Friday, January 15, 2016

GOODBYE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Hey Lovers - musically inclined and otherwise . . .

Gee, did you notice the first month of the year is half over already? How did that happen so quickly?



You know, Battle of the Bands has been going on a long, long, long, long, long . . well, maybe not THAT long time. Started by then ex-pat FAR AWAY EYES, then supported by everyone's favorite fascist Stephen T McCarthy, and joined by many, many music enthusiasts over its blogging history. Through good times and sad times, wacky and weird, classic and rock and hip hop and raggae blues; this group has risen to the challenge twice a month.

I've posted for the BotB more often than not, until lately. So nice to see some new faces hanging out, and new tastes in music; plus those old timers (not necessarily OLD timers Lee) and their steady bop. I've enjoyed this variety show, and made some good friends along the way; but its time for me to join the ranks of those that have abandoned moved along in their journey.

My excuses run from sooooo so busy, to the "I really should be writing," but eventually is probably more like I've run out of ideas. A combination of all expected justifications, but boils down to this being my last post - for the Battles. For a while anyways.

Not the last time I'll visit all the BotB participants, as time allows. As mentioned, I've made some awesome friends with this competition series, and I prefer reading/listening to posts rather than crafting them lately.

Life being what it is, I'm intending to focus what free time I have (between procrastination tactics and writing related commitments) on actual WRITING. Its been a couple years since I had anything published, and I just bet if I sat down and wrote out some of those stories, then let my CPs nit pik out the flaws and submitted to ezines, I might feel that writing gratification again. Maybe. I'll start with the Lost and Found blogfest on Feb 1 - meaning I better get something written soon or that deadline will pass me by too.


My song pick today isn't a battle. I'd probably forget (as always) to return to post the votes and winners. And wowzers, do you know how many sappy or f**k you leaving/goodbye/farewell songs are out there? I'm not dying, going away forever, or pissed at my BotB relationship! Have we had a blast or what? So I'm sparing y'all that with just a simple song that imparts the sentiment "yo, don't forget to come back for regular posts; I'll see you for your's too!"





Later Folks. See ya around the virtual studios.

33 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

The Battle has a steady little group going - they will be there if you decide to start again. Focus on the writing for now.
Glad you're participating in the Lost and Found blogfest. I guess I need to think of something to post that day, don't I?

Denise Covey said...

Yes, Donna, something's gotta give to make room for new things. I'm trying to decide which social media to bury so it frees up a little more time. I'm so glad you're in for the Lost & Found. I'm working on that story, trying to cull it, then I have to start on the Valentine's Day for WEP. Hope your new enthusiasm for writing allows you to participate! Francine is going to be guest judge for that one!

And as far as BotB goes, I love music but so many of the songs I don't know.

All the best for publication this year too! How exciting that would be!

Happy Writing Year!

Denise :-)

Pat Hatt said...

Sometimes you just have to stop things for a while so the writing can get done.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Procrastination tactics? I like that. I spend time doing that, too. I really must stop.

Hope you have fun with your writing. Now I must stop procrastinating and get to the laundry (oh yeah, and pay the bills) or it'll never get done. :)

Arlee Bird said...

We'll miss your Battles, but if you're true to your word we won't miss you. I hope you keep coming to vote on our Battles.

I understand what you're saying though. I tend to look for distractions to keep me from doing things I should be doing. BOTB is one distraction that I can make allowance for since this is one of my main threads keeping me attached to the world of music.

Glad you're doing "Lost and Found"--thanks for the promo on that. Be seeing you around the blogs.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Michele at Angels Bark said...

We'll miss you here at the BOTB -- but hopefully you really will come back and participate by visiting and voting. I'm glad you're taking part in the Lost & Found blogfest. Me too! So we'll definitely be seeing each other there.

I totally understand how you have to give something up. I'm famous for procrastinating when it comes to my writing. And BOTB is definitely a commitment. I don't know that I'll be doing it forever either.

Please don't be a stranger. Was nice hanging out with you for the past battles.
And write on! :)

PS: Loved the Cars song. Thanks for leaving us with that!

Michele at Angels Bark

Loni Townsend said...

