Participants come from all over the world. There's a feeling of community, with familiar faces posting and commenting each week. It's like a little online family, without the angst and without having to finish your liver and onions.
But two weeks ago, Susan hinted that Microfiction Monday's days were numbered. Last year, she moved from Ireland to West Virginia and, as a single mother, took on several jobs to make ends meet. Because of her hectic work schedule, her posts became sporadic. Last week, I feared the worst when Microfiction Monday never got posted.
I refreshed and refreshed my blog, checking and hoping against hope. Then, sometime on Monday, Susan posted from her phone that W. Va had been hit by a winter storm and that she had been without power. But the week has gone by and Microfiction Monday never surfaced.
I'm really sad. Sunday afternoon just doesn't seem right without the challenge of writing a microfiction and then putting on one's Sunday best to make the round of other blogs.
And I don't quite know what to do. I'd love to help Susan, but I don't know how. Should I offer this blog as Microfiction Monday's temporary home? (Somebody else would have to supply the photos, because I'm hopeless at that.) Or should we all accept the inevitable end, sniffle into our hankies, and console each other that it was good while it lasted?
Any ideas, folks? Any thoughts? If Microfiction Monday does end, will you promise to stay in touch? (124 characters)
Oh, I do feel the same way, Michael! I feel so deeply for Susan, I'm going to miss MM, but unfortunately, I'm unable to help much as I will be making a major move in the next couple of weeks and it's going to take me a while to get my life back on an even keel. I do promise to stay in touch and if/when things get better here and I can help, then I surely will! Take care and have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I was equally upset Michael and found myself wondering how to challenge myself on Sunday evenings from now on...
ReplyDeleteIs it officially over?
ReplyDeleteNO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Michael - I feel for Susan. The decision to back off the weekly meme must have been difficult, but will undoubtedly ease some of her stress. I wondered if anyone would step up to give MFM a home and thought of doing it myself, but I just started the Book Blurb Friday meme and don't want to take too big a bite. Perhaps you could email Susan and work it out with her? I bet she'd be happy to "train you" and get you started.
ReplyDeleteI know...doesn't feel right to start the week off without it.
ReplyDeleteHOWEVER, considering all our pal has on her plate, I can understand. After all, a year and a half ago there were only about 12 of us playing and it's just blossomed beyond belief! One of the reasons I sometimes miss is I don't have the time to read everyone...and I'd feel guilty if I posted without doing so. Perhaps our love for Susan's playground has overwhelmed her.
But if I think of an alternative, you'll be the first person I shout at. :)
I'd never heard of it, but it sounds very cool, so I hope it works out.
ReplyDeleteHave you contacted her directly?