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Thursday, April 4, 2013

D is for Determination


Determination! 
That's what this Challenge is going to take. We are just a few days in, but the newness may have lost a bit of it's shine, you may be feeling discouraged for any number of reasons.

Not getting as many comments as you expected?
~ are you visiting a lot of blogs?
~ are you acknowledging the comments you've gotten?

Finding dead links?
~ please report them to me, Tina, through the info@ email or my personal email, both found under the CONTACT US tab. Please know we are continually combing the list for ads, dead links, and non-participants. Our assistants are out there in the trenches spending a LOT of their Challenge time doing that. So are the co-hosts. We welcome ANY help you can give.

Having trouble writing your posts?
~ these aren't works of art, perfect specimens of your very best writing, or masterpieces of any kind. They are short and sweet and meant to get you in the habit of blogging daily. Or if you're a perfectionist like me, hitting publish even though you could spend hours still editing. This is NOT the time to be trying that. Write it. Push publish.

Still feeling discouraged?
~ go hang out with your blogging buddies. Maybe you've all decided that for the Challenge you're going to visit others, but maybe you need a dose of that favorite blog you usually start your day with. That's OK. I wouldn't make you skip your coffee in the morning...

Above all, this is supposed to be FUN! Now go out there and have some FUN and don't worry so much. (Advice this girl needs to take a dose of herself...)

~Tina
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78 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    Good points you made here. It isn't just putting on a post but thinking of others also.

    Yvonne.

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  2. A Daft Scots LassApril 4, 2013 at 7:33 AM

    I am visiting lots of blogs and thoroughly enjoying this year's challenge.

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  3. UnknownApril 4, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    This is my first time doing the a to z challenge, and I'm really enjoying it. Not discouraged yet at all!

    Rinelle Grey

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  4. Francene StanleyApril 4, 2013 at 8:57 AM

    I'm having fun. It's so great to recieve comments after all the work I put into my posts. I'm presenting views on news every day for the whole year on another blog. I recieve between 70 to 200 views a day but the only comments come from fellow members of the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Comments and connection make the enterprise worthwhile.

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  5. Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerApril 4, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    Hi Tina, these are good points, particularly for those who are participating for the first time.

    The challenge is going very well for me so far and I've come across a number of really good ideas of doing the challenge!

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  6. DayDreamerApril 4, 2013 at 9:53 AM

    Enjoying it so far, it's easier with a theme. I'm grateful for those points or tips, Tina, especially the bit about not spending forever on editing and just get it out there, it's all good practice for getting into the blogging more frequently part of it all.

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  7. Franny StevensonApril 4, 2013 at 10:50 AM

    Nice tips, thanks!

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  8. UnknownApril 4, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    I'm the member of several team blogs, but some team members are more active than others. It would seem that the most active team members are idiots. We signed all six of our blogs up for the challenge. We really should have chosen only one or two!

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  9. Shaharizan PerezApril 4, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    Very encouraging post! Okay, I'm going in . . . *writes E for tomorrow*

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  10. moondustwriterApril 4, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    Good point Tina
    My oldest blog friends have always encouraged me to have fun with blogging
    need the reminder

    My poem today is a A Dream of Love

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  11. Michelle WallaceApril 4, 2013 at 12:10 PM

    The keyword is FUN!
    I'm having lotsa FUN!

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  12. Arlee BirdApril 4, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    Excellent advice. Part of the Challenge is not getting discouraged. Keep moving onward with a spring in your networking step and enjoy yourself. Get energized! It's to early for discouragement--and that should never be a factor anyway.

    Have fun! Yes!

    Lee
    Tossing It Out
    An A to Z Co-host blog

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  13. Sue McPeakApril 4, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    Thanks for these tips and suggestions as well as for your time and effort for the success of the AtoZ Challenge. You guys are sure making this a FUN and FANTASTIC experience! Eureka!!!I think I have an idea for the Letter 'F'.
    Sue~CollectInTexasGal
    AtoZ LoneStar Quilting Bee

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  14. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    Great tips. Especially the last one. ;)

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  15. Jeremy [Retro]April 4, 2013 at 1:06 PM

    good call, i find to visit many, many as i can... so sometimes i a see one place once. though i find great places that i will visit for a long time down the road...

