The first rule of Fight Club

You know, when I wrote yesterday’s blog post I wasn’t sure if anyone would want to join me, which is why i didn’t put a Mister Linky gadget on the blog to automate the blogroll sign ups – I thought it would look sad if it was sat there empty. How wrong was I?! I am SO happy so many of you want to try the experiment – I think it’s going to be fun!

For me this won’t be a month of making “amazing photos” – it’ll simply be a way to record an intensely creative month in a mindful way; there’s a very good chance I’ll end up posting 31 snaps of my laptop as that’s where I’ll be all day, but i hope to mix it up and get out the house once in a while!

Some more thoughts:

1. The first rule of Fight Club the August break is that there are NO RULES. In other words, if you want to post a few photos rather than just one, or you wish to share a few words, or write a regular post, or leave a week out altogether – great! I know I’ll be freestyling too.

2. Use whatever camera you like. I’ll probably use my iPhone most days – as all my Polaroids are being squirreled away for the book(s), I’m really enjoying the zen of using my phone. And as I want August to be all about the words, it makes sense to use the simplest camera I own.

3. On that note, if you’ll be using your iPhone too, check out these apps – Hipstamatic, PS Mobile, Best Camera, Camera +, Perfect Photo, Monochromia

4. I’m sensing our month of few words needs wordless comments too, just like we did on this post. Maybe not every day – this is a great opportunity to get to know other bloggers so comments are encouraged! – but just so you know: smiley faces as comments are very welcome here in August :D

5. I’ve started a Flickr group for our experiment, so if you’d like to add your daily photos, and chat to other participants, you can. It’s a public group so anyone can join – all you need is a Flickr account (instructions on how to set one up (it’s free) are in my FAQ)

[I slipped on my Unraveller-in-chief hat then - ha!]

6. Other mindful things to try in August: Marianne’s fabulous 30 days of yoga; Unclutterer’s Thing-A-Day challenge – deeply digging both of these.

7. And lastly, there’s no requirement to ‘join’ this bit of fun, but obviously if you’d like to be on the blogroll please do leave a comment at any time and I will add you. And don’t feel obliged to add the badge to your blog, but blog bling is fun, so it’s there if you want it.

Here’s a new version of the code, as I know some were having problems with the code I shared yesterday:

<a href=”http://www.susannahconway.com/the-august-break-2010/” target=”_blank”>
<img src=”http://www.susannahconway.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/august_break_flat.jpg” width=”150″ height=”150″ border=”0″ /></a>

(Samantha shared another way to get the badge on your blog in this post – thanks, love!)

Okay! We have T-minus 9 days to get all our words blogged out before we slide into a mindfully recorded August… I can’t bloody wait!

July 22, 2010 in Inspiration, Life online | Permalink | Comments (87)

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« The Weekly Wobble

Would you like to join me? »

Posted by: Kadence Englehardt | July 22, 2010 at 6:36 pm

All signed up :)
Posted by: Brigitte | July 22, 2010 at 6:39 pm

I’m in!
Posted by: k8et | July 22, 2010 at 6:41 pm

I’m game! I was worried I wouldn’t be allowed to have a written blog post if I needed/wanted to :P LOL! AND I’ll do A Thing A Day as well. (My goal will be to photograph what I get rid of, but since there are no rules I may not stick that closely to it!)

Posted by: susannah | July 22nd, 2010 at 6:42 pm

hee! no rules, baby – let’s freestyle! :D
Posted by: melissa | July 22, 2010 at 6:44 pm

This is going to be fun! What a great response you’ve gotten!
Posted by: kelley kelley | July 22, 2010 at 6:51 pm

freestyling flickr style :)
Posted by: Baraginie | July 22, 2010 at 6:52 pm

Great idea! I am in too!
Posted by: rachel | July 22, 2010 at 6:54 pm

So excited about this! Fab fab fab :D xx
Posted by: Jenn H | July 22, 2010 at 7:11 pm

Sounds like fun! I would love to participate!
Posted by: barbara | July 22, 2010 at 7:20 pm

this is going to be fun!!!
:-)
Posted by: Charlane Killough Griffith | July 22, 2010 at 7:32 pm

freestylin’….i’m all about freestylin’ then. especially with iphones. :)
Posted by: Kimberly | July 22, 2010 at 7:40 pm

giddy like a school girl about this! Hee hee!
Posted by: Andrea | July 22, 2010 at 8:15 pm

It’s nice to be invovled in something like this. Such a lovely idea.
Posted by: Jenn @ Kind Over Matter | July 22, 2010 at 8:24 pm

Me! Me, too!

