Random Thoughts on Day 30 of a 30 Hubs in 30 Days Hub Challenge
An Open Letter to the HubPages Community
Dear fellow writers in Hubsville,
It's Day 30 of the 30 Hubs in 30 Days Hub Challenge hosted by Karen Hellier. With roughly an hour and twenty minutes left before the deadline and 8 hubs yet to go, it's time for my concession speech. I'm hoisting the little white hankie up the proverbial flag pole, my tail tucked between my legs, as I limp on over to the side of the road.
The hare with big dreams and squandered opportunities by way of silly distractions, poor choices, and skeletal planning is tired of watching the backside of the tortoise.
This was a huge fail.
And yet...
All is not lost. There are always valuable lessons to be learned. This is the process by which failures are seen in a different light. Not as shipwreck disasters but, rather, as incremental steps of progress towards eventual success.
With a rejuvenated spirit of let's make lemonade out of these lemons, I'd like to share with you more of my random thoughts on Day 30 of the 30 Hubs in 30 Days Hub Challenge.
The Next Time Around
The next time I tackle the 30 Hubs Challenge may very well be on my own. With malice towards none, maybe I'm the sort of writer who agonizes over deadlines imposed by other entities, whether corporate or individual.
Don't get me wrong. I love the team I had for this initial attempt at boosting my inventory of hub caps. You couldn't ask for a better leader than Karen Hellier. You couldn't ask for a more personable and supportive teammate than wetnosedogs. Come October (if I'm still on HubPages), this is the team I'll make like Audie Murphy and go to hell and back with.
No, what I'm considering is challenging myself, a la billybuc, to write a hub a day for an extended period of time. No fanfare, no public announcement, no mention. No muss, no fuss, Gus!
The personal challenge. I'd be doing it just for me. Just because...
I need to know that I am capable of climbing to the pinnacle without having had to do it HubPages' Way or No Way.
As a writer, I consider it a basic tenet that if I'm to have a credible voice, I must be honest.
Even when the honesty takes the absurd form of shooting myself in the foot.
What am I talking about? Okay, I'll say it loud and clear so the writer wearing the plaid shirt in the back of the auditorium whose eyeballs are rolling because he stayed up too late last night watching Jimmy Fallon can hear me.
HubPages, the following is for you.
Did I see an increase in traffic to my hubs? Nothing out of the ordinary...or, rather, my ordinary.
Did I see a rise in my earnings? What!?! Are you kidding me?
Did I get more followers? No more than in an average month.
So, why, then, do the challenge?
With apologies to George Mallory, Because it's there!
Here Are the Things I'll Change
I know I have been mentioning Bill Holland or billybuc several times in the past few months, but in keeping things real, folks, I have learned more from this talented, ambitious, and, yes! published writing guru than all the English classes, textbooks, teachers, and professors I have known in my life.
He's been known to crank out a hub a day for well nigh the last century or so. People from all over the globe--from his hometown of Olympia where the fermenting beer of nearby Tumwater commands greater respect than the politicians twiddling their thumbs in the Washington state capital...you know, that town with the Big O--to the capitol dome of that other Washington to the crowded streets of Mumbai (Oh, look! There's Rajan Jolly!) to the sparsely inhabited expanse of Antarctica to the meandering serpentine sweep of The Great Wall--are talking about our HOW protagonist.
And I'm busy listening. Studying. Analyzing. Tweaking what I see working for him into what I believe can work for me.
Bill makes it all look so easy. But it's in his sound planning ahead of time that he saves precious hours during the week. Monday is his busiest day. Why? Well, for one very good reason, I do believe that this is when Bill will crank out all five to seven hubs (the number varies depending on how anal Bill is feeling on the first day of the work week AND whether or not he's taking his lovely wife to a movie on Sunday). Point being, folks, there is a method to Bill's madness.
So what I draw from this is that I need to have a plan.
