Now that I’ve met my goal of posting weekly for one year, I am at a crossroads. A few friends have wondered how long I’m going to keep “piddling around” here on WordPress. Admittedly, my tiny blog has not rocketed me into literary fame and fortune. But in my defense, I think a lot more has gone on here than just piddling. For instance:
1) This is the longest string of journal entries I have ever written
2) It is eternally preserved in the cloud for everyone’s reading pleasure
3) My non-techie self was able to learn and master WordPress. Go, me!
4) I now know I can bust through writer’s block and meet a deadline
5) I’ve gotten to share stories and memories with family and friends
6) I’ve met awesome bloggers from all over the world
7) I’ve found many interesting blogs that I will continue to follow
8) I’ve been nominated for blogging awards
9) I have more than doubled my number of followers in just one year
10) Best of all, I’ve gotten lots of ordinary people to like poetry, probably many who faithfully read these pages only to humor me
You’ve got to admit, that’s a heck of a nice list of accomplishments. That said, I think the time has come to move on and use what I have learned here to conquer my other writing goals. I plan to keep my site, for the ease of viewing other blogs on WordPress Reader. A big thanks to all my regulars, especially those who left comments and words of encouragement. Who knows? I may revive JJ42 after a long winter’s nap, so keep me on the radar. 10-4, good buddies, over and out.
Have a comment? Click HERE to share it!
JUST JOAN 42 
What? You are going to leave us high and dry?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Better than low and wet, right? I’ll be around on the WP Reader. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
In California now, won’t mind to get little wet☺
It’s going to be 95F today. Talk about Indian summer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I got here late, but at least I made it before you take your leave. Your writing will be missed, but at least you’ll still be around to read and comment on all those blogs you’ve found. Congrats on your accomplishments here and best wishes in your quest to meet your new writing goals elsewhere.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, T Wayne. Come visit the JJ42 archives (conveniently listed on a widget, now that I know what one is!) I’ll be visiting A Joyful Process regularly to see what smooth voices and horns you’ve decided to feature. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Joan, I will definitely check them out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have enjoyed your clever poetry Joan, and I usually don’t read that stuff. It’s been fun. I hope you find just as much satisfaction with whatever you turn to next.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tippy. Feels good to know I’ve converted someone to the world of poetry. I’ll be around on the WP Reader, looking for stolen quotes and whatever else people are Gibber-Jabberin about. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By all means, join the fun on Gibber Jabberin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoyed it Joan. I am sure we will hear from you again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Joyce. You’re right, it’s hard to keep me quiet for long. 🙂
LikeLike
Love your blog and really hate to see you go! You’re so talented. Hugs and stop by anytime 💗
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Lennon. Needed that hug! You’re on my Reader, girl. I always look forward to Mullet Monday, Hump Day, and those hilariously erratic text conversations. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve enjoyed your blogs and your writing skills. I’ll miss your blog. Good luck with future endeavors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words, Kathy. Not sure exactly where I’m headed, but I’ll be sure to post when I get there. 🙂
LikeLike
Awwwe, will miss you for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marissa. Will be trolling the Reader periodically to see what you and the Cheesebergens are up to. 🙂
LikeLike
Hope to stay in touch!
LikeLike
I have enjoyed the weekly blogs. They were the topic of some of my emails to my girls and even came up at some 6 Pack gatherings. Enjoyed the ride…will look forward to your next project! Love you, Carri
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Aunt Carri! So glad you enjoyed and shared the stories, had no idea these were a topic of conversation for the 6-pack tours. 🙂
LikeLike
Now that you have some time. . . Scrabble Match?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re on!
LikeLike
but…but…we just got to know one another
I suppose everything has its season. Hope you’ll be stopping by my blog every now and then so I can hear your “voice.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
KE, thanks for the comment. I’ll still be following you on WP Reader to get the latest wisdom and Kwotes, so you can bet you’ll hear my voice now and then. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep up the great work. You make my week with your super,fun reads. See you next week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ursula, my faithful reader! So glad I’ve been able to brighten up your Sundays. Will keep you in the loop regarding what’s next. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh Joan, I so enjoy reading your posts and your loyal visits and comments on my blog. But I do understand. ..it takes a lot to blog and try to write on the side. I ordered the poetry anthology, by the way, and can’t wait to read your poem!
