Spread the word (also, ouch)

I'm having some bizarre and debilitating back pain since Monday night that's making me cranky. Too cranky to be thoughtful about looking at problems and trying to pull them apart. I may post the weirdness of it later to crowdsource a fix when I can think a little better.

In the meantime, tell me what blogs you read and why. Please link them so we don't have to google. (If you put the http:// at the beginning of the URL it'll automatically link in the comments.)

My blog discovery is a new blog written by a long-time friend of mine. She's an American Christian, married to an Egyptian Muslim, and they have three kids that they're raising Muslim in the US. Her blog is called My Islamic Life, and her most recent post, "Secrecy Is Isolating," made me think a lot about how many models I've had and how daunting it would be to be raising kids without a clear path to follow. You can Twitter-follow her at @MyIslamicLIfe.

Comments

[Bonnie]

The blog that I read everyday (and oh, shameless plug - occasionally contribute to) is Mockingbird: http://mockingbirdnyc.blogspot.com.

It looks at culture/arts/psychology/sociology/TV/movies/music(from Michael Jackson to Selena Gomez)/literature(from Dostoyevsky to David Foster Wallace) from interesting and theologically-relevant perspectives.

It keeps me up to date with pop culture and helps me engage with the material in a less mundane way. :)

[Emma @ Divorced Before 30]

I really like (among many others!) Julia at http://julia.typepad.com/, Ivy League Insecurities at http://ivyleagueinsecurities.com/, The Suburban Zoo at http://thesuburbanzoo.blogspot.com/, and Refreshingly Neurotic at http://refreshinglyneurotic.wordpress.com/.

[Emma @ Divorced Before 30]

I really like (among many others!) Julia at http://julia.typepad.com/ Ivy League Insecurities at http://ivyleagueinsecurities.com/ The Suburban Zoo at http://thesuburbanzoo.blogspot.com/ and Refreshingly Neurotic at http://refreshinglyneurotic.wordpress.com/.

[the milliner]

@Moxie, For your back...Chiropractor, chiropractor, chiropractor!

With treatment from a good one I've gone from hunched over, can't walk/sit/stand/lie down without it killing to having mobility in ONE visit. Of course subsequent visits help eradicate the problem completely.

I've always found it to the be the most effective treatment for back pain - especially the weird pain that seems to come from no where (yet often can be traced to emotional concerns being played out through the body).

Good luck & I hope you find relief soon!

[Krista]

I always read www.dooce.com or www.strocel.com - they're totally different on just about every level, but I love them both. Dooce always makes me laugh and I've learned so much from Amber Strocel.

[Slim]

http://swistle.blogspot.com/

And I hope your back feels better soon!

[Neil]

I'm assuming every parent in the world has seen this already, but if not, Mila's Daydreams is the best bit of "squee" you'll see all day.

"This is my maternity leave hobby. While my baby is taking her nap, I try to imagine her dream and capture it."

http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com/

[Jeannie]

dooce.com
kellyoxford.tumblr.com

because they are HILARIOUS. I can't handle people taking themselves too seriously.

[Kathleen (amoment2think)]

There are so many great blogs out there. But a few of my favourites are:

http://www.strocel.com/
Amber is positive, interesting and presents her opinions from a 'this is what worked for me' perspective. I can see from the comments above I am not the only one that loves her.

http://fearlessformulafeeder.blogspot.com/
This blog is like a network of support for Mom's who WANTED (like really really wanted) to breastfeed, but couldn't for a variety of reasons. It is a supportive environment, but also very informative.

I also love a bunch of blogs that all participate in a weekly meme called "ControverSunday" (full disclosure- I also participate regularly, this week I am hosting!). We look at a variety of typically 'controversial' parenting topics with the purpose of having a dialogue rather then the arguments that happen in much of the blogosphere. Some of my fav contributors are:
http://mmeperpetua.wordpress.com/
http://bigpreg.wordpress.com/
http://nowyoureintheworld.blogspot.com/
http://mommyinchief.blogspot.com/
http://rambleramble.com/

[Rudyinparis]

Lately, I just visit my friend's blog, "l'astronave"

http://gugeo.blogspot.com/

Fresca is one of those people that is absolutely singular. She really gives me hope for humanity.

