Between now and next Friday, instead of doing the traditional Roundup Extravaganza we have held in years past, we are doing a DIY version. And I would like 200+ submissions on the list. Why? Because I have told you what I read 200+ times this year and it's your turn to do the same as a group effort.
So, please leave a comment below stating something amazing your read this year (from July 2008--July 2009). Do not get tripped up looking for the "best," simply submit one post that moved you on another person's blog. It may be been written in the past week, or it may have been written almost a year ago. Literally, anything that has stuck with you after you closed your browser or clicked to the next blog. Do not spend hours thinking about it; just grab the url for the first post that comes to mind.
And this is how you should leave your comment:
I had to put it in a box like that or Blogger would naturally convert it from code to linked, but it will look like this if you write it in that manner, obviously replacing (1) the url with the permalink of the post you're choosing, (2) the title of the blog and (3) the "why."Stirrup Queens Why: Because it was a really cool list.
The reason is so the comment will be linked to the post and people can click over and read it for themselves. And ooh and aaah over it. Of course you can submit more than one post, in fact please do, but use a new comment box each time. Posts should come from any blog in the ALI blogosphere. You can submit anonymously, though people do like to be able to thank others for submitting their post.
So...just to be clear since I'm half asleep right now and this may not make sense, (1) do not click away from this post without leaving a comment. (2) In the comment, use the code above--if you can--to link to a post that appeared on someone else's blog between July 2008 and now that you enjoyed or cried reading or learned something from. (3) Do this between today and next Friday. (4) Then, during the week, starting now, check back from time to time and see the posts that have been added to the list. (5) Enjoy the list and celebrate the Friday Blog Roundup which will return as normal next week.
Oh, and you have seven days to compile 200+ great posts. If you notice that a blog you read doesn't have a post on the list, make sure you add one from their site. Celebrate, people, celebrate.
And consider this the Weekly What If: What if Melissa asked you to help celebrate three years of writing the Friday Blog Roundup by asking you to submit a post from someone's blog in a DIY version of the roundup using the comment section?
So...just to be clear since I'm half asleep right now and this may not make sense, (1) do not click away from this post without leaving a comment. (2) In the comment, use the code above--if you can--to link to a post that appeared on someone else's blog between July 2008 and now that you enjoyed or cried reading or learned something from. (3) Do this between today and next Friday. (4) Then, during the week, starting now, check back from time to time and see the posts that have been added to the list. (5) Enjoy the list and celebrate the Friday Blog Roundup which will return as normal next week.
Oh, and you have seven days to compile 200+ great posts. If you notice that a blog you read doesn't have a post on the list, make sure you add one from their site. Celebrate, people, celebrate.
And consider this the Weekly What If: What if Melissa asked you to help celebrate three years of writing the Friday Blog Roundup by asking you to submit a post from someone's blog in a DIY version of the roundup using the comment section?
*******
I'm so glad that I ended up asking about the head shot because I was going to send in choice #3 if I had been left on my own to make the decision (which only got 6 votes). It was somewhat a tie between #1 and #5/6 so I'm sending both and letting them make the choice, though Seal Press wanted #5/6 for their site so perhaps both will get use. I am so glad I asked--thank you for helping! And thank you, Palemother, for making me a new sleeve and enhancing the colour.
Well...
You guys are going to provide those this week.
The roundup to the Roundup: participate in the Friday Blog Roundup Extravaganza. Thank you for the picture help. I'm going to BlogHer so tell me what you want to see/hear while I'm there. And I met Murgdan! Have a wonderful weekend reading the Extravaganza posts.
*******
Next week, I go to BlogHer where I will be meeting bloggers galore (on the menu: Kathy, Bri, Aurelia, Musings of a Fat Chick, Flotsam, Uppercase Woman, Uncommon Misconception, Magpie Musings and Who Shot My Stork?). My plan is to live-blog the conference with pictures again. Though I thought up a new feature this year--let me know if you want to see anything/meet up with anyone that I haven't gotten to yet. Sort of a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure situation where if you email (and I will have email on most of the time), I will go find the person/swing by the booth/hear the panel--time willing. Isn't that a good idea? So then it's like you're there. Through my camera, at least.
*******
Things you may not know about Murgdan--she's Canadian, born and raised, with a maple leaf tattoo on her neck, right under her left ear. Okay, that might not be exactly true, but for some reason, I thought she was from Toronto. In fact, I was so sure of it that I said things like, "I want to make sure you have a really good trip to DC because who knows when you'll be able to get back here" and "do you have a choice of clinics in Canada or is where you cycle dictated by the health system?" Oh, and I asked her about what it was like living in Toronto and finally, the strange looks she had been giving me all evening suddenly became clear.