Link : http://this-messy-life.blogspot.com/

xoxox
Posted by: Sarah | July 22, 2010 at 8:56 pm

So excited Susannah…I soooo need a break from stuff for a bit..thank you!! Hugs, Sarah
Posted by: Catherine | July 22, 2010 at 8:58 pm

I’m still thinking about joining in, but it isn’t summer here. Which means it’s dark when I leave for work and dark when I get home – makes photos difficult.
At least I will be able to enjoy seeing yours.
Posted by: Carrie | July 22, 2010 at 9:08 pm

I’m soo in! :) August is my favorite month after all.
Posted by: Wendy | July 22, 2010 at 9:24 pm

I’m in!
Posted by: Kate | July 22, 2010 at 9:44 pm

Awesome! I’m in! :)

Kate x
Posted by: Barbara | July 22, 2010 at 11:31 pm

COUNT ME IN!! THIS LOOKS BIG FUN! :)
Posted by: Ashley @ Ramblings and Photos | July 23, 2010 at 12:05 am

This looks like fun – I’d love to be added to the blogroll. Ramblings and Photos: http://ashleysisk.blogspot.com.

I’m also your newest follower!
Posted by: Jessica | July 23, 2010 at 12:37 am

i would LOVE to join in please!
Posted by: Elizabeth Scott | July 23, 2010 at 1:16 am

I’m in! Already have my badge up!
Posted by: Yolanda | July 23, 2010 at 2:11 am

I’m in!!
Posted by: Hannah | July 23, 2010 at 3:11 am

I’m definitely in. This is exactly perfect for me right now :)
Posted by: Melissa Buchanan | July 23, 2010 at 4:26 am

Yay!Yay!Yay!
I am very excited – as if my email didn’t make that clear. :)
And oh boy, I am hanging to get an iPhone – waiting for version 4 down here in Aus.
x
Posted by: Melanie Orndorff | July 23, 2010 at 6:08 am

Oooh! Sounds like just what I need! I’ve got my blog badge up, I joined the Flickr group, and I’m ready to play.
Posted by: Jude | July 23, 2010 at 6:46 am

Oh gosh, I can’t believe how excited I’m getting about this! :)
Posted by: Sandie | July 23, 2010 at 8:38 am

This sounds fun, fun, fun!! I love the idea of freestyle. I have added the blog badge and joined facebook…. ready and raring to go!
Posted by: Pam K | July 23, 2010 at 9:19 am

LOVE the “un”rules! I can’t wait to get started.
Posted by: Milena Widdowson | July 23, 2010 at 9:59 am

Thank you for this, what a fab idea. Can’t wait to start xxx
Posted by: em | July 23, 2010 at 12:49 pm

Have you seen shuttercal? Its a photo-a-day diary kind of thing…….(I have been doing it since the beginning of the year {http://shuttercal.com/calendar/ohgoshem/} – I shall be using this project to try and get me sharing my shuttercal images a little more.)
Posted by: Molly | July 23, 2010 at 1:10 pm

I discovered this wonderful monthly focus by way of my sister-in-law (thanks, Liz!) and think it is a great concept. Even though I will be starting back to school in August, I hope to find the time to take part.
Posted by: Lili | July 23, 2010 at 1:17 pm

Oh Susannah I’ll definitely be joining in. I’ve been feeling a bit of withdrawal from assigned photo-taking (it’s not quite the same as leisurely snapping) ever since Unravelling2 ended!

<3xo
Posted by: Karen D | July 23, 2010 at 1:17 pm

I am in! Can you add me to the blogroll”
Journey to Spirit through Art and Creativity
http://deldino.blogspot.com

Thanks
Karen D
Posted by: candace | July 23, 2010 at 1:38 pm

I want to come play!
Posted by: Courtney | July 23, 2010 at 2:31 pm

I love this idea and am so excited to participate! Thank you Susannah.
Posted by: Katarina | July 23, 2010 at 3:10 pm

funny that I’ve read your yesterday post a few minutes after posting about taking a break for the rest of the summer myself…:)
I think I’m not the only one who hasn’t started enjoying their summer properly yet. I’m looking forward to it.
Posted by: justine Gordon | July 23, 2010 at 5:04 pm

