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It's the first Wednesday
of the month ~
the day when members of the
Insecure Writer's Support Group
share their writing struggles
and offer their encouragement
and support to other members.
To visit the IWSG website, click here.
To become a member of the IWSG, click here.
Our wonderful co-hosts who are stepping up to help IWSG founder Alex J. Cavanaugh are:
Christopher D. Votey, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Chrys Fey, and Fundy Blue.
I hope you have a chance to visit them and thank them for co-hosting.
I'm sure they would appreciate an encouraging comment!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Every month the IWSG announces a question
that members can answer with advice, insight,
a personal experience, or story in their IWSG posts.
Or, the question can inspire members if they are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!!!
This month's IWSG featured question is:
Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms
of marketing, networking, publicity for your book?
What were the results?
Home again, and it feels wonderful after months
of knocking about from Calgary to Honolulu.
Heading for Home
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
With regard to this month's IWSG question,
I have never participated in the annual A to Z Challenge;
so, of course, I have never taken advantage of it in terms of
marketing, networking, publicity for anything.
I have enough on my plate with my memoir, my blog,
my photography, and my wanderlust.
A Giant Dragon Invades Waikiki
Honolulu Festival Parade, 2017
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
I'd crash and burn before I made it to C.
I know better than to set myself up for that meltdown.
So I'm wishing all those tackling the 2017 A to Z Challenge the best of luck!
I hope that you find this year's challenge full of rewards.
C is for Conch Shell Blower
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
where I can write in my familiar study
with all my materials at hand
and internet service I can count on.
I'm a happy gal!
Leis Drape the Duke's Statue at Sunset on Waikiki
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
Keeping it short and sweet this time.
Have a happy and productive month of writing in April.
Have a happy and productive month of writing in April.
Sky and Water on Waikiki
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
I'm not sure where I'll be this time next month,
but guaranteed I'll be writing.
Take care!
I'm having fun with my new Waterlogue App.
Dreamy images, that reflect your time there. Hope you have some rest time at home, and are happy in whatever the day brings.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jean! I do have a few weeks at home, and I am happy about that! Terry is flying out to Vegas tomorrow for a pickleball tournament, and I'm awaiting the arrival of my best friend and her husband plus scottie dog tomorrow afternoon. We have a snowstorm tonight. Sending you and Hugh love and hugs!
DeleteBeautiful images, Louise! I don't ever participate in any blog challenges, I just prefer to do my own thing. I hope you get some nice and relaxing time for yourself, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words about my photos, Linda! I certainly had fun creating them. It was raining during the first week I was in Honolulu, so I started taking classes at the Waikiki Apple store which was about a six minute walk from our hotel. For one photography workshop, there was just me, and the Apple trainer showed me the Waterlogue App.
DeleteSoon, soon I'll have a little relaxing time!!! Terry's leaving for Vegas tomorrow morning, and we have friends arriving in the afternoon. Bad luck that things worked out that Terry would be out of town playing in a pickleball tournament. But I'm looking forward to seeing Cheri and Gary. Have a lovely week! Sending you lots of love.
I love your imagery and your talent. They pulled me right into the frame. What a beautiful place. The seas are what I'm looking at right now, only directly across the puddle jump.
DeletePlaying catchup, Joylene! Thanks for your kind words about my photos. There is nothing like the seas in motion! Have a good one!
DeleteWonderful images. They look like watercolors --fresh and full of light. I need to start doodling again!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Geo! You are a wonderful artist, and I hope that you do get back to doodling! Take care my friend!
DeleteAwesome images! Hope you get all your writing done before going on your next adventure :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ronel! I've learned a lot about writing while traveling, but it's so much easier at home! Have a great day!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month! I'm with you on the A-Z. Stress I don't need when struggling to find time to write. What great pictures. Just got back from traveling so I so get the rush . . . and the jet lag. It's fun to be gone but great to be home.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy! Finding time to write is a constant challenge, so the A to Z would be a distraction, and I'm very good at distracting myself without adding it on! LOL Enjoy making the IWSG rounds today!
DeleteBeautiful Pictures!! I have participated in the A to Z a few years in a row. But I bowed at the last two and find the month of April less stressful. Good Luck on your writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for co-hosting this month!!
