“…aaaaand we’re walking.”*

Starting out on a walking tour is hard work I tell you. There are many things you need to consider. You need to get a map that folds up nice and little, you need a new water bottle, a good pair of sturdy shoes (did actually buy new shoes, they’re pink), an itinerary, a compass, some …

What?

It’s a VIRTUAL walking tour?

You don’t need all that stuff?

Really? You sure?

Well…

Despite my little hiccup last week, I did indeed head out on my virtual (geez, I didn’t need my pink shoes after all) walking tour and hit the first two stops along the way. MsMazzola over at State of Denmark, and Kim over at PageafterPage kindly signed up as my first two stops on the trail. They kindly opened their doors and let me visit and so I’d like to give them a big thanks right now. THANKS!

I’ve got to say that I’ve browsed over at MsMazzola’s blog before, because the fact that she’s an English teacher has me curious. I’ve only got a little over a month (and I’m not freaking, truly…) of my degree left and I figure if maybe I listen hard enough, some of her teachery-ness will rub off on me. Perhaps I should stop using words like ‘teachery-ness’.

I enjoyed reading her blog – she’s got an interesting range of book reviews (several of which making it onto my list, so thanks!) and has participated in some challenges which I’ve not heard of. I like that she talks about reading as well, rather than just reviewing or participating in memes – both wonderful things to do, of course, but I like to read people’s general opinions as well because that way I get to know people better. I particularly like that she defended her reading of chicklit - “They’re fun and damnit, I like them.” I also liked the way she had short memo-like posts about books she was currently reading/was going to read and the posts with cool book images or links to other places.

And over to Kim’s place…

The thing I loved best about Kim’s blog was the way she did up her reviews. I always panic a little about the way I write mine (too long? too short? too much summary not enough opinion etc…) She has a nice clear format with an Amazon review, a solid amount of her thought on the book, cover, first sentence and some admin like challenges it falls into (which I think is a great idea btw). Very easy to read.

I was also very impressed with how bowed her shelf of cook books was. Very impressive indeed. There are also a lot of nice pictures in her posts, which it always nice. Another big plus is that she has a lot of books on her blog – I know, it’s a book blog, what do you expect, but she has links to a lot and has a lot of interesting covers and things for books she’s bought/found/heard of.

Her sidebar shows that she’s a reading challenge fiend, which I highly respect (good luck on your challenges, btw). Oh, and plus, she’s a knitter, and the world ALWAYS needs more knitters.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kim on her upcoming grandmother-hood. I see lots of picture books in your future.

I had a wonderful first leg of the walking tour and I highly encourage you to follow me along to visit both these lovely blogs.

* bonus points if you can tell me why this makes me laugh (without googling, be honest). In fact there will be a prize, because I like prizes… not sure what the prize will be but it will probably be something both nerdy and bookish

EDIT: Note, it's not from Dave... well... apparently it is, but it's from something else too