Many of us have been around here for at least a couple of months. We've all read the Editor's Picks, the highest rated, the most read, as well as many other wonderful posts.
But out of all of those, what are the posts that are your Must Reads? -- the posts that if you could only pick a few to take to a "desert island," you would take with you? Here are mine:
Monsieur Chariot's "Bombarded by the Booty." But for my blood pressure medication this one would have killed me. The last time I laughed like that . . . . well, I can't remember. It's not really a post; it's a work of art in words. And funny as hell.
J. D. Noir's "I Will Remember You." The first time I read this I was stunned. Even today I can't read it without tears in my eyes. This is a post both simple and profound. It would be tragic, but J.D.'s love for his dogs King and Tiger transforms the tragic into the spiritual.
lalucas's "Growing Up with St. Anne." An absolutely marvelous account of the experiences of a twelve year old church organist.
There are many other posts that I should list, but these are the ones that most readily come to mind. What are your's?
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Comments
I think you picked three of my favs too. Lonnie's wedding post is terrific too.
You are being very generous in view of all the good work and thought here, however! I think this is a great venue to share -- photos, recipes, life experiences -- they are all good!
Actually, I like to read our reactions to the stories in the comments, just as much as the stories themselves. We sure do learn a lot from those as well. I wish the pace of new posts was a little slower -- I am very behind in reading just now. If I read, I cannot write, which is OK with me. When I have something to say, I will write it. Thanks, again!
I really don't know that I could whittle it down to a couple or even a few. I mean, as much as I love her writing - and the dog's eye view of divorce was a great piece - I'd want to be able to look at Sandra's Baby Ducks from time to time just because it makes me laugh. Barry's faux gourmet recipes, ePriddy's art, Arlene's parenting and matrimonial wisdom, mChariot's singular view and presence, JD's no-holds-barred commentary, somebody stop me!
Yes, must have satellite or wireless connectivity on the desert island.
Speaking of...
David finally girded his loins and cut the retracted pool cover off its roller today and, not only did it fall apart as he pulled, but it was encrusted with tadpool fossils, scorpions, spiders, and more. Plus the smell! A foot of mud in this 3 x 3 x 20 channel. He and young David both vomited etting the job done. Sometimes being a woman in ill heath has its advantages.
For illuminating political analysis: Liz Emrich's "The Establishment of Religion"
For provocative social commentary: Madame Bitch's "Man-boys, The nerve!"
For straight-on artistic expression: Mishima 666's "Cell phone photographs" (be sure to click on the link to the additional images)
A charming piece of chick-lit: Sandra Miller's "Table For One"
For intimate personal reminiscence: Lalucas' "Growing Up with St. Anne" and Steven Axelrod's "Another Rite of Passage"
Big fan of Caruso Wegie's bizarre "BATZ!"
My list so far adds:
Roger (Chicago Guy)'s
- don't ask what I was doing in the basement
- stealing obama's prayer (way overlooked)
Liz Emrich's
- Three Marriages, One Frog, Five Years, One Truth
- Faithfully
Barry's (bbd) most recent post, it's late, can't remember but I think it's Heart Pounding... whatever, it was riviting
this is fun and helpful, as I've missed some of those mentioned... we need to help each other find the hidden gems
Lonnie's wedding story was a nice snapshot of the time he was living in, as well as that time in his life. Dorelvis told a story about an intruder that was really gripping. Sandra Miller's essays "On Love" and "Snapshot of Istanbul" were beautiful meditations. JD's stories about his young friend jailed after a drunk driving accident are very compelling and inseparable from the discussion that took place in the Comments section. And M. Chariot's Madame Feurise is, as he would say, a delightful trifle.
Disclaimer: the above comment is TIC.
I must say that I enjoy everyone's work immensely. There's always something different and enlightening. It's hard to pick my favorites, but I'm going to try. Just as soon as I write the Great American Post.
Heather Ryan's "amputate my love."
Sandra Miller's "Ahoy Matey"
Sally Swift's "My High School Education, Lessons in Anti-Semitism"
Stellaa's "Grapes of August"
T&D's 'Dragon at Your Gate"
Chicago Guy's story about Obama in the Basement
bbd's "Saving a Life"
Lonnie's Rolling Stones piece, and his wedding piece.
And I agree about Monsiuer's "Bombarded by the Booty."
Lisa Lucas's "australia house #1"
There's too many to name really. And to those who named me...thanks. I'm honored.
Thanks for this post. It prompted me to correspond with J. D. about his piece you mention (actually, I originally wrote to him for permission to use his avatar). J.D. does not have a copy of his post "I Will Remember You" and has deleted all his writing from his OS blog. He wrote me a summary of it and forwarded me some other related links. Do you (or any of the OS bloggers from that time period) have this post saved somewhere?
Being a serious lover dog like you, learning the story of J.D., Tiger, and King has been a major gift for me. Thanks for making this gift possible by keeping the memory alive here.
Missing all our beloved dogs--Watson, Tiger & King, Harpo, Sheena and many others.
Paws up.