My bad. Murgdan is not Canadian. Though she is lovely.
And now, the blogs...My bad. Murgdan is not Canadian. Though she is lovely.
*******
Well...
You guys are going to provide those this week.
The roundup to the Roundup: participate in the Friday Blog Roundup Extravaganza. Thank you for the picture help. I'm going to BlogHer so tell me what you want to see/hear while I'm there. And I met Murgdan! Have a wonderful weekend reading the Extravaganza posts.
103 comments:
He Will Carry MeBecause it was thought provoking
Gorillabuns
I just could not stop thinking about this post for days afterwards.
Baby Smiling in the Backseat Why: The post stayed with me. I found a beautiful new word, and it meant something which can put life and day-to-day in complete perspective...
Burble Why: Beautiful Pictures...one could feel the blue of the ocean and warmth of the sun.
Botttoms Off and On the TableWhy: Because Megan's videos are awesome!
Serenity Now! Why: Because it is how I feel about my blog and invitro. And I like her.
http://barrenisthenewblack.wordpress.com/?s=my+soul+hurts
Why: Because it's so simple and yet it says it all.
Apron Strings (and also this one from Apron Strings, too- they are a matched set...) Because I haven't laughed so hard in a really long time.
Just Trying to Make a Cub: Imposter! Why: I sobbed the entire time I reading this post. A beautiful post that compares the 3-day walk with infertility and how we will wait until everyone makes it to the finish line. Note: Grab your tissues before you start reading, it is an extremely moving post.
The Bloggess Why: Because no one reviews children's video games like Jenny (warning...much swearing)
Calliope
Why: Because I love seeing how things have changed so dramatically for her in the last year. And this simple post speaks volumes about community, and treatment, and Cali's life in general.
And, I always love a peek at W!
Mrs. Spit Why?: Because this is the post that made me feel like I wasn't alone in the world. I wasn't the only one feeling that particular burden.
Luna
Why: Watching her gracefully tread through the - often conflicting - emotional waters leading up to the arrival of their beautiful little girl... it's a lesson to us all in how to approach a situation in which we hope for a certain outcome, but are forced to accept that we realy have no control over it.
Pamela Jeanne
Why: A completely new take on the "us vs them" battle that rages on - well - everywhere! This one really made me think about perspective.
Stirrup Queens' post on Adoption Chiasm, because it made me think. Deeply.
Flotsam Why: because I wish that I could explain IF as well as Alexa does to those who don't get it.
I can't seem to get the html right, but the blog is Plan B: Family of Two and the URL is http//planbfamilyoftwo.blogspot.com/2009/05/enough-already.html
Why: Because I can't get the line "I am enough" out of my head.
Hey Mel, this post is not showing up on my feed and I'm wondering whether or not you need to number this title, or repost or something with a slight variation.
And I can't wait to see you at BlogHer!
My Wait Is Over... Why: Because this post is the epitome bittersweet.
Conceive This!: She Laughed Until.. Why: Because when I read it, I realized I was not alone and the comments showed the power of the IF sisterhood.
Life Induces Thoughts, Mostly Random Such a great piece
ok link didn't work.....have to work on that
Life Induces Thoughts, Mostly Random There we go - again a great piece
This one from A Real Life, on the film UP. Why: because it's beautiful and sad and hopeful, all at the same time.
I'm hope bored today so I am happily taking on the assignment of the round up.
From Alicia, Pieces of Me: Why you may hate me now and may walk away and leave me all alone, which is ok, cause I suck. Why: Because it is a post that was honest and real, in all the early pregnancy symptoms and why Alicia felt bad that she was complaining while others will still playing the IF game.
I want to recommend a series of posts...
Preamble (part1)
Wednesdays Child Is Full Of Woe
My Soggy Bottomed Girl
Exaudi Orationem Meam
Amelia's Grace
and, finally, Precious Fragile Little Thing
Because they will just take your breath away...they are moving, touching, scary, and uplifting all at the same time and the writing is amazing.
Becoming Whole
Why: because I very much related to what she wrote.
I see the link didn't work (one day I'll learn how to do those..), so:
http://becomingwhole.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/here-and-now/
http://lemmondrops.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-am-i-doing.html
Why? Because it was such a powerful, moving post. The best post I have ever read.
Two that I was planning on putting in the Roundup this week until I decided to do this DIY version to celebrate the anniversary:
Still Life with Circles because I loved her deeply honest thoughts on her body.
