WAIT! Don't click off. At least let me say that I understand why you want to. I do!

I've been starting my Monday-through-Friday mornings with Helen's posts for four years now. Everyday Stranger is one of the few blogs I read where I honestly don't care what its author chooses to write about. I read Everyday Stranger because I like Helen, plain and simple. I like her writing style, I love her intimacy--you know what I'm talking about, don't you? There really is no substitute for Helen.

Hmm. Now I'm starting to depress myself.

I don't comment very much here, except sometimes to gush (over Helen) and sometimes to holler (at people I feel are being mean to Helen). I am good at the hollering. I had an email from a friend a few weeks ago that summed me up perfectly, though my friend was talking about herself: She said, "I come from a yelling family." That's me. I come from a yelling family.

Even the most obstinate descendants of yelling families, however, can burn out, and currently I am burnt out on the yelling. Besides, it's rude to holler at the regulars when one is a guest on another person's weblog. So be of good cheer! I have no plans to holler at anyone unless you insult Helen; and then, look out.

Oh, to hell with me! Let's just declare this a Love Helen Friday, can we? You can leave a comment telling me what YOU enjoy about Everyday Stranger (I know I copped out up there by more or less saying "everything," but I trust you will all do better than that), and that will be really nice for Helen to read when she gets back, right? I mean, I didn't tell her I was going to do anything like this. I just thought it up right now because my melatonin's kicking in (I keep odd hours) and my brain is checking out.

Plus, it'll really burn her enemies. (Oh, why must I always focus on the negativity like this? Do you think it's because I come from a yelling family?)

But I like the idea! I am making it official. It is now Love Helen Friday. Especially for you lurkers! Come out and show the love. Favorite posts you remember, her envy-inducing ability to give good hair, the zany Elf obsession--it's all fair game. I would normally add something here about how you should try not to say anything really gauche like, "Well, for one thing, I sure do love lookin' at her boobies," but I've read enough of the comments here to know that I really only have to worry about one or two of you doing that, and those one or two will probably be meaning it affectionately rather than all creepy-stalker-like; or so I hope.

Love Helen Friday is in effect. GO!

Posted by: Ilyka at 12:01 PM | Comments (49) | Add Comment
Post contains 490 words, total size 3 kb.

1 I love Helen because she's smart, witty, tragically honest in her writing, not-perfect (although damn close) and cool. It's hard to describe exactly what you like about another blogger....without sounding cheesy or stalkerish....but honestly...I just dig the way she writes. I guess that's the long and short of it.

Posted by: wn at July 20, 2007 12:31 PM (Y8+V9)

2 I love her brutally honest ways of telling people when she isn't up for suggestions. I also love how out going she is. I vacation vicariously through her!

Posted by: Jessica at July 20, 2007 12:34 PM (ii/lW)

3 I vacation vicariously through her! Oh, me too. Absolutely. I wish I could just pop up to Scotland, but I'm settling for popping over to Scottsdale Sunday night. These are obviously not the same thing at all. Oh, well. but honestly...I just dig the way she writes Nah, you don't sound a bit creepy. (And I like your blog title. Lotsa words, that's the internet all right.)

Posted by: ilyka at July 20, 2007 12:42 PM (zPRu7)

4 Helen's eloquent, real, and open (and a darn good photographer too). She loves the Muppets. What's to not love here? Oh, and she's in high-tech and takes no prisoners. My hero! (Apparently the comment for deems the fact I have a livejournal for a blog "questionable." I do too, comment form, I do too.)

Posted by: Opal at July 20, 2007 12:48 PM (Us7dd)

5 I love: Helen's narrative style. She has this great, distinctive, right-there-with-you voice. And damn if she doesn't have good stories to tell in that voice! Helen's big heart and her unabashed love for Angus. It's endearing and smile-inducing. That she's a Helen of Many Trades--I admire so much her dedication to Jeff and Melissa, and the Lemonheads. I admire her mad tiling skills. What an awesome idea, Ilyka.

