Today I start playing with the alphabet, again! Yes, I’m doing the April Blogging From A to Z Challenge for the second time. After our experience with the Challenge last year, I decided that I was doing it on Everyday Gyaan too besides on From 7Eight. I’m also linking into the Ultimate Blog Challenge and April’s NaBloPoMo.
When I began to think about what theme I would blog on for the Challenge here, I was tempted to go with many ideas, until I realized it was best to stick to my blog’s tagline : Keeping Life Simple, Authentic and Holistic. In other words, it’s business as usual – only that there’ll be a lot more posts in a short span of time.
I know from my experience last year that it’s easy to be clever with the letters of the alphabet when doing the A to Z challenge. However, this time, I’m trying not to be clever, I’m going to stick to my own voice.
Natalie Goldberg writes about her Israeli landlady, a woman in her fifties. The woman called a repairman to fix her broken TV. It took the repairman four visits to fix the screen.
“But you knew even before he came the first time what was wrong,” Natalie told her. “He could have brought the correct tube and fixed it immediately.”
The landlady looked at her in astonishment. “Yes but then we couldn’t have had a relationship, sat and drunk tea and discussed the progress of the repairs. ”
Of course, Goldberg writes, the goal was not to fix the machine but to have a relationship. To make a connection–to touch, to see, to listen, to discover, to drink from the well of the day’s gladness.
This is exactly why I started a blog to make a connection with people via my writing. And that’s just what I’m going to do with the letters of the alphabet through this month!
This post is written for the letter A for the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014 José and I are undertaking the Challenge on our blog, From 7Eight too.
The Natalie Golberg story comes via Terry Hershey’s Sabbath Moment updates.
Alphabets link to make words, words to make sentences and sentences to make connections. Lovely way of looking at alphabets Corinne. Btw loved the story of the Israeli landlady.
Geeta Nair recently posted..An unexpected visitor
Thanks, Geeta. Yes, we string the letters of the alphabet into words – it’s our choice what words we use! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Encouraging Quotes For Various Situations
Thank heavens for saying the alphabet. Everywhere I read, everyone says the alphabets. Good luck to you for the challenge!
Rachna recently posted..The conundrum of success!
I guess we all make mistakes, Rachna. And this is a common one.
Thank you! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes on Sunday – 3
I need to be here earlier I guess if I want to scroll minimal. 🙂 Your own voice is good, Corry. Best option really. Waiting for you ka B 😉
Leo recently posted..Brick by brick…
Thanks, Vinay. I was waiting for you to comment before I published the next one! 😉
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Back To Blogging Basics
Now, THIS is something I am going to look forward to everyday. You are a very special lady and I am anxious to know you better.
Carol Graham recently posted..Dogs – B is for Babe
Thank you, Carol. I feel the same about you. I’m hoping to read your book next month – after the Challenge is over.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
And You are connecting so well…bringing together people from all spheres, and walks of life…
Pratikshya Mishra recently posted..Watching Queen..
Thank you so much, Pratikshya. You’re not doing the A – Z challenge? 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Phenomenal Women Inspiring Change
“Business as usual” sounds great to me… looking forward to reading your posts!
Laurel Regan recently posted..Blogging from A to Z Challenge – A is for…
Thanks, Laurel! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Nice thoughts hope to read more of your blog
Vikas Khair recently posted..Paths to Death – B for Bullets
Thanks for the visit, Vikas.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Relationships are important, and I love your theme. Great start to the A to Z Challenge. 🙂
Yes, they are. And thank you for visiting.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
The Natalie Goldberg snippet is PRICELESS!
It’s as simple as that!
Michelle Wallace recently posted..A is for Autographs/Atlas
Yes, the beauty is that it’s so simple, isn’t it? Thanks for visiting.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Good use of the alphabet, and some really great quotes there! You’re such a great source of inspiration.
Loni Townsend recently posted..A to Z Challenge – A #atozchallenge
Thanks so much, Loni. Loved the start of your story! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
To be one’s self is the best thing! Always enjoy your posts Corinne. Very insightful!
Debbie recently posted..#AtoZChallenge: “A” is for ACROPOLIS in ATHENS
Thanks so much, Debbie.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes on Sunday – 2
And I know how wonderful it feels to make connections with people with the help of our writings. Did not I tell you before, about the connection that i feel for you Corry?
