So Long, Farewell, auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye
My time as a Vagabond has been brief, but I’ve learned much during these eighteen months. I’ve learned I can write hundreds of words on almost anything. I’ve learned to type faster than I believed possible to keep up with late night email conversations. I’ve learned that laughter, ingenuity, and collaboration can overcome disasters. I’ve learned that friendship is stronger than barriers of age, geography, and personality types.
I’ve learned that even an introvert can work up the courage to invite authors she’s admired for years to be Visiting Vagabonds. I’ve learned how gracious and human celebrated authors can be. I’ve learned to scream almost silently so as not to wake my family when I discover in the middle of the night that Kathleen Gilles Seidel commented on my blog or that Christina Dodd is allowing the Vagabonds to break the news of a new series.
I have learned much from you, my friends, those who have visited with us along the way. You introduced me to new writers, made me see old favorites in a new light, and moved me to laughter and to tears with the words you shared. I have learned the most from Élodie, Lindsey, and Manda. Their patience, example, and unfaltering friendship have taught me to dream more, dare more, and do more. My gratitude to you all is greater than my words can say.
So with apologies to Ralph Rainger, Leo Robin, and Bob Hope, I offer my thanks in rhyme:
Thanks for the memory
Of posts I can’t forget,
Authors that I met,
Our wond’rous lists of eminents,
And Ritas and our bets.
How lucky I was.And thanks for the memory
Of Super Tuesday bliss,
Hottest hero’s kiss.
The sizzlin’ scenes, the sweet and clean–
Not one did we miss.
How bookish it was.Once past this farewell I’ll wake up
Alone on the next morning-after.
I’ll long for the “sound” of your laughter
And then I’ll see we’re history.But thanks for the memory
Of all the readers’ thrills
And of the dreams fulfilled.
I’ve untied knots and learned a lot.
You’ve shared it all, and still
I’ll miss you so much.Thanks for the memory
Of ev’ry A we gave,
Vagabondish faves,
That special win we squeed again,
The debuts that we raved—
How lovely it was.Thanks for the memory
Of Visiting Vagabonds,
Contemps or beau monde.
We loved their books and caught their hooks.
How gracious they were.Now gone are those days on RV
When together we’d explore issues.
So now I bring out the tissues,
And shed a tear,
And raise a cheer.I know it’s been a great ride,
One in which we take great pride.
My friends, let’s lift a glass
To RVs here and past,
To memories that last.
And thank you so much.
At Lindsey’s invitation, I was the first guest blogger for the Vagabonds. I blogged on beta heroes. Today, in the first of what will be my regular Thursday blogs at Just Janga, I’m blogging on beta heroes again, proving that connections continue even as we move in different directions.
I leave you with a bit of advice from the very wise Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
What bit of song, what rhyme, what line will you leave us with?
One randomly selected commenter will receive a bag of books.
Ha, ha, Janga! Your title was exactly what I was thinking about, too! LOL!
We are so thankful for your time as a Vagabond here in the camp. You have provided so many great blogs and memories!
Love the Bob Hope tribute!
Smiles,
Élodie
What a lovely Vagabond tribute, exactly what we have all come to expect from you, Janga. I will always be grateful to Elodie, Lindsey and Manda for luring you into the bloglight. Those of us who have been around since the first fledgling days of the Eloisa James bulletin board (before JQ joined) have long been aware of the wit, emotion, humor, intelligence and infinite store of knowledge that you bring to your writing. It’s been a joy watching you, and your talent, blossom over the past 18 months as you’ve shared yourself with the blogging world. I’m so happy that you decided to continue the adventure with Just Janga!
Party hard and leave no evidence!
Farewell! You WILL BE MISSED!
Goodbye from England and the Beatles:
WHEN I WAS A LITTLE BOY,
WAY BACK HOME IN LIVERPOOL,
MY MAMA TOLD ME, I WAS GREAT.
THEN WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER,
I KNEW THAT I HAD GOT SOMETHING GOING,
ALL MY FRIENDS TOLD ME I WAS GREAT.
AND NOW I’M A MAN,
A WOMAN TOOK ME BY THE HAND,
AND YOU KNOW WHAT SHE TOLD ME…I WAS GREAT.
I WAS IN THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH,
FOR WHAT IT WAS WORTH.
NOW I’M ONLY THIRTY-TWO;
AND ALL I WANNA DO, IS BOOGALOO!
JANGA HONEY, YOU’RE THE GREATEST!
Awesome, Janga. I, too, add my thanks to the Vagabonds for bringing your voice to the masses. Yours is a voice that needs to be heard and am grateful that you decided to keep your blog presence alive with Just Janga. I can’t really remember whether I “met” you at EJ’s BB or Squawk Radio. I do know that it didn’t take long for me to look in anticipation for the name Janga in response to the day’s blog. Your comments were always insightful, clever, and thoughtful but most of all kind. It hasn’t changed much over the years except that you’ve given us more access to all that goes on in that fabulous mind of yours.
Personally, you’ve helped boost my confidence as a writer, reader, blogger and internet friend. And (this is a big one)… from one introvert to another, I especially appreciate your willingness and courage to don the extrovert mask and share yourself with all of us. So, Thank YOU, for the memories.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same. ~Flavia Weedn, Forever
I won’t say good-bye because, hopefully, I will see you ladies around the blogosphere. Since we share a love of books, I will leave you with this quote:
I’ve traveled the world twice over,
Met the famous; saints and sinners,
Poets and artists, kings and queens,
Old stars and hopeful beginners,
I’ve been where no-one’s been before,
Learned secrets from writers and cooks
All with one library ticket
To the wonderful world of books.