[ML]

I adore http://www.sweet-juniper.com because I love DIYs, the kids and Jim's wit. I love http://www.seriouseats.com especially The Food Lab (which focuses on technique), and Dinner Tonight since I am responsible for food planning and preparation in my house.

[SarcastiCarrie]

For politics (since outside of this, I'm almost all about the politics):
U of Tenn Law Prof Glenn Reynolds at
http://instapundit.com
and
U of Wish law prof Ann Althouse at
http://althouse.blogspot.com

And of course
Baby Carrot Jockeys at
http://cakewrecks.com

Oh, maybe I'm not all about the politics:
http://celebritybabies.people.com (because I love to look at some overpriced strollers).

And interestingly enough: a blog I hardly ever visit...my own.

[Susan]

I read Caramama and Cloud's blogs because they have kids near the ages of mine and they both work outside the home, so I don't end up feeling guilty like I do when I read the blogs of some SAHMs. No diss to SAHMs, I just feel inadequate and jealous sometimes.

[Susan]

Oh, and they're good writers!

[Katy]

My current favorite reads are:
http://www.mytopography.com/
http://flotsamblog.com/
http://www.amalah.com/amalah/
http://www.sweetsalty.com/
http://www.phdinparenting.com/

I also love Julia and Dooce :)

[janel]

I read http://mimismartypants.com/ because she cracks me up. I also like that she posts roughly once a week, so I don't feel the urge to check it constantly when I'm procrastinating.

[Myislamiclife.wordpress.com]

I rarely have time to read blogs regularly, but when I need a brain break, I read http://gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/
When a new post comes on the twitter feed I read http://www.organicmuslimah.blogspot.com/
because she questions her own religion in an introspective way.

Oh and I check in with http://ummlayla.blogspot.com/ because she is married to an Egyptian guy and I like her.

[carolyn]

digging on Dinner: A Love Story right now (http://www.dinneralovestory.com/).

[Myislamiclife.wordpress.com]

Oh, and obviously I check in here. I lurk and don't say much but I'm here. http://askmoxie.org

[KatieV]

My favorite blog writer is Julie, http://julia.typepad.com.

I like Pioneer Woman/Ree Drummond because I think she doesn't take herself too seriously: http://thepioneerwoman.com/.

[KatieV]

Oops--I meant Julia, not Julie.

[Kathleen (amoment2think)]

Oh, oh! One more:

http://www.janetlansbury.com/

I am not typically a 'parent by theory' parent, but Janet's posts are interesting and inspire me to be a better parent.

[caramama]

My list is sooooo long. I'm just going to say that all the blogs on my Blog Roll are awesome! (My list through my Blogger profile is not up to date, though.) And I'm discovering more all the time.

@Susan - Aw, thanks!

p.s. I'm doing a giveaway on my blog, if you are interested in winning an awesome, handmade shirt.

[Myislamiclife.wordpress.com]

I just plugged in my iPod and set up to do my family-keeping when I realized, I am a Podcast Junkie! So, here's my favs:
http://blogs.trb.com/network/cwsource/
http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy
http://www.manicmommies.com/
http://vickyandjen.com/
http://howstuffworks.com/

Enjoy!

[the milliner]

@Neil, Just came across Mila's Daydreams through another blog I read. OMG. So cute. But OMG! How the hell can she do that? Even if it only takes a few minutes? I'm assuming Mila sleeps like a rock. I would never have dared to transfer DS, not once, but twice during his nap! No way. Too much chance of waking up.