Wonderful theme. I, for once again, going with ‘randomness’ as my theme.
Preetilata recently posted..An Invocation to my Muse
I’m sure you do, Pree. You must ‘talk’ more though – so glad to see you back. Randomness is great.
About the connection – you did and I feel the same. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Hi Corinne. Thanks for visiting the Crazy Town! Love the beautiful decorative letters illustrated here. 🙂
Adam recently posted..A is for All In Together
Thanks, Adam. You’re post was great.
Dear Corrine, your own voice sounds clever. Yes more words like friend and love would be great. I hope you have an awesome April.
Thank you, Ida. Wishing a fantastic month too! 🙂
Keeping it simple always helps to clear the clutter in our minds! Well put! Looking forward to read more!
Danny Simon recently posted..A for Accountability
Thanks so much, Danny! Off to read your post now. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Just trying to add a comment to check if my link appears 🙂
Amrit Rukhaiyaar recently posted..Amores Perros [2000]: Loyal dogs, disloyal people
Nope it didn’t 🙁 Wondering why – what message is it giving you?
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
N cory lemme tell you, you excel at building relationships. **Respect**
Meena Menon recently posted..@Ajanta
Hmmm…not everyone would agree, Meena, but thank you.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
I really love what you’re doing with this, Corinne! A little bit different, is good 🙂
Carrie-Anne Foster recently posted..A is for Muhammad Ali
Thanks a lot, Carrie-Anne!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Did I tell you, that you are a genius… wow… loved the quotes, loved the sense you made….this was an awesome little post
Amrit Rukhaiyaar recently posted..Amores Perros [2000]: Loyal dogs, disloyal people
No you didn’t, Amrit? 😉 Thanks, all the same. Glad you liked the post.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Wow. Powerful post! It hit me really hard and warm like being tossed into a hot tub.
Good luck with A-Z. I’ll be stopping by often!
RM Hepler recently posted..A is for…
Thank you, RM Hepler. Loved the comparison! 😉
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..April Come She Will #AtoZChallenge
You are being smart 😛
Found In Folsom recently posted..A for Aeroplane!!!
You think, Lata? 😉
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
LOVE Natalie Goldberg. She’s one of my faves.
Love you, too! xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Sun Shines Differently Without You
I am certainly getting her books, Kim. I love whatever I’ve read of hers so far!
Love you, Kim.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes on Sunday – 2
Yes you are right….it depends what all words we weave together with alphabets…
Today I read somewhere that people who use words which hurt are not bestowed with enough wisdom to be friends with good ones…
Your post…..reiterated that to me
SITARA NAIR recently posted..A DAY WITH GAURI CHECHI………..
Thanks, Sitara. That’s a great quote.
Your post is amazing!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Where To Find Inspiration
Amazing theme 🙂 Just loved the pic and the quote…so inspiring .
It’s my first time at A-Z Challenge….do drop in by my blog 🙂
Sushree Dash recently posted..Again…
Thanks, Sushree. I’m sure you’ll do great with the challenge!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes on Sunday – 3
what a great theme am happy you are enjoying doing the challenge
Thanks so much, Lisa. Are you doing the challenge too?
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Making and maintaining connections….Life is all about this…
Lovely … happy blogging!
Sheela recently posted..Aspiring Teachers
It is, Sheela. Thank you!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
that’s a beautiful thought because in the end, it’s the relationship that stays and matters
Rajlakshmi recently posted..The Boyfriend Recombobulation
Thanks, Rajlakshmi. And you’re so right!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
And aren’t we the luckier for it!
Can’t wait to read and get a true sense of YOUR voice!!!
Cristina recently posted..A is for Annunciation
So glad we’re connected, Cristina! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Queen of My Own Life
Corinne, what a fabulous thought about using the A-Z to explore human connections. The landlady in your anecdote reminds me of my grandmum, who is the most interesting nonagenarian I have known, all because of her connections. 🙂
(At 91, she visits her ‘mandal’ – her local ladies club – every Thursday, to catch up on news, the latest books and catch up with some of her friends, who have been members of this club since 1944. )
Thanks for the reminder on the power of keeping in touch.
Thanks, Monica. You’re grandmom sounds like an amazing woman. What an example for you and your family!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
I love your simple, authentic and holistic blog, Corinne and am so glad we connected. You are great how you support others and are always positive and uplifting.
