(background photo taken by me, images taken from community sites and discords and assembled in canva.com using a pro account)
I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend and are properly ready for the coming week. It'll be here before we know it.
Lately I've noticed a neat trend going around where people showcase their favorite communities. After a bit of research I learned that these are part of an initiative started by @theycallmedan.
Click the image for a link to his post.
I joined Hive in 2018 when I knew little about Cryptocurrency and Blockchains in general. I did have some idea, but what I learned from my time here has aided me immensely in my journey, so much it's hard to quantify.
For the longest time Hive was a rabbit hole that went deeper and deeper the more I read and the more I looked.
Staking blew my mind; backed dollars, rewards, delegation and roi, @steembasicincome, various reblogging and up-voting services, Blockchain games like drug wars. It all blew my mind day after day for weeks.
I suppose in a way that still happens, but now I have transitioned from learning the platform to contributing to it the best I can
When I began the journey into content creation I felt lost.
Because #equifax is a really popping tag, am I right?
Eventually I thought to look for a local community that might also be involved in the Blockchain - and so I searched, and guess what?
I found.
Contributing there gave me the confidence to make content.
Introducing: @thesocalhive
Run By: @derekrichardson @alaqrab @csusbgeochem1 @marriannewest @torrey.blog
Members: 45-50
Activity: Daily
Content Type: All types, with preference to Southern California themed content.
Recommended for: California residents and enthusiasts!
Off Chain Contacts: Twitter - Facebook - meetup.com - Torum
Discord: Yes.
HP Delegated: 500hp
I was lucky enough to find them before communities were ever officially a thing.
What drew me to them is their weekly competition: 'Show Me Your California'
https://peakd.com/hive-109313/@thesocalhive/show-us-your-california-contest-week-25
Which runs every Thursday. It's easy, just submit California themed content under the tag #mycalifornia.
It's one of the better and more generous competitions and I've had a blast contributing to it.
I even won a few times which is pretty great.
Here's the post I entered with that won me 4 HBI
https://peakd.com/mycalifornia/@johneyreacko/ghost-towns-visiting-amboy-famous-route-66
I don't always win, that just happened to be a particularly inspired post. Usually I get beaten out by some great quality posts.
It's hard to shout-out a community without showing off at least some of the content and recommending people check it out.
@brian.rrr
Has some great photo-blogging content and is very consistent with his regular uploading. He is dedicated to the so cal community and to Hive at large.
Check out this recent entry he made into the Show Us Your California contest.
He makes some all-too familiar observations about the state of things.
https://peakd.com/mycalifornia/@brian.rrr/playgrounds-show-us-your-california
I particularly enjoy his Gold panning content.
https://peakd.com/silvergoldstackers/@brian.rrr/gold-prospecting-show-us-your-california
He also uploads personal, family and lifestyle content. Here's a recent post regarding his recent attempts at making coffee art.
https://peakd.com/coffee/@brian.rrr/coffee-art
I recommend you follow for regular high quality content with some variety.
@silversaver888
She is one of the most dedicated hive content creators that I've seen on the platform and is a regular contributor to the So Cal Hive as well as many other communities such as #silvergoldstackers.
She is also a regular contestant in 'Show Us Your California' and has won with some stellar content.
Here's an example of a recent post that earned her 4 HBI
https://peakd.com/hive-155530/@silversaver888/wednesday-walk-a-stately-home-in-mycalifornia
Check out her latest photo blog which so happens to also be an entry into 'Show Us your California'.
Take some time to really sit and enjoy this amazing blog.
https://peakd.com/hive-124452/@silversaver888/a-market-place-in-my-california
It's easy to appreciate the level of work she has put in to optimizing her content. It's just top notch, and such a gem of a find in such a small community like @thesocalhive. I have no doubt she'll place 1st
Here's an example of her silver related content.
https://peakd.com/hive-136819/@silversaver888/what-do-you-think-of-geiger-silver-bars
She seems extremely knowledgeable on the topic of precious metals so much that I'd trust her informed opinion on the topic.