I’m confused and new to blogging and flickr, I’ve just opened a flickr account so do I post the photos there AND on my blog? sorry, this may seem a really silly question

Posted by: susannah | July 23rd, 2010 at 5:11 pm

If you want to, absolutely. but you don’t have to :) When i post a photo on my blog i usually add it to my Flickr page too as i like to have all my photos in one place. I created the Flickr group because i knew some of us would want to share there too – that way the photos are all grouped together, plus we have the added bonus of the Flickr group’s discussion board for chats :)
Posted by: Lauren @ TheUrbanHippie | July 23, 2010 at 5:30 pm

Yay! I’m totally in! Feel free to add me to the list.

xo, lauren, http://www.theurbanhippie.wordpress.com
Posted by: Jakki | July 23, 2010 at 5:50 pm

this is great…exactly what i needed, LOL…
Posted by: sparker (sara) | July 23, 2010 at 5:57 pm

i’m in! i already commented on the other post, but switched blog addresses in the meantime, so here’s the new one

http://www.wonderworldjournal.blogspot.com

http://www.fearlessproject.wordpress.com

i haven’t been good about taking pics, i’m hoping this’ll get me in the habit. :)

Posted by: susannah | July 23rd, 2010 at 6:13 pm

which address will you be using, love?
Posted by: annie | July 23, 2010 at 7:13 pm

i’m in…yay!
Posted by: Bev Baird | July 23, 2010 at 7:57 pm

I would love to join in! This is one project I have been meaning to complete for 101 in 1001!
Posted by: jenny | July 23, 2010 at 8:31 pm

hmmm..sounds intriguing..sort of confused as this is the first blog post of yours I have read, so I must back track…will return!
Posted by: Heidi Reinhardt | July 23, 2010 at 11:19 pm

Such a wonderful idea… I’m in!

http://www.heidireinhardt.com
Posted by: stephanie caldwell | July 24, 2010 at 4:44 am

oh so wonderful! i’ll be joining in too. i’m looking forward to browsing that blogroll when i get the time.
Posted by: Denise | July 24, 2010 at 6:05 am

This is exciting! Please count me in! :D
Posted by: Kim Mills | July 24, 2010 at 6:32 am

I’m in! Love the idea!
Posted by: Angela Van't Land | July 24, 2010 at 5:09 pm

I’m in, but I can’t get the badge code to work. :(
Posted by: wakako | July 24, 2010 at 8:51 pm

I am looking forward to the lovely opportunity to capture some summer moments.
-wakako
Posted by: Christine (spiral bound) | July 24, 2010 at 10:16 pm

Joined up! I plan on being a fairly lazy member, since August is my break from school, but I’m looking forward to having this reminder to pay attention. And I’m looking forward to seeing every one else’s August views too.

I’m not sure if I get added automatically to the blogroll or not but either way, this is where I’m found:
http://moonsnails.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Brooke | July 24, 2010 at 10:56 pm

I’m in. Add me to the blogroll! This goes along perfectly with what I’ve already been thinking. :)
Posted by: beth | July 25, 2010 at 2:57 am

i think i signed up already….?…..i hope so :)
Posted by: alison | July 25, 2010 at 5:07 am

i did “habit” in july. i’d love to continue “august break” with your community susannah. thank you for this. my link:

http://www.mettaville.blogspot.com

xo
Posted by: Gwyn | July 25, 2010 at 2:18 pm

LOVE everything about this, fight club reference esp :-) I am new to blogging, but was thinking of doing a photo a day anyhow to get myself accustomed to the routine. I will still be writing, but will take your challenge as well! Thanks.
Posted by: Kim Mills | July 25, 2010 at 4:02 pm

For some reason I cannot add the badge to my wordpress site? Everytime I do it removes other items? I really want to add it… :(

Posted by: susannah | July 25th, 2010 at 4:20 pm

Hi Kim, a few people have been having the same problmem with WordPress – i honestly don’t know what to suggest :(

does anyone have any ideas?
Posted by: Gina | July 25, 2010 at 5:23 pm

What a great idea for August! No rules or pressure! I’m in!!
Posted by: Rochelle | July 25, 2010 at 5:48 pm

Wow – have you hit a nerve or what Susannah? Please count me in at:

http://www.rritchiespencer.com

Also, I followed Samantha’s advice on adding the button, by saving as a photo, and that worked BUT the link to “the-august-break-2010″ didn’t take me to your post so I changed it to “…/would-you-like-to-join-me/ and that brought me to your original post. Thanks for doing this!