Posted by: Marian at July 20, 2007 12:58 PM (B+qrE)

6 I love how freely she shares so many seemingly private details of her life: the uneasiness with the brother in law, operation duck and cover, the joy and awe in the relationship with her father brings. I love the pictures of Gorby and Seymour. I love how her memories of my home state make me reflect upon the positive things from time to time.

Posted by: sarah at July 20, 2007 01:30 PM (QxKa0)

7 ROFL! Applause for the guest blogger! I love the way Heleen always manages to face down the world, no matter what the situation. Nothing ever really gets the best of her, she always wins in the end. I love reading about her daily life (yes, even the fence) ... maybe because it's another way of seeing that the world really isn't always bad. After all, Helen always prevails, right? Right!

Posted by: Hannah at July 20, 2007 01:44 PM (5w+E2)

8 So far I like you too! I have been with Helen since the dark days in Sweden. I feel fortunate to have been able to read about her life, and been able to watch from afar as she makes her way uphill to hapiness. She is a cool chick and I think we would get along great, and she says her peace which I love!

Posted by: Cheryl at July 20, 2007 02:03 PM (ofEMA)

9 I love Helen because... its ok to be broken. And despite all I was told while growing up, sex is good and healthy. Amen!

Posted by: miguel at July 20, 2007 02:14 PM (nkeFb)

10 I love how Helen is so deliciously human. She's a balls-out, live-life-to-the-fullest kind of woman (yes, I said balls-out). I appreciate her candor, revel in her triumphs, and can't wait to see what she has to say every day.

Posted by: Amanda at July 20, 2007 02:25 PM (B5c+c)

11 She is intelligent, intimate, raw, and funny-just to name a few. She writes beautifully and lives honestly. The truth-I just get her. And I love her like a friend I have had forever.

Posted by: Teresa at July 20, 2007 03:12 PM (xGcDO)

12 I love Helen for many of the same reasons listed here already. She's so candid. I feel like she and I are old friends even though we've never met in real life because she shares so much. She's an amazing writer and despite what she thinks about herself, is a truly strong woman whom I admire greatly. Now when can I make out with her?

Posted by: donna at July 20, 2007 03:41 PM (Kco5r)

13 I love the pop culture references, since we are about the same age and I "get" all of them. I love the adventure aspect of Helen's life because I've always wanted to travel and see things and Helen actually does it. And finally, Helen is like J.K. Rowling, you can't wait for each new episode.

Posted by: Julie at July 20, 2007 04:22 PM (6JI3A)

14 Hmmm... What to say? Helen is just one of those chicks I'd love to drink pints with whilst talking celebrity gossip, bad television, and boys. Preferably at a slumber party, where we do each other's hair and then invite all the boys over to pay to watch she, Ms. Pants and myself have a pillow fight. Because that'd be like the great rack trifecta, and I'm sure we could make a mint.

Posted by: amy t. at July 20, 2007 05:47 PM (3dOTd)

15 She's smart as a whip. That's why I like to read here everyday. She's funny when she wants to be, cynical often, sarcastic sometimes, but always very intelligent and it shines through!

Posted by: kenju at July 20, 2007 06:34 PM (DBvE5)

16 Helen has a wit and sarcastic style that I think is hilarious, and she's extremely imaginative (remember her running into Santa at Starbucks?). I've heard it said a true friend is one who knows everything about you and likes you anyway. : ) Helen and I differ on many major ideals, yet I really enjoy her honest, candid posts. As birds of a feather generally flock together, I don't have any close friends that are as candid and open as Helen is. I like that Helen allows folks like me (and some of y'all) to visit/comment here daily even though we don't always agree.