I recommend following her for great regular content.
@derekrichardson
What of the person who runs the community?
Well it could be that his content is some of the best the community has to offer.
Derek's passion for exploring nature and capturing its beauty for us to see is something I truly admire. His blogs, though not as frequently uploaded as some other creators, they are of impeccable quality and well worth the wait.
His out-door adventures often span days at a time and involve him trekking through some awe inspiring landscapes.
Check out some of these uploads.
https://peakd.com/hive-109313/@derekrichardson/my-california-the-final-days-of-my-kings-canyon-adventure
https://peakd.com/hive-114105/@derekrichardson/my-california-processing-hardrock-gold-ore
https://peakd.com/hive-127788/@derekrichardson/grand-canyon-tanner-rapids-and-the-little-colorado-river
All of these are incredible adventures that Derek is making for Hive, and we're lucky enough to join along for the ride.
His community really is something special, and I can't thank them enough for the help and encouragement they have given me on my journey.
They have weekly hang-outs on Discord and would love for you to come along.
Meet ups have been known to happen as well.
Please check out @thesocalhive if you're interested in frequent high quality content from a small niche community.
Now Introducing:
#FREEWRITERS hosted by @freewritehouse
Run By: @mariannewest @felt.buzz @wandrnose7 @freewritehouse @improv @carolkean
Members: 2290+ other platforms
Ranked: 9th, Communites Subscribers - Top 30
Activity: Daily.
Content Type: Various, mainly written fiction and non-fiction.
Off Chain Contacts: Twitter
Discord: Yes.
Recommended for: People who love writing!
HP Delegated: 1000HP
https://peakd.com/hive-133987/@arcange/hive-statistics-20200912-en
I have always been a writer who has suffered from writers block and anxiety, and I think that has held me back. I have always been called a decent writer but I've never really expressed it until recently.
Ever since I found one of these
Or one of these:
https://peakd.com/hive-161155/@mariannewest/single-prompt-option-the-weekend-freewrite-9-12-2020
There are many other challenges they host, however those are my favorites.
I've been able to use the strict 5 minute rule and prompts to help me overcome writers block. I find these daily challenges get you in a state of mind where writing becomes a stream of consciousness.
Here are some contributions of mine that I am particularly proud of: 
https://peakd.com/freewrite/@johneyreacko/freewrite-day-1047-operation-space-bread
https://peakd.com/hive-161155/@johneyreacko/freewrite-day-1030-the-salesman
This has been some of the best fun I've had in a long time, especially since losing my job because of the pandemic. That really sucked. Rediscovering writing has been so welcome.
I've even been writing my own short story. I've just finished the second chapter of an action sci-fi thriller that has been an absolute blast to write so far.
You can check it out here if you're interested.
https://peakd.com/hive-114105/@johneyreacko/short-story-drill-league-chapter-2-d113
Anyway, I have a lot to thank the #freewriters community for, and especially @mariannewest who is a true pillar of Hive itself.
@Deeanndmathews
Is a very dedicated Hive user and regular contributor to #freewriters. I really enjoy her freewrites which are totally my style of fiction. Her submissions are often military themed with witty, engaging dialogue and compelling plots.
Here is an example of a recent Freewrite that I enjoyed so much I had to reblog.
What I particularly like is that she often follows up a great Freewrite with a sequel or some kind of follow up.
She is one of #freewriters' published authors with a work published as recently as October 2019. You can check out her latest book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z29RHXD
Black, White, and RED All Over: A Gritty, Current, Clean Christian Mystery (Lofton County Clean Christian Mystery Series Book 1)
She also produces video content where she talks about her works and the controversial topics they cover.
Follow @Deeanndmathews for regular high quality freewrites, occasional visual art and some great authoring.
@cliffagreen
Cliff is a very dedicated contributor to the #freewrite community, and I always enjoy his content when I come across it.
He combines serene photography into his freewrites helping to create a chilled out experience. His content is varied and always great for a quick read and to admire some nice photos.
