2009--Blogs I Have Loved

This is a tricky post to write, but I want to write it because I want to honor the blogs that have moved me as a person this year. While this is certainly not conclusive, it's a good sampling of the bloggers that have managed to break through the cyberspace wall and touch my heart, challenge my mind, or just entertain me.



Letters from Kamp Krusty--no one was happier than me when Brant started blogging again. I really don't know anyone who manages to consistently make me laugh and challenges me to see things that really matter as well as he does. It's my favorite blog, the first one I will read when I see it's been updated, and I hope he doesn't disappear completely again.

Rabbit Room--this is a group blog and I must admit I do not read every single post. I have my favorite bloggers who blog there, and I'll read the others when I have time. However, I couldn't possibly love this blog or the concept of it more. I love that it's a place where thinking people of faith question, examine, and celebrate life, art, and faith. My favorite blog post of the year anywhere is quite possibly Andrew Peterson's Christmas post, which moved an emotionally drained and sick me to tears when I read it Christmas night. Posts like this are the reason I love reading blogs, the reason I think reading blogs can make me a better person.

Things Mean a Lot--I don't think there are words that convey the tremendous respect I have for Ana. Her reviews are so emotionally engaged, she's the picture of diplomacy, empathy, and heart. She is good willed and gracious and so very intelligent. The thing about Ana is that I greedily read every word she writes, but it's also the comments she leaves around the blogosphere that have made me think twice about things. We have two very different world views and I'm grateful that if anyone is going to challenge me to think differently about things, it's someone who will do so with patience and understanding. And yes, like for so many others, she's added to my wishlist like crazy.

Beth Kephart Books -- I can't even remember a time when I didn't know the beauty of Beth Kephart's words and that's the highest compliment I can pay an artist. I appreciate so deeply her ability to find the beauty in the small moments of life. She captures with her words the deepest heart of life and love and I sometimes feel guilty I will tweet all her posts simply because I love them so much. The fact that behind the words and images on her blog is a person of genuine warmth and such...goodness is an added reward.

Moored at Sea -- Jason's blog is a fairly new discovery for me, but I'm so glad I found it! (and Amanda's, too, of course!) Jason is one of those smart people who also has great heart, which makes for the PERFECT kind of book review in my opinion. Strangely enough, I think this is a rare combination. I've been moved by his reviews and while they might not make me read the book, I want to read pretty much everything he writes.

Angieville -- Angie is a true writer, and I love reading her reviews. She does have the power to move me to purchase books but I just love her love for books in general if that makes any sense whatsoever. She comes across as a someone who loves books without any pretentiousness and although I'm certain she'll face some disappointment in life being Team Gale, I still always look forward to her posts.

Televisionary -- I can explain it this way...Jace's LOST recaps are my favorite. I do read some of his other analysis but we don't watch many of the same shows, but if we did, I'm certain his recaps would be my favorite. He is, quite simply, my favorite television writer.

Daily Mish Mash -- I just love Jen. She always always makes me laugh. And she's unabashedly a fangirl. And she got her picture taken with Ryan Gosling this year! I am always happy to read her updates because I know they'll put a smile on my face.

YA Fabulous -- I think Renay might have stopped blogging or something, but she definitely deserves a place on this list for her amazingly thought provoking posts. Her words have a way of getting under my skin and then I can't stop thinking about them and eventually I realize she's right.

As I said before, this is not a conclusive list, but when I think back on the year, these are the blogs that....changed me in some way. And I want to say thank you, and I want you to have the chance to discover just how wonderful these blogs are as well.

And I want to say thank you to all of you who read this blog. I know you don't have to and it means a lot that you choose to spend a few minutes now and then with me. You make me feel incredibly blessed with your comments and emails and faithful readership. I hope to bring an even better blog to you next year. Thanks for reading!