TypePad Featured Blogs

Hedge Society

Hedge Society is a curious little blog, written in its own unique lilt of a voice about design, art, and other delightful things to please the senses. What is a Hedge Society, you might well ask? In their own words: "The Short Answer: A couple of people and their friends paying attention to things that are hopeful, beautiful, silly, tasty, helpful, interesting, infuriating, ordinary, and sometimes y." Do click through, because the long answer is quite worth reading.

Hedge Society is welcoming in the new year featuring 2009 calendars by illustrators and letterpress artists.

They've got a lovely custom banner, their Twitter feed updating in the sidebar, a library of recent books the Hedge Society members have recently enjoyed, and a category just for doodads and bits and bobs you can buy online (at the Society's recommendation, of course.)

Visit Hedge Society.

Daily Routines

Daily Routines is just that: a chronicle of the daily routines of the great writers, artists and thinkers, straight from their pages to you. That's the singular common thread, as the gamut of routines runs from early risers to late-night boozehounds: the struggles of Capote to do so much as to get vertical during his day, Kingsley Amis' battle against the afternoon doldrums, Toni Morrison's love of the pre-dawn.

You may have heard about Daily Routines from all the praise it's been getting online lately, including from influential TypePad blogs like the Times and Andrew Sullivan (and MT-powered perennnial fave BoingBoing).

A favorite exchange of mine is a quote from an interview with Arthur Miller.

INTERVIEWER
Do you have a routine for writing?

MILLER
I wish I had a routine for writing. I get up in the morning and I go out to my studio and I write. And then I tear it up! That's the routine, really. Then, occasionally, something sticks. And then I follow that. The only image I can think of is a man walking around with an iron rod in his hand during a lightning storm.

Visit Daily Routines.

This French Life

Bonjour! Ever imagine packing it all up and moving to France, home of fine wine, food, art, music, and literature? This French Life “provides many interesting nuggets of information…to people who are keen to move to France, or those already living there.” Articles rage from setting up the necessary services (such as banking and the Internet) to interviews with people who have lived in France and have moved there to start a new life. Part Travelogue, part discussion group, and part guidebook, the site combines posts, videos, and links to cover the language, the latest news, reviews and news on food and drink, and interviews with noted figures, just to name a few. Other sections provide information on renting and buying property, how to get around, where to buy things, how to get here, what to read, and much more. Whether you’re planning a vacation, sabbatical, or permanent move, this is a site that will provide a close up view of La Belle France.

The Starry Eye

Charlene Lichtenstein, known as Madam Lichtenstein, is the author of The Starry Eye, a site filled with “New Age News and Opinion.” Perhaps not surprisingly, since she “is descended from a long line of persons with extraordinary perceptive powers.” And with those talents, Madam posts fascinating insights into the world and the people who live in it. Weekly Horoscopes are here, of course (with separate readings for each of the presidential candidates), along with an eerie post on “hearing" a ghost, musings on Numerology (read why August 8 is an important date), and the Tarot. They're just a few of the intriguing subjects covered. More fun: a Pet Horoscope designed for the furry ones among us. Fascinating reading, and perhaps a little eye opening, Madam’s posts are augmented with links to an Astrology Gift Guide (and one to Better Relationships), and several Categories as well. Have a question? Ask Madam (just email her from her blog)!

Bosom Buddies

The amazing thing about blogs is the way they provide an intimate look at lives and interests around the world – and in doing so, be a force for good. One example: Bosom Buddies, run by a mother of 3 in South Africa and dedicated to providing everything new mothers need in their first days at home: food, clothing, laundry services, and more. The author ‘s a doula (or midwife) and has assisted at many births at many hospitals and knows the sometimes desperate state many expectant moms arrive in. She states, “we ensure that no baby goes home without being adequately clothed, and that the birth is recognized and celebrated.” South Africa is a country where the gap between rich and poor is evident, so a service like Bosom Buddies is welcomed and appreciate d the most by those who have the least. You can get a closer look at the goings on at her hospital here and see what life is like in South Africa. Not many of us live there, but- as mentioned above – this is a blog that brings us closer together. (And if you'd like to support their work, there’s a convenient donation button right on the front page.

French Word A Day

Bonne Annee (Happy New Year) TypePad readers! And for those of you who've made a resolution to do something new, (like learn a new language), we offer French Word a Day a delightful site that integrates learning with storytelling. The author, (an American living in Provence, France with her husband and two children) shares her life in posts that use everyday French words and phrases to enliven them. Result? Heartwarming slices of life abroad that will have you exclaiming, “cafard”, “avouer”, and “brusquer. (No we’re not going to translate them…remember your resolution?) The author includes lots of photos and recommended reading about France and its people to enrich both the site and your experience. Here’s a unique approach to learning that never seemed to make it to American classrooms – enjoy (et bonne chance)!

Daily Poetics

"There is a not a particle of life that does not carry poetry within it". - Gustave Flaubert. Sometimes, we all need to take a break and reflect on simpler things - words and images that help us reflect on the beauty all around us. Flaubert's words are the keystone of  Daily Poetics, a blog that helps you take a few moments to consider the thoughts and postings from artists, poets, and writers from around the world. There are poems, articles, and stories on a surprising variety of topics. The real beauty of the blog is finding something worthwhile in even the most everyday objects. There are links to various studios for sampling, sale, or just to see. Think of this site as your "five minute getaway" on the web - so the next time you're giving a bust day at home or work, relax - and get your dose of Daily Poetics.

3rd House Journal

Have you ever dreamed of snakes? The writer of 3rd House Journal  knows what it means and in the pages of her blog you’ll find out too. Named after the 3^rd house in astrology, that signifies “writing, conversation, personal thoughts, and day-to-day things”, these pages offer up such diverse topics as the “TVs of others”, gods in color, and reflections on the river. Lots of New England flavors and photos highlight this spot on the web, so stop by!

Medienkritik

Blogs are our window on the world – and when it’s open, we can see and hear what people are saying. That’s true both on an individual and a national level, and in Medienkritik, you’ll read “observations on reporting in the German media” – most of it regarding the United States and its position in world affairs. There are relevant observations about accuracy in the German media, conspiracy and justice on the world stage. There are in-depth discussions about two of Germany’s largest media sources, Stern and Der Spiegel and links to German-language sites for further information. Here’s an opportunity to widen your view and gain additional perspective on the nation’s place in the world.

Real Moms

Here's a heartwarming look at middle America: kids, picnics, summer vacations and all! Real Moms displays the thoughts, photos, and "mom tips" collected through daily life, such as early childhood programs to help preschoolers learn smarter and faster, wonderful thoughts on a sleeping child,  even a fun way for busy moms to stay connected.  There are useful links to parenting resources and volunteer opportunities to make children's lives happier and healthier as well. Of course, dads are welcome to log on and read too!