My Personal Dreamers, Wishers, Liars, Hopers, Pray-ers, Pretenders and Magic Bean Buyers.

Huge thank you's go to all the writers of blogs, the ones I read. You inspire me. You get me through insomniac nights, and winter days, and loneliness. I heart your blogs so much that I want the world to know about you and your awesomeness.

Here's the run-down.

You can read my mother-in-law at Louise and at her weekly post over at The Apron Stage. She is a FAMOUS young adult author whose books include The Unlikely Romance of Kate Bjorkman, Finding Daddy, A Dance for Three, The Romantic Obsessions and Humiliations of Annie Sehlmeier, My Name is Sus5an Smith: The 5 is Silent, and Thoughts of a Grasshopper. I also stalk Louise's friends blogs, including Anne Cannon's, another famous and famously funny YA writer.

Dearest blogs include Sideways in Shorthills, K & R Reproductions, Lalalinds, and Pam. Sister-in-law/Brother/Niece/Sister. Love family.

Another favorite is Corner of My Heart. Megan has a fabulous voice. She simultaneously writes about the joys and difficulties of having a daughter with special needs. She is having to completely redefine her role as a mother. She doesn't skirt the hard stuff, but her devotion and love for Aubrey and Matt permeate her blog. I get to be with Aubrey for a couple of hours at church, and she is one of those great souls. Once someone asked if I missed being a part of Relief Society and Sunday School. My answer was, heck no, (sorry Sunday School President, Charles). This girl Aubrey is teaching me so much, what a class could never teach, about love, and trust, and miracles. I feel really lucky to be connected with this family. Megan's blog is filled with joy. Take a look.

RV is written by my dread-lock-clad cousin. Sami is spunky and fun. She works as a gardener and a dancer. Her blog chronicles her newest adventure--living in an RV! I love being able to take the ride with her, via her blog.

I love Sweat, Tears, or the Sea, She Shall Have Music and k8fin. I am so glad that I know so many single women now, they have wonderful lives, and I like looking in on them.

Shar's blog, Middle Age Moments and More was intensely moving over the Summer. She was trying to overcome a prescription drug addiction, then found that her addiction had to do with real pain and serious illness. Her recovery would be about more than just not taking pills. Shar's strength and will power is amazing. She has combatted addition and is now combatting a chronic illness and the heartbreak that goes with it.

I read a lot of mommy blogs. These women are so creative. Sometimes I get sad that while my children were young, all of my favorite people were not having children. (I guess we can't all have kids at seventeen.) I wish some of these blog writers knew each other in the real world. Like I imagine Somer, Kath, Chantel, Julie, Jamie, and Lindsey would have infinite creative fun in the real world. Maybe there is a future in this...blog parties. Weird? Cool?

Chelsea came out the the closet last year, which was one big load off her shoulders. Except for this tiny factor: she loves the lds church and believes it. We watch her struggle this out on her blog. What makes her writings so inspiring is Chel's knowledge of God's love for her and her subsequent vigorous love for life.

I read two blogs by women who lost their mothers when they were still young women: Scrilla and She Shall Have Music Wherever She Goes. Then there is Mother Mirror, this woman's mom died when she was sixteen; her dad died a year later. These are all breathtaking writings. I highly recommend them.

I read a blog by a women whose brother recently committed suicide. Intensely sad. Chiara shouldn't have to be so brave. But what else can she do?

I read a blog written by a mother with ALS. She shouldn't have to be so brave either.

I read some boy blogs. These are written by my favorite guys from the grad offices at BYU. All great writers and amazing friends. And funny. Etymology of Cort, My Life and Hard Times, The Aries Experiment.

My friend, Julie, chronicles her swanky life in Columbia. She writes about silent film scandals. Blog more, Julie!

And the winner goes to AnneLouise, my favorite teenage daughter. No blog makes me happier. My heart jumps when she posts. She writes about being a foreign exchange student in Germany. She is one of the best writers I know. But if she were the worst writer, her blog would still be my favorite.

Anyway, I read your blogs and I love them. I admire your courage and honesty. Your blogs are seeped with hope. Thank you.

Wet kisses,

EP

P.S. If there is a blog you think I shouldn't miss, comment it below.