
If you’ve come for the doors, you should know two things, 1) Norm is taking the day off, but 2) of course there will be doors. But first, I want to take a few moments to thank two special people in the universe that is WordPress – Norm Frampton, and Linda G. Hill.
Norm, of course, brings us the weekly blogfest that is Thursday Doors. I think it goes without saying that I enjoy Thursday Doors. In fact, I haven’t looked at buildings the same way since I published my first door (yes, singular) post back in 2015.
I also have some experience managing a blogfest (Cherished Blogfest) and I’ve had the pleasure or filling in for Norm on a couple of occasions, so I know how much work is involved in running a blogfest. Scheduling the start and end time, marketing, visiting the individual contributions, commenting on those posts and sharing them in social media, all require time. Every time we click on the little blue frog, it works because Norm has ‘made it so’ (to quote another favorite leader of mine).
Bracketing Thursday Doors on No Facilities are two challenge prompts that have become very important to me. “One-Liner Wednesday” and “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” were once periodic endeavors and are now fixtures on this blog. Before I elaborate, let me add that both of these challenges are managed by author, editor, and all-around-good-girl Linda G. Hill, and both require a similar amount of planning and effort that I described above.
I started participating in One-Liner Wednesday almost exactly three years ago. Believe it or not, that first one-liner consisted of 38 words. From there, my one-liners grew to 42, 94 and 156 words before I completely lost the one-line concept. What can I say, I believe in the importance of the backstory. Another thing to remember about my one-liners is that they are not edited. So, if you notice typos or violations of the rules of grammar, they are my fault, not The Editor’s.
Stream of Consciousness Saturday is the most curious bit of writing on No Facilities. I started with #SoCS in October 2014. I continued, but not consistently. I enjoyed the challenge of stream of consciousness writing, but I often had already done more than the “minimal planning” that Linda suggests should be completed. I also enjoyed another series on this blog, “If We Were Having a Beer.” Apparently, I’ve been visiting the bar longer than any of these prompts – that sounds like me. My first post from the bar was in January of 2015, but like #SoCS, bar posts were a periodic thing. It wasn’t until 2017 that I attempted to merge the two categories.
I credit Linda with driving that merger. Her prompts were always interesting, often made compelling with the addition of bonus points. The merger was complete sometime in the fall of 2017. Since then, I have attempted to write dialog from the bar while addressing the #SoCS prompt. It doesn’t always work. Sometimes I fix it (and acknowledge that I failed by having to edit) and sometimes, the dialog wanders and we don’t know who’s speaking.
While thanking Linda for encouraging me to think faster on my feet, as it were, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank two others. At some point in the summer of 2015, John W. Howell suggested that I should attempt to lose the introductory paragraphs and focus on tagless dialog. The idea scared me, but I tried. In many ways, I am still trying, but I do thank him for his encouragement, because I enjoy this style of writing very much. I apologize when I lose you in the conversation, I guess sometimes, you have to be there.
Speaking of being there, I also want to thank our bartender, Cheryl K. Pennington. Cheryl stepped behind the bar one Saturday in 2015 and decided to keep the job. She has only missed a few days, when I wanted to tell a story where the bartender was a problem – Brad, a.k.a. Skippy fills in for her on those days. Cheryl is a good sport, and she’s been quick to clarify some points where her opinion is important.
I’m almost done, just two more people to thank. Thanks to The Editor for reading three posts each week, sometimes twice, and for having paid attention in the classes I found boring. You know, the ones on spelling and grammar. Last, but most important, thank you! Thanks for reading. Thanks for your comments and a special thank you to those of you who have inspired posts at this place – you know who you are.
Today’s gallery features the favorite doors that didn’t make the cut last week.
Happy Thursday, Dan. This was a great tribute to those who host the challenges that make WP a vibrant and interesting community.
… and to close off 2018, you came with your A-game of doors! 🙂
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Thanks Joanne. This community is a wonderful place to be. So many nice people, and so many interesting and beautiful stories being shared. I would surely exceed my word count if I tried to thank everyone.
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Speaking of word counts, have you noticed that the new editor no longer has a word count? …. or is it somewhere I haven’t noticed yet?
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I haven’t noticed. I usually write my posts in Word. Me writing without an active word count could be dangerous for you guys – I tend to go on ;-)
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😆
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I’m not part of the challenges, but I enjoy what you do with them and of course after having been a bartender myself for many years – I definitely enjoy “If We Were Having a Beer”! You may have skipped over these door pictures before, but I can not choose a favorite, they’re all good!
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Thanks GP. The challenges are fun and give enough motivation to keep the gears turning. “If We Were Having a Beer” continues to evolve, but I enjoy it more than anything, and what’s a bar without a great bartender?
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It’s a MUST!!
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My dad tended bar after he retired. I think he would heartily agree.
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You know the crazy thing about Thursday Doors? I don’t participate but find myself scouting out interesting ones all the same!
Nice group this week…
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It is funny. I have have people telling me about doors that they’ve spotted, and I have people sending me photos of doors when they travel. Thanks!
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Me too!