Oh, and here's my what blogs I read and why links:

Art House Blog
-because I'm doing the 2011 Sketchbook Project. Yay!!!
http://blog.arthousecoop.com/

Habit
-A good reminder to take stock of and reflect on everyday moments.
http://www.habitblog.com/habit/

Made by Joel
-I'm crafty. And I love making stuff for my kid (when I can find the time). Great inspiration & ideas & downloads.
http://madebyjoel.blogspot.com/

La Tartine Gourmand
-My internet slice of idyllic & stylistic countryside + great food life. I have to admit I just oggle the pictures, sometimes read the stories and make a mental note of things to try in the kitchen. I have not yet made one of her recipes! Though the zucchini ones from a few days ago look great.
http://www.latartinegourmande.com/

And, perhaps the best (and funniest) blog post you'll read all year. Howled in laughter. A link from a screenwriting friend:

http://hucksblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/sledgehammer-and-whore.html

[MrsHaley]

I read a lot of the ones already mentioned -- Amalah, Dooce, Swistle, Hush!, caramama, Cloud ... also Hedra at Hands Full of Rocks http://www.hedra.typepad.com, Julie at http://www.alittlepregnant.com, Katie at http://www.mamapundit.com, http://www.smallnotebook.org, http://www.parenthacks.com, anything from Simple Living Media, Sars at http://www.tomatonation.com, http://www.theparentingpassageway.com, and an awesome Australian site called Planning With Kids: http://www.planningwithkinds.com

That's about half of my feedreader ... can you guess what my biggest timesuck is?!?!

[MrsHaley]

That last one should be http://www.planningwithkids.com
Sorry!

[MrsHaley]

Ok, I did every single one of those links wrong. I'm so sorry they don't work. I don't know how to fix it.

[BlueBirdMama]

Like others have mentioned, I enjoy Dooce. I also like:

http://www.unclutterer.com (v. inspiring)

Occasionally I check in and lurk at:

http://blog.iblamethepatriarchy.com (hilarious and often true; for advanced patriarchy blamers only!)

Otherwise, the only things I check daily are the NYTimes, The Daily Beast and (ok, I'm copping to a v. guilty pleasure here) Perez Hilton.

[Schwa de Vivre]

Sorry to hear about your back! I hope you'll consider seeing an orthopedist.

Bizarrely, the only blog I read now other than yours is on body mechanics and alignment: http://www.katysays.com/ Katy Bowman manages to be funny while writing about this stuff.

And bizarrely again, this blog entry (http://mamasweat.blogspot.com/2010/05/pelvic-floor-party-kegels-are-not.html) on http://mamasweat.blogspot.com/ led me there and led me away from T-Tapp, which has been pulling me out of alignment in a big way with the tucked butt stance, and, with my particular genetics, causing herniated discs and bizarre back pain. Check it out.

I used to read Shapely Prose at http://kateharding.net/ and Figleaf's Real Adult Sex at http://www.realadultsex.com/ and http://bitchphd.blogspot.com/ , but had to force myself to quit it because I was getting nothing done. All great blogs though.

Moxie, I hope your back feels better fast.

[Steph]

I enjoyed the book and now I enjoy the blog:
http://freerangekids.wordpress.com/

[Amy]

I love love love Los Angelista: http://www.losangelista.com
"I live in LA but at heart, I'm your average Black/Irish Midwesterner who loves to write, read, eavesdrop and take photos. I'm a Baha'i, an insomniac, I ponder becoming vegan, I'm fanatical about chai and I will love you forever if you get me front row tix to a Depeche Mode show. "

[grrrr]

I have to object. My children are already suffering, work is not getting done, dinner is late, and I get less sleep than I need. And you are suggesting MORE fabulous interesting funny blogs? Help!

[Creatingbalance]

Wow, like I needed more time sucking distractions!! I've been on a link to link to link blog adventure for the last 30 minutes and found some great sites to add to my list.
Really I come here the most but my other favorite is http/smittenkitchen.com
She has lovely photos and I've made several recipes and loved them all!
Moxie hope your back is better, are you icing? Ice is better than heat when an injury is acute and I second the Chiropractor.

[Creatingbalance]

Sorry I can't make the link work, drat!!

[mo]

I love Made by Joel too and also smittenkitchen.

I generally have two groups of blogs - my mommy blogs and my foodie blogs (and I read WAY TOO many but I'll list out a couple of my favorites!):

http://www.designmom.com/
http://www.stephmodo.com/
http://www.ohdeedoh.com/
http://mommyhype.com/
http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/
http://www.artfulparent.typepad.com/

http://www.tastespotting.com/
http://www.sweetfineday.com/
http://www.joythebaker.com/

Hope your back feels better very soon!