Here's what I'm thinking:
- By Sunday of each week, I will have written on my notebook seven specific topics that I will write hubs about
- I will seed the titles by starting each of the seven hubs and then saving the resulting hub sprouts
- On Monday, I will finish the first hub
- Then, I'll add a little bit to Tuesday's hub
- If I'm feeling energetic, I'll also add a little something to the other designated day hubs, ad infinitum
- Each day of the week will feature a different niche--Monday will be about Family; Tuesday will be about eBay; Wednesday will be about coffee shops, and so forth.
- I will put my walking and my eBay work ahead of my writing for HubPages
NOTE: I made the mistake in June of relegating my walking and my livelihood on eBay to the back of the bus so that I could start the day off writing. Big mistake! I found myself floundering. On the contrary, whenever I would amble around the countryside for a few miles, the exercise facilitated my writing in terms of clarity and content.
- I will not go to bed each evening until I've kicked one hub out of the nest and begun bottle-feeding the next infant hub.
Bare bones minimum.
Baby steps.
Turning failures into stepping stones for those baby steps.
22 Hubs Down--And Plumb Out of Time! If you'd like to check out more of my writing, please use the link below! Thank you!
Comments
AUTHORHi, Ireno!
Thanks for stopping by to check this hub of mine out. Gave it my best shot but fell desperately short of the goal. But that's how we learn, right? As long as we're willing to get back up, dust ourselves off, and keep on trucking. That's the positive spin I choose to cope with "failure." Looking back on my life, in an odd yet "perfect sense" kind of way, failure was a friend I didn't realize I had. Without him, I would not have succeeded in terms of coming this far.
Aloha, and God bless you!
Joe
Atta, Sir! You're not a billybuc-wannabe. You've created an identity of your own. Congrats for making it through on HubPages. You're more successful than me (I).
You're right. Being through to yourself here @ HP will help you persevere.
Keep on hubbing! (Ireno Alcala from PH)
- AUTHOR
You're very welcome, CrisSp! Have a wonderful day, whether you're flying high above the clouds or enjoying a little R & R on Mother Earth. Aloha, and God bless you!
Joe
Thank you Joe for your kind words and thoughtfulness. See you around...
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Rajan!
I'm so happy for you that you get to visit with your daughter. Hope your internet accessibility is good over in that great country. Perhaps we'll be seeing hubs written specifically about China and its culture. Whatever you set your mind on writing about, Rajan, comes out golden. Your work ethic, talent, and willingness to share with others is unsurpassed.
Thank you so much for dropping by to let me know your current status. Looking forward to your very next hub!
Aloha and blessings for you and your family, Rajan!
Joe
Cranking out as many hubs as you finally did is an accomplishment in itself plus the ideas you derived out of the whole challenge is in itself a reward for the hard work you put in. you are a winner in that you had the nerve to jump in.
Congrats to you on this achievement and I will be waiting to read more hubs on the niches you've decided to write upon each day!
Right now Joe, I'm in China visiting my daughter and will be here for sometime.
Wish you all the best in your personal challenge and you will rock, buddy!
Aloha and have a great coming week .
- AUTHOR
Hi, Cris!
So good to hear from you. I've just read your latest hub--the beautiful poem and tribute to your lovely daughter, and I must say, I could truly empathize with your wonderment. My little girl turns 21 next month, and I am in a fog as to what in the world happened. : )
In the meantime, I'm in awe of YOUR energy. How do you do all that you do and still look so good? Nevertheless, I'm very happy to hear that you are being good to yourself with time set aside for the three R's.
By the way, that's a lovely new profile photo! Thanks for sharing, my friend! Have a wonderful and memorable week, and know that there are many parents who will be touched, as I was, with the reading of your tribute to your daughter. Aloha, Criis!
Aloha my friend Joe! How I love your idea of having a niche each day. Now, why didn't I think of that? Well, of course I write depending on the mood and these days, I'm such a lazy bone or maybe just too tired with so many overwhelming stuff outside HP. Send me some much needed energy here my friend. :)
Back on the ground; not done packing yet but peeping once again and couldn't resist--guilty pleasure. Then again, I needed some time off this summer and what better ways to enjoy it but RRR (Read, Relax, Rest). So, here I am reading your wonderful, very engaging hub. You are an inspiration...round of applause to you Joe! Sharing your awesome write!
