When I first began to blog 9 months ago, I would see and read about a variety of awards that bloggers would give to one another.  I was curious but didn’t know much about them.  At that point (and truly, still to this day), I was just thrilled if someone other than a family member or friend liked or made a comment about something I posted!

Then I was nominated for my first award and I felt so validated!  Even if it was just one person, at least that one person liked what I was doing.  How cool!

https://lifeonthebikeandotherfabthings.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/validation-and-gratitude-a-blogging-award/.

I know that there are those who do NOT want to be nominated for awards, but I was pretty tickled.

And then came Meg (http://athomeworkplaydotcom.wordpress.com/ ).  Like me, Meg was cherishing the new friendships she had found since joining the blogging world and she decided to let those friends know how much she appreciated them.  This wasn’t an “official” award … just an incredibly lovely message that made my day.   And the funny thing?  I had just been telling someone about Meg the day before.

Then came another nomination, this time the Beautiful Blogger award and it was just as exciting as the first nomination.  I mean really …  it is so rewarding to have someone tell you that they like what you are doing.

THE RULES:

Copy the Beautiful Blogger Award logo and place it in in your post – CHECK!

Thank the person who nominated you and create a link back to their blog – CHECK!

Thanks so much to Susan at Gasm Travels for nominating me for the Beautiful Blogger award http://maedetera.wordpress.com/.

A traveler, photographer, writer and water color painter, Susan describes her love for traveling this way: “I was searching for the right word that would best describe my travel experience and my feelings whenever i am planning a trip or visiting a new place….that ‘ahhhh’ feeling when something excites me every time i see new things….that ‘oohh’ feeling whenever i have satisfied my curiosity….that ‘wooow’ feeling whenever i am awestruck with a beautiful scenery in front of me….that kind of exhilarating feeling that i always get every time i am on the road or upon arrival to my destination”.  Be sure to visit her blog and by doing so, vicariously visit many fun and interesting places!

List 7 Things About Yourself – CHECK!

1.  I love the Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball team (Ranked #1 in the NCAA – first time in the history of the University!)

2.  I have an amazing family!

3.  I’ve been a nurse in one setting or another for over 27 years and for the last 17, I’ve worked as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

4.   I’m passionate about reading.  I NEED to have books all around me in my home (I am not an e-reader – yet)

5.   I’m a community activist, especially when it comes to green initiatives.

6.  I served on Radford City Council, an elected position for 8 years; this helped me to learn that I am an ACTIVIST, not a POLITICIAN

7.  I did not find out until the age of 40 (yep, 13 years ago) that I am absolutely restored by water – river, lake, ocean, pool, bathtub …

Nominate 7 other bloggers for their own Beautiful Blogger Award – CHECK!

NOW comes the hard part? How do I choose only 7 out of the many, many wonderful blogs out there?

And what qualities make a beautiful blogger anyway?

In my opinion, a Beautiful Blogger is someone who not only has a talent for writing or photography but who also has the ability to interact and connect across the blogging world … they have made me feel welcome in that world, and I look forward to hearing their comments and reading their posts.  All these bloggers go beyond the likes … they engage, they comment, they share … and I love that!

http://ionicphotography.co.uk/ – Beautiful photography and conversations about our efforts to improve at the craft

http://beachbums1.com/ – a wonderful blog about one family’s travels and currently, their lives in London

http://badsphotoblog.wordpress.com/ – I love viewing Bryan’s photography and chatting about techniques / what works / what doesn’t

http://athomeworkplaydotcom.wordpress.com/ – – be sure to check out Meg’s blog … you’ll see why I like it!

http://unistudentsoutlook.wordpress.com/- I love the honest writing of this young woman and her efforts to move beyond the end of a relationship

http://boomdeeadda.wordpress.com/- While I’m not the crafter / artist that she is, I enjoy reading her blog and sending comments back and forth.  Enthusiasm personified!

http://retiredruth.wordpress.com/ – a diverse blog, full of information, recipes, stories and opinions!

and just one more!

http://greenhornphotos.com/–  Scott is endeavoring to post a picture a day, yet he still finds time to make and respond to comments.