Working on writing is a good thing! You can still listen to music and compare songs offline. :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Donna - it's good to know you will still be around - that's the important bit. I sometimes go BOTB .. but not often and am not a member .. being so unmusical doesn't help!!

Good luck with your ventures and that entry for the Lost and Found blogfest ... see you around .. cheers Hilary

dolorah said...

Alex: they are a fun group.

DX: My Lost and Found will likely be dark, of course :) I think I need to give up some procrastination more than social media, but yes, something has to get me writing. I will participate in both Feb writing prompts :)

Pat: good advice

Stacy: I'm debating about scrubbing the bathroom. The crud will still be there tomorrow!

Lee: Yeah, I'll still be visiting. Known you and FAE longer than BoTB, and look forward to your regular, controversial posts.

Michelle: no worries, I'll still be visiting you. Got you in my side bar so I see your posts. I think. I'll check.

Loni: yep!!

Hilary: Thanks. I will be by you blog later. Gotta get my medieval news.

A Beer for the Shower said...

We can't blame you for your logic. That's why we're cutting down to 2 posts per month and 2 comics. Posts were starting to get in the way of our actual writing, which just doesn't fly. Your awesome personality shines through in whatever you post (studio audience - AWWWW) so as long as you're still around, it definitely ain't goodbye.

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Okay - I'm guessing you read Robin's blog about, "engaging in more activities" ...hmm? I'll expect that Valentine's post to knock me down (!)

Truly, I can think of no better way than using Johnny Depp and The Cars to say goodbye stuff. Wait - that's almost a lie. I can think of plenty of ways to use Johnny Depp.

Take care of you, Darling Donna. I'll miss your battles.

Jeffrey Scott said...

Your posts will be missed. But I'm so glad you have the gumption to step away when you feel you need to. Get to that writing! You will feel so much better for it. See you around the blog-sphere. :)

Mike said...

Your battles will be missed. Thanks for sharing your battles. Your writing season has changed and I look forward to what posts may come.

Debbie D. said...

You'll be missed at BOTB but it sounds like you've got some other exciting things going on. Wishing you great success with your writing! We'll meet again at the Lost and Found event, Feb. 1. All the best!

D.G. Hudson said...

I'd never admit it if I were part robot, you know. You just do what you have to do, Donna. I've got to get to work soon, on my writing, too. Just trying to make the time, but with looking after hubs, it's not easy.

Good luck with the writing. Hope to see you in the comments on occasion!

dolorah said...

Beers: awww, you're making me blush Boys! And I promise not to spew on your shoes, hehehehe. Yep, I'll be definitely seeing you guys around. Studio audience is always welcome, cue the canned laughter and clapping cards :)

Dixie Doll: oh yeah, lots and lots of ways to "use" Johnny Depp. Hold on, having a fantasy here . . .

Jeff: I see you've been getting more involved with the blogs, so I will see you many many places :)

Thanks Mike.

Debbie: looking forward to the blogfest

DG: I check on you constantly for updates. I hope you are not too stressed. I miss your posts.

Cherdo said...

You gotta do what you gotta do! You'd always be able to jump back on the train whenever you want, I'm sure. Till then...I'm still following you. It's a community!

Stephen T. McCarthy said...

OH DONNA ~
I'll have you know that you're not the first woman who's ever dumped me, and I'll get over it!

Wait. Come to think of it, you ARE the first woman who's ever dumped me, and I'm not sure that I will get over it.

I don't GET dumped! I DO the dumping!

Oh Well, Oh Donna, I hope you get all your writing done and have a good time doing it. I will remove the BOTB-related links to your blog, but please know that anytime you decide you want to join us BOTBers again, just say the word and you're back in, with multiple links an' all - totally official - and we won't mention the time you abandoned us.

By the way, I've always liked that song by The Cars. They were the most boring band I ever saw in person, but I still dig most of their debut album. Some really fun songs on that one.

OK, I'm sad to see you go, but don't stray too far, alright?

I'll continue to text you from the 'Boomtown' slot machines, my friend.