Posted by: Solomon at July 20, 2007 07:49 PM (al5Ou)

17 I love Helen, not only for being so open about who she is, not only for getting a pint at the pub quicker than I can, not only for being such a lovely person... I love her for her taste in gifts and earrings she is generosity unbounded and I LOVE HELEN!

Posted by: stinkerbell at July 20, 2007 08:02 PM (j8mVO)

18 hmm...I love Helen for the same reasons that everyone already said! I'm reading the posts, and I'm like "that's what I wanted to say" sheesh. Helen, you are a superb writer & I have to have my fix every morning before I can start work. You and my coffee - great combination!! I don't comment often, except when called out to do so. But I'm here everyday (no pun intended) for my favorite stranger. love, C

Posted by: Christina at July 20, 2007 08:41 PM (b4jrh)

19 Let's see. Beautiful, smart, funny, poignant and incredibly talented with both word and camera. What's not to love.

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at July 20, 2007 08:43 PM (UquFN)

20 Helen has been broken. We see the shattered glass all around her. But we also see that she has taken the glass and made a beautiful, fragile, yet tangible piece of art. Her life story gives us hope that we too can face the tragedy that is our own life and come out on the other side and still be open, tough yet vulnerable, and we can still be loveable. I adore reading here because I feel her pain and cry, hear her laughter and laugh along. I see my pain through her eyes and she has taught me that I am ok. It will be ok. She will be ok.

Posted by: Karen at July 21, 2007 12:41 AM (S3y9+)

21 Hmmm where to start * her intimate and humerous writing style * her ability to make me think w/o being boring or condescending * she loves animals * She's Helen .... nuff said

Posted by: Lorri at July 21, 2007 01:13 AM (Lfkis)

22 So many of you have already said the things I love the most about Helen but why not say them again? She's hilarious and raw in her honesty. She can make me laugh and cry in the same post. She lets us all know it's okay to be be broken and we can keep going anyway. She truly loves her animals and marvels at their love for her. She has been "chicken braked"! She lets us see that Angus is perfect and not so perfect all at the same time. She is my "Everyday Stranger".

Posted by: Deb at July 21, 2007 02:11 AM (0lvli)

23 Hey - veteran lurker here! I love this site because it feels like I know her (which of course I don't) and she makes me giggle when I am surrepitously reading during class...

Posted by: usagi at July 21, 2007 03:10 AM (eEi99)

24 I mostly lurk here, too, but I read it all. Love the photos, of course, but I love the stories and the writing, too. She has the coolest guest bloggers, too.

Posted by: Rob at July 21, 2007 04:03 AM (pIwTk)

25 Rarely do I read a post from Helen and not feel "something". She shares in a way that is moving and evocative. She makes me believe that should we meet in real life that we could definately be friends.

Posted by: Terry at July 21, 2007 04:29 AM (7MeZM)

26 Lurker here. I have never ever commented to Helen, but I have read her religiously through a hard winter in Sweden, through a move to her heaven, and through a lot of healing. I used to relate to her exactly, but she has grown more than I have. I cannot go a day without her, I am her follower. She is beautiful and extraordinary and a normal person, all at once. She will never know how much I care for her.

Posted by: Carrie at July 21, 2007 06:08 AM (fDl/T)

27 I love this blog, the length, details and thoughts she puts into her blog. I randomly googled something one day, and came across this blog am I ever glad that I did! Now who are you? You never introduced yourself...

Posted by: Missgirlbliss at July 21, 2007 08:15 AM (YLUfG)

28 Been an avid reader for a couple of years since being directed here by another fan (fareastcynic@blogspot.com). I have read almost all her old blogs as well. Her growth as a person and a writer is so out there and obvious. I admire how she has worked so hard reparing her "broken" psyche. And I know as my ex was a certified card carrying BPD. Who tried but just could not accomplish what Helen has accomplished. Kudos and good on Helen and those who love her. And Guestblogger I look forward to the day you resume your own Blog.