Love from the sky~
- AUTHOR
Back at you, Liz! Lately, I have been reflecting a lot about why I love writing on HubPages. Hands down, for me, it's all about the connections--the building of bridges, if you will. I'm certainly learning a lot, and I'm also happy to have shared a lot. There's a cool kind of global village vibe to HubPages that gives it a unique appeal. It's wonderful to know you, too, Liz. And you know something else? My head tells me I need a plan...but my heart is all about meandering around the countryside and looking for spontaneous adventures. : ) Have a good evening, my friend! Aloha!
Good for you! I've never even tried to participate in a challenge so I commend you for doing so! I like the new plan that you have outlined for yourself. I am still in the midst of devising a plan myself. For someone like me who flies by the seat of the pants, planning takes some getting used to. I'm the exact opposite of planner, but I am trying to adhere to a schedule.
Great to know you, Joe and thank you for the inspiration that your hubs so greatly provide!!
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Jo! And thanks for the kind shout out to Bill! He works his butt off harder than any other writer I know, and I wish only good things for him and his lovely wife, Bev!
That said about one terrific social activist, I want to congratulate you--another brilliant mover and shaker--for doing what 99% of us never do. You actually put into action what you hope to see changed about our political system. I have tremendous respect for you and what you do, and I am encouraged that Don Quixote is alive and well in 2013 USA! Keep fighting the good fight of faith, Jo! I'm so proud of you! Aloha, and may you always keep the power elite on their toes!
Joe
What an accomplishment that was to get at least 22 hubs completed. Bravo~
And all were very high quality too, I might add. I enjoy your honesty, and your creative writing style. I have so many other irons in the fire to even attempt a 30 day/30 hub challenge. And Bill is the most amazing (next to you) person I have ever had the priviledge to get to know. Blessings friend.
Voted up ++++ shared and tweeted. :) Aloha
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Brad, for your wonderful vote of confidence. Considering its source, I am deeply honored. True grit is a characteristic not taken lightly by residents of your state, my friend, so I take to heart the feedback I receive from you.
You're very perceptive and remember well what it was like to have been part of a special Hub challenge. As tough as it was, I'm glad I participated in it. In retrospect, there were indeed valuable lessons learned.
This past week, I've certainly tended to my many responsibilities...family, eBay, household and yard chores, walking. My writing has not suffered. Rather, it has been given time to rest in the special seasoning of creative juices. My plan is to approach my writing for this current quarter the same way I approach dessert after a fine meal...as a man rewarding himself for being able to put his need for immediate gratification on hold. Thanks for walking with me a ways down the path so I could share my thoughts with you. Aloha, my friend!
Joe
Congratulations to you sir on going as far as you did, despite not having reached the 30 hub mark. I've done the challenge once before, and I said I most likely wouldn't do it again. It can force your creativity a bit, and have you feeling like a failure if you don't complete it entirely. The only way to be effective at that challenge in my opinion is to plan ahead, similar to what you appear to be planning on doing now.
I admire your dedication on here. You are really one of the shining stars on here in my opinion, and it's only matched by your kindness and willingness to engage with others on here. Kudos and much respect to you. Very well written hub as always. Voted up, rated awesome, shared.
- AUTHOR
Hey, Lisa!
Thank you so much. I learned a lot about myself during the process. My teammates were very supportive, and our readers gave us lots of encouragement along the way. I appreciate your following and graciousness, my friend. Aloha, and have a wonderful weekend!
Joe
Congratulations on completing the HUB challenge, Joe. It has been a pleasure following the journey. Aloha!
- AUTHOR
Oh, Mary, you are quite a woman! I just now saw this lovely message and was instantly blessed upon reading it. I am taking a little breather and using the time wisely. My eBay business was in need of attention after having very little of it over the last month. So I'm tending to that "garden" as well as mulling over some of the things Bill has been sharing with us lately. I hope to return to active duty on HP tomorrow or Friday. Thanks so much for your loving concern. You mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate very, very much how often you've gone the extra mile for the people you care about here in the HP family. All the while taking good care of your own family. Aloha and a big hug from your 5-0 brother in SE Washington, Mary!
