There was a song we used to sing when I was little:
There was an old man called Michael Finnigan
He grew whiskers on his chinigan
The wind came along and blew them in again
Poor old Michael Finnigan,
begin again
{repeat}
It's been playing over and over in my head as I've been thinking about blogtoberfest coming to an end. The ways things can start over and over again. The number of times I've posted on this blog about beginnings. The cycle of endings and beginnings.
I don't think there's ever been a Blogtober where I haven't felt a sense of things changing around and within me. I'm not sure if it's simply the arrival of Spring and it's inherent regeneration, the taking time to notice and reassess that seems to come hand in hand with the practice of {almost}daily blogging, or just pure coincidence {if you believe in such things}.
This Blogtober has been the most challenging so far. It's been the first time in four years where I haven't actually managed to blog everyday. There was no way through. I was running on empty, and ultimately my body gave in on me and there was nothing to do but surrender. It wasn't really about blogging, but everthing about how much I was trying to hold. How much I'm always holding. And all the stuff underneath.
Blogtoberfest will be back next year. I love it and I'm committed to it, for it's longevity alone. For the way it brings people together, for the new connections it creates, for the noticing it brings. However, it's also time for me to let go of the reigns a little and invite some new energy into this space. I want to build a blogtoberfest team. A group of creative souls who will help me take this little festival of ours to it's next incarnation. If you would like to be part of the team please email me at tinniegirl/at/optusnet.com.au. I don't know what you'll be signing up for and we won't even begin the conversation about it until sometime next year. But I'd love to have you. I know that both Blogtoberfest and I need you.
Thank you, again, for being part of my journey. For riding these waves of growth, hope, defeat and renewal. For being with me through the beginnings and endings, the seasons of my life. I feel profoundly changed by and grateful for your presence in my life.
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I've decided to save the grand finale giveaway until tomorrow. Beginning of a new month and all!
Thank you for inventing Blogtoberfest! I didn't post every day either, more like every second day (on average, lol), however it was such a great way to get started with my new blog and I have learnt heaps. I hope you are feeling better and that this new beginning is good for you :)
ReplyDeleteThank YOU Cathy a zillion times over!
ReplyDeleteLove your finale words. Feeling a smidge sad and would like to think I'll keep up the momentum ... time will tell! You did way more than 31 posts, don't fret about missing the odd day. Keep well Courageous Cath♥
I want to thank you for this. It was just the kickstart I needed to get back into things after a difficult time, so thank you for your time and energy.
ReplyDeleteI send you my good wishes and a speedy return to full strength.
I was sad not to have discovered Blogtoberfest until midway through. I'd love to get involved in it next year! I do hope that whatever ails you will be overcome soon! Thanks for being a ray of sunshine on the blogosphere!!!
ReplyDeleteCathy, thank you again and again for hosting this great event that truly does bring creative souls together and I thank you my friend for inviting this "yankee" to join in the fun from afar two years ago.
ReplyDeleteYour festival has enriched my life in many ways big and small and I'd be thrilled to be part of Team Blogtoberfest next year! I'll email you soon =-)
I just wanted to drop by and say thank you for hosting this awesome event. I won't lie, it was a challenge to post every day, but such a sense of achievement to reach the goal at the end of the month.
ReplyDeleteHope that you recover to full strength soon and look forward to following seeing where your creative journey takes you.
Thanks again!
Blogtoberfest...thinking, thnking and more thinking, inpiration was coming at me at all times of the day. Blog this and blog that. although I could not post every day most of them weekends because of sailing. I still loved it and will be here again next October. Thank you to all the lovelies who started following my blogs and for the inspiring comments. xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting Blogtoberfest, especially when you have not been well at all!! There are some awful bugs going around these days, our youngest is down with the fever at the mo - day 5 now... You can only do what you can do. I have reallly enjoyed the challenge of BF - being my first time too! Thanks Cathy!!XX
ReplyDeleteIt was a truly marvellous Blogtoberfest... and it was the most "real".
ReplyDeleteCount me in for your team! xx
Thank you so much for Blogtoberfest. I was not the most devoted blogger i am sad to say but the idea that i had a driving motivation was so key for me to keep reflecting and writing and sharing. And so exciting to think i might have a community to share with. Thanks you.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for Blogtoberfest - I can proudly say I didn't miss a day!
ReplyDeleteIt has been wonderful, I've enjoyed every bit of it and in fact it's the inspiration/motivation to attempt my first Swap.
Looking forward to checking in on my new peeps and returning for another Blog'fest next year.
Just want to add my thanks for hosting blogtober again Cathy - it gave me the impetus to get my blog rolling again which is just what I needed. Hope your feeling on the mend soon - take care and look after yourself. x
ReplyDeleteThis was my first Blogtoberfest and I had a blast!! Thank you so, so much for putting this together. I didn't manage every single day but nearly and I am very happy with myself. Can't wait for next year! Good thoughts coming your way - hope you are feeling on top of the world soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for getting Blogtober up and running - it's a great to have a motivator to blog daily. Hoping the momentum lasts :)
ReplyDeleteThank-you for organising Blogtoberfest this year - I hope you get better soon
ReplyDeleteFollowing Blogtoberfest has put me in a routine of blogging everyday
I would love to join the team next year
Joining in the chorus of gratitude here Cathy.
ReplyDeleteI also didn't manage to blog every single day (gave myself a weekend day off here and there) but never-the-less, it kept me on focus all month, and that was a gift.
Thank you.
x