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  16. SandyApril 4, 2013 at 1:16 PM

    Determination is right. You've hit it square on, made 39 visits and left 39 comments yesterday alone. Have returned every comment over the last 3 days on all 3 of the blogs I've entered...of the 39 comments I made yesterday...got only 6 in return...really...seems to many people have joined for links with no plan to reciprocate and truly participate. Irritating....but, I am "determined" to continue. I've been leaving notes of those dead links etc and appreciate seeing the list change. Hope others are helping your helpers, the list of those that signed up in huge. #942 Haiku Hgts has no April posts, no badge, #946 Janice Person seems to have no way of leaving a comment...thus no intend to visit back

    A-z

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  17. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 1:26 PM

    Perspective and keeping it fun...thanks, Tina:)

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  18. MysteryApril 4, 2013 at 2:02 PM

    This is my first time doing this challenge. The theme I've chosen has definitely taken some discipline in getting the posts ready and up in time. It's been a great way to get me to post daily about something very constructive for me in general. I'm really enjoying it and enjoying visiting other blogs. There are so many different and interesting topics. :)

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  19. Amanda TroughtApril 4, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    Some great ideas just to keep you going, and fun - the key!

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  20. Susan ScottApril 4, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    I honestly hope that those who do comment on my blog of the day do get my responses to them - this would be so awful if they don't - something came to my attention a few minutes back that causes me this worry.
    It has been fun! some sites take time to load, some seem to not keep up to date, some still have captchas etc - have blog hopped above and below my 'position' just for the fun of it.

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  21. LisaApril 4, 2013 at 2:47 PM

    Thanks for letting us know it's OK to keep it short & sweet. I wasn't very happy with one of mine yesterday, but I need to deal with it.

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  22. Changes in the windApril 4, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    Thanks for stopping in and leaving a comment. I have been dissapointed in the amount of people that have signed up and not even started:( I am trying to visit at least five a day and some are just a waste of time but then there is that one or two that sparks your attention and you want to see what they will post next...that makes it all worthwhile:)

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  23. katie eggemanApril 4, 2013 at 3:06 PM

    I might not get around to any but those I am following. I am flying back home today. I try to read two or three new posts so that I can follow at least one new blog every day. So far so good.
    Katie atBankerchick Scratchings

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  24. John WiswellApril 4, 2013 at 3:17 PM

    I'm enjoying my first year out into this game so far! The theme hasn't been too hard to keep up with. I'm only slightly nervous how people will feel about raw fiction going up for my 'E' entry tomorrow.

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  25. Julie Jordan ScottApril 4, 2013 at 3:17 PM

    This is my third year and each year it gets better. I have been visiting and encouraging and tweeting and pinning as best I can - today I'll have more time for being extra supportive.

    So grateful for everyone here!

    Julie Jordan Scott
    Our Literary Grannies from A to Z: D is for Denise Chavez
    tweet me - @juliejordanscot

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  26. Patricia StolteyApril 4, 2013 at 3:39 PM

    I'm definitely having fun, but am already sleep-deprived. :D

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  27. UnknownApril 4, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    I am discovering so many great blogs this way! It's wonderful reading how many directions one can take 26 simple letters.

    Jessica at Scary-Simple-Smitten

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  28. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    I always enjoy this challenge..and it is a challenge...but I like challenges..I'm a runner after all!

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  29. LaeliApril 4, 2013 at 3:53 PM

    I am loving all the different thoughts.

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  30. Jean Katherine BaldridgeApril 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM

    Thanks for the uplifting advice, Tina--you are great!!!

    jean yates!

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  31. PaulaApril 4, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    I pre-wrote most of my posts. I am not at all discouraged. I wrote my posts for me and family members. The others who are coming to visit are just icing on the cake! I am enjoying my first time doing A to Z!

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  32. Melissa AnnApril 4, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    I need to work on replying to the comments that have been left on my blog. I would like to hit more blogs as per day as well, so far I have only managed 3-5 a day.

    Melissa Ann at My Creatively Random Life

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  33. Anne MackleApril 4, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    This is my second year and I'm enjoying it better this year as I was more prepared it's still a challenge but great to get to find new blogs.
    Is Anyone There

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  34. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 5:02 PM

    Thanks for the encouragement.

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  35. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 5:15 PM

    this too is my first time with this challenge and loving it- many thanks and enjoy visiting new blogs :)

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  36. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 5:22 PM

    Yep determination is a key factor indeed

    PhenoMenon
    http://capturedalive.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/designs-with-flowers/ ‎

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  37. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    OhMuhGosh! This IS fun! I had no idea! lol Wheeeee....

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  38. AliApril 4, 2013 at 5:34 PM

    It's hard not to want everything I put out there to be perfect. I'm pretty pleased with my posts from yesterday and the one I will post later today, but I'm worried about tomorrow since I haven't started it yet.