And by the way, I think you’re VERY CLEVER, too! Just sayin…. Look forward to more fun this month with the A-Z Challenge.
Thanks so much, Cat. It’s lovely to have you blogging again. I do love our connection. ♥
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Yes, an important part of A to Z is forming relationships. Nice post.
Jolie du Pre ( recently posted..Zombie Invasion: Autumn
It is indeed, Jolie. Thank you.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..April Come She Will #AtoZChallenge
This is going to be a great month! I look forward to all the uplifting inspiration that I will get here. I am already smiling and feeling refreshed! ♥
Kathy Combs recently posted..A is for Adultery
We’re going to rock this challenge, aren’t we, Kathy? 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Oh Corrine what a lovely start to the challenge. Here in Philadelphia it is 8:45 a.m. on 4/1
I am at work but had a break so I made a cup of tea and I am off to make some connections.
Doreen McGettigan recently posted..The A-to-Z’s of mental health, Addiction
Thanks, Doreen. I hope you enjoyed your tea and made some good connections! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Blogging is an excellent way of building relationships with other bloggers but as long as the effort is on from both the sides. One-way communication becomes less audible with time. AtoZ Challenge is bringing like-minded bloggers in touch with each other and helping build bridges across nations, loving it. You have started with a bang and the boom will get louder with every letter 🙂
Thanks, Sulekha. You should know – you’re the veteran A to Zer! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Business as usual – coming from you- yes, please Corinne:-) Love your writings, so Ill be following for sure. So happy to have connected with you through blogging:-) The story with the repair-guy was cute. Can totally relate… many do have the tendency to come again and again don’t they:-) Super start of the challenge:-)
Eli recently posted..A for Acropolis
Thanks, Eli. You’re so affirming. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
You amaze me with your energy- AtoZ, Nablopomo, UBC 😀 And keeping WT running through all that and running the AtoZ group! Doing it with two blogs!
Lady, I want to know what diet you’re on 😉
On a serious note, I love the anecdote about the lady talking about making connections. Because after all, that is what blogging is all about. And you make it seem so easy. Hats off to you!
Shailajav recently posted..Awareness
Ah it’s a breeze! 🙂 Thanks, Shailaja. Yes, I loved the story too.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
‘Smart’ and ‘not smart’ reminds me of a senior co-worker many years back. Everybody used to tell him he was lucky to have such a smart wife. One day, somebody insensitively asked him how come such a smart woman married a ‘not smart’ guy like him. Before any further damage could be done, I retorted, “She fell for a ‘not smart’ guy, but he successfully wooed such a smart woman, obviously he’s smarter than her!” From that day, people stopped bugging him about his ‘smart’ wife!
Proactive Indian recently posted..Appreciation
Good one, Pro! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
A very straightforward and admirable aim. Good luck with the AtoZ.
Tasha
Tasha recently posted..AtoZ Day 1: A is for Attitude, Abchanchu and Abraham Lincoln – Vampire Hunter
Thanks, Tasha. The same to you too.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
I liked your post corinne, you are simply great ! thanks for inspiring !
Thanks, Janet.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Hi Corinne ! Great start to the A to Z blogging challenge. Making connections through writing is wonderful and it comes so naturally to you. Best of luck for the entire challenge.
Thanks, Diana. Good luck to you too!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Simplicity is not easy to achieve and stay with. Looking fwd to your posts Corinne 🙂
Ah but we can try, Sunila! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
You are truly keeping it simple by not playing around too much with the alphabet! 😉 I love your tagline and looking forward to this month…
Psych Babbler recently posted..A is for Acceptance #atozchallenge
Yes, I am, PB. I’m looking forward to the month too. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Phenomenal Women Inspiring Change
Making relationships in this busy world is very important 🙂 … as always <3'd this too 🙂
Sheethal recently posted..A is for …
Thanks so much, Sheetal.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
connection is what we really want.. waiting for more feel good posts.. 🙂
simple girl recently posted..AtoZchallenge – A for Amloki
Thanks, Simple Girl. I hope I can oblige!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
So true. It’s all about connections. What would life be if we all lived in isolation. I love how you convey your message through a story.
Suzy recently posted..Life’s Jigsaw – Ask and it is given
Thanks, Suzy! Glad you liked it.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Tell me tell me How do you think what you think, what a post 🙂
Ananya Kiran recently posted..A – Another Fairytale ? Ananya’s Fairytale ??