~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna, good to see you are still particpating in the blogfests. thanks for the heads up. I may try an entry too if I have time. I can so empathise. I had to abandon blogging while my own life was in uproar! All the best with your writing x

ReInVintagedGoods said...

Love The Cars so so so much! Hate that you are leaving BotB, but we all gotta do what we gotta do to, whether that's writing, blogging in general, or really any other journey in life. I'm sure it'll still be around if you ever decide to come back!

As for me? I'm still moving along in my journey. Recently purchased web hosting and bought myself a domain a lot sooner than I thought I would, so I'm at reinvintagedgoods.net now. I'd only been blogging slightly less than a month at my (old) new place, but I saw an opportunity and jumped on it. It's what we do, right? Furthering our journey.

Here's to moving forward, moving along, and perhaps our paths will cross again one of these days!

cleemckenzie said...

All things must come to an end, for whatever reason. I enjoy BofB, but even listening to the music takes time from what I need to do in the writing department. Wish days didn't vanish so quickly, then I'd have more time to do everything I want to do.

dolorah said...

Cherdo: Yes, it is a community.

Mac: I'm not your first? Sheesh, that is disappointiing, lol. See ya around Willie; my schedule is changing once again and I don't know when I'll be there. Once a month is all I can tell.

Hi Maddy: wow, it has been a while since I've seen you. Glad you stopped by today.

Kim: ah, I didn't know you were moving; I'll check out your new site. I'm sure you'll get right back into things :)

cLee: I'm not a fan of "endings" much, but yes, they do happen. This won't be a "finale" however, so thats a plus.

Cathy Kennedy said...

Donna, I totally understand your need to pull back. I need to take a new direction in what I'm doing in Blogosphere. It's a lot of fun participating in the various blog hops, but they do consume your time and energy. At least you're not bailing all together and we can still find you in cyberspace. Have a good week and thanks for sharing the music.

mshatch said...

That's what I've been trying to do lately, focus more on my writing, which really should come before everything else. For me.

farawayeyes said...

Ah Jeez, just what I didn't want to hear, BUT believe me, I understand totally. Between my poor health, my love of procrastination, and a wacky work schedule, I don't feel as though I get anything done. I've been contemplating giving up blogging altogether. We'll see what 2016 brings.

Still trying to get to than manuscript to send to you - just one more of those things I can's seem to get to.

Let me know when you're passing through again. Talk to you soon.

Janie Junebug said...

See ya later.

Love,
Janie

Misha Gerrick said...

I hear you. Sometimes, it's just necessary to pull back and focus on writing. All the best! :-)

Jennifer Shirk said...

I know! Where does the time go?
It's funny, sometimes I just devote an hour to writing an whatever I get done is whatever I get done.

Robin said...

Sometimes we just need a break. Or time to refocus on other things. So, adjust yourself and come back if/when you want. I love that about blogland. It allows for constant change.

Anonymous said...

Best of luck with writing more! I know I need to! I finally sent something out to a magazine last week. Haven't heard back, but have moved on to another story. Gotta or I'll dwell and obsessively check my email haha

I only ever do BotB once a month just so I don't burn myself out. Even then, it gets sorta tedious trying to even find a song and then.. I feel I have to make sure my covers are going to be at least somewhat palatable between the ones I actually like *sigh* anyway.. ADIOS!

Guilie Castillo said...

Aw, Donna, we're going to miss you! But I totally understand. I've only been BoTB-ing since... June I think, something like that, and sometimes it seems BoTB-ing is *all* I do blogging-wise. Still, it's a great gang and I'm glad you'll still be around. I for one will look forward to your comments and votes very much :)

Love this song by The Cars — and hadn't heard it in a long, long time, so thanks for that :)
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

P.S. — And looking forward to seeing you on the Lost & Found hop!

Raquel Byrnes said...

Yeah it hard to keep up with the long running stuff. I really enjoy the camaraderie and encouragement but lately I've been letting stuff slide. I will see you around the blogosphere, I'm sure. :)
Edge of Your Seat Stories

Deniz Bevan said...

Aww, sorry you can't do it anymore, but yes, devoting time to writing is good!
Love the Cars :-)