how about this one then: 10 things i love about your blog

Cuz my post yesterday ruffled a few feathers (I expected that, and am OK with it), let's do the opposite now and talk about the things we really enjoy about each other's blogs.

1. Tags. I love silly random out-in-left-field tags that have no rhyme nor reason other than learning a bit about each other. I loved the picture one the other day, and those who have continued to play along, sharing the 6th picture from their 6th folder. I love the "10 random things about myself" posts... reading them always teaches me something about a new or old friend that I didn't previously know. Tags are fun; I have a hard time not participating in each and every one, although I know they do get on some peoples' nerves. ;)

2. Spiritual experiences. These are hard for me to share, not because I don't like them or feel uncomfortable about sharing them, but because they are just so personal, sometimes it's hard to get the true emotion and reverence out in typed word. I guess that would be the mark of a true writer, right? To be able to express those wonderful thoughts and feelings and experiences well in their blog, so much so that people weep when reading, forward to others, and bookmark for later reference. I love when people can share a learning experience that helps me want to be a better person.

3. Music in any form--I'm talking about sharing a video that they loved, or a song they performed at a talent show, to my own geeky poundings on the piano. Those are especially hard--to put yourself out there and show your talents like that...I wish there was more of that going on. I have one friend who is an amazing violinist and I so wish she would video herself playing and post it on her blog. I have other friends who are fantastic singers who would never have the guts to post themselves showcasing their talent, but I would so enjoy it. I love when my friends post videos of their kids performing--parents' pride at it's best. =)

4. Eye candy. My gal Lorie's got this one covered--she displays the prettiest and most interesting things found online, and reading her blog is just enjoyable. Others knit and display their creations, make children's clothes, take amazing photographs...the list goes on and on. I love looking at beautiful pictures of things people have made and created with their own hands.

5. Great recipes. I have pages and pages and folders full of recipes that I will make someday. Does anyone else do this? Especially if the recipe comes with great pictures or a video...yup, gets my creative (and digestive) juices flowing!

6. Old family and friend pictures. I love looking at pics of my friends and family from years ago--who doesn't, right? It's always a treat when a friend posts a picture from way back when, even if I'm not involved, it's fun to remember and visualize and imagine our friends in another time and place.

7. Great journal posts. Some people really do a lot of growing and working through things by writing them out and asking for the bloggy universe's opinions. You know how it is, sometimes it just feels good to write and get your ideas and feelings out. I can type much easier/faster/smarter than I can write with a pen. And sometimes, hashing it all out here (even if it doesn't get published) is great therapy.

8. Fantastic news and announcements--from new babies to weddings to ultra sound pictures to updates on job status, these are always great to read. 50% of the blogs I read are from people that do not live in my city or state, so obviously this has been the easiest way to keep in touch and feel slightly included in their lives. I love this about blogs.

9. Humor. Of course a big one. You know there are some people out there with this talent. And no matter what they write about, it's going to be funny. You're going to get a chuckle out of it. I wish I was one of those people; I aspire to be. But there are true life honest people who's each and every blog post is golden. (are golden? I can't remember the rule there-see? I'm not perfect!) I totally want to link to one gal and point her out, but she'll pee her pants out of embarassment. However, let's just say that she has two of the cutest daughters in existence and her hubby's name comes from the Bible. ;) Yep you, girl, you are a riot! Thanks for making me smile!

10. Those who try, for the sake of trying. Whether it's all in caps or multi colored, misspelled or set to auto-music, if you're trying, I'm gonna read it. If you're in my blog list, I'm gonna read it. Cuz I love learning about you, reading about your life, and staying in touch in just the simplest of ways thru the blogosphere.

What else do you enjoy reading about? What are your favorite kind of blogs? Are most of them people you know, or mostly strangers you've surfed into?