[Chris]

Like Mo my blog reading revolves around parenthood and food.
Mommy blogs:
dooce.com
suburban snapshots
Motherhood, WTF

food:
101 cookbooks
Simply Recipes
Dalai Mama Dishes
Family Style Food

Thanks for all the great ideas, can't wait to blog surf after kiddo goes to bed tonight!

[schuyler]

www.janetlansbury.com
www.wonderhowto.com

[Shana]

I have lots of blog addictions. Here are some of my favorites:
http://www.tikkun.org/tikkundaily/
http://www.raisingmyboychick.com/
http://www.phdinparenting.com/
http://bluemilk.wordpress.com/

[hilahil]

good luck with your back, moxie! back pain is no fun at all.

every day when i get to work i log on to the studio computer (i'm a DJ on the radio) and pull up my bookmarks and between talk breaks, i tick through them like nobody's business. some of my favorites:

http://www.uppercasewoman.com/ because cecily is funny and bold and interesting.

http://mamapundit.com/ because katie is one incredible woman and her story will grab your heart and not let go.

ditto for kelle: http://enjoyingthesmallthings.blogspot.com/

and one i just found and really like is http://punkymama.wordpress.com/

i also love dooce, designmom, nie, and parenthacks. and moxie, of course! i started my own blog a little over a year ago about being a mama in the music business and am inspired on a daily basis by all of these women. someone needs to make a bumper sticker that says "blogging saved my life!" - i'd totally buy one.

[onlychild]

Well, I can't imagine any I would read more than askmoxie, but what a great idea, ideal for the start of my second round of maternity leave.

My current favourites are

http://madebyjoel.blogspot.com/ and http://www.artfulparent.typepad.com/

both beautiful and creative and doable.

[Cloud]

I'm late to the party... I was home with a sick baby today, and she pretty much screamed if I put her down. So I read some blogs, but didn't write any comments! She has gotten too big to allow me to hold her and type at the same time. (When did THAT happen???)

Anyway- @Susan, thanks for the kind words. I appreciate them! FWIW, I occasionally get comments from SAHMs who feel in adequate around WOHMs. So I think that goes both ways, which is really a shame. I wish we could all just feel like good moms, regardless of where we spend our days! My choice to be a working mom is based on what works best for my family and says nothing at all about any other family.

Sorry. Off topic.

So, blogs I read that I haven't already seen linked:

Caramama (http://caramamamia.blogspot.com/) has an excellent blog roll. I read most of the blogs she links to, at least occasionally. I keep meaning to update my blogroll, but never get around to it.

One blog I like that I haven't seen mentioned is the Mama Bee: http://themamabee.com/

I really love caro's writing, too: http://smallanimals.wordpress.com/

Oh really, there are too many to list. So I'll stop there.

[Kelly]

Agh! That's two hours that I'll never get back...but oh, so enjoyable!

I've been really enjoying http://www.suburbansnapshots.com/ - she's the one who wrote the toddler/frat party post (genius, sheer genius).

[Kelly]

Here's the direct link to the toddler/frat party post: http://www.suburbansnapshots.com/2010/06/10-reasons-having-toddler-is-like-being.html she gets me from the introduction!

[Mama Fuss]

My favorite blogs are mommy blogs. I read Mighty Maggie faithfully every day http://www.mightymaggie.com

[Daisy]

Besides Moxie,I'm getting familiar with other om blogs through twitermoms and blogfrog. I like the "simple"series -- simple mom, simple marriage. And zenhabits has become a must-read.

[Seattle Chiropractor]

I am not really sure if best practices have emerged around things like that, but I am sure that your great job is clearly identified. I was wondering if you offer any subscription to your RSS feeds as I would be very interested.

[top chiropractor jacksonville]

I study Caramama and Cloud's weblogs because they have children near the age groups of my own and they both perform outside the property, so I don't end up sensation accountable like I do when I study the weblogs of some SAHMs. No diss to SAHMs, I just experience insufficient and envious sometimes.