Ha ha…now I don’t go giving out secrets for free! 😉
Thanks, Ananya.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
I just heard about this alphabet blogging thing and I think its awesome to come up with clever ideas based on the alphabet to blog about!!
Thanks, Dayana. I hope we can sustain it though! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
EG is a lovely place to be in and I love digging out your old posts are reading them, for they give a sense of comfort and peace. Glad that you are keeping the theme of EG as it is. All the best for April 🙂
PS: Hope there would be some posts from Pablo too…
Bhavya recently posted..Address
Thanks, Bhavya. That’s the nicest thing I’ve heard today!
Poor Pablo is suffering from writer’s block! 😉
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Aah…I like this very much, Corinne. A is indeed for Alphabet, I suppose 🙂 And I should add that from what I have seen so far you certainly have connected quite nicely with so many people through your writings and helped people make their own connections too. Way to go, girl! Look forward to your B post and all the rest!
Beloo Mehra recently posted..Homecoming
Thank you, Beloo. I’m certainly glad we connected!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Aah, the alphabet ! Lovely tapestry of words here, Corinne 😉 loved the way you’ve woven the smartness into the ‘not being smart’ thing 🙂 Hugs, Corinne 🙂 Staying tuned for the rest of the smartness 😀
Sreeja Praveen recently posted..# 1. Ashes…..
Thanks so much, Sreeja. You have a way of making people feel good about themselves! 🙂
Hugs.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
That landlady is my kind of person!
Great start to the A to Z, Corinne! Love, Vidya
Vidya Sury recently posted..Affirmations
Oh yes, she is! 😉 Thanks, Vidya.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Hi,
This is a good idea, let us keep our life simple. This is what I am applying to my blogging too.
In our speedy lives we just don’t sit and talk any more.
Thanks a ton!
Inderpreet Kaur Uppal recently posted..A is for ALONE
Thanks, Inderpreet. Yes, conversation is a dying art!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Lovely thought..Building Relationships or should I say touching lives…
Salesh Dipak Fernando recently posted..A- ANNE FRANK
Touching lives, indeed, Salesh. Thank you.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
I like it when you talk of keeping it simple. Easy enough if the goal is clear in our heads.
Thanks, Tulika. And you’re right, we need to be clear about it.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Yes we blog to make connections, find those with whom we share a lot of our human values and life. Writing is a way of life for me now. And it is because of this that we met too 😀
richa singh recently posted..Approaching thirty are we?
Right you are, Richa. If our words can make sense to another – that’s a great connection, I think! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Oh yes, the goal is to build relationships and enjoy the journey! Loved the path you are following, Corinne! ♥
Shilpa Garg recently posted..A is for Arguments
Thanks, Shilpa! Remember how we made a connection last year? 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Keep it simple, eh? Lovely theme! And a great post as usual Corinne 🙂
Gauri recently posted..A – Aprons DIY (A to Z April Blogging Challenge 2014)
Thanks, Gauri! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Whoa, you have made a nice theme and an excellent write up based on the theme!! I am so curious to know more!!
S(t)ri recently posted..Achilles’ heel – Day1 AtoZ Challenge 2014
My theme is just the same as the one I have all year through, Sri. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Lovely that you are keeping it simple, authentic and holistic! 🙂 Making beautiful connections is certainly a reason for blogging and what a golden opportunity this A-Z gives no?
Aditi recently posted..The Amethyst Ring
Thanks, Aditi. And you’re right – you make some great connections via the A to Z.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
i love ur theme 🙂
trying not to be smart with the alphabets and being smart at the same time 😀
Thanks, Swathi. Good luck with your posts! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
I love the theme Corinne…but I think in reality you are being smart with the alphabet 🙂 And the making connection part says it all , doesn’t it? That’s why we blog I guess…It feels gr8 when people connect to us through our writings 🙂
nabanita recently posted..A is for Alone in Agony
Thanks, Naba. Making a connection with our words is what it’s all about. You do that well! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
And it sure makes sense…not being too smart with the alphabet, eh?
Anyway, I loved the theme and the way that you have weaved it. Will stay tuned
Kajal recently posted..About Time (2013)
Only being myself, Kajal! 😉 Thanks.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4