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Nice barns, mailbox, and free library – all good things. :-)
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Thanks Judy. It took two weeks, but I think I covered my favorites. Now it’s time to start working on a new crop. I hope you’re enjoying the holidays.
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You are such a thoughtful writer… and person. Thank you Dan for being here!
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Awwww, thanks so much, Val.
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My daughter introduced me to Judy’s blog. Your comments there intrigued me so I checked you out and became an instant follower. You pointed me in Pam’s direction, and so on. I wasn’t sure if my comments would be welcome since I do not blog myself. But I needn’t have worried. Everyone I follow has welcomed me with open arms.
Thank YOU Dan for your interesting, funny, informative and insightful posts. I have learned more history, seen more places, and had more laughs reading your posts than I could have ever imagined. It’s been wonderful meeting you, The Editor, Faith, Maddie, MiMi and MuMu and your assortment of chunky squirrels!!
I’m not a traveler, but this has been one hell of a trip!!
Oh! Yeah. Great collection of doors today. Love the doors, windows and brickwork on that old firehouse. What a beauty! Of course the mailbox and the free library and although not a door, the sign on #321.
Glad you’re retiring, but I hope that never includes retiring from blogging!!
🔹 Ginger 🔹
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Thanks Ginger. The connections from various blogs has been very interesting and rewarding for me as well. I can chart a similar course, and I have found many friends along the way. I remember looking for your blog, because I felt bad that I wasn’t following you. Then you explained, and I felt much less guilty. I enjoy your comments very much!
I am so glad you enjoy the various posts over here. While I look forward to retiring, I have no plans to stop writing. I also have no plans to increase the frequency. It’s funny, I liked posting three days a week, and I told myself that I could add Wednesday, since it’s only one line! Ha – I should have known.
By the way, that firehouse was for sale – you know, if you ever wanted to live in an old firehouse – I’d buy it in a heartbeat if I could.
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Such a great tribute to everyone, Dan. I do like the tagless dialogue. I sometimes get lost as to who is saying what but the lines are so snappy–not to be confused with Skippy–which was a brilliant character to bring into play. Always great posts!
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Thanks Lois. Traveling exposes me to a lot of bartenders, and sometimes I run into an idiot. I couldn’t let Cheryl have a bad day, so we had to have Skippy.
I’m glad you enjoy those posts, and I’m glad we connected. I love the twisted responses you bring to your photo challenges.
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Thank YOU, Dan, for your dedication and diligence in sharing so many experiences and places with us. I was never good at history and was absolutely idiotic about geography. I know how to get where I need to by instinct and memory but not by any method of calculation. I leave that to men like you and my hubby. I have loved my ‘moonlighting’ job and hope to continue serving up those drinks and enjoying your conversations for a long time to come. Ditto on all counts for those mentioned above. And thank you for introducing me to so many talented and beautiful people through your blogging experiences. We have Damyanti to thank for the connection through FB ultimately, if memory serves. Life is so intertwined and rich. Oh! My favorite door today is that barn against the hills. So pastoral….
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You’re the best, Cheryl. Damyanti is in a class by herself in terms of inspiration. I don’t quite know how to thank her – maybe someday. The job behind the bar is yours until you decide to retire. Like GP said, a good bartender is a MUST!
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Ain’t it the truth though?
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Please feel free (please) to edit those typos…🙄
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Ha – after the text messages about the LSU game, I owe you.
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Haha! That was so classic. We were excited to relive that magical moment. 😀
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Great doors! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, creativity, talent, and critters with us!
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Thanks for being a regular reader, Marian. I appreciate you guys more than you know.
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Dan it is always a pleasure to read your posts. You bring us in because it’s interesting and you keep us here because you’re good. And who doesn’t love the mystery of the door. Every door has a story attached and sometimes they write themselves.
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Thanks Pam. I never would have imagined that I could write about doors, let alone write about doors so many times – AND read about so many doors that others are writing about! I hope to keep writing in a way that encourages you to visit.
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Of that I have no doubt.
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Dan it was such fun to revisit your first Door(s) post. Thanks for the collection of runners-up. I absolutely love the old firehouse. I remember the bath-house one, LOL. Have a wonderful rest of the week. Hugs.
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Thanks Teagan. Sometimes it’s the history that draws us in, sometimes (Baths) it’s our imagination. Whatever the reason, I’m glad you visit here.
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Beautiful doors, Dan. Also, thank you so much for the recognition. Your dialog posts are very enjoyable and like me, you will continue to learn new ways of keeping those dreaded tags in the drawer.
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Thanks John, and thanks for the encouragement and the fine example you set.
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:-)
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Nice holiday recap and nice doors. I particularly like the dangerous one with the door, gate, and garden hose aka portal to unplanned adventure and or accident. And no I have nothing to do with the insurance industry. Can a garden hose function as a primitive Tardis ? The outbound trip is easy. The return trip may be more of a challenge.
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That’s the door to the Fallout Shelter. That could be a Tardis of sorts, if it ever had to be used. Thanks for dropping by, John!
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There must be some bonus points coming your way for mentioning three blogfests and their hosts, conversations at the bar, thanking the bartender and including door photos in the absence of Thursday doors. Love the 1800’s firehouse. Do you know how it’s being used now?