Thanks, Cathrina! It's always fun to co-host! I'm always glad to see April come and go. It's one of our snowiest months, and it's snowy, icy white outside this morning. Burrr! Hope you have a great day!
DeleteWelcome home!
ReplyDeleteYour images are stunning.
Thanks for co-hosting today. Not sure how you do it all.
I don't know how you do it, my Ninja friend! Thanks for your kind comment! Enjoy today!
DeleteWelcome back to the mainland. I bet Hawaii was a nice get-a-away
ReplyDeleteI love Hawaii, Sage! It's cold, snowy, and icy this morning. I wish I could wiggle my nose and plop in the middle of Waikiki this morning. Instead it's a perfect day to put on a pot of baked beans. Have a good day, my friend!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting today! And welcome back. Like Dorothy said,'there' s no place like home.' I crash and burn with schedules too. The only schedule I've been able to keep so far is my blog schedule.
ReplyDeleteHi, Lidy! Kudos to you! Even my blogging has been sketchy this past few months. But all I can do is do the best I can and keep moving forward. Have a lovely day!
DeleteLoving your pictures and I'm intrigued by the App, too. X
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shah! The App is lots of fun, although I find myself trying all the different options for each photo! It's fun to play! Have a happy day visiting around!
DeleteCool pictures. As for A to Z, I've done it a couple of times and really enjoyed it. I don't have the time now.
ReplyDeleteHi, Donna. Time seems to be my most precious resource, and I'm retired! LOL I saw my doctor on Monday, and he asked me if I was finding enough to do in retirement. I burst out laughing. But he did too because he's known me for a long time. Have a great day, and good luck with your writing!
DeleteThere's definitely no place like home, eh? I've done the A to Z a couple times and wrote all my posts well in advance. It was still exhausting. The hop is definitely not for everyone, and especially not for certain seasons of life, eh?
ReplyDeleteHey, go live my dream--traveler. =)
Hi, Crystal! I'm sorry to say that life carried me away these past couple of weeks, and blogging fell through the cracks. It's all good though, lots of fun with friends and family. I don't know how you do all you do! You are an inspiration!
DeleteI hear you! I'm on the no to A to Z train, too. I love your pics and artwork though! Lovely! Give me the tropics any time.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Zan Marie! Sorry I'm just replying now. There has been way too much going on these past couple of weeks. I appreciate your kind words!
DeleteI love writing in my familiar office better than anywhere else also. It's so comfy though a lot of distraction walk by.
ReplyDeleteDistractions have been the name of the game for me recently, Susan! I love to travel, but there is no place with the familiar comforts of home. Thanks for stopping by. My apologies for my late reply. You visit was much appreciated!
DeleteYou are one busy human!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes too busy! LOL That's why I'm late replying! Thank you so much for visiting!
DeleteThank you so much for co-hosting April's IWSG question. I've already followed your blog.
ReplyDeleteLucky you to travel everywhere! And I don't know how your travel companions permitted you to write while travelling. My travel buddies--my family--STILL pester me to death when I write, especially when we are travelling. Please share your secret. All the best to you!
Hi, Victoria! Thanks for visiting me. Life has been unexpectedly busy these past couple of weeks, so blogging has fallen through the cracks. My secret about writing while traveling ~ I sleep less than my husband! Seriously! Good luck with your writing!
DeleteIt's always nice to take a break and go somewhere awesome. But home is good too! Especially when it has your favorite writing spot.
ReplyDeleteHome is best, especially after you've been traveling for a while. Thanks for visiting. I meant to reply much sooner, but things have been unexpectedly busy. Have a good one!
DeleteGreat job co-hosting! Loved the pictures of Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comment C. Lee! I had so much fun making the rounds co-hosting, and then replying to all these lovely comments fell through the cracks when life became unexpectedly hectic. I hope you're having a great month of writing!
DeleteLove your Waterlogue App! I'm going to check it out. I so understand knowing ones limits. To constantly travel is an interesting life. It's not as easy and the slick color magazines would have us believe. I know exactly what you are saying with your reliable internet comment. Sounds like you have a lot of flexibility in where you write (and commitment, too). Thank you for co-hosting IWSG.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Lynn! I can write just about anywhere! Sometimes, like these past couple of weeks, I fall behind on blogging when there just aren't enough hours in the day. Even though I'm late replying I appreciated your visit and comment. I hope that you do check out the Waterlogue App. It's lots of fun!
