Long Hollow

When I first started blogging, I saw it as 1) therapy 2) good writing practice and 3) a way to let friends and family know what we're up to without having to send so many emails and make a lot of phone calls. It was a multitasker's dream come true!

It has been all of that but so, so , SO much more! I've discovered some intimidatingly wonderful blogs… some that teach me… some that challenge me to think in new ways… some that comfort me, make me laugh, make me cry… some that are so full of beautiful words and images that I'm tempted to just give up, but instead let them inspire me to raise the bar for myself.

I've also made some wonderful friends. One of these is Jillsy – a generous soul who has given me so much encouragement and support in my writing and photography, even featuring me on her own blog at times to try to round up more support (and comments!) for me. And I'm not even the only one she dotes on – somehow she finds time to drop in on and help promote several others. I feel blessed by her friendship.

Inspired by another blogger, Jillsy has declared Thursday "Blog-Hopping Day", where we post our 5 favorites of the week, and because I'm so grateful for all she has done for me, I'm agreeing to try it. My problem is finding the time to read my favorites, but this will be a good excuse to make time. There are so many beautiful blogs out there…

So here goes, my 5 Favorite Posts of the Week…

Tender is the Morning…

Jillsy@ Jillsy Girl Moments That Make Memories

Caveman Plantains

SpanishEyes @ Between USA and Spain

It's a Dog's Life

Kathy@ Mrs. BizWhiz

Too Soon and Yet Right on Time

Lynn@ L2's Point of View

My Hometown

Kirby@ Life is Beautiful

I'm going to cheat and add one more. It was posted on July 17, not this past week, but since this is my first Blog Hop, I felt it was okay to bend the rules. It deserves to be mentioned…

Why Didn't She Tell Anyone?

Gina@ This Moment

You'll be able to see from my list that I have eclectic taste in blogs. But that's the beauty of blogging – there are no hard and fast rules about what it should or shouldn't be. It's all about individuality, baby!

Take a few minutes and visit these. I don't think you'll be sorry! And please share your favorites or a link to your own list in the comments below…

Happy Blog-Hopping! (click here to see Jillsy's favorites)