Posted by: Foggy at July 21, 2007 02:46 PM (WlHuv)

29 I was intrigued by the link on my friend's blog titled "Everyday Stranger" thus I clicked on it and have been and still am an avid reader ever since. Helen's writing is so candid, honest and vivid that I could totally imagine the events she described unfolding in front of my eyes. Being an alien in a foreign country, I can totally relate to the hassle of the administration and it's nice to feel that I'm not alone out there. Always a good read, always enjoyable. You rock girl!

Posted by: miao at July 21, 2007 04:04 PM (CpO64)

30 I can't pass a box of Lemonheads without giving her a thought. Been reading Helen for years.

Posted by: Marie at July 21, 2007 04:05 PM (v+Iku)

31 Dang. I'm spoiled because Helen usually posts right about the time I get up in the morning, so I read her first thing. I'm not used to being so far back in the comments. Anyway, every day is "I Love Helen Day" as far as I'm concerned. Wow. I managed to get through without mentioning her boobies!

Posted by: ~Easy at July 21, 2007 04:22 PM (X+de8)

32 I am also one of the frequent flyers to Helen's site. I was skimming through another blog, when I happened to see the link for Everyday Stranger. I clicked it, and the first post I read was a conversation she was having with herself. It became apparent to me that she was giving herself a pep talk regarding her distress at work. I was transfixed immediately. Of course, I had to go back to the beginning, to her life in Sweden, cause starting a story in the middle is completely taboo. When I read the passages referring to her emotional crisis and subsequent breakdown, I cried my heart out for her. And for myself. Oh, yeah, I've been there more times than I want to remember. Never actually allowing the abyss to completely consume me, but spending desperate hours staring into it with longing and fear. Helen opened my self-absorbed eyes to the fact that there are so many of us humans who are absolutely emotionally and psychologically broken that we must often contemplate the notion that there is no shining beacon of salvation. From ourselves and those whom we allow to hurt us continually and without restraint. I'm sure that without my unswerving faith in divine intervention that I would not be physically present on this planet any longer. And my abhorrence of the consequences my early demise would bring to my beloved Mother. It would literally destroy her and I simply could not do that to a person I dearly loved. Anyway, Helen's desire to share with the world her trials and tribulations, her struggles with self-esteem (you are so beautiful, you crazy gal) and her hard earned insight that constantly amazes and moves me, has kept me here for many years and I will continue to do so until she decides she no longer needs her blog. And I sure as HELL will be reading the first time she posts the miraculous account of the birth of the lemonheads. I truly love you, Helen, and everything you are and everything you will become. Kimberley

Posted by: KImberley at July 22, 2007 04:07 AM (YtHtJ)

33 Helen has been my inspiration and mentor for several years now. Through her, I have gained insight and strength...the ability to tackle the world (and myself)...to grow. Her perspective has, in many ways, shaped my world because I realized that I wasn't in this fight alone. When I was in the process of finding myself, I would read things on this blog and say, "THAT'S how I want to conduct myself..." and I would follow her example. Now that I have my own confidence and identity, now that I know who and what I am, I don't rely on Helen's wisdom to help shape my life as much as I rely on her for a kindred spirit who views life much as I do and appreciates travel, love, laughter, animals, and children. In a nutshell, Helen was a my mentor. Now she is my friend. And for that, I will always love her.

Posted by: Mia at July 22, 2007 06:34 PM (+2lQc)

34 It's Sunday. I hope I can still love Helen. Cause she feels like one of my friends who writes every day.

Posted by: That Girl at July 22, 2007 11:37 PM (Mc2V9)

35 She's the first person who ever made me feel like I wasn't less capable or less of a person if I was afraid sometimes. That's a BIG DEAL for me. In fact, it's changed my life!

Posted by: flikka at July 23, 2007 12:09 AM (puvdD)

36 I love Helen- she is the ONE blogger that I must read everyday. Her writing is thoughtful and thought provoking, and her photo stream is an inspiration.

