I can’t resist the lure of making a “Top Ten” list, just because I LOVE LISTS. I love making them, and always have. Over the past couple of days, I went through tons of blogs, articles I’d bookmarked, and items I’d seen and posted on Facebook to bring you the best of the best: the stuff that moved me, made me laugh, inspired me, and maybe even changed my life. So without further ado, here are my choices, in no particular order (except #1):
1. The best thing that happened this year. Watching the anti-bullying It Gets Better project catch fire. I support my gay friends and all LBGT people 100 % in their fight for basic civil rights, and look forward to the day when full equality is achieved and bullying of all kinds is a thing of the past. I’ve been moved by every one of the videos I’ve seen so far, you can check out the Facebook page to see most of them. One of my favorites is the one made by Google employees, because it made me want to work in that kind of environment. And I’m not even gay. Does anyone know how to get a job at Google?
2. Makes you want to sing. The Christmas court flash mob, Hallelujah chorus is a brilliant work of timing, choreography, and holiday spirit. Sing it loud, sing it proud.
3. Writing inspiration. If you’re a writer, this article by Anne Lamott on finding time to write is a must-read. The bonus is that she gives you permission not to clean the house. Lamott is the closest thing I have to a writing muse. I’ve read Bird by Bird – her book about writing – several times, and it always kicks off a fertile writing period.
4. Simpler Living maven. Naomi Seldin writes the blog of that name, and this post about getting rid of sentimental clutter changed my whole outlook on decluttering. Not only did it give the endeavor meaning and value instead of making it something to be gotten through, it was a relief after so much “all or nothing” philosophy. The “if you haven’t worn it, get rid of it” solution just doesn’t sit right for me. There are too many items that hold memories and meaning, but I want to be able to get rid of the ones that don’t, so I can find and use the ones that do. Naomi shares her solutions for how she dealt with items that were too dear to part with and incorporated them into her life.
5. Political Comedy. In my opinion, Stephen Colbert is doing some of the best, most relevant comedy out there, and Stephen Colbert’s Fear for All is flat-out hysterical (in my humble opinion). Not for the faint-hearted, or those who don’t understand satire.
6. Photography. A friend just shared this link to a previously undiscovered treasure trove of work by street photographer Vivian Maier. Apparently the collection was found after her death, and the 50 years of photos of everyday people on the Chicago streets is moving, profound, artful, and original. I’ve barely begun looking at these and look forward to perusing at my leisure.
7. Recipes. The blog Dinner, A Love Story answers the question “what’s for dinner?” with style, humor, creativity, and all the recipes you’ll ever need. It is absolutely the best food blog I’ve discovered, and every time I visit I want to make every single thing she writes about.
8. Hilarious and Original Cartoons. If you haven’t heard about it yet, check out Hyperbole and a Half. Millions of people can’t be wrong (in this case, it’s true).
9. Funny kid stuff. In the category of “kids say the darndest things,” David after dentist is a real crack up. My favorite quote: “Is this real life?”
10. Just for fun. Young me, now me is a collection of photographs of people restaging photographs from their childhood. Remember those photos when you’re posed with your hands under your chin? It looks just as silly when you’re all grown up.
I hope you find some new favorites of your own from this list. And please feel free to share your discoveries in the Comments section.
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