
    And we had an edutaining time this April at KKKM :)
    Thanks for the mention, Usha Ma'm :)

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    1. Thank you Sreeja. I always like to write in a simple language. Now it has become a habit.Glad you came to know more about the festivals.

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  3. Congrats on completing the challenge wonderfully....I loved reading about the colourful festivals of our country...It was as if I was back with my grandmother who used to actually tell us such stories...I loved being part of the challenge with you :)

    Reflections on A2Z Challenge-Random Thoughts Naba

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    1. Thank you Naba. I am glad that you were reminded of your grandmother's stories. I must be your grand mother's age or even older than her.

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  4. Many congratulations on completing the challenge ma'am :) It was truly an awesome experience, connecting with so many bloggers through the challenge :) Your posts were very informative and I have enjoyed reading them as well :) Thanks for the mention ma'am :) It means a lot to me to know you liked reading my posts :) Hope to keep in touch even though the challenge has ended :)

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    1. Thanks Swathi. Of course we will remain in touch.

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  5. Congrats madam... :)
    I was unable to participate in it...
    Because I knew I will not be regular!
    I wish I did... :(

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    1. Thanks Satya. Actually it is not at all difficult to complete the challenge. Only thing is you must be regular and plan it in advance.

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  6. I very much enjoyed reading such heartfelt reflections on the challenge experience. Congratulations once again! Thanks for the kind mention, appreciate it very much :)

    Beauty Interprets, Expresses, Manifests the Eternal

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    1. Thanks Beloo. I am happy that I came to know you through this challenge. Be in touch.

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  7. Congratulations on completing the challenge! So well done:-) Loved to read about the festivals:-)

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    1. Thanks a lot Eli Z I am happy that I met you. Keep in touch.

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  8. Congratulations on successfully completing this marathon of a challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all the festivals and celebrations you shared. It made me realize that life in India must be one big ongoing party! :D Blessings to you my friend! ♥

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  9. we enjoyed reading all your festive posts !

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    1. Thank you Ananya.I am glad that in spite of your busy schedule you took time to comment here.

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  10. Congratulations!
    It is very thoughtful of you to remember each and every participants. I see that it is no longer a challenge for you.

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    1. Thank you Reshma.I feel without comments from you some thing is missing in my space.Always thanks.

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  11. Congratulations.
    Somehow,i never could get up to take this challenge

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    1. Thank you Bk. There is no challenge in this "challenge"Only thing is that one has to organise every thing.

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  12. Congrats,madam.I too wanted to journey with you.But my house chores blocked my way.Your choice was apt and informative.

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    1. Thank you Sarala. Your words are always supportive.

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  13. I came to know the meanings behind festivals and many interesting facts about Indian festivals, thanks to your festive posts Ushaji :) You aced the challenge, scheduling and planning the posts so well, congratulations!! I need to learn a lot from you in that respect. I just about managed to complete the challenge after April in part due to my laziness.

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    1. Thanks Reshma for such sweet comments.

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