    I wish there were an easier way to navigate the list of a to z participants to find blogs that are going to fit my interests (or to get people to mine). ...

    Anybody blogging on or interested in motherhood, ocd/anxiety, and humor? Let's swap blog links! alioffthemark.com

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  39. JoJoApril 4, 2013 at 5:53 PM

    I'm just having a wicked hard time keeping up. It takes me hours just to get through all the blogs on my Dashboard, then bopping around to new blogs on the list! I forgot how frenetic April is! lol I am happy that CAPTCHA is off on most, but I get frustrated with people who have their posts set with a 'read more' option. Or their comments are up top next to the title of the post instead of at the bottom.

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  40. Amy JareckiApril 4, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    I'm having a blast and meeting lots of new people. Thanks for sponsoring!

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  41. PatriciaApril 4, 2013 at 6:09 PM

    Here goes nothing for D. What do you think? :)

    http://www.bookishgeek.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-drinkware.html

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  42. LucyApril 4, 2013 at 6:36 PM

    Great tips! I try to hop as much as possible and always,always return someone who pops on my blog. I have read some great blogs, very intimidating but educating at the same time :)

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  43. KristenApril 4, 2013 at 6:48 PM

    I'm visiting and commenting away, although it's tough with a brand new blog. Thanks for the tips!

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  44. UnknownApril 4, 2013 at 7:12 PM

    I'm Loving it thanks a lot.

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  45. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 7:16 PM

    Thanks for the pep talk!

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  46. UnknownApril 4, 2013 at 7:55 PM

    I like to respond to all my comments by visiting commenters' blogs. (Pretty easy since I don't have many comments...hint, hint.)

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  47. JoyceApril 4, 2013 at 8:59 PM

    I'm loving the challenge again this year. I feel like it always kick starts my writing which seems to lag in the month of March.

    Determination was my D word too. Totally different track than you took, but that is one thing I love about the A-Z. Lots of bloggers taking a single word twenty different directions.

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  48. UnknownApril 4, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    Thanks for the determination post Tina. This is my first yr blogging let alone joining a challenge, but I love it!

    Chontali Kirk
    chontalikirk.blogspot.com

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  49. Mary KirklandApril 4, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    I've been having a lot of fun reading all the different blogs.

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  50. Ida ThoughtApril 4, 2013 at 9:36 PM

    I'ma a hopping and a popping, I'm getting a little lost, I reply to all of my comments but I don't seem to get many replies to my comments or replies, so I'm wondering if I'm getting all the notifications. This would be so much easier if it was like fb - I'm just going to have to get used to it and find a system that works me.

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  51. EvalinaMariaApril 4, 2013 at 9:49 PM

    Me? Discouraged? Nope, I'm having fun actually!

    Thank you for co-hosting the challenge.

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  52. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 10:28 PM

    yeah determination is one of the things it takes to make a blog. A

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  53. JApril 4, 2013 at 10:51 PM

    I have found some cool new blogs, and got comments from new people. All in all, a good experience for me.

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  54. ChrisApril 4, 2013 at 11:48 PM

    This is mighty challenge for me and I'm giving it my best shot. I'm doing all you suggest and I have no complaints. I just worry that my post are so dull compared to everyone else I visit. But those who visit me are very kind. That makes me happy.

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  55. Tracy MacDonaldApril 4, 2013 at 11:59 PM

    Tina, excellent points. I'm having fun and hoping to visit lots of people tonight. I do wish more people had signatures linking to their blogs, would make it easier to visit back quickly.
    A2Z Mommy And What’s In between

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  56. Kathleen JennetteApril 5, 2013 at 12:18 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  57. Kathleen JennetteApril 5, 2013 at 12:19 AM

    I didn't think I was going to have a theme, but it sure has turned out that way LOL! Its great to see so many different ideas on board, and yes, it is going to take some determination :) All good though.

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  58. MunirGhiasuddinApril 5, 2013 at 12:43 AM

    Determination is one strong power.

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  59. JakApril 5, 2013 at 12:48 AM

    Definitely not kidding about needing determination for the challenge! Only on day 4 and thinking maybe I bit off more than I could chew lol

    Thankfully, I am actually hanging out with some blogging buddies right now and that is always a blast! Makes it even more worth it :)

    Jak at The Cryton Chronicles & Dreams in the Shade of Ink

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  60. AnonymousApril 5, 2013 at 1:12 AM

    Thanks for the push on Day 4. I really like posting for quantity as I know it won't all be award winning, but some of it might be. But if you don't post at all, it's pretty easy to count how much will be good ... none. Because you've done nothing.