Posted by: jen-again at July 23, 2007 02:58 AM (fpBSq)

37 I first stumbled upon Helen's site when I googled "expatriation." I had been contemplating leaving the US and was curious to hear of others' tales about the experience. I soon realized that there was so much more to learn from Helen, and I have been a dedicated reader since. I love her writing style and candid, thoughtful recollections of life. Thanks for sharing your insight, beauty and strength.

Posted by: Gwyneth at July 23, 2007 12:12 PM (mSUnd)

38 Can I do it on Monday? I love Helen because she comes across as so real. She says things that most of us want to but can't find the perfect words for. I've gone through some of the same experiences she has, but she tells the tale in much better words than I ever can find. She's come out of the pit of despair and the sunshine is bright on her face - no one deserves it more. yeah, I love her. Is it obvious?

Posted by: sue at July 23, 2007 02:15 PM (WbfZD)

39 It's Monday, and zI still love Helen. I found her blog early in my surfing and have been in love with it ever since. I still remember reading a post about stepdaughters just as I was adapting to my two. It was so profound and touching--I made my husband read it so he would understand me better. How can you not love someone who is able to zero in on the exact heart of a matter and share so willingly of herself? I'm glad she hangs out in blogdom and I will continue to read her first to see what happens next.

Posted by: sophie at July 23, 2007 05:17 PM (AY+fk)

40 I started reading Helen's blog about two years ago, when I saw her commenting at the once-great Snoozebutton Dreams. I enjoy her writing style and biting wit, which she seems to be able to apply to virtually any situation she may be discussing, whether it be hilarious, serious, mundane, or even tragic. I can also empathize somewhat with her emotional troubles, as I've been known to cover similar ground in my lifetime (even though from a male perspective). Her writing style makes me actually care about her as a person, even if it's only through cyberspace. I also admire her candidness and honesty in her blogging, even when it comes through sharply at times. I envy her writing ability, wishing I could express myself as clearly as she is able to. I also think that she should give herself more credit for her abilities. Rock on, Helen! PS: her boobies? As far as I'm concerned, that's hers and Angus' business, not mine. (And soon, the Lemonheads).

Posted by: diamond dave at July 23, 2007 09:20 PM (iH5JX)

41 I can't remember when I first found Helen's site. Years ago now. But I was immediately hooked. In these times, honesty is like a rare, priceless ornament made of glass lace...so fragile and treasured. Somehow, Helen manages to embrace this honesty tightly, without damaging it's beauty or integrity. All that and she is funny, witty and devastating all at the same time. Honored that she shares her journey with all of us!

Posted by: Serena at July 24, 2007 12:55 PM (jU/ey)

42 Continuing with Love Helen Friday right into Tuesday. I started reading Everyday Stranger three ... almost four? years ago not long before the parting of the ways with Company X. I was reading the day "Mr. Y" left his first comment on this blog. I remember Christmas writings about Santa in Starbucks and a big fluffy dog bringing three ghosts to visit. I was here when boy and girl moved in together in a town she referred to as Whitney Houston. I have remained steadfast even as she travels all over the world and occasionally makes us wait for pictures. I have really enjoyed watching Angus and Helen become a family together and knowing that Jeff and Melissa have come to treasure Helen too. I am really looking forward to the Lemonheads' arrival in the outside world and all the wonders that their birth will bring. Every morning I get up, pour a cup of coffee and turn on the laptop; the first link I click is Everyday Stranger, without fail.Over these few years I've been reading, I've cried, laughed out loud, been afraid and nervous for her and inspired by her, and through it all I feel I've gotten to know someone better who has made my life richer just by being a part of it. Thanks, Helen, for letting me into your life a little bit; for sharing stories of your travels, your healing, your pregnancy, and yourself, with all of us.

