It’s November 30, which means it’s the last day of NaBloPoMo. Thank God.
Nah, not really. I like to complain about it and affectionately call it things like NaBloMePoMo but, deep down, I love it and am happy to participate. In fact, it’s always such a great experience, I’ve commited to starting the year with another one in January.
As much as I love the writing, though, I realize that what really makes this month so special is the sharing — first, with all of you, who are so supportive and active and who have helped me create a community of women (and a few men!) who I look forward to interacting with every day. You leave comments, send me emails, make suggestions. You laugh and cry over my stories and you share your own with me. Thank you. Without you, I might as well just be writing a diary — and that’s just never been that interesting to me.
Second, my amazing NaBloPoMo Midlife group. These women write smart, funny, heartbreaking, inspiring posts that have become a highly-anticipated part of my daily reading. I will miss that in December. As people, they are also smart and funny, not to mention compassionate, thoughtful and encouraging. I know for sure that NaBloPoMo would not be nearly as meaningful — or as much fun — without them. I’m grateful that I have gotten to know many of them in real life, and consider them among my closest friends. So, thank you, Elin, Ruth, Cathy, Mary, Linda, Carol, Jackie, Jamie, Nancy, Donna, Doreen, Angela and Elaine. Keep writing, and please join me in January for another round!
Oprah always says that everything’s better when it’s shared, and I agree. I once checked into a hotel for a conference and they upgraded me to an amazing, gigantic room with a gorgeous ocean view and a tray full of desserts. My immediate reaction was, “OMG! I wish Michael were here.”
There’s nothing better than sharing things you love with those you love. I’ve taken Michael to see movies I already saw at press screenings, texted my kids about new songs I heard on the radio, brought my parents to favorite restaurants, sent books to my sister, lent DVDs to friends.
I can tell you that even Cronuts taste better when you share them — despite the fact that there’s then less to eat — because the sound of joy times two trumps everything.
So, I’ll still be writing three blog posts a week in December but will also be redesigning my home page, sending out boxes of books to all of you who ordered them, spending time with my family and friends and organizing my life so I can get ready for NaBloPoMo again.
Meanwhile, I want to share this with all of you. xo
I agree – there is nothing better than sharing things with the people you love. I think I am going to go ask my son to “share” the Hershey bar he is eating right now 😉
Awww. I mean, really. Awwww.I love to share. I think that’s why I love giving gifts so much. I see something cool and I want to share it. I’m not sharing my husband, though. Just sayin’.
I do see lots off bloggy love this time of year. Looking forward to your three posts a week in December!
I was happy to take this monthly ride with you, Lois. You are a bubbly ray of sunshine and I always looked forward to what you were going to say in your daily posts. So enjoy December, kick up a little and have a few Cronuts with Michael and your kids. I know I don’t have to say that twice! xo
I have not participated in this, but it seems like fun. Nothing wrong with sharing, unless it’s germs.
Thank you Lois, it has been so much fun! I still haven’t written my last day of November post yet and reading everyone’s farewell is leaving me feeling a bit sad. This has been great fun and truly I have you to thank for — yet again — giving me the necessary prod to do it.
I cannot agree with you more, the sharing has been the best part. There is something about the image of all the writers at their computers that inspires me. Looking forward to January! xo
I can’t imagine a better way to end this amazing month with one of the most positive, hopeful, joyful, current songs! Of course we are on the same page…. I love our collective journey and am so excited to see where we go next!
“Some days are better than other days. These days life is better with you…” Can I get an AMEN?
AMEN! xo
Sharing is awesome….and I think I’ve shared a LOT in November. There were days I posted twice in one day. I’m thankful for the end of NaBloPoMo. 🙂
When you have kids you’re always sharing. You’re sharing your TV because they want to watch that TV show you don’t care for. You’re sharing your food etc., but the love and fuzzy feeling you get when you share is priceless.
I think sharing makes life better too. After all, no man is an island and we all need to be surrounded by others who support us too.
I bet you are so excited to redesign your home page! This sounds like a fun thing to do with other bloggers. Thanks for sharing and Happy Holidays girl!
How fun getting to know you better Lois. Dang girl — if you don’t get a lot of sh*t accomplished. And it’s all so worthwhile. All your posts were fun, informative and great reads. Look forward to seeing what your new design will look like.
Well now I should feel guilty because I just made cookies and enjoyed sneaking a couple before I let my family know they were ready. Sharing is good but sometimes snaking a moment to indulge is good too!
Ha! You just shared your secret – that counts for something! Now go have another one 🙂
Well that went by fast and you definitely make it look effortless!
Keep writing, I will keep reading
You are so sweet, thank you!
i honestly do not think that I would have gone as far with this exercise last year or been able to actually complete it this year if it were not for the group. I may join Elin in December, just because I don’t want her to go it alone! That’s how much I like you all! You may have to find another writing buddy for January, though. Three straight months of my babbling might prove too much for my readers 🙂
It is so much fun to share and give after all, right!
This is very true sharing is the best. There’s nothing sweeter than when my kids share something really special with me. If they spontaneously offer me candy from something that someone has given them or even baked goods that they have helped to make that is enough to make my day.
Well done and good luck for January and I cmpletely agree there is nothing better than sharing. x
I really enjoyed reading everyone’s NaBloPoMo posts this year. I laughed, I cried & I may have peed my pants a little, LOL! Next year I’m definitely participating!
We’re doing it again in January if you want to join us! And, as far as the peeing, well, you may want to check out my Always Discreet post!! 🙂
I have never heard of this before. I have to admit that I am not the best sharer in the world. I need to work on that. Thanks for the inspiration!
okay. what is it?
I have loved this crazy ride and it was all the more sweet having you there with me!!! Looking forward to a little bit of a breather and doing some organizing too. We deserve it!
I have never heard of this. What a great idea. Being a writer is such a fun thing!
I agree that sharing in an activity can make you feel good. How nice you had such a good group of supportive friends.
I agree! Sharing is always better
That is a lovely idea. BTW, love that video!