Joe
" I am capable of climbing to the pinnacle"...I think you already have my friend. Read through these comments again and see how loved and appreciated you are...2 or 22, your hubs are all amazing and a joy to read.
Like Bill said, when we learn something we've accomplished something.
After completing the Apprentice Program I have backed down to four hubs a month...more if I have time and I'm able, but a minimum of four. That allows a little time for life and other things. Perhaps a break like this will rejuvenate you and allow you to see what an asset you are to us and HP. Your literary pitcher overflows with quality...so much better than quantity!
Okay my fine sexy genarian, no more lectures except, you had better not leave HP...one hub a month is better than none at all. Love to you and yours. Aloha.
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
- AUTHOR
Hi, Shelley!
Thank you for your lovely words. This is a great community of talented writers and loving hearts. I'm honored and blessed to be a part of it. Have a beautiful day, my friend, and thanks so much for gifting me with that kind of day as well. Aloha!
Joe
- AUTHOR
Thanks, WND! Just catching my breath, that's all. So much to make up for with the other responsibilities. Jotting down ideas for upcoming hubs. Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July! Ours will be sweltering over here. Thanks for being a loyal and supportive friend. Aloha!
Joe
Great work on all of your 22 hubs. Loved visiting you and reading your thoughts. I think you did a stunning job - I would rather have 22 brilliant hubs than 30 so so ones - that's what you achieved. Hooray!
Hawaii,
Whatever it is you are rearranging/thinking, wishing you the best and I hope some of it is still hubpages. Trust Ebay will spring back up for you.
We are supposed to get storms, so it may not be the fireworks that the wetnoses will be nervous about.
Happy and safe 4th.
- AUTHOR
Hi, WND!
I am working on a new plan. My eBay business was one of the things I neglected in June, and I really need to do some things differently. I don't want to forget, so I will wish you an early Happy 4th of July! I know the dogs don't enjoy the fireworks, so I hope they only have to experience the minimum or spend a lot of time indoors this week. Thanks for caring. I'm just doing a lot of thinking and rearranging.
Hawaii,
Back to answer Karen's comment. Yes, the challenge does bring us closer together. Hawaii, you agree?
Are we still talking about Hawaii leaving HP? Oh say it isn't so. Take a break. Go for your long walks. Go with your plan to do your own challenge on HubPages. Leave? Selfish me, I say oh no, Hawaii can't leave hubpages!
- AUTHOR
Yes, Bill is such a prolific writer! What great output, quality and quantity wise! We can all learn a lot from him. Now there's a guy who could have packed his bags a long time ago and leave HP. He chose to stay on, and we are all blessed as a result. I'd be a wise man to follow his example. As you can see, I'm talking to myself here. something I desperately need to do more of in a positive light. : ) Aloha, my friend!
Joe
No failure in sight Joe! You wrote high quality material for whatever number you ended up with, and we were entertained and enlightened as always with your humor and great writing talent.
And Bill writes a blog as well!
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Karen, for the opportunity of engaging in this Challenge. I did learn a lot from it and hope to apply what I learned in future attempts. My very best to you...
Joe
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Zana!
I'm glad to make your acquaintance, sir, and hope that over time we will enjoy each other's writing as well as offer support and encouragement over the long haul. Peace and aloha from SE Washington state!
Joe
Dear, dear, Hawaiian Odysseus,
My goodness, I don't think of this experience for you as a fail at all. On the contrary, look at all you have learned that you would not have learned if you hadn't participated in the challenge! I would say it's a huge win. Not only did you learn a lot, but you also published 22 new hubs, which I don't think you would have completed had it not been for this challenge. Good for you, and although you didn't reach the goal of 30, what you came away with was in the end, much more rewarding. I do hate to think of you leaving HubPages altogether. Maybe after you write one hub a day for awhile, you can slow down and just pop in once a week or so with some profound words for the rest of us? Please don't go!!! Thanks for participating in this hub challenge. I will say a challenge like this does bring the participating group members closer together...right Chris and wetnosedogs? Congrats again Joe...you did well and learned more about yourself and your personal writing goals.
It is one of the most engaging hubpages I have read recently. Very well written - and for sure not from a 'failed' hubber!