LikeLike
Thanks, Lana. Your site is a treasure trove where anything might pop up–stories, mystery, YA, poetry… You have so much talent in so many genres! I’m tickled that you ordered the anthology and hope you enjoy meeting the Tower Group–Conrad Balliet is a gem and we wanted to commemorate his lifetime of promoting poetry and supporting local poets. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the wonderful compliment, Joan. I’m so glad you like reading my mixture of everything. I love poetry anthologies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Joan, I am one of those who have read almost all of your ‘blogs’ but not often commented. I have enjoyed reading them, learned many things, and am quite impressed with your accomplishments. So different from the Joan, RN, I knew and loved and still miss at your former ‘job’. Enjoy your new freedom and I look forward to reading whatever you choose to send out in the future. Bless you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Joanne, for being such a faithful reader and sharing your thoughts from time to time. Indeed, writing has brought out another side of me, one we are all discovering together. I’m needing a break, but there may be future installments and updates, so stay tuned. 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Joan
I hope I haven’t arrived here too late. I’d be the last one to hold you back since you’ve seen me come and go a couple of times. Since I’m not blogging and not sure when and if I’ll return, we’ll have to meet on other blogs though I’m glad you’ve left the option for us to come and visit.
You have a special place in my heart Joan. I wonder if you know how much you held my hand and encouraged me in my own blogging journey. You’ve always been so insightful in your comments and appreciation of my work. I’ll always remember how you walked with me for the full month of April when I took up that challenge. What fun that was- though gruelling as well!
I’ve enjoyed your whimsical stories and lessons and there too, you will not be aware how you have influenced me. Congratulations on the goals you’ve reached. Thank you for being such a wonderful soul and I’m not saying goodbye to you because I’m sure we will meet and still keep a “post it” note for Eleanor’s guesthouse 😀 All the best with whatever adventures you pursue ( hopefully not in a motor home) and I wish you the greatest blessings. Warmest Wishes! Chevvy
LikeLike
No, dear, you are not too late. Thank you for your wonderful note. I will never forget the April poetry challenge–just when I thought I could be no more amazed by your talent, out would come a “found” poem or an “alphabet” poem that would blow me away. I think the Treasure Box one was my favorite. It sounded like you have a lot on your plate, but I hope you are still finding time to write. Random bumps in other blog’s comments–squatting, I think you called it :)–are great little rays of serendipitous sunshine, but feel free to email me directly if you want. I’ll send my address to your gmail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad to hear from you Joan. You’ve reminded me about that treasure box. I must return to mine and review. Yes, I’ll squat for a while. I would love to stay in touch, thank you for the offer. Best regards. Chevvy
LikeLiked by 1 person
What? No more blog? You have spoiled me, by sending me a “personal” memory every week for the last 52 weeks, and now… now it’s over. I have loved you from the moment you entered my life, and you continue to surprise and amaze me with you seemingly endless talents and abilities and how you use them to touch the lives of so many others. I wish you all the best as you “reinvent” yourself once again. (Stealing another page from my playbook?) So thankful and so proud to have you as a sister.
Hugs,
The Older and Wiser One
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sis, you have always been my biggest cheerleader, and your love and support mean the world to me. It’s a relief to not be working on a deadline anymore, but I miss blogging already. Is it too late to change my mind? Entitle this Sunday’s post “JUST KIDDING”? I wish I could say that I know what I’m doing, that I have a plan, that I’m following some sort of playbook, but my writing journey has been more like that “look for note” game we used to play at Grandma’s–zig-zagging all around, needing to reach one spot before finding out where I’m supposed to go next. Wherever I end up, there will be French press coffee. And you’ll be right there with me in mind and heart, oh, Older and Wiser One. 🙂
LikeLike
Unacceptable, 42. Tell me how we will meet again after this ( – selfishly speaking – dubious) decision of yours.
Unselfishly speaking – you go girl! On to the next adventure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No worries, 227. I’ll send a treasure map with my encoded location to your gmail address. When you get it, kindly respond with a copy of the blueprint for the automatic dog feeding machine, so I know it’s you. In addition, I’m keeping my site open here on WP so I can continue to follow your blog and others on the Reader–you may see me there from time to time. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
LikeLike
Those are indeed excellent achievements. My blog hasn’t rocketed me to fame either, and sometimes I get bummed it hasn’t received more attention, but then I remember all the great people I met through WordPress who I wouldn’t have met otherwise. And I’ve had fun writing my posts, even if it’s only me and a handful of others reading them. That’s what matters. 🙂 I’m glad you had fun too, and best wishes on achieving your other goals!
LikeLiked by 1 person