DeleteThat app is cool. Never heard of it, but love the results. Welcome Home. Glad you had a great trip. I'm sure you're ready to write! Thanks for co hosting.
ReplyDeleteJQ Rose
Thanks, JQ Rose I'm thrilled to be home; but, boy, I've been trying to dig out from under a pile of things that needed to be taken care of. I hope you are enjoying writing too this month!
DeleteWith you going this way and that way and everywhere in between would sure be hard to a to z. But then you could start now and have it done for next year haha
ReplyDeleteHaha, most inspiring cat I know! I'm still catching up! LOL Life is just too busy!
DeleteThose photos are awesome - what a fun app!
ReplyDeleteI am a homebody at heart so I hear you when you say you're happy to be home. :)
Thanks, Madeline! I love being home, but I am a rolling stone. Hope you are enjoying a lovely month at home!
DeleteThank you for co-hosting #IWSG for April. Looks like you had a great time here in Honolulu! This is where my wanderlust came to a halt. As my family is quick to quip, "You're always on vacation."
ReplyDeleteHi, Gail! So sorry about my late reply, but I was unexpectedly busy this past two weeks. Lucky you to live in beautiful Honolulu. My husband and I have considered living there, but it's so far from our families. I hope to keep returning every year! Thanks for visiting!
DeleteThank you so much for co-hosting this month. In reference to A to Z, I have participated four times but this year I am not because of other priorities. However, I haven't taken advantage of the networking or marketing either. Too much on my plate already.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a nice relaxing time with at home where you can enjoy yourself.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
Hi, Pat! I'm sorry to be replying so late. I haven't had much time to relax at home because of some unexpected things that came up suddenly, starting the day I was co-hosting. Such is life sometimes! But it's all been good, and my plate is clearing! Thanks for visiting and for your kind words! Take care!
DeleteAwesome pictures! Thanks for sharing and for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra! It's always an honor and fun to co-host. I just regret that I'm late in reefing to all these wonderful comments ~ sometimes life gets unexpectedly in the way. I hope you are having a great April. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteI love your Waterlogue! It's fantastic. Your photos make me miss Honolulu. I haven't gotten much about the A to Z challenge until now. Hopefully, I can make time to participate next year. Thank you for co-hosting #IWSG!
ReplyDeleteHonolulu is a special place, isn't it, Adrienne! Thanks for visiting ~ Sorry about my late reply to your kind comment. Sometimes life unexpectedly leads to my blogging falling through the cracks.
DeleteIt's always great to come back home again and recover.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG blog hop.
Home is awesome, but I haven't had much time to recover ~ Yet! I'm slowly pulling ahead. I hope that you are enjoying a less hectic April! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWelcome home! It's been so long since I've been to Hawaii, I want to go again. Maybe it's time to schedule a trip for the hubby and I. Thank you for co-hosting and for sharing your beautiful pictures with us. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Elsie! It's good to be home, but I regret that blogging suddenly fell through the cracks for me these past two weeks. You should schedule some time in Hawaii if you can. It's one of those special places that fills my soul. I hope all is well with you!
DeleteLove your photos/paintings/images. Whatever they are, they are wonderful. Thanks for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Olga! I get such fun and fulfillment out of my photography! I can't seem to do a blog without photos and images, no matter how much I enjoy writing. Sorry about my late reply, sometimes life overwhelms my ability to blog. Take care!
DeleteWhat lovely images! It looks like you had a fantastic time. Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, TD! I had a fabulous time in Hawaii. It's a special place. Meanwhile, if life would just slow down a little and I could finally catch my tail. Sorry for my late reply ~ Life has been really crazy these past two weeks ~ but in a good way. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteInteresting photos! Living life in exclamation marks sounds elevating indeed ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diedre! Sometimes living life in exclamation points can be exhausting, if the truth be known. But I can't seem to live it any other way! Thanks for visiting. I'm very late replying, and I'm sorry for that, but sometimes things happen and blogging falls through the cracks. Take care!
