From Pat, in Washington State:

5. The Hog’s Head

Travis Prinzi runs this blog, which used to be Sword of Gryffindor. But the discussions, which still include a lot about Harry Potter, have branched out to literature in general. Oh, and I met Travis in the same B&N “class” back in 2005 when John Granger led the discussion.

4. Quote the Maven

Another blog I found through Harry Potter, this one is written by a movie screen-writer/teacher. Janet shares her views on books and movies and some things about her family, her church, and living in California.

3. Endless Books

“Endless Books”, this blog by Beth (whom I also met in the B&N Harry Potter class), is about just what it says - books. She homeschools her young daughter and talks about some of the things they are reading and studying. But she also includes her thoughts about the books that she is reading. It’s a lovely blog, and it’s so refreshing to hear from a mom who is doing wonderful things for her child and enjoys every precious moment.

2. Hogwarts Professor

I’m a Harry Potter fan, dating back to 1999. I first met John Granger, who has written books on Potter and runs this blog, in 2005 in the Barnes and Noble discussion of the Half-Blood Prince. The discussions are in-depth, which is the way I like to read books.

1. Gorilla.cd

This site is all about the problems of the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park in the Congo. It’s full of photos of the gorillas, information about the ongoing violence that threatens their existence and the rangers who dedicate their lives to saving the gorillas and the environment.

From Mudpuppy Greytdog in Florida:

5. Utne Reader

Utne Reader Well-written, thought-provoking articles on everything from the arts to spirituality. Don’t always agree with the writers, but always gives me something to chew on. . .

4. Learn Bird Songs!

Learn Bird Songs! I love this site - I play the various songs at least once a day just to watch my cats go crazy. They don’t like the turkey, but are fascinated by the “forest habitat” bird sounds.

3. The Merck Veterinary Manual

Merck Veterinary Manual (online) is an invaluable resource to anyone with pets or livestock. Gives you a pretty good handle on “vet-speak”; I use this one a lot.

2. The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine

The Ohio State University Greyhound Health and Wellness Program run by Dr. Couto. Amazing program run by an amazing & dedicated staff. They also provide free vet care to the galgos of Spain every year. Dr Couto is the go-to vet nationally for any dog, not just greyhounds, with osteosarcoma.

1. Playing For Change

Playing For Change. beautiful music that brings the global village home. Watch the videos, listen to the music. . .then get the CD/DVD. Support the global village as it plays for Change.

Five Faves From Me (Charcoal Sniper P.)

As many of you know I recently got married and 4 of my 5 sites listed below were interesting and helpful reads during the wedding planning process. As an artist/crafts person I still visit these sites regularly because the design inspirations are wonderful.

5. Sustainable

A blog on sustainable products, green products, energy efficient products and new technologies.

4. Design Freebies

Design Freebies. Mostly links to downloadables. I have gotten some great fonts from links on this blog.

3. Something Old Something New

Wedding planning finds and interesting jewelry clothing and design ideas.

2. Brooklyn Bride

Wedding planning and design ideas. Design inspirations not just for weddings.

1. iDIY

Do it yourself wedding stuffs, but can be used for non weddings as well

1. Morning Coffee Daydreams

2. Hedonistic Brunch - juicy, lucious, decadent
strawberries and champagne

3. Puppy Baths – sweet, incorrigible, messy, loving puppies.

4. Naps in the guestroom –
glorious, drool-on-the pillow naps in bright sunshine –
netting wafting in a spring breeze.

5. Social Networking in the Garden