~ Anonymous ~
This is awful. This whole week! I’m so distraught. I can’t bring myself to believe you’re really packing up the gypsy camp. Boohoo.
Janga, thank you for all your thoughtful, interesting, engaging posts! I look forward to reading you over at Just Janga.
Song lyrics are eluding me at the moment…I will think about it.
Aww, guys, you’re making me all teary. Thanks for all the sweet comments and for all the good wishes.
I do hope you will all drop by Just Janga. Even though I’ll be on a solo journey for this one, I think it will show a distinctly Vagabondish influence.
What a beautiful tribute, Janga. I will definitely drop by your blog.
I will definitely come by Just Janga. I always love your thought-provoking, wonderful blogs–and I want to continue to be updated on your progress with your books. I know they will be brilliant–so I want to be the first in the know. Or at least third or fourth…
Oh, boy! Break out the kleenex again! I know we’re not supposed to be sad, but I can’t seem to help feeling terrible that the camp is finally disbanded.
Janga, thank you so much for being such an insightful reader/writer of all things romance. I’ve so come to look forward to your posts, and I’ll certainly be following you on Just Janga. And I want to give you a Visiting Vagabond hug for the all help and support you’ve given me with my own writing.
May all good fortune come your way!
I really hate to see this blog and all the great authors say goodbye.
So Far Away- Carole King
So far away
Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn’t help to know you’re just time away
Long ago I reached for you and there you stood
Holding you again could only do me good
Oh, how I wish I could
But you’re so far away
One more song about moving along the highway
Can’t say much of anything that’s new
If I could only work this life out my way
I’d rather spend it being close to you
But you’re so far away
Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn’t help to know you’re so far away
Traveling around sure gets me down and lonely
Nothing else to do but close my mind
I sure hope the road don’t come to own me
There are so many dreams I’ve yet to find
But you’re so far away
Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn’t help to know you’re so far away!
Blogging is hard work, but the gypsies made it look easy. Good fortune on the road to all of you!
And if you’re not careful, Janga, you might just find some invasion by the Vagabonds in your new home…best be warned!!
Hugs,
Élodie
“I count myself in nothing else so happy, As in a soul remembering my good friends” ~William Shakespeare
Think of you guys as friends. Good luck in the future!
How about: “Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.”~Richard Bach
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Good luck to all of you.
Janga
Your witty, insightful, thought provoking blogs have given me many hours of reading pleasure. Thank you. I missed out on yesterdays goodbyes … as I was busy … saying goodbye to someone dear. It was late at night when I finally got home. But I couldn’t resist the temptation to read this blog … This is the song that popped into my head. It is slightly altered of course. As I never sing any lyrics right. My Deepest Apologies to Mr. Starr….
ONE, TWO,
ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR! GOT TO WRITE 400 PAGES IF YOU WAMT TO EARN YOUR WAGES.
WRITING DON`T COME EASY,
YOU KNOW IT DON`T COME EASY.
WRITING DON`T COME EASY,
YOU KNOW IT DON`T COME EASY.
GOT TO PAY YOUR DUES IF YOU WANNA JOIN THE RWA CREWS.
AND YOU KNOW THE WRITING DOM”T COME EASY.
YOU DON`T HAVE TO SHOUT OR THROW YOUR WHOLE WIP OUT.
LONG AS YOU DON”T WRITE SOMETHING THAT”S TOO CHEESY.
WRITE FROM YOUR HEART; GET THE H &H TOGETHER!
USE A LITTLE LOVE STORY,
TO MAKE THE WORLD FEEL A LITTLE BETTER.
I DON`T ASK FOR MUCH, I JUST WANT A STORY ABOUT LOVE NOT LUST.
AND YOU KNOW THE PLOT CAN”T BE CHEESY.
EVEN THOUGH THIS LOVE STORY OF THINE KEEPS GROWING ALL THE TIME,
WE ALL KNOW THE WRITING DON`T COME EASY.
PLOTTING, REMEMBER PLOTTING IS HOW WE WRITE IT,
DID I JUST HEAR THE PANTSERS SCREACH?
WTH? DO WHAT EVER YOU WORKS FOR YOU, DON”T FIGHT IT
GOT TO PAY YOUR DUES IF YOU WANNA JOIN THE RWA CREWS.
AND YOU KNOW THE WRITING DOM”T COME EASY.
YOU DON`T HAVE TO SHOUT OR THROW YOUR WHOLE WIP OUT.
LONG AS YOU DON”T WRITE SOMETHING THAT”S TOO CHEESY.
PIECE, REMEMBER PIECE BY PIECE IS HOW YOU WRITE IT,
THE HEA IS WITHIN YOUR REACH
WRITE FROM YOUR HEART, DON”T FIGHT IT.
I DON`T ASK FOR MUCH, I JUST WANT A STORY ABOUT LOVE NOT LUST.
YES I KNOW THE WRITING DON`T COME EASY.
AND THIS LOVE STORY OF THINE KEEPS GROWING ALL THE TIME,
THOUGH I KNOW THE WRITING DON`T COME EASY.
OOOH WHAT CHOO GONNA DO
WHEN YOU HAVE TO MANY POINT OF VIEWS?
WRITE A SERIES.
To many YOUs. That should be ‘DO WHAT EVER WORKS FOR YOU”
We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.
I know I’m late but I couldn’t not say that I think you’re great! So very glad you joined this band and are now taking your own show on the road. I’ll look for your glorious lists and insights at your new home, Janga. LYG!