Relaxing Doesn't Make Babies because everything she writes is gut-wrenchingly beautiful and this is but one example.
http://stirrup-queens.blogspot.com/2009/06/mishmash-of-thoughts.html
cause you had a way of describing just how I was feeling at that moment!
I'm going to list two.
(1) Good ole Murgdan's blog in general. But I especially found this entry endearing. It made me laugh, it made me sad and in the end, I learned something. That's a pretty powerful blog entry that can do all three for me!!
(2) From across the pond(s), Barren Blog, and this entry in particular breaks me into peals of laughter EVERY time. Her blog in general is just entertaining and I find she hits the sore spots I am feeling but able to word them so much better than me.
Remember All the Way Why? She beautifully describes how significant each cycle trying to conceive is in the big picture...and why each and every one matters to us so much.
Take 2:
Remember All the Way
She beautifully describes how significant each cycle trying to conceive is in the big picture...and why each and every one matters to us so much.
And in case the link still doesn't work:
http://rememberalltheway.blogspot.com/2009/05/relativity.html
Oh, the possibilities! Why: Because it meant so much to me this year on Mother’s Day to see my baby girl’s name, along with so many others who have gone too soon, written on the petals of Seraphim’s beautiful flowers. Our babies/children will never be forgotten and I am grateful to Seraphim for remembering them on what can be such a bittersweet holiday for those who have lost children.
Life,Love, and TTC Mysteries
This post really struck me about the stages of grief and how they apply to infertility. After first reading the post and commenting, I kept thinking about it and had to go back and comment a second time!
http://tripletmama.blogspot.com/2009/05/day-before.html
Because she said the words I couldn't find to articulate about my first Mother's Day
Destined to be an old woman with no regrets... Why: the post has a flavour that all her posts have, the musings of a lady who has seen a lot on her life.
Destined to be an old woman with no regrets... Why: a post that makes one wonder and teaches etiquettes...
http://i-cant-whistle.blogspot.com/2009/07/better-late-than-never.html
Why: Because I love her writing and as a woman of AMA (advanced maternal age) myself - I so relate to suddenly wondering how I got to where I am today.
So CloseWhy:It spells out what I could not describe myself
PS I don't know if this qualifies. It might be too old even though I read it in the past few months.
The latest post in the Amelia chronicles...Sky Blue Pink...the story telling continues to be amazing!
Oh I love this. I have so many that I've "saved" because they have touched me in some way. . .
Mrs. Spit Spouts Off Why: A beautiful, although heartbreaking post, about a friend.
Well, nuts. Sorry guys. Try this link for my comment above:
http://mrsspitspouts.blogspot.com/2009/03/judy.html
And, so I don't waste a comment. . .
Tiny Footprints Why: It it says it so perfectly.
In case the link doesn't work. . .
http://littletinyfootprints.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-new-baby-fixes.html
I should give up but I can't :) Another:
The Real Bean Why: Because it's beautiful and whimisical and sad and perfectly stated, all at the same time.
http://therealbean.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html
My Journey in a Mixed Up World
[and in case it doesn't work - http://peta-maree.blogspot.com/2009/07/heartache.html]
Parenthood For Me Why: Because adoptive parents are expecting too
Darn but that code won't just cut and paste!!!
I guess, much like my banking techniques, it is the old-fashioned way for me!
http://deadbabyjokes.blogspot.com/2009/05/north-of-boston.html
Why: It made me realize how much there is to learn about our past and that it is sitting right here in local cemetaries.
Dead Baby Jokes Why: Because it's a big guilty pleasure.
Planet Davila She talks about the parallels between her father's stroke and infertility, and has some wonderful insights at the end of the post.
3 Munchkins and a Mom Why: This post just makes me laugh wondering what conversations I will have with W about sperm donors some day
Here We Go Again Why:Because it is a great read for anyone freaked out about making the switch to cloth diapers
Who Shot My Stork Why:Because even when things are crazy she always brings the funny
I'm a Smart One Why:Because it will break your heart
Two Hot Mamas Why:A stunning post about pregnancy after loss
Dreams and False Alarms Why: It's one of the most honest posts I have ever read about donor gametes
A Fifth Season: A Memory in Stone
This post was so sad, and so beautiful at the same time.
http://littletinyfootprints.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-new-baby-fixes.html
Why: I’ve returned to this post several times since becoming pregnant following the loss of our sons. The visual imagery and the feelings Erika captures in this post speak to me.
