A-Z Challenge 2021

Keith's Ramblings

atoz-theme-reveal-2021

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a-z

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Each year I tell myself, this will be the last time I take up the A-Z Challenge. The dwindling number of participants in my catagory has led to fewer readers and less comments to the point where I’ve asked myself if all the effort was worthwhile. 

However, with many restrictions on free movement still in place, I guess it’ll be something to keep me occupied during April whilst wishing I was sitting inside a pub supping a pint or two!

And so, once again, I’ll be coming up with short stories than can be read, and hopefully understood, in sixty seconds or so. 

Some will be amusing, some serious and a few, complete nonsense! Well, it’s supposed to be fun, isn’t it?

As for the theme, I’ll be working my way through a list of musical instruments from the accordion to the xylophone (not sure what to with Y and Z just yet!) and introducing you to the characters that squeeze, blow, strum, stroke and bash them!

Hopefully, I’ll persuade you to dig out your earplugs and join me on my melodic meanderings!

64 thoughts on “A-Z Challenge 2021”

  2. Denise Mar 8, 2021 / 15:31

    I quit several years ago. Out of laziness mostly. But good luck in your endeavor. You could cheat and use a kazoo for Z. It’s close.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Mar 8, 2021 / 15:49

      A lot of people quit. When I first took part 5 years ago there were well over 2000 people on the master list, and last year it was a few hundred.

      How about I rename it Zakoo?

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  4. hilarymb Mar 8, 2021 / 17:57

    Hi Keith – I’ll enjoy reading … I won’t be there – I got fed up with the change of admin … so not for me any more … I’ve still got plenty to keep me occupied – until those pubs open and I can whittle my day away having a few glasses! Happy composing … cheers Hilary

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  5. Iain Kelly Mar 8, 2021 / 18:01

    Already looking forward to the stories each day Keith, glad you decided to keep going for another year! I’m back for this year, so we’ll see how it goes!

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  6. Paula Light Mar 8, 2021 / 18:22

    I’ll be reading and playing ~ got a Bond theme lined up 😀

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  7. Dave Roller Mar 8, 2021 / 18:44

    I am so glad you are coming back Keith. I am a big fan of your writing. I see you were reminded about zithers. When I think of organ’s I always think of Yamaha’s and they also produce guitars. There is a Korean hammer dulcimer that starts with y. I think it’s called a Yangum.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Mar 9, 2021 / 13:01

      Thanks so much, Dave. The hammer dulcimer sounds very interesting! Best of luck with yours.

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  9. ahtdoucette Mar 9, 2021 / 12:47

    Keith, I don’t know any Y or Z instruments either! What a fun way to come up with stories. Thanks for sticking it out another year. I’m doing stories this year, although not all about a theme in that sense, like musical instruments. Sounds like a lot of fun! I like other people’s ideas of the zither and Yahama guitars though. I feel like this will be educational anyway!

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    • Keith's Ramblings Mar 9, 2021 / 12:54

      Thanks so much, I just hope I can come up up with 30 stories! Good to see you again, I’m Iooking forward to reading your tales.

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  11. Lisa Mar 9, 2021 / 16:19

    Good theme choice! I see zither was mentioned. I wonder if you might have to use a name in another language for Y? I have to work around X, using the scientific name for a plant, and a poet’s name rather than a form of poetry.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Mar 11, 2021 / 12:47

      Every year, those last few letters cause problems! Yodel is a kind of inbuilt instrument I suppose! Best of luck with yours Lisa.

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  12. Anna Rymer Mar 9, 2021 / 16:28

    Yamaha keyboard? 🙂 Or I liked the idea of ‘Yoik’ – the voice as instrument – when I asked google – a form of unaccompanied solo singing in northern Sweden 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPqKAuzo0tk
    Good luck! I’m debating joining in but wonder of it will just be procrastinations from what I should be doing!!!

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  13. jazzfeathers Mar 9, 2021 / 19:16

    It’s sad to see the number of partecipants going down. But it’s good to find all faces around 🙂

    @JazzFeathers
    The Old Shelter – Theme Reveal – The Great War

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  17. K.J. Mar 10, 2021 / 22:47

    I have been taking tie off from A to Z, and I think I will again this year. I look forward to reading your stories even when it isn’t in April. 🙂

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  18. Natasha Mar 11, 2021 / 00:36

    Wow now that sounds like so much fun. Musically peppered stories, just my kinda reads.
    Bring them on, Keith!

    And please start working on your book as well.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Mar 11, 2021 / 12:34

      I just hope I haven’t taken on too much – we’ll see! I really must give some thought to the book! Cheers, Natasha.

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      • Natasha Mar 11, 2021 / 16:31

        Cheers Keith!
        I’m back with #WW. See you soon. The linky is live for 2 weeks.

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      • Keith's Ramblings Mar 11, 2021 / 17:32

        I’m so pleased, I missed you! I’m having to give this week a miss but I’ll be back!

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      • Natasha Mar 15, 2021 / 06:30

        Thanks dearest Keith. I’ve missed you all so much. And your “tickle the ribs” tales and your general joie de vivre. Looking forward to you A-Z adventures now. All the very best.

        I’ll see you this week. The linky is open right up till the next week. 🙂

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      • Natasha Mar 15, 2021 / 06:31

        You must. And I’ll be rooting for you. 🙂

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    • Keith's Ramblings Mar 14, 2021 / 14:27

      Something I wonder too. Like you, I’m never fully prepared so I guess we both need a bit of good fortune in the instant inspiration department! Thanks for the link Sascha.

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  21. Donna Mar 13, 2021 / 23:23

    I liked the challenge a bit more when people didn’t segregate by subject and visited blogs all the different blogs. I blog about books but I have other interests so I’ll be visiting some of the nature/gardening blogs and I’ll probably check out the history blogs because I love learning new things. Hopefully, at least some of them will visit me as I attempt to microblog on our Instagram channel.

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  22. Brett Minor Mar 15, 2021 / 11:33

    I don’t think I could even name enough instruments to cover all the letters.

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  24. msjadeli Mar 16, 2021 / 00:36

    Nice to see you are participating again, Keith. See you in April (and at FF.)

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  25. Jae Lynn Mar 17, 2021 / 00:52

    I love this theme! I run a music meme on my blog so this right up my alley. Look forward to reading your stories.

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  26. urbangypsygirl Mar 22, 2021 / 04:33

    Excited to read your stories. This is my second time with A-Z. The first led to some great connections and prolific writing. I’m hoping it will be a great journey this time as well.

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  27. Gail M Baugniet Mar 23, 2021 / 04:25

    I remember your short stories from two years ago, Keith, and look forward to more entertaining stories this year.

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  28. Aseem Rastogi Mar 23, 2021 / 06:33

    Short stories are always awesome. Look forward to reading your work :).

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