DeleteGreat artwork! Thanks for sharing and for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteDiscarded Darlings - Jean Davis, Speculative Fiction Writer, A to Z: Editing Fiction
And thank you, Jean! Sorry about my late reply ~ Things have been unexpectedly crazy on the homefront! Have a good one!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month. Love the watercolors! What wonderful memories of your time in Hawaii. Enjoy being home and writing in your fav place.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane. I am loving being home, but it's been unexpectedly hectic here. I am finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel though ~ ahh! I hope all is going well for you! Thanks for visiting!
DeleteThe A-Z does take up a lot of time and energy. Beautiful pics! Enjoy your time at home.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynda! Home is wonderful, even if it's been hectic with lots of company and unexpected things. Hope all is well with you!
DeleteWonderful photos. I love the one of the man blowing into the counch shell. Thanks for hosting this month.
ReplyDelete' Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Thanks, Juneta! The conch blower is an elder and a master of this traditional Hawaiian art. He is passing the tradition and skills onto younger Hawaiians. It was awesome to have his young students follow him in the sunset ceremony. I had a lot of fun hosting ~ It's always a pleasure to visit around and to hear from other IWSG members. Sorry about my late reply ~ somethings came up suddenly and unexpectedly. I hope you are enjoying a fulfilling month of writing!
DeleteLove your graphics! I agree, not setting myself up for inevitable failure in keeping up with the rigors of a month-long challenge, but I applaud those who do. Thanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee! Boy, I am so glad that I didn't try to take on the A - Z Challenge. This month has been full of things I did not expect (good things!), and blogging has taken a hit as I have been unable to keep up ~ hence my late reply to your kind comment. I hope that you have been having a great April.
DeleteLove the pictures! Thanks for co-hosting this month. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine! Co-hosting is always fulfilling! I've had an unexpectedly hectic two weeks, so I apologize for my late reply. I hope that you are having a fulfilling month of writing!
DeleteLove those images and you are right. The A to Z challenge is a huge time suck, but still fun.
ReplyDeleteE is for Experiment: Turning the USS Eldridge Invisible
C is for Catch Up in my very full April! Thanks for your kind words about the images I created, Tamara!" I know I'm very late replying, and I apologize for that. Sometimes life gets in the way. Happy writing as you get through the A - Z!
DeleteGreat graphics. :) I haven't participated in A to Z either. One year, I'll try it. Thanks for co-hosting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherie! I keep saying one year I'll try it. Too much going on this April, let me tell you! I'm sorry for the late reply ~ so much has suddenly been falling through the cracks!
DeleteTaking a break from writing is the best motivator to pick it up again! :-) Same here in regards to the A-Z Challenge this year (last year, I did join, so I know what it involves): too many other projects, similar to yours. Writing a memoir (what is yours about?), blogging, photography and exploring new areas. Thanks for co-hosting. (I'll experience that next month as well :-))
ReplyDeleteLiesbet @ Roaming About – A Life Less Ordinary
Hi, Liesbet! Sorry about my late response; life this month was unexpectedly hectic. My memoir is about the time I lived among the Ojibwa inland from James Bay in northern Ontario. It sounds like you enjoy many of the pursuits that I do. Co-hosting is a lot of fun! It's always interesting to visit around and see what other IWSG members are experiencing. I always think of it as a way to give back to the IWSG which gives so much to me. I hope you have a blast!
DeleteI LOVE your images!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stacy! That means a lot considering the incredible art you create!
DeleteThe painterly effect is quite evocative.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming down this avenue.
Keep up the good work
and
finding out what actually be accomplished
and
doing just that much
is
more fulfilling
than
the other.
Cheers!
Ron
Thanks, Ron! Can you tell by my late reply that my life is out of control ~ again. I really appreciate your encouraging words. You are an amazing and creative photographer. I was channeling you and Jim as I played with these photos. Take care, my friend! I hope to see you and Jim and Ms SD this summer. I won't get through NS without seeing you guys!
DeleteYour photos are amazing! I love what you've done with them.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ellen! I appreciate your kind words, and I apologize for my late reply. This has been quite an April ~ but it's all good. Happy travels to you ~ and writing too!
DeleteThanks, Jen! I hope that you are overcoming your health issues and getting lots of writing accomplished. My past two weeks have been very hectic, so I apologize for replying to your kind comment so late. Take care!
ReplyDelete