Blogging is such a strange concept, don’t you think? Especially nowadays when the internet / AI can provide all the information you require within seconds, regardless of subject matter.

I started blogging, I think, to ‘speak’ with like-minded, amateur writers – to share experiences of self-publishing; to share, read and feedback on each others’ work in progress. That kind of stuff.

I resolved though, my blogs would never be ‘serious.’ I would write purely with the aim of making people smile. Hopefully. It really tickles me to think someone on the opposite side of the planet experiences a fleeting moment of levity from what I write.

Or perhaps not.

I appreciate however, people have many and varied reasons for blogging. Maybe it’s for cathartic reasons; maybe it’s to rant and vent; maybe to showcase some achievement. Or simply just to share in joyous occasions of whatever nature.

Following other bloggers is the modern day equivalent of having a pen-friend when I was young, but without the three week wait between communications.

I think there’s something inherently ‘nosey’ about us humans. We love to see what everyone is doing, how they live their lives. It perhaps gives a greater perspective on our own lives. (Ah .. OK – so, just me, then?)

And that’s what keeps drawing me back to read the writings of several bloggers in particular. The ordinary. I don’t mean that in an any offensive manner. Someone’s ‘ordinary’ life on the other side of the world can appear rather exciting at times.

I realise it’s quite unfair to say I have one / several particular bloggers I follow – there are SO many I do try to find time to read each day, but it’s just impossible! For instance, I think I have over 300 subscribers to this blog, but I can understand why only a fraction of that will check out what nonsense I’ve written on a day-to-day basis.

Here are a few I do try to get round to most days, and leave at least a ‘like’:

For writing related topics … and limerick prompts! (Yeah, she’s to blame! 😉😂): Esther Chilton

For amusing topics, sarcasm and animals visiting her garden: Rivergirl.

For philosophical lessons of Life with a heavy dose of deadpan humour: Philo (sorry, Philo – I can’t find you blog to attach a link. My memory is shocking!)

OK – so I’ve busted the WordPress prompt already, by not detailing who is my ‘favourite blogger to follow.’ I’ve listed three. I could list loads more: the sporting blogs and especially the music based blogs from my friends in America / Canada / Europe. What I love about these is they are not just regurgitated Wiki facts, but they put a personal spin and opinion on their writing.

Which is something my old school-friend Paul and I do on a blog we both follow and would have as our favourite …. because we started it and continue to host it five years down the line:
Once Upon a Time in the ’70s. (Check it out – when WordPress recycle today’s prompt …. 😉)

OK, so here we go.

I believe the modern expression is ‘you’re ALL winners.’

But one blog slightly edges it.

As I said earlier, I like to read of other people’s ‘ordinary’ lives. I’m not interested in celebrity and glittery trappings. I’m more interested in reading of different cultures and approaches to day-to-day life.

Now, I have to watch I don’t come across as any way patronising here, but India is a country that fascinates me. My wife and I have visited fourteen times, and will be back out in February next year for another month. The beauty of the varied landscapes; the beauty of the people; the general politeness and welcoming nature of the people; the wildly differing weather; the ingenuity of the people and their willingness to work hard and adapt to better themselves; their numerous religions and customs; the wildlife.

The sheer chaos of the cities! Yes even that.

And so, the blogger I most read, I’d have to say is Usha Mangalssen.

Her blogs allow me to sample and appreciate daily life in Mumbai, a city I have visited and absolutely loved. Usha’s blogs invariably mention rituals and expressions that are new to me, and lead me to research deeper and further increase my knowledge of India, its religions and customs.

And that for me, is the purpose of blogging: not to show off; not to boast; not to sell something (though I hold my own hands up to all of the above at various points! 😉🤣) but to share experience and of course …. to make people smile.