As someone who writes their thoughts and rambles on the internet, it makes sense that I would enjoy the thoughts and rambles of others who do the same. I personally do it for a variety of reasons: using it as a personal journal (admittedly, it’s very cathartic), documenting my experiences (for others and so I don’t forget details), sharing something I find interesting (because if my friends and family hear me geek out one more time they’ll probably lose it), and to stay active and creative in my writing (nowadays my writings are large, scientific projects, and I sorely miss English-class-type writing). It has become a no-pressure hobby of mine, something I add to when I have time or need an outlet, and I’ve managed to keep it up for some time. I mean, I switched over to this domain in January 2021 but I had been using my Weebly site for at least a few years prior, on and off.
Regardless, throughout all this time I enjoyed stumbling upon other blogs and taking a peek into the lives of others in the same way I secretly hope someone is peering into mine. The blogs I find particularly intriguing are the ones that have not been active in a few years; they are unedited windows into the recent past. Many are still styled in what would have been popular then, holding words and opinions and adventures that were written by someone from a different moment. This is not to say I don’t appreciate still-running blogs, but rather that there is something compelling about the old, completely forgotten– except for that one post with a pie recipe that still gets passed around on Pinterest– ones just the same. I am particularly guilty of finding random blogs and quickly binge reading parts them, and for that I apologize if any I share with you any that have boring, weird, or questionable content at any point. It is unfortunate that most blogs with the best personal travel stories also include some sort of ultra-spiritual juice cleanse attempt or the occasional voluntourism vibe. C’est la vie, c’est l’internet?
Below is a list of the blogs I’ve read at least some of and found interesting. I plan to keep adding to this post as I find more (without adding “[EDIT]” dates), also because a lot of the ones I want to share are saved as in random bookmark folders and Google docs on various devices. Feel free to comment and suggest some to me as well! In no particular order:
● The Philosophical Fish
https://www.thephilosophicalfish.ca/
Still running: Yes
About: Photography, hiking, and scientific rambles of a female fish biologist in Northwest Canada
Why I like it: Lots of existential thoughts, photography challenges, and gorgeous nature photos
Warnings: None
● Matt Cutts: Gadgets, Google, and SEO
https://www.mattcutts.com/blog/
Still running: Yes? Very sparse posting as of late
About: Previously SEO officer of Google, now part of USDS who writes about his life
Why I like it: Interesting 30-Day Challenges
Warnings: Losing a loved one
● Eat Pray Maui
https://medium.com/@ErinComeaux
Still running: No
About: A nurse from the bayou moves to Hawaii to reëvaluate life
Why I like it: Positive growth, authentic photos, living vicariously through her
Warnings: Mature content (sobriety, religion, trauma, mental illness), very mild colonialism vibes
● Colline’s Blog
https://collinesblog.com/
Still running: No? Her IG is though
About: French Immersion teacher who likes to read and craft
Why I like it: Mostly for the book reviews, writing prompts, and language education posts
Warnings: None
● Entomology Manchester
https://entomologymanchester.wordpress.com/
Still running: Yes
About: Scientific and cultural writings on insects
Why I like it: Some posts are poetry + entomogy, what’s not to love?
Warnings: None (I mean, if you have a problem with bugs I would not recommend this.)
● Japanese Language and Culture
http://blog.livedoor.jp/chikocafe-langcafe_japanese/
Still running: No
About: Japanese culture and language
Why I like it: Mix of linguistic info and travel photos
Warnings: None
● Get a Life, PhD
http://getalifephd.blogspot.com/
Still running: Yes?
About: Sociology professor talks about the life/academia balance
Why I like it: Tiny slices of life of a researcher mixed with helpful classroom tips
Warnings: None
● The Mad Scientist Confectioner’s Club
http://jasonya.com/wp/
Still running: No
About: Computational biologist’s confectionery and comic journey
Why I like it: I have been wanting to try his truffle recipes for some time now
Warnings: None
● Chippy the Dog
https://chippythedog.tumblr.com/
Still running: Yes
About: Cartoon dog with cute messages
Why I like it: Feel-good and reminds me of early 2000’s e-cards
Warnings: None
● Cranberry Blossom
https://judicreations.wordpress.com/
Still running: No
About: Middle-aged mom narrating her life
Why I like it: Recipes, random things that remind me of home, craft ideas
Warnings: Sometimes very cheesy
● Lindie Botes
https://lindiebotes.com/blog
Still running: Yes
About: YouTube polyglot sharing language tips
Why I like it: Very positive, never makes you feel inadequate, cool languages
Warnings: None!
● The Twiddletails Blog
https://twiddletails.blogspot.com/
Still running: Yes
About: Quilting tutorials and projects
Why I like it: Overall easy to follow, lots of diagrams
Warnings: None!
● The Habit
https://thehabit.co/blog/
Still running: Yes
About: Writing topics and musings
Why I like it: Mostly short, thought-provoking posts
Warnings: None!