Looking forward to your next challenging month!
voted up.
- AUTHOR
Hey, point2make!
You made good points here, once again affirming your HubPages handle! : )
Thanks so much, my friend, for your encouraging words. I gave it my best shot. And I truly learned very important lessons along the way as well as in retrospect. Here's to the growth that comes from making mistakes, learning from them, and being connected to others!
Aloha!
Joe
- AUTHOR
Thanks for understanding, Rebecca! Actually, I work full time on my eBay business. My daily schedule provides me with the flexibility to go on long walks that more often than not provide me with ideas to develop for my writing on HubPages. One of my niches is writing about all things eBay. So, pretty much everything I do is backlinked, you could say. : )
Thank you for stopping by. Aloha, and have a great and productive week, Rebecca!
Joe
- AUTHOR
Thanks, bruddah Chris!
So nice to hear from you! How cool that you keep in touch! Hope all is going well with you. I am listening more and more to what Bill is saying about getting a Writer's Market and exploring opportunities in writing articles for magazines. I need to diversify. Thanks for stopping by, my island friend! Aloha!
Joe
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Kathryn!
I did just that today...relax! And it was great. I walked 6-1/2 miles, took care of some eBay packaging, mowed part of the lawn, weeded the perimeter of the house, answered fellow Hubbers' comments and did my own commenting on others' hubs, listed a few things on eBay...but even in the "busyness" of my day, I felt relaxed. Lost a minimal amount of weight from my last posting, even after not walking very many miles this month due to my involvement with the Challenge, and heard from my wife who heard from my doctor that my cholesterol and good cholesterol showed improved numbers. I was very happy about those results. My blood pressure was elevated, but I totally get WHY and will leave it at that. Thanks for your encouragement all the way through those 22 and beyond! Aloha!
Joe
- AUTHOR
Thank you for the vote of confidence, Pearl, which I sincerely take to heart. After a short break, I'll be back with my next hub. Trying to organize a new schedule that will help me be a more efficient time manager. Late in life, I'm still running on Hawaiian time...perpetually late! Ha-ha! Have a great Tuesday, Pearl, and thanks again for being a faithful HP friend! Aloha!
Joe
- AUTHOR
Ha-ha! You two are a riot! Thanks for the infusion of humor, Liz. If I have time tonight, I'll check out your auctions and Buy It Now items. I can learn a lot from a newbie and, in fact, I already have..such as the great hub you recently wrote about the gurus on YouTube.
I have a webcam and was able to get as far as seeing myself in reverse, which really threw me for a loop. But I got stuck there and didn't know where the ON button was. I'm hoping the software is already in the computer's hard drive.I am clueless when it comes to techie stuff. I'll keep trying to figure it out. Have a good night's rest, Liz. Love ya, too!
Joe
Well done hawaiianodysseus once again you prove yourself to be an inspiration to all of us who enjoy reading your hubs. 22 hubs is not a failure my friend....it is an achievement of note and I congratulate you. Your efforts in this challenge deserve our praise and respect...again I say well done.
- AUTHOR
Hi, Availia!
Wise counsel, indeed! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing thoughts that I will certainly take to heart as I unfold a new tactical approach with my Hubbing. Aloha!
Joe
Excellent job at realizing that the key is to be self-driven and disciplined. I can't wait to see what comes out of this ambitious new self-regulated program. The important thing is to accept small failures along the way and not be defined by them. The prize always goes to the most stubborn. Every word counts!
Cheers!
I don't think you failed either! I could NEVER write one quality hub per day...and work too. Face it, unless you are doing WAAAAAY better than me, a day job has to exist. You are to be congratulated for being brace enough to even attempt such a thing.
Aloha Joe! 22 hubs is no failure! Congrats on what you did achieve in June, and good luck going forward. It's always refreshing to have a plan in place on the 1st of the month! =)
22 hubs is great! Congrats to the attempt, and I like the lessons you have learned out of this, as well as the challenge you have made to yourself. It sounds like you have a wonderful plan!
