With the beginning of the New Year, I’d like to gratefully acknowledge two blogging awards that David Kanigan nominated me for last year—the Very Inspiring Blogger Award and the Sunshine Award. David’s blog, Lead.Learn.Live., continues to be one of my inspirations, and I highly recommend his site.
For too long, I put off these nominations, telling myself that I didn’t have the time (or the inclination) to meet the criteria—nominate 10 other blogs and tell seven facts about yourself. But over the holidays, I decided to tackle the task of drawing up a list of blogs I admire. I vowed to visit the site of every blogger who had “liked” me during the year as well as those who took the time to comment or follow me.
I discovered some rare gems in the process. I was transported across the globe—to the Middle East, Africa, India, France, Ireland and Canada. I was entertained, I was enthralled, I was super-impressed with the effort and care folks put into their blogs. To be sure, there were a few bloggers who disappointed. Those were the ones who hadn’t posted in six months, were too focused on themselves or frankly were too commercial for my taste.
Some bloggers don’t accept awards, and I can appreciate that. You don’t blog to earn accolades, but it is nice to be recognized by your peers. And while the rules do have a chain-letter aspect to them, I believe they prod you to do what bloggers should be doing anyway—fostering a community that values sharing and mutual support.
So one of my New Year’s resolutions is to do a better job of encouraging other bloggers. I have signed up to follow some new ones, and I hope to do more “liking” and commenting in 2013.
Below are my nominations for the Very Inspiring Blogger and Sunshine Awards, culled from the sites I visited over the holidays and in recognition of their wonderful and varied work. Many other readers also supported me this past year with their feedback and kind words. Thanks to everyone, and Happy New Year!
Very Inspiring Blogger Award
Alan at justmarketingideas.wordpresss.com
David at davidjoannes.wordpress.com
Michael at michaelnichols.org
Thin8air at dublinjournal.wordpress.com
Alex at livelife1once.wordpress.com
Ed at edrobinson.wordpress.com
Patrick at hikingphoto.com
Rob at tthread.wordpress.com
Tom at linked2leadership.com
Anthony at cusuitemusings.com
Sunshine Award
Chrisalyn at speakofeating.blogspot.com
Mary at fletcherprince.blog
Clotilda at clotildajamcracker.wordpress.com
Ellie at themuseisworking.com
Micheline at michelinewalker.com
Melanie at melaniemarttila.ca
Monce at monceabraham.wordpress.com
Chris at chrismartinwrites.com
Attila at attilaovari.com
Jessica at jessicaschaubbooks.com
Seven facts about myself
- I’m an introvert, so I really don’t like to talk about myself (that much).
- I enjoy being outdoors and going hiking, camping and biking.
- I recently celebrated my first year as an independent public relations consultant.
- I have written professionally for over 30 years but didn’t try blogging until about a year ago.
- I can be annoyingly pedantic, especially when it comes to grammar, usage and style.
- I have a passion for mission work.
- I attempt to play the guitar, although I admit that three years of lessons have not yielded much. In other words, don’t expect any concerts.
The Wayward Journey 
Thanks for the ma-nomimation (doo-doo-da-doo-doo!) What a lovely way to start off the New Year!
Melanie, I’ve enjoyed your Writerly Goodness posts. Thanks for sharing your insights.
Thanks, Jay! Your blog is fantastic and full of insight. This post has inspired me to start reading more blogs and support other writers 🙂
Chrisalyn, I’m a big fan of your blog as well. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for the kind words Jay. Pedantic huh? Yet another looking over my shoulder with a critical eye…:)
You’re welcome. And thanks for nominating me! P.S. I’m learning to be more “patiently” pedantic. Mainly because I’ve discovered I’m not perfect. Shocking.
Thanks Jay, for taking out time and visiting my blog – Appreciate the award.
Hope to spread the goodness going ahead!
Take care, and wish you and your loved ones a Great Year ahead.
Cheers, Monce
Monce, keep up the good work, and all the best in 2013!
Thanks Jay, first post of 2013 here, for your reading pleasure: http://bit.ly/UJPnyT
Cheers, Monce
Monce, great post. Good luck on your new venture!
Thanks Jay, for your wishes – and for taking time out (yet again) to go through my blog.
p.s.: Wishing you best for the year ahead too!
Cheers, Monce
Monce, it’s always a pleasure to visit your blog.
Jay, thank you very much! I look forward to reading your (always inspiring) posts in 2013 – and best wishes in year two of your new venture.
Alan, thanks, and all the best for you, too, in 2013. Keep blogging!
Thanks Jay – I’m honored. I appreciate your passion for encouraging others. Happy New Year, my friend.
Michael, keep inspiring us in 2013. All the best!
I am so happy you nominated me. I will follow the rules as I have followed your posts. It is a privilege to be nominated for an award. The most difficult part is to tell seven things about yourself. But I’ll manage.
Again, I thank you very much for your nomination.
Best regards and a Happy New Year,
Micheline
Micheline, it was my pleasure. I always enjoy your posts and learn so much. And I love the artwork. Happy New Year to you! – Jay
Many thanks Jay and my best wishes to the New Year. I have such extraordinary WordPress colleagues.
Kindest regards,
Micheline
And many thanks for your informative posts! All the best for you in 2013. – Jay
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Thanks a lot. Ooh, wow, it feels good to be appreciated! Stay in touch! http://davidjoannes.wordpress.com/
David, keep up the good work!!
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