Posted by: Lisa at July 24, 2007 03:58 PM (e8V7B)

43 I love Helen because she's always, no matter what, just Helen. I love her because even though it might have pained her immensely, she still kept reading my old blog when I was nattering on about MY pregnancy. Hey, I was Sideshow Mom there for a while, wasn't I? Heh. And I'm totally pissed with myself that I am typing this on a Tuesday instead of the Love Helen Friday, like I was supposed to. Eh. I'm a rebel, Dotty.

Posted by: Margi at July 24, 2007 04:06 PM (BZTd9)

44 Wow, so much Helen love! It's wonderful to see I've been reading Helen monday-friday for probably four and half years (well almost every, being I'm writing this on a Tuesday, it's the summer schedule). I found her when I was first reading blogs, I think from Plain Layne, so that's how long ago that was! She even commented once on my bright pink blog of 2nd year debauchery--which no longer exists after my entire extended family found it--which was thrilling for me, my friends were my only other commenters ever. I never blogged again, but I kept reading Helen. Her writing immediately spoke to me, she captured feelings I had had so very well. So I suppose I first started reading because I identified with her, but I have kept reading because I have become so fond of her in her own right. I love how every entry is like a story (can't wait for your book ) I love the way she shares herself, letting us in to her thoughts and feelings. I admire the brave way she kept writing when she was discovered by her family. I love the way she loves Angus, Melissa, Jeff, and the Lemonheads. Thank you, Helen, for sharing yourself with us for all these years. I know you blog for you, but I'm so glad you also blog for us.

Posted by: Laura at July 24, 2007 05:52 PM (FFBkP)

45 I love Helen's ability to be transparent to we the readers about her thoughts and her life. Her writing intelligent and funny and insightful, and she looks fabulous pregnant, but I particularly admire the freedom she practices in sharing her life with us.

Posted by: suze at July 24, 2007 08:07 PM (0doyF)

46 Everyone has said it so much better than I can, but I still wanted to say that I too always click onto the link to Helen's page first! I love seeing a big chunk of new post up for me to sit back and enjoy! Its been four years or so since I first stumbled upon Everyday Stranger and I have been an avid reader ever since. I have laughed, cried and become emotionally involved in Helen's unique style. I felt a strange kinship reading about her London commuting experiences as I too was riding the trains to Waterloo and walking across that very same bridge, enjoying the same view. I could have ordered my gingerbread latte from the same barista as Helen, or even passed her in the street without knowing it. Now I live on the otherside of the world and Helen's posts about the weather, lifestyle and living in the UK make me alternatively homesick and happy not to be there in the big wet! Finding out that Helen and Angus had been successful in their IVF treatment was as exciting for me as a close friend telling me she was pregnant and I have devoured her posts about pregnancy even though she is adamant this won't turn into a mommyblog! I have been working on a little project for the lemonheads and hope Helen won't mind if I step out of the computer at some stage to send it to her! Thanks Helen, as you can see you have had such an impact on so many of our lives! We love you!

Posted by: Sarah at July 25, 2007 12:24 AM (AHcm3)

47 Everyone has already said it much better than I ever could. I've been lurking for a few months now, and I love how honest and how eloquent she is. She is amazingly brave and talented - I'm a big fan!

Posted by: Sarah at July 25, 2007 12:42 AM (PAfsg)

48 The question shouldn't be: Do you love Helen? The question should be: How can you not love Helen? Smart, Funny and doesn't mince words...what's not to love?

Posted by: Heidi at July 25, 2007 01:32 AM (3vvfs)

49 I love it when you rant, I love it when you're funny. I love your honesty, your love for animals. And your love for Angus too, of course! *grins* When it's all tied together (as it often is) I love that the most. Heh. (And GAHHHHH! YOUR SPAM FILTER: I hates it! lol, it wouldn't let me post the rest and I couldn't figure out why so I had to delete the rest. )

Posted by: The other Amber at July 25, 2007 02:39 PM (zQE5D)

Hide Comments | Add Comment