Have only recently got into this blogging lark, both scribbling and reading, but thought I'd share some others by old friends and acquaintances, or ones I've happily stumbled across:
27bslash6.com - not sure this is strictly a blog, but then this is unique. And doesn't like rules. And I don't often cry with laughter, so this must be genius. Do waste / most profitably use many hours in this.
100 words a week - a slightly longer version of a haiku a day; and much more eloquent! Charting physical and spiritual journey of one man and his dog walking from Salzburg to Santiago de Compostela. See more of this old school friend's fascinating writing at www.clausvonbohlen.com
Archdruid Report - don't let its title put you off! This aint purple mists and nobbly staffs and ego trips, but some of the most beautiful and cogent contemporary writing I've come across. It's by an American called John Michael Greer, writing extraordinary essays under the title 'Druid perspectives on nature, culture, and the future of industrial society'.
Dark Mountain - "The Dark Mountain Project is a network of writers, artists and thinkers who have stopped believing the stories our civilisation tells itself. We see that the world is entering an age of ecological collapse, material contraction and social and political unravelling, and we want our cultural responses to reflect this reality rather than denying it." Have a look, get lost in it, and make sure you find the manifesto!
Dear David - by my godfather, David Peace - daily from April 2020. Calm and open reflections and updates on recently diagnosed motor neurone disease, wonderfully entertaining stories from his extraordinary life, and lovely understated wisdom.
Gaian Economics - loads of good & clever thoughts & elucidations by Molly Scott Cato, Green Party economics spokesperson and MEP candidate [update, MEP!] for SW, prof, councillor, Quaker, lovely lady of Stroud, who it's been a privilege to know and now read and hear all over the place!
Homeless Link - I've worked for various homelessness organisations and have always found this umbrella organisation brilliant. Once went to a Westminster bash they hosted, supporting a fantastic young peer education volunteer who won an award from Grant Shapps of all people. Not always happy reading here of course, but some good news stories.
La Ferme de Sourrou - fantastic looking permaculture smallholding in France. Something to aim for.. Blog in English :)
Love, Belief & Balls - brilliant blog. Deeply personal stuff about life with his adult autistic son, including endless frustrations and battles with care and support providers (including lots on those labels and other jargon). Real time, illuminating, sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes hilarious, constructively angry yet also remarkably positive and wonderful. If you have personal or professional experience of autism/care, you'll love it; if you don't you also should really read it..
Monbiot - maybe the daddy of them all (if not the actual Daddy who's now immediately above). Brilliant writer (and speaker) on all sorts - mainly environmental/climate change & war, but pretty much you name it. Lucid, well referenced, unpretentious, mind opening/twisting/nudging, often controversial..
Quotidian Theologian - beautifully felt and expressed reflections on Ramadan 2017, which I really hope will continue beyond! I'm very unfamiliar with Islam, but my lovely old university flatmate/fellow tutee's daily devotions and wider character sing it out clear.
Ruscombe Green - this ridicules my notion of lotsquickly: he speaks huge amounts of words and sense not only quickly but also lucidly and powerfully; and blogs the same! Philip welcomed me into the Green Party with warmth, badger costumes, and infectious energy: he truly walks the talk for his community and world. Definitely worth an explore of his many great labels and links.
Thirty Thousand Beats - beautiful blog of intuneforlife.org, a vibrant young charity promoting awareness of HIV and other health problems to impoverished African communities through local music; or as they put it, "We listen to the voices of communities, then turn up the volume". Brilliant stuff from another old uni friend, including latest projects, videos and of course, the music.
Unbounders - new books funded by crowds. Some fascinating stuff on there.