Have a great day! And relax :)
~ Kathryn
Joe, Your articles are always top notch and entertaining, funny and fun to read. You generously give us your sunny attitude and tell us wonderful stories. How can you even contemplate that you failed in any way at all?! You refused to serve us junk food for the sake of cranking out just any old hub--thank you!
I admire your recipe for 'lemonade', and I look forward to reading many more of your excellent pieces, my friend ;) Pearl
Billy! Don't make me come up there and beat you with a wet noodle as I enjoy your temperate climate.
I thought squeezebox was a dirty word, but I looked it up and saw that it was an accordion. Always learning from you, Joe. Like how I should get my mind out of the gutter.
As far as the store goes, I'm still lining my toes up at the edge of the diving board but I have yet to take the plunge. I'm going to have to one of these days. I'll have to email you about the breakdown I had earlier today.
Done commenting on comments. Love ya, buddy.
As for Billy, he's in the doghouse. LOL (that's impossible)
- AUTHOR
Thanks, WND! Your words mean the world to me. I think if I set my priorities straight, I'll feel more at peace when I do write. I like the stuff that comes out when I'm in a good space. Anyway, it was an honor to work with both you and Karen, people that I knew a long time ago had what it takes to be solid writers for the long haul. I appreciate you, WND! Hi to the furry ones!
Joe
- AUTHOR
Ha-ha! I knew you'd see it, Bill! You guys crack me up!
Hawaii,
Thanks for the mention! But I saw that in parenthesis - I hope you are still here on Hubpages. Whatever ails you HP-wise or any other wise, I hope it all gets better.
Goodness, you did NOT fail. You set out to do quality hubs and you did just that. As always.
You have a splendid plan and I trust it will work for you. (As you could tell by my hubs in the challenge, you can see I'm not organized.)
I appreciate your giving it a go and now, for you, coming up with a better plan. And this is a wonderful hub for the end of one challenge and the start of another. The best to you.
As for Lizzy's remark that I don't know what I'm talking about....well, consider the source. LOL
- AUTHOR
I can always count on you, Bill D., for an encouraging word. Thank you so much. I heartily accept all that you and all of the other dear writers who have commented have shared with me. Putting it into big picture perspective, I can be very thankful for the hubs that I worked hard on and that brought joy to a few others.I'll keep plugging away at it, a little bit wiser and with renewed enthusiasm. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your respectful and heartfelt comments, Bill! Have a great week!
Joe
PS In a recent hub about picture prompts, I gave a shout out to you at the end of one of the photo featurettes. Just wanted you to know in case you missed it.
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Liz! I like these buddy talks with you and Bill and Mary and others....you gave me great pointers here, and I will put them to use, especially the one about saving a post here or there for future use. There ARE days when I hyper-write, so those would be good times to deposit one or more in a hub savings account.
Oh, about the juicer thing. It is one piece in clear glass, and the middle part looks like a volcanic mound. You put the half orange or lemon or lime on the middle, squeeze down, and the juice collects in the reservoir perimeter. Juice wringer? Squeezer? Mama's got a squeezebox, and Daddy can't sleep at night? One of those thingamajigs. Every so often, I see one at Goodwill. I better do the research. I like the concept that the store you found uses...almost like a church rummage sale on the last day when they break out the bags. I found a real army fatigue shirt with the guy's name and a few patches. Bought it for a dollar, and I'm curious what I can get for it. Your rim shot spelling sure sounds good to me. And I'm sure Bill will weigh in on it. LOL! I like the give and take between you two. 22 was my high school quarterback jersey number. It was the day Rita and I got married. So 22 hubs is a good number, I suppose. Man, I could use a bottomless pitcher of lemonade or root beer. It is triple digits over here. Take care, my friend, and I'm glad to hear you're busy on eBay. Have you decided on the store idea yet?
Joe, first of all I say congratulations on publishing 22 great Hubs over the last 30 days. I too am quite familiar with how life can get in the way of writing. My hub production is down to 4 or 5 per month but I anticipated this during the summer months when there is oh so much to do. I agree with Bill, you did not fail, you succeeded in publishing 22 quality hubs that always had me riveted to your every word. Bill has set a high bar for all of us and in the long run we will all be better writers because of it. Well done my friend.