Posted by: Rochelle | July 25th, 2010 at 5:55 pm

Oops – nevermind! I retried using your page titled “the-august-break-2010″ in my link and it worked this time – yay!
Posted by: Angela Vular | July 25, 2010 at 6:16 pm

Okay, I joined the Flickr group…don’t have a blog but can’t wait to freestyle! I am also decluttering. Perfect timing! Hope you have a productive month writing.
Posted by: Bonnie | July 25, 2010 at 11:29 pm

a break sounds wonderful, count me in!!

xoxo,
Bonnie
http://www.bonniemieth.blogspot.com
Posted by: Graciel | July 26, 2010 at 12:52 pm

i’m in, brave woman!!

xo, graciel
Posted by: Alexis | July 26, 2010 at 2:28 pm

I’m in!!
Posted by: Photojourneyling | July 26, 2010 at 8:41 pm

I’m in ! So much fun and pleasure ahead ;o)

The blog adress is : http://www.photojourneyling.com

xxx
Catherine
Posted by: Jeannine | July 27, 2010 at 10:37 pm

This sounds like such fun! I’m in!
Posted by: tricia | July 28, 2010 at 2:55 pm

love this idea! count me in. :)
Posted by: cindy | July 28, 2010 at 9:48 pm

i’m signed up and will mention it on our blog tomorrow!
Posted by: kathi crosby | July 28, 2010 at 11:17 pm

I’m game. August, a month of photos.
Posted by: Ken O'Dwyer | July 29, 2010 at 9:41 am

I’m in :D
Posted by: Jenny | July 29, 2010 at 11:23 am

I’m in. Looking forward to it. Great idea.
Posted by: ArtfulMagpie | July 29, 2010 at 5:26 pm

Okay, after hemming and hawing a bit, I decided to go for it. I added my badge to the blog, joined the Flickr group…could I be added to the blogroll? Please and thank you!

Posted by: Rhonda | July 30th, 2010 at 4:01 am

Not sure why my comments are not being posted. Oh bother…I must be doing everything wrong tonight!
Could you add me to the blogroll?
And maybe tomorrow I will figure out how to add the badge to my blog? Because this evening NOTHING seems to be working.
Tomorrow will be a better day…I’m sure of it.
Posted by: Yuki Murai | July 29, 2010 at 10:33 pm

Made it in the nick of time? I’d love to be a part of your gorgeous project, Susannah! Thank you so much.
Posted by: sarah stowers | July 30, 2010 at 11:34 pm

*waves hand in air*

Add me, too! Thanks for getting the ball rolling on this. :)
Posted by: mrsmediocrity | July 31, 2010 at 11:17 am

I have been going back and forth about this all week, because I just know I am going to want to write words some of the time, but heck, no rules, right? I would love to join the fun!
Posted by: kelly | July 31, 2010 at 11:19 am

Yes, please count me in!

Do you need more info to add me to the blogroll, or do I simply need to comment? Thanks!
Posted by: Lubna | July 31, 2010 at 12:42 pm

Hi
I’ll join the Flickr group, hope that is fine.

Posted by: Lubna | July 31st, 2010 at 12:42 pm

Sorry, forgot to add, On Flickr I go by the name of dustyshoes
Posted by: Pauline Sargent | July 31, 2010 at 2:05 pm

Hey
Just found this today (via Redmum) & delighted. Would love to take part. Always taking photos on the iphone & August is birthday month for me, so thought this woul dbe a cool thing to do. Have joined the flickr account & really excited. Thanks :D
Posted by: lola england | July 31, 2010 at 5:09 pm

It sounds like the perfect wrap up to summer! I am in!
Posted by: Annalisa | August 2, 2010 at 1:55 am

I’ve been wanting to do a photo a day for a long time! I’m in.
Posted by: Lacey | August 4, 2010 at 1:51 am

Just did my first AB post! Hope it’s OK that I’m a few days late. :) Lovely idea!
Posted by: Kelly Johnston | August 5, 2010 at 9:28 pm

I just found out about August Break & I’m jumping on board! Great idea – just my speed this month . . .