Blogs That Are Getting Me Through the Pandemic

For a long time, there was a terrible misconception that the term “blogger” was associated with anything less than stellar, and it used to bother me. So much so that I changed the word “blogger” on my LinkedIn profile to “writer” to avoid sounding like I was writing about unclogging toilets, farting, and balls.

Even though I was doing that.

But blogger is who I am, how I began, and what I do every day to keep myself sane when I’m not journaling into 25 cent spiral notebooks every morning and evening to get out all the scary, ugly thoughts from this scary, ugly time.

Then I thought about all the bloggers I love to follow, who make me happy and continue to make me happy during this difficult time, and I decided it would make a nice Christmas present for any of you who are in pain right now. Then I realized it would make an excellent Christmas present for myself. To see all of the amazing women I surround myself with almost every week in one blog post.

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These are the women who have made me smile, laugh, think, and learn over the last ten months. These are the blogs that are helping me get through the pandemic.

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Ally at The Spectacled Bean

I discovered Ally’s blog within the last year, and it feels incredibly universal because I had no idea I needed it until I discovered it. She makes me think outside of my little box-shaped head, which is beneficial to me. Most people believe they are open-minded until they are challenged to think beyond their current beliefs. Ally pushes my thinking in the best possible way.

She interacts with her readers in the comments section, so don’t be alarmed by the large number of comments. She will respond to you. Ally clearly values her readers and includes them as authors on her blog. It’s truly an art form.

Known for– poll questions within blog posts, introducing new vocabulary words for your everyday use.

For your reading pleasure:

A Small Adventure in an Old Cemetery, Because My Curiosity Must Be Satisfied

Vinegar: One Person’s Magic is Another Person’s Salad Dressing

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Andrea at Maybe It’s Just Me

Andrea and I met through another friend of mine, Marianne. I’ve gotten to know Andrea’s heart over the years, and she reminds me so much of my Aunt Chris, about whom I wrote a few weeks ago.

Andrea has recently started blogging again after a challenging few months. I am so appreciative of her words despite the fact that I am aware of her difficult circumstances. If you could, would you please visit her blog and show her some online affection? Andrea remained one of my biggest supporters even when my screenplay was widely publicized on this blog and it was utterly horrible.

Known for– creating misadventures for a child-size mannequin on Instagram, follow her here; writing about random things we all take for granted.

For your reading pleasure:

The Home Away From Home

Malted Random

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Ani at All That Life Stuff

Ani is my spirit sister. I found her at a “link party,” which is where bloggers go to meet other bloggers who have things in common with what they write, but also sometimes to get more reach for their blog in order to make more money, etc. But it always makes us laugh to think that’s how we met, and I’m not sure why. Maybe because we aren’t serious “link party bloggers,” which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Ani has become one of my closest blogging friends. I even have her phone number saved in my phone. She is the type of person I know who would drive across the country if I needed a kidney. Her blog reads like a letter from a friend. Maybe because it is.

Known for- Gilmore Girls, journaling, honesty about mental health, beautiful photography (especially of her home state of Connecticut).

For your reading pleasure: 

November Musings (you will want to move to Connecticut, trust me).

Bipolar Disorder-What Does it Feel Like?

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Deb at The Widow Badass Blog

Deb’s blog was probably the best find of 2020 for me, and I owe it to Ally up there. I was tweeting about pandemics one day early this summer when I noticed a post about “Are Bloggers Writers?” shared by my friend Ally. I immediately clicked the link, which took me to Deb’s blog. I went down the rabbit hole of her other posts after reading and commenting on the post, and it was the most delightful distraction I could have imagined. Her blog is a never-ending gift; honestly, they should make her life into a sitcom, and I mean that in the best possible way. Her life is incredibly interesting, and her writing is equally so.

Known for- beautiful photography, humor, and Canada, eh?

For your reading pleasure: 

Joanne Comes to Visit- The Gift that Keeps on Giving (this will explain the picture)

My Digital Happiness Box (but make sure you click on the link for the backstory on Seashell Jesus)

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Ernie at No Small Feet

Every time I think of my friend Ernie (not her real name), I laugh, but I know she doesn’t mind. People, she is raising six children. IN A PANDEMIC. And she writes about it almost every day. To be honest, she is the Erma Bombeck of our generation. Get this woman a newspaper column. But some of the things that happen to her and her family are so unbelievable that you think they’re made up for the blog. It’s not made up for the blog. It’s genuine, funny, and we have this shared connection that makes it even better. If you’re unfamiliar with our history, you can read about it here.

Known for- writing hysterically about her neighbors (which is why she writes under a pseudonym), specifically Mary Ann; Irish dancing; and SIX KIDS, isn’t that enough for you people??

For your reading pleasure: 

If John’s Country, I Don’t Wanna Be Rock ‘n’ Roll: My Music Dysfunction 

Since You Asked: What We Eat, Plus What We Drink & Watch 

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Joanne at Slices of Life

I have been following Joanne’s blog for so many years and she has provided me with so many good ideas from recipes, crafts, and homeschooling. She feels like the big sister I don’t have, even though I know I must be light-years older than her. Joanne’s blog always makes me feel like I am at home.