Here's an example of a recent freewrite where he took some snaps of a seagull
https://peakd.com/hive-161155/@cliffagreen/share-freewrite-no-32-day-1055
Here's an example of his fiction. Aside from enjoying his style, I like how he combines his story writing with a bit of narration afterwards, it really adds some extra context.
https://peakd.com/hive-161155/@cliffagreen/native-freewrite-no-31-day-1054
His ability to share deeply personal experiences while tying them to the freewrite daily prompts is quite admirable. 
https://peakd.com/hive-161155/@cliffagreen/vampire-freewrite-30-day-1048
Follow @cliffagreen for some chilled out, nice looking, well written freewrites.
@doppley
Emmanuêl is a recent discovery for me and another example of how the #freewriters attract great content creators.
Although new to Hive, his commitment is clearly very strong as he uploads great content several times a week.
Here is an example of some of his fiction, and I have to say it is quite well written. I love the use of active voice, and the descriptions are just fantastic. Truly a lucky find.
https://peakd.com/hive-161155/@doppley/chronicles-a-three-part-freewrite
Here's one that I absolutely love. When I read it my imagination took over and started creating more. I love writing that makes me think.
https://peakd.com/hive-161155/@doppley/the-plains-native-a-five-minute-freewrite
I just can't get enough of his writing style. It is clear just how much he has practiced his writing. Each sentence is sharp and fresh and doesn't lag or carry on. His ability to stay within active voice is commendable and not always easy to do, especially while in first person perspective.
https://peakd.com/hive-161155/@doppley/my-diaries-revenge-a-freewrite
@doppley is a creator to watch. His regular uploads are of a consistently high quality, and some of the best freewrites I've seen, to be honest.
He is new to Hive, so I'm sure he would absolutely love your appreciation.
#Freewriters is a community filled to the brim with creativity, and whatever your fancy you're sure to find it there.
They have a popular Discord and have even published their own works on Amazon. If you want a super friendly, inclusive and welcoming community of creative minded people who LOVE writing - the #freewriters is the community for you.
#risingstar run by: @risingstargames
This community is centered around the amazingly fun game
www.risingstargame.com where you play an aspiring musician on their way from a humble busker to world stardom. Complete missions, collect Starbit tokens, purchase NTF cards that boost your stats and become a worldwide sensation.
#deepdives
Easily one of the coolest communities on Hive. The amount of effort people put into some of these posts is truly astounding. You'll find content here of all types; hive developers, infowar content, independent journalist content, and much more. For some great reading, I thoroughly recomment #deepdives.
#actifit @Actifit
One of my favorite dapps. It has probably the best activity tracking algorithm I've encountered. It's honestly the best in its field, clearly beating Sweatcoin or anything Google or Samsung have created. I love that they have managed to gamify the AFIT token, enabling you to purchase upgrades to enhance the rewards of further posts. Truly an amazing dapp and a super supporting and enthusiastic community.
HP Delegated: 1000 HP
It has been a wonderful journey becoming engaged with these communities and I hope you get a chance to interact and try them out as well.
Thank you and stay safe,
~ Simon
Check out the guys at @thesocalhive
Wow @johneyreacko ...thanks a lot, I really appreciate the mention. I never knew someone's been paying close attention to my freewrites :).
I'm fairly new to hive and I must confess it's a great platform. I only just started writing when I discovered the freewriters community and I agree with you on the fact that @mariannewest is really doing well
I left you a follow also, wouldn't wanna miss out on your great contents and updates ... Glad to be here 😊
Oh I see I'm 3 days late for the initiative, oh well no worries.
I'm so glad I got to make this and shout out some of my favorite creators even still.
Hey man, great post 😎 appreciate the kind words and shout out as well! I’m in Bullhead City from time to time - let me know if you would ever want to hang for a little bit.
What an amazing post! Sorry that I am coming to it so late - still in time for a vote :) - have been mostly offline in these days of craziness.
I am so happy that you found the freewriters and are writing with us! So much fun!