Monday, April 1, 2013

A-Z: "A" is for April Fools, Arlee Bird & the A-Z Challenge

Okay so I'm not doing A-Z Challenge this year.  I know I did a heck of a job last year, but I just can't do it.  Blogging every day?  Really?  Nope.  Not gonna happen...APRIL FOOLS!  Okay that was a bad one for April Fools' Day.  Sorry.  I had to get that out of the way.  Have you pulled any April Fool's jokes today?  

A-Z Challenge 2013

This is my second year participating in the A-Z Challenge.  The best part of the challenge is networking with other writer/bloggers and the other is it forces you to be organized.  
Before I start my A-Z, I wanted to give a huge thanks to another "A" part of my post..."Arlee" Bird at Tossing It Out . Arlee is the founder of this insane blog challenge so I wanted to express my gratitude with a HUGE round of applause.   Thanks, Arlee!



"A" Theme for A-Z 


And now...onto to A-Z challenge. I decided to dedicate my A-Z theme this year to Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales.  I remember reading this when I was younger and being enthralled. Since then I've always had a fondness for The Canterbury Tales.  For me, his tales provide a window into what life was like in the fourteenth century.  Even back then I recall how he painted a vivid picture of people, their personalities, habits and so forth.  I loved it.  He brilliantly created characters that have kept people debating, discussing and thankfully reading for centuries.  Not that many authors can say that.  I love how despite how much time has passed, Chaucer continues to entertain countless readers.  It's hard to believe these tales were unfinished.  I'm a huge fan of classic literature and since I haven't posted about a creepy classic in some time, I figured why the heck not. 

Are you a fan of Chaucer?  Which one is your favorite tale?  Character?  Are you participating in the A-Z Challenge?  Have you stopped by and thanks Arlee?  

Have a great Monday!

Mina B.

20 comments:

Dani said...

You know, I have never read this... maybe I should.
Dani @ Entertaining Interests
#warriorminion

Laura Clipson said...

It may have been a bad April fools, but I still believed it!
I absolutely love The Canterbury Tales, I had to read them for university and I'm so glad I did.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Then I will learn something this month, as I haven't read that book.
Cheers for Lee!!!

Elise Fallson said...

Thank you Arlee! :D
I've never read The Canterbury Tales, looks like I'm going to have to get on that stat! (;

Michelle said...

Mina, you naughty girl! *wagging finger at her*
You had me there!
Chaucer? What do I recall? The Nun's Priest's Tale springs to mind... dunno why...
I'll have to look it up again and refresh my memory... no time at the moment though...
Happy A-Day!

S. L. Hennessy said...

I took a Chaucer class in undergrad and it was one of the best classes I've ever had the pleasure to take. Chaucer is so cheeky, so sarcastic at times. I love every tale!

Jennie Bennett said...

I've never read Chaucer, but now I want to give it a try :)

mshatch said...

Ooh, I love your theme!

Sandy said...

Lol...I almost clicked right away when I read you weren't doing the challenge. Seems lots of folks have changed their minds. I just made 15 visits for the other blog I entered and close to half had no post, were out dated etc. Irritating. So, I thought..."not another one!". Was just beginning to think I was wasting my time when you said April's fool. Not a fan, but glad you enjoy it. I actually don't enjoy reading all that much. Tend to only read books on vacation...love reading blogs though???Go figure. lol.

DonnaGalanti said...

Mina, you had me going! And I cant believe you're doing it again - and I cant believe it was a year ago that I did it. Dare I again?? (groan)

OOOH, what wicked fun to do it on the Canterbury Tales! My favorite one is The Summoner's Tale. Just love crude humor...probably why I so enjoy having a 10 year old son. :)

Gwen Gardner said...

I am a Chaucer fan. I remember laughing out loud at some parts. I'll definitely come back for more, Mina :)

Mark Means said...

That's a pretty interesting A to Z theme. I remember reading some Chaucer in high school, but not much after that.

Looking forward to learning more about the Canterbury Tales!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Hi Mina,

I'm one of the minions helping out and you are on my list. Nice to see you again!! Even though my name will come up as Karen Tamara, this is Tamara (from One Magic Bean Buyer) I started a new blog with my CP, hence the new name.

Anyway, I haven't read these books but it sounds like a super interesting topic. Nice to see you again. I'm following under the new name and I hope you come visit me at my new blog. :)

Mark Murata said...

I have a copy of the Canterbury Tales, in the format of the original Middle English on the left pages, and Modern English on the right. People think that the King James Version of the Bible is Old English, but no, it's a variation on Modern English. And Old English sounds more like Swedish than anything else.

J.L. Campbell said...

Hey, Mina,
I studied these when I was in sixth form. The most memorable character for me was that woman, can't even remember who she was. A prostitute or something? Gotta tell you, my memory is shot. I'll be following.

Bhavya N said...

Hi.. its a pleasure to read your blog. I'm from the AtoZ Challenge.
I think I will mark this on my to be read list. Thanks :)
Bhavya from Just Another Blog

Anonymous said...

I loved Chaucer in my last year of high school and college. I remember the Wife of Bath the most.

Cynthia said...

Hey Mina,
I vaguely recall possibly reading some Chaucer back in school. Your posts would probably help bring back some memories.

By the way, which movie were you an extra for?

Unknown said...

I hated Chaucer in college when he was a compulsory read. I love his stories now.

Look forward to the rest of your challenge posts, Mina! You rocked it last year :D

Damyanti @Daily(w)rite
Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2013

Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge