You Make My Day

The idea of the Make My Day award is to name up to ten people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration. You are supposed to let them know you've given them the award by posting in their comments.

I read many blogs, some every day, others I check in on every couple of days. Some of the people I've actually gotten to know on the Internet, and consider them my friends. Some friends seem to be taking a break from blogging; if they haven't posted lately, I didn't mention them, though I do still check their blogs and hope they will start up again.

Here are my picks, listed in alphabetical order:

Cookie Madness I don't know Anna personally, but she offers up a deliciously delightful array of fantastic recipes, sure to tickle your sweet tooth. She writes beautifully, and her recipes are clear and beautifully autographed.

Jill Jill is a friend I met on Yahoo 360. Like me, she has become disillusioned with them, and has made the switch to Blogger. It's always a pleasure to stop in and see what Jill is up to. She is a warm and supportive friend.

Joansie Joansie is a wonderful lady, one of my earliest blog friends from my days on Yahoo 360. The big frustration of my relationship with Joansie is that I met her right *after* I visited in her home town. How I wish I had known her while we were there. What a fabulous time we would have had! Joansie does beautiful work.

Karin Karin is a friend I met on Knit Talk. She has a sweet manner to her, and makes her support known in an understated way that is like a warm glow in the heart. When I read her blog it is like reading a letter from a long-time friend.

Lizzie Lizzie is straightforward and has a fabulous way of putting things. She is a devoted mother and grandmother, and always has projects on the needles for those she loves. She does plenty of charity crafting, too. She finds all kinds of great websites and patterns, and shares them with her readers.

Pioneer Woman Ree is another person I don't know personally, but she is a hoot and a half! Her blog is positively addictive. She generously shares hilarious stories about her life on a ranch, and takes glorious photographs. Be sure to check out her cooking blog, too. I check in on the Pioneer Woman several times a day, in the hopes there'll be something new.

Sheep Shots Ann is another tell-it-like-it-is person. She's got a marvelously blunt way of expressing herself, and is one of the most generous knitters/bloggers I've come across. She really inspires me to do more than I think I can for others in need, though I bet she'd be surprised to hear it.

Spin Dye Knit I have been very lucky to get to know Alison a bit online, through Knit Talk. No one spins a tale better than Alison. A visit to her blog will touch your heart and make you see the world in a whole new way. Talk about an inspiration! She is an extremely talented knitter and designer, and is author of the book Wrapped in Comfort.

Yarn Harlot I don't know Stephanie, and am really just one of thousands of lurkers on her blog, but I love the way she writes, and check in on her blog every day. She makes me laugh, and she makes me think. She challenges me to try things I never thought I could do, knitting-wise.

So that's my list. There are many other people I could mention, but then I wouldn't be able to stop at 10 (or 9, which is how many I have here). The blogging community is a fascinating and wonderful place, don't you think?