Joanne recently had major surgery in September (during COVID) and you can read about her journey on her blog, so give her some love if you read any of those posts.

Known for- lots of great homemade recipes, beautiful photography, and hosting a link party if you need inspiration.

For your reading pleasure: 

Fall Reflections and Leaves 

Recipes We’ve Been Making This Fall

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Katie at Oh Katie Joy 

I found Katie through Rita’s blog a while ago and I think the Universe was preparing me for 2020. There is so much I love about Katie’s blog, but there is one thing I don’t love: there are never enough posts. Her “Tuesday Things” posts bring me joy like a letter in my mailbox, or more realistically an unopened package of Oreo’s in the pantry during a pandemic.

On Black Friday, she shared her most favorite small businesses, and it was such a lovely find that I wanted to share it here with all of you. It will take you to some delightful stores to peruse, to take you away from reality for a bit because we all need to do that more often, and social media isn’t cutting it right now. Her posts are an honest snapshot of life in the time of coronavirus. There is just so much good in Katie’s posts. The best part? The links. They will give you hours of reading time.

Known for- knitting (particularly socks) and her book suggestions (they are almost always on my library list).

For your reading pleasure: 

Friday Finds

Tuesday Things

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Melanie at Comfy House

My dear friend Melanie and I met over eight years ago at a blogging event near the city of Chicago; the event was kind of bore but she and I hit it off immediately and when we found out we lived only 15 minutes from each other, we were so happy. To find a blogging friend who lives that close to you is rare in these parts. 🙂

I have fallen in love with Melanie in so many ways over the past eight years. She and I share a lot of things in common, and it is through those things we have bonded tightly. I have missed meeting her for regular lunches and coffee because of COVID, but reading her blog makes me feel like I am having those meetings still.

Her blog is the real deal; her home is so cozy, so inviting, and filled with love.

Known for- homemade recipes, making a house feel like home which includes sharing her love of antiques (it is an art form).

For your reading pleasure: 

Women Supporting Women

Channeling Ina- Baking and the Comforts of Home

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Rita at Rita’s Notebook 

Ah, Rita. Her writing has helped me get through the past ten months. I tell her this every Monday morning in the comments gently. I don’t want to pressure her because I know how fragile we all are now right now, but if her writing were to go away soon, I would be very sad. It is Rita who needs to be writing the book.

She makes Portland feel like home. I feel like I have known Rita for my entire existence and in fact; I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know her. That makes me feel comforted.

Known for- writing about parenting from an empty nest and the perspective of an educator.

For your reading pleasure: 

What Is a Dog?

On The Day I Take My Daughter to the Airport

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Rivergirl at River’s World

I’ve only found “River” (I don’t even know your name, isn’t that a country song?) very recently, but her every other day blog posts have been saving my soul over the past several months. When she commented on one of my menopause posts and said, “that’s why God invented gin”, I knew I would fall madly in love with her.

Her posts have become one of my favorite things to look forward to each day because of their frequency and because of her life. I could watch the wild turkey (not the booze) video over and over. The pandemic humor that I feel like she and I share is exactly what I need, and I feel you need it as well. Sometimes a well-placed, inappropriate joke is just what the doctor ordered.

Known for- humorous updates on her life in rural Maine and loving complaints about her ever-hoarding husband.

For your reading pleasure: 

Barn Decorating 

A Rare Sighting

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Suzanne at Busy Bee Suz

Last but definitely not least, is my friend Suzanne or “Suz”. I cannot believe that I have only known Suz for a year. In fact, I don’t even think it’s been a year? I remember reading a post about her having the upper respiratory flu (remember that??) and bonding over coughing incessantly and people staring rudely, and then we laughed and laughed. This was right before COVID came around and then shit went downhill. OMG SUZ. DID WE MANIFEST COVID?

You will love her humor and wit, you will adore her little family, and she will become part of your family in the best possible way. I’m already planning on bringing my entire family (my mom and dad, included) down to her Georgia mountain home the next Thanksgiving after COVID opens up. She just doesn’t know it yet. Ernie is coming too. She doesn’t know it yet either. Well, they will when they read this. By the way, I found Suz’s blog via Ernie’s blog, and such why I love blogging so much. The maze of blogging is so connected and familial and wonderful.

Known for- her love of butterflies and her ability to tell hilarious stories.

For your reading pleasure: 

Things I Don’t Want To See or Hear or Have People Do

It’s a Miracle We Even Survived: Christmas 70s Style

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When I don’t have to sit across from someone, I’m much more comfortable telling my secrets. I feel a connection with so many of these women; women who have seen the insides of me without ever being in my physical presence.

Go forth and read these blogs over the next several weeks and months. Click on their links, read their older posts in depth, and leave lots of thoughtful comments. Let it be my Christmas gift to you, and your gift to them. Because they have saved my life this year, in 2020, and indirectly, yours as well. These co-authors of my blog. 

Merry Christmas, my beautiful blog family.