I'm with Billy on this one.
Which is funny, because that guy usually doesn't know what the heck he's talking about. Budum-ching! (I have no idea how to spell a rimshot--who's the failure now?)
Writing 22 hubs is definitely not a failure. The best part is that your writing never waned in quality. You have so many great stories to tell.
Your plan sounds like a good one. One of the things that popular bloggers suggest is keeping a handful of articles saved for those times when you can't get one out in time (according to your schedule). So if you choose to do the challenge again, use the next couple of months to tuck away a dozen or so articles. That should ease the pressure, especially the blood pressure.
I have yet to see a mortar and pestle out and about. I'm not sure about juicing jars--haven't heard anyone talk about those. I found an awesome thrift store just about three miles away that helps the homeless. They have sales every day, and on the last Saturday of the month they set up an area where you can stuff a bag full of clothes, accessories, and shoes for ten bucks! And they're the sweetest people ever.
Back to listing! Aloha, my dear friend. You're brilliant--don't forget that!
- AUTHOR
Wise words indeed, Tom! Thank you, my East Coast friend! Haven't kept up with the Red Sox? How they doing? I'm always glad to hear from you. Still rocking over your music tribute! And you over mine, I'm sure. : ) Have a great week, my friend, and lots of aloha and blessings from SE Washington!
Joe
Hi my friend, those who have tried never fail but learn something on the way, as you did. And if and when you try this again you will get it done in record time because you have learned what kept you from doing it the first time.
Have a great week my friend ! Aloha !
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Bill!
I get harried because I wonder about the time I have left...you know how that goes. And yet, that's the devil's trap. We have all the time that we need at any given moment. It's the present moment that matters, and it's the way we manage it that makes all the difference. I like your organization. Without it, that beautiful raw talent might not ever have left your ballpark like a Ken Griffey-induced missile. YOUR getting it done in a manner that works both intrigues and inspires me to no end. Thanks, Bill, and may you have a terrific Monday! Aloha!
Joe
- AUTHOR
Hi, Alvin!
I didn't make it this time around, but then again, the challenge is always available to us, day in and day out. My friend, billybuc, is a good example of how prolific writing need not compromise raw talent. Aloha, and thanks for sharing in this hub experience!
Joe
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Suzie! Today, I change up the way I did things in the month of June. I will return to what I should have stuck with, and that would be to simply stick with the simple plan I started in January...go for my walk, "talking" with God and asking for his blessings along the way; tending to my eBay business (something as simple as listing ten items a day); connecting with family and friends; and THEN treating the aspect of my writing as a reward, if you will, for having accomplished a great deal. I'll thus be writing RELAXED rather than HARRIED...and what I love best, the personal essays, will hopefully flow from my literary pitcher like lemonade on a hot summer's day. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your uplifting comments. Aloha, and my very best to you, Suzie dear!
Joe
You didn't fail, buddy. You learned something and that is never a failure.
Aloha my friend, and thank you for the very kind words.
You are right of course. The only reason I am able to write so much is because I am very organized and structures and I have a schedule that I adhere to religiously. It's not that I can write faster than anyone else but rather that I do not waste time during the week or get distracted.
You are one of the finest writers on this site. I believe in you and so do the others who follow your wisdom.
Failure? I think not, buddy!
Have a great day my friend.
Aloha,
bill
Thats some challenge you have undertook. I hope i can have the time to undertake this sort of challenge too . Thumbs up :)
Hi Joe,
Congratulations my friend, I love how you turn something that you may deem a failure (I sure don't) into a positive learning experience on the road of "stepping stones to baby steps". You have been truthful and inspiring by showing your own difficulties in "completing" this HP ruled concept. Bill has been a leading influence on my mindset and the amount I have absorbed from this great man is very real so I know exactly what you mean. Bill's help, knowledge and experience is there for the taking and it is up to each of us whether we "choose to accept this mission" or not.
Hold your head up high Joe because you are a man with a plan, you have learnt and you succeed every time you put thoughts down and write. What you write is always a pleasure to read and learn from.
Well done and Aloha, Voted up, useful, awesome, interesting and shared!
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