Now that it’s time to reflect on my experience with this year’s A through Z challenge, I am almost speechless. What do I say about a month that I spent looking for beauty in likely and unlikely places?
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At the beginning of April, I took a selfie with a camera because… C is for camera! |
I have managed to find beauty every day. Some of the days didn’t seem very promising. There were early spring snow and high wind conditions.
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inhospitable surroundings do not deter the determined crocus |
There was an ice storm.
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… but winter, beautiful in its frozenness, was not willing to leave gently. |
There were mounds of litter that needed to be picked up. Those were the most unlikely places to find beauty. There were places in which I found expected beauty. On April 24th, when I arrived in San Diego, after a cross-country flight, I was greeted by the sight of very tall palm trees. As I waited for my nephew to pick me up, I squealed, “Palm trees!” I had managed to leave a winter that didn’t want to say good bye and arrive in a place that was warm (for the most part) and full of bright color.
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The fruits of last summer have become these delectable treats (Grand Island Farmers Market, April 8th). |
For me, the theme was an opportunity to really look at my world and find something good in it. When I started, it was still winter, despite the date (April 1st).
Because I struggle with winter blues, I really had to reach to find beauty in a season that I would gladly skip. I did manage to discover beauty in the coldness and grayness that I have trouble loving. I found beauty in the fun and adventure of my visit to family in sunny southern California.
The challenge was a good experience for me. I did manage to post 26 times, which was exactly the number of posts needed for the Blogging from A through Z challenge.
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There was an ice storm. I stayed inside and cooked. One of the dishes that I made was vegetarian West African peanut soup. |
It was, however, an exhausting experience because I write each day’s blog post on that day. Sometimes, I fell behind, due to days of too much busy-ness or a long day of travel. I am happy that, at the end, I had caught up and was able to complete the challenge of finding beauty in likely and unlikely places every day.
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life sized chess game in sunny Riverside, California
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Western Day Parade in Lakeside was fun and fun is beautiful. |
I look forward to next year’s challenge and, maybe this time, I’ll buy the T-shirt!!!
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What an adventure! We went to a rodeo on April 29th! |
Tomorrow: I’m heading to Buffalo to check out the cherry blossoms at the Japanese Gardens on Hoyt Lake behind the Buffalo History Museum, and I will share pictures right here!

And I'll be waiting for your posts on next year's challenge too.
It was wonderful reading about your experience.
I liked the topic .Finding beauty in likely and unlikely places.
You are right, winter was so unwilling to leave. It was hard for you to complete the challenge, but I am happy you thought it was worth it. Now, spring is moving at super speed, like it is being fast forwarded. I hope the sunshine and flowers lift your mood.
Twas a fun journey to follow.
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