Why do you read your favorite journals?

Kate asks the question.... Why do you read your favorite blogs?

I was going to just leave a comment in her blog with my response, but it got too lengthy (surprised?). So here is my response to that question (in no particular order of favoritism, I might add):

I read Kate's An Analysis of Life for her academic and scientific perspective on life, and where she lives, in Scotland. She offers a different point of view, and I love reading about history (she is an archaeologist).

My newest favorite is a bit intriguing. He is a third grader. His journal is called Go Go Godzilla. His screen name is toonboylex. I think Mary sent me the link (TY Mary) for this one. He likes to draw, and the kid has talent. I think his mom takes pictures of him doing all the things he writes about. I used to do the same for my own son when he was a boy. Except back then we didn't have internet access. Still, I'm curious to see how long he will keep up his journal. My theory is that he will become a competent writer if he continues making journal entries.

I read Marie's Muses because she is an extraordinary chef, her faith is evident in every entry, and she ponders on daily life events, passing on pieces of humor and nostalgia that are personal and full of wisdom. She lives and works as a chef in England, though she is from Canada.

I love reading Patrick's journal, Caregivingly Yours, because he explains and describes the trials and tribulations of one spouse (himself) caring for another (his wife has MS) in layman's language. He's been in this role for over 25 years. He is a man of endurance, strength, humor, faith, and a great capacity for loving and providing for his family.

Lately I've been reading River's journal, JESUS LOVES YOU because of his very unique, if short-termed (I hope it is over, he hasn't made an entry since early April), experience as a homeless person in Las Vega, Nevada. His entries are hard to read, not because of grammar, which is correct, but because of the issues and questions about homelessness that he raises. He writes about the people he meets on the streets and in the shelters. He shakes me up with his words, but from a Christian perspective, this is a good thing. He has been homeless for four months, and from his last entry, it seems like he may have found someone who could help him get back on his feet. I've been waiting for my alerts to let me know when he returns to his journal. There is something definitely taking shape in his life. I don't think the four months have done him in... on the contrary, he, too, is a man of strong faith, and I expect he's going to be an agent for change. God bless you, River!

Caroline's A New Adventure is another I frequent. I knew her before she came to aol, as we were friends and colleagues in an elementary school. Though we now work at separate schools, we keep in touch. Caroline is from South Africa, and her constant faith keeps me grounded in mine. Her journal is a reflection of her experiences as a mother, wife, and teacher, but always as a Christian.

Sheria, On My Mind, is another person from whom I learn much about life from another perspective. She is as delightful and insightful in person as she is in her journal. I know this because I met her on February 24th of this year. Her entries are thought provoking, again, with a new perspective, that of a charming Southern Black Woman, that I appreciate. She is an attorney, and a former teacher whose wisdom far outreaches her physical stature. She hasn't posted in a couple of weeks, so I'm missing her right now. Where are you Sheria? I hope she is okay.

Several journals I visit because they provide personal stories and humor, even as they go about creating and presenting for our use all manner of computer graphics. Calledsnags and tags, these journalers offer them to anyone who wants to add them to their own journals. My most favorites are: Donna/Nightmaremom, at This and that and Hockey, and Chris/Cacklinrosie101 at Cab's Creations, and Shelly/xxRoxymamaxx Tags and Links.

This list of journals I like to read is not conclusive... there are many others I visit, read, and respond to. Barry, Liz, Lori, Becky, Karen, Jackie, Penny, Shauneen, Greg, Guido, Gayla, David, Paul, Joe and John, Mark, Nancy, Michelle, Marti, Sugar, Michelle, Connie, and Kristina just to name a few more... there are many more that I visit each week. I can't list them all... don't want to leave anyone out! I don't have time to link to all the journals, though.

We spend a portion of our time each day sitting at the computer, and we are drawn to a few journals. Even though I have alerts for over twenty journals, I don't get to read them all every day, and I find it impossible to leave comments in them every day, so I pick and choose a few each day to respond to.

I need to get out of this chair right now and get started on my Saturday!! The weather is nice outside and my dogs need trimming. I think I gave a thorough description here of some of the journals I visit and why, Kate!!

So I redirect the question back to you, those of you who visit here. If you have time to answer the question, you have favorite journals... why do you read them? 

You can leave your response in my comment section, or write up an entry and come back to leave a link... even better, go to Kate's and leave a link in hers as well.

Today, I just want to go outside for some fresh air and sunshine.

                                                             
Tags: favorite journals, blogplug,