However…5,000 bonus points to the Editor for being the Super Duper Editor. She does a fabulous job of keeping your writing on track and in line.
Happy Thursday, Dan. I would have been here sooner, but being on vacation, I have turned into a cat: Sleeping, eating, not moving fast unless someone is opening a can…
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Ha ha – I should have opened the post with “Whirrrrrrrrr”
The firehouse was for sale in September. It’s walking distance to Heinz Field and PNC Park, in case you’re interested. I would love to live there.
The Editor does make me look more capable with the English language than I am. I like to think I’m improving, but she still turns up some “oh, that would have looked bad” items.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday break. I’m working this week, and 1/2 day on Monday.
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I love that Firehouse. Wouldn’t it make a neat house? Probably cost a fortune to bring up to code and everything, but it’s gorgeous.
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It is for sale! Or it was in September. It would be wonderful to live there, unless I also had to pay to heat it.
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Dan, I never picked up on the challenges, however I love reading your posts. Your passion for doors comes through, and I’ve paid more attention to doors since seeing your many doors in different locations. Nice to read your thanks to coordinators of the challenges, and to know more about them and your history of participation. I agree with John about the tag-less dialogue! Easy to follow in your writing! I’ve used tag-less dialogue for most of my book, and the story flow is much smoother. Enjoy the rest of the week, and the New Year holiday. 📚Christine
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Thank you so much Christine. I hope you are enjoying the holidays.
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You and Norm certainly have inspired me but I can’t keep up with all the challenges. Best wishes for 2019.
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Thanks! I follow so many people that are into other challenges, I don’t think anyone could participate in as many as the like (nor do I think you’d want me to try).
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That is so nice, Dan! Hats off to you for your big thank yous. And of course more wonderful doors, like Pennsylvania barns, firehouses, and churches. Ah, makes my day!
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Thanks Jennie. The people running the prompts and challenges really do do a lot of work. When I selected my favorites for 2018, these were in the group, but didn’t make the cut. It seemed only fair :-)
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Yes, they do a ton of work. I can’t even imagine hosting a challenge. Hey, good thing you showed the door photos that didn’t make the cut. They were so good. Sheesh!
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Aww, you’re welcome, but also, thank you! :)
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You guys are amazing ! Thanks!
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Hi Dan, Happy New Year. I’d visit more often but for some reason my browser enters a cycle of loading and re-loading the menu page. I’m sure its a setting on my end and I’ll get it figured out. I was able to catch the link to this post just before the page re-loaded. :) I hope you have a safe and Happy New Year. :)
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Thanks Rob. I have seen that issue with this site, but usually it works after I refresh it. I thought it was Firefox, but maybe it’s the theme. I’ll look into it too.
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I’ve tried with IE and Firefox and I get the same cycle. I should have mentioned it earlier. Have a good New Year’s Eve. :)
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Thanks Rob. Enjoy your New Years celebration
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You too, Dan. Happy New Year!
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P.S. Happy three year’s blogging.
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Yes. Many thanks are due to all.
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🙂
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I kind of like your introduction.
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Thank you. I hope you’re enjoying the holidays.
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To be honest, I can hardly wait for Jan. 2nd. Not really “humbug”, but enough is enough already.
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I understand. I do hope 2019 is a good year for you.
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I wish the same for you, Dan. :)
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Yes! Many thanks to the Challenge hosts out there!! Was so bummed to learn our A to Z April Challenge is no more. Time to open new ‘doors’. Happy New Year to you and yours.
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I hadn’t heard about the April A-ro-Z. I was never able to participate. I tried once but I quit before April Fools Day.
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Not that anyone will actually notice lol but just wanted to clarify that the AtoZ is on but the Google+ AtoZ ‘community’ was shut down due to Google shutting down its G+ service next year. My bad for not reading it correctly. So if anyone is interested…….A to Z sign ups start March 1.
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Thanks for that clarification!
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Thanks for the shout-out and for all of your generous support throughout the year Dan. I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Much health and happiness for 2019 :-)
Cheers!
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You are most welcome, Norm. I meant every word. So far, 2019 is light on health, but I’m optimistic. I hope you have a great year,.
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I always enjoy your Thursday Doors post. In fact, I associate you with doors in my mind. Whenever I see a unique door, I think of you. Oh! that is a door Dan would love to write about. Or it could be a question – will this door intrigue Dan?
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Thanks! I have come to have a strong interest in doors since I started participating here. I’ve always been intrigued by door construction, particularly older doors that have held up over long periods of time. You must literally see hundreds of these in your travels.
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I wonder how many door pictures you would click if you ever visit India. I think you can start an entire blog dedicated to Indian doors. :) Yeah, I do see doors that are decades old. My own home (where I was born and lived earlier) had a 50 year old door. It still has the same door (my neighbor bought that house but didn’t replace the door).
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I wouldn’t want to guess. I think I’d have to be restrained.
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I’m so glad these doors got the second chance. I’m always so sorry for all left behind after I’ve made a selection. Here’s to many new doors opening, closing and staying put for you to click.
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Thanks! It was so hard to choose, I had to give them a second shot.
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