    Can't win if you don't play.

    Looking forward to more! Thanks!

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  61. Jaleh DApril 5, 2013 at 1:41 AM

    I'm not getting a huge turnout, but more than usual, so I'll take that as I can. I am having fun finding some new blogs to read even if I don't have as much time as I'd like to read more.

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  62. MichelleApril 5, 2013 at 1:55 AM

    Just finished my "D" post...whew!

    I will say, if I personally knew another blogger I would be having more fun. When I tell people I know what I am "blogging" about...they look at me like I'm crazy! "What's this blogging thing???" (lol :)

    So I'm making it my mission to make blogging a bit more known of in my world.

    I TOTALLY do the "afterwards" editing! So guilty... ;)

    Good luck everyone!!!

    -Michelle
    ardourofadreamer.blogspot.com

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  63. CherylApril 5, 2013 at 2:22 AM

    Excellent post with great advice.

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  64. AndreaApril 5, 2013 at 2:24 AM

    Fun, fun fun!

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  65. AndreaApril 5, 2013 at 2:24 AM

    Fun, fun fun!

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  66. Ian AndersonApril 5, 2013 at 2:37 AM

    I'm visiting many more blogs this year, and I'm enjoying it!

    I'm writing one story for the challenge, and it's stretching me!

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  67. UnknownApril 5, 2013 at 2:49 AM

    Good advice!

    http://dgwordworks.wordpress.com/

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  68. J.L. CampbellApril 5, 2013 at 3:00 AM

    I do need to get around a bit more, but I'm working on it.

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  69. SwapnaApril 5, 2013 at 3:27 AM

    I came to know about this challenge just two days prior to the start...
    SO I did not prepare a theme as such, but am carrying on posting . I am replying to the few comments that came my way.... Managing to visit only about 5 blogs each day...

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  70. TinaApril 5, 2013 at 3:42 AM

    Thank you all for your kind comments and team spirit! I wish I had time to respond to each of you individually, but I'm like a one-armed paper hanger trying to fly the trapeze blind-folded, on my horse..or maybe I just feel that busy...sigh. I'm having a blast meeting new people, and especially those of you who have been using the info@ email to get help. If you send an email there, you get me. So if there's anything you need help with, please contact me, and I'll do my best to point you in the right direction even if I can't personally solve your problem.
    Tina @ Life is Good
    Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
    @TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

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  71. UnknownApril 5, 2013 at 3:43 AM

    I'm hanging in there so far, even with the long, hectic day I had today. I've certainly enjoyed all the posts I've been reading.

    Thanks for all of your time and effort you've put into this Challenge.

    Kathy (794 on the list)

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  72. Kathy Cannon WiechmanApril 5, 2013 at 4:51 AM

    So many determined bloggers out there. Wish I could find time to visit more of them.

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  73. UnknownApril 5, 2013 at 5:29 AM

    Still enjoying it, 4 days in, and there's no signs of slowing down :) I need more time to comment on other people's posts, but I'll get there eventually :)

    Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom
    www.mithrilwisdom.com

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  74. UnknownApril 5, 2013 at 5:44 AM

    Participating in this challenge is really working well for me so far. I had forgotten what it felt like to blog each and every day and this is really helping me to get back in that habit!

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  75. Hilary Melton-ButcherApril 5, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    Hi Tina .. lots of good Ds here .. D for delicious content ..

    You and the hosts and us minions are doing great works .. and I'll catch up this weekend ..

    Cheers to all the organisers .. determined and delightful as they all are ... Hilary

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  76. LApril 5, 2013 at 11:16 AM

    I have read some really interesting posts and received some charming comments. Thanks for organising the challenge.

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  77. Pat GarciaApril 5, 2013 at 6:15 PM

    Hi,

    Thanks for the tips. I visit two or three blogs and sometimes more than three and am amazed at the wonderful quality of writing.

    Ciao,
    Patricia

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  78. Philip Verghese 'Ariel'April 6, 2013 at 5:51 AM

    Hi Tina I missed this wonderful post, Yes, Determination should be our key word these days, that will take one go forward with lot of DDDDDDD.....
    Yes, Our Determination Kills our Discouragements, Right?
    Well Good tips to all
    Good Wishes
    Keep in touch
    Hey! I am
    Phil @ Philipscom
    An ambassador to A to Z Challenge @ Tina's Life is Good
    And My Bio-blog LOL

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