Bluebird Why: Because I have read no better portrayal of the feeling of losing the future you thought was destined to be yours.
I absolutely loved the series of blog entries on Weebles Wobblog about the open adoption reunion of her daughter (it's actually in 6 parts). The link to all six parts is here: Weebles Wobblog on Open Adoption Reunion. I loved it because it was so hard and brave and beautiful and so absolutely selfless.
Concieve This! Why: Because even though we are all different, we all hurt.
I'm a Smart OneWhy: Because in addition to being a beautiful explanation of a cultural experience and holiday that may not be familiar to everyone, Kym included a video of her family dancing for all of us - to celebrate our triumphs in 2008 and to banish our losses and disappointments and I am moved beyond words every time I watch it.
http://bottomsoffandonthetable.blogspot.com/2009/06/hope-slut.html Why: Because it made me laugh out loud and I wish I had written it.
Dancing with Gaia
Why: because it is so beautifully written.
[http://dancingwithgaia.blogspot.com/2009/07/if-dementor.html?showComment=1248172313908#c4088706987232759835]
Reproductive Jeans Why: Because I could not think of a better birthday present to be had for all who wish for it.
Tobacco Brunette Why: Because she has a gift for beautiful writing, making you laugh, and, in this post, making you cry as she reflects on her son's surgery -- and the upcoming surgery of a friend's daughter.
I think I did something wrong with the code -- so here's the cut and paste for TB's blog:
http://tobaccobrunette.blogspot.com/2009/07/heart-breaker.html
Stacey's Thoughts on Infertility Why: Because it simply, powerfully states some things that about infertility that are not easy.
-andreajennine
Shifty ShadowWhy:Because it's one of the most powerful posts I've ever read.
Argh, dammit! One More time!!
Shifty Shadow Why: see above.
Fine, screw it. Here's the link:
http://shiftyshadow.blogspot.com/2008/09/this-medusa.html
I'm such a loser.
http://makeustronger.blogspot.com/2009/07/h-t.html
This post from G* at Makes Us Stronger
Why? Because through all the bullshit platters life has handed her, she sits in a foster-convention-thingy with her husband, laughing about Hairy Tacos.
TheMaybeBaby
Why: Because it is SO nice to see them enjoying themselves! They've had a shit year, and I love to see them reconnecting!
BloodSigns
Why: The 2nd to last paragraph. Bring Kleenex!
TheNewLifeOfNancy
Why? Because I'm STILL laughing at the comments!
The Unfair Struggle Why: Because having a friend's shoulder to cry on in the darkest moments is always a good thing.
This is a link
Why: Because it has helped me to calm down and "re-frame" in moments that I'm freaking out and jumping to the worst possible scenario.
OK, obviously, I need a tutorial in HTML...my link should say "Weeble's Wobblog" and not "This is a Link"
(runs away in shame)
StirrupQueensWhy: Because this post is thoughtful, introspective, moving, and beautifully written. It places the event of the ultrasound within the larger context of a complicated family (and what family isn't complicated) with grace and love.
Blood SignsWhy: Because this post is thoughtful, introspective, moving, and beautifully written. It places the event of the ultrasound within the larger context of a complicated family (and what family isn't complicated) with grace and love.
Sorry, I made a mistake the first time I submitted...
baby, interrupted Why: Heartbreaking, evocative, universal.
How to Get from 0 to Pregnant in 365 Easy Steps Why: So many of us have had the thought that post-IF babies are more special than the rest.
Skrambled Why: The fertile world does indeed pass us by all the time, and it stinks when we pay attention and realize it
I love this semi-regular series from Murgdan at Conceive This:
http://murgdan.blogspot.com/2009/06/served-fresh-keyword-salad.html
(sorry... I'm an HTML idiot!)
It just makes me laugh and take a moment away from things ...
The Spohrs are multiplying Why: I can't find the words, but she can. (Loss/grief/high risk pregnancy)
Vacant Uterus Why: Because it gave a clear image of hope during the wait and hope fulfilled.
http://bloodsigns.blogspot.com/2009/07/more-on-writing-and-not-writing.html
This post from Blood Signs
Why: Because it goes straight to the heart of some of the central questions of my own life.
And sorry, but the HTML was just not working for me.
Conceive ThisWhy: I just find this a really striking blog post and I go back to it periodically to re-read it.
-Sarah
the young and the infertile Why: Because it both hurt and touched my heart
The Pipers Why: Because it asks how to both lament and receive comfort when you want to die on Mother's Day
baby, interrupted Why: I'm still thinking about it, months later
What a great inspiration, Mel. I revisted a bunch of blogger peeps for this and in most cases I realized that I had more than one post to call out because the bloggers I read have so many sides that can't be captured in just one post.
Edenland
27 Versions Of The Truth
http://edenriley.blogspot.com/2009/06/27-versions-of-truth.html
Why: Breathtakingly honest and charismatic. To "get" Eden is to love Eden. There is magic in the way she sets herself free and sets you free along with her when she writes.
That Awful Day
http://edenriley.blogspot.com/2009/05/that-awful-day.html
Why: An Edenland Primer. Having lived to tell the tale, a reflection on/revistitation of the day that her world shattered ... one year later.
The Fires
http://edenriley.blogspot.com/2009/03/fires.html
Why: For all the media coverage of this remote (for many of us) tragedy, it took Eden's post to bring it home.
Blood Signs
The Unspoken Spoken
http://bloodsigns.blogspot.com/2009/05/unspoken-spoken.html
Why: Because it conveys riveting atmospheric details while it speaks volumes about pregnancy after IF -- with the lightest of touches -- and THEN it goes on to offer thoughtful and provacative and useful material on a highly charged topic ... prenatal genetic screening. It's everything I love about Pam in one post.
Remade Home
http://bloodsigns.blogspot.com/2009/04/remade-home.html
Why: A fluid reflection on the character of place ... on the complexity of fate ... and on how our lives are influenced (determined?), in spite of ourselves, by our childhood, our primary relationships ... the good, the bad, the ugly.
Next Chapter
http://bloodsigns.blogspot.com/2009/03/next-chapter.html
Why: It captures a moment of serious transition -- from IF to parenting after IF -- beautifully and gracefully.
It's Never Too Late
Pretending To Be Perfect
http://bewhatyoumighthavebeen.blogspot.com/2009/03/pretending-to-be-perfect.html
Why: (children mentioned) A parenting (in the midst of secondary IF) post about ... as a commenter put it ... how the way "the way people perceive us, the way we are, what we think we should be" influences our parenting ... and how there is tension between our personal baggage and how we want our children to be free of our baggage.
PS. I love the quote at the top of her blog.
Mommy With A Penis
Dear Maddona
http://mommywithapenis.blogspot.com/2009/04/dear-madonna.html
Why: A reflection on celebrity culture intersecting with real life adoption experience ... from the father of two and the veteran of eight failed adoptions.
Kulture Wars
http://mommywithapenis.blogspot.com/2009/05/kulture-wars.html
Why: A reflection on transcending culture shock ... family culture ... all kinds of culture ... in adoption. From a parent who knows true north: I am not my hair / I am not this skin / I am not your expectations no no / I am not my hair / I am not this skin / I am a soul that lives within.
Miss E's Musings
A Race Not To The Swift
http://southcitysadie.typepad.com/miss_e_musings/2009/05/a-race-not-to-the-swift.html
Why: The title almost says it all. A great post with the author as observer with "eyes to see and ears to hear" ... watching, with veteran insight, infertility playing out on the battlefield she has left behind.
Thoughts From A Foster Family
Foster Parenting Milestones
http://pflagfostermom.blogspot.com/2009/04/foster-parenting-milestones.html
Why: Veteran Foster mom of six plus two) lays it out with incomparable, indispensible insight.
Tobacco Brunette
The Man In Black Returns
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7891785024488076379&postID=5990755173651715260
Why: What happens when IF is just an appetizer. Just when you thought you met your quota of crisii for this lifetime. A smart blogger shares ... just one of the many flavors of TB.
Mind Body Mama
Teaching, Doing
http://www.mindbodymama.com/2009/05/mind-body-mama-teaching-doing.html#comments
(Children, parenting mentioned)
Arrogance, Innocence
http://www.mindbodymama.com/2009/06/my-childs-arrogance-is-breathtaking-and.html
Why: Not IF related posts and yet the themes speak to grace under pressure and qualities that are universal to meeting challenges ... and "The Other" intelligently and thoughtfully.
A Little Hope
Why? Because all of a sudden I got a different perspective on embryo donation. The Big Guy and I will have to talk this over some more now.
Defining
From the Idle Mind Of Beth. Not so idle, it would seem. About the place infertility can play in your life when there's so much else going on.
Planet Davila  Why: Because, damn, the woman can bake, the picture of the cake balls looks amazing, and sometimes when you're dealing with IF, chocolate mixed with chocolate and dipped in more chocolate is the only thing that makes the nightmare better.
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