SwittersB & Exploring has received the nomination and accepted the ‘One Lovely Blog Award’. A sincere thanks to Hollie at My Blog Is My Boyfriend. Her stylish, adult wit and wisdom is always a captivating read.
One, I sense from others, is suppose to exude the casual, nonchalant demeanor toward such bothersome happenings as award nominations. And, we all agree life can close in like a fog bank and narrow one’s to do list to only life saving activities. But, frankly, it is nice to be recognized with an award, your visits, your comments, you positive energy. And, that brings me to the ultimate reason I like these awards: it allows one to point toward others that one deems significant. My reasons for choosing a blog may well be different than yours. Actually, there have been many templates over the past few years I have used depending upon my place in life, my mindset, my awareness of something beyond the tip of my nose.
This time my selection template will be grace-charm-love-sacrifice-strength-wisdom. Pretty broad based, but again what I have enjoyed and gained strength from, and you might too.
So without further ramblings from a non-writer type, I will conclude the sequence of requirements. Let’s see, I mentioned a thank you to Hollie. Now I am to offer up 7 things about me, unique from previous offerings. Hmmm?
1) I retired in January at the age of &% and have been truly enjoying the enormous freedom from budgets, timelines, management, herding, meetings, emails, being on call, travel, sales, marketing, HR issues and resolution, customer relations. In fact I have so far divorced myself from these demands that I often don’t remember the date, but usually the day.
2) Photography is my means of expression. I cannot write poetry or string together a coherent beginning, middle and end for a story. I use the camera to express and often I seek the why’s of what attracted me to the shot. I have difficulty attaching words to images and probably should just let the image speak for itself. Sometimes I do. I never say it, (until now) but often the shots I love most are the least appreciated on the blog. Fascinating.
3) We lost our yellow Lab, Emma Louise, in June. We are all in varying stages of grief. Love those animals. And know that those animals left behind grieve too. Their habits, routines are disrupted yes, but they know and sense the loss. Aren’t I a softy?
4) I love Black & White movies from the 30’s to 50’s. I particularly love Nick and Nora in the Thin Man series. Comedy or Crime Noir, I love them.
5) I wish I could play the guitar and passably sing too.
6) As a father, I love my four children and they know it. They in turn can tell me they love me. Something I never had as a child.
7) My, those are somewhat somber aren’t they? So in closing on the what’s SwittersB like, I will conclude with I prefer Lagers to Microbrews, a full figure to a skinny one, a beautiful, smiling face regardless, steak medium rare, the desert, the mountains, a river, a lake. And love (needy tonight it appears).
Oh now the time consuming, but most worthy part of this whole process. How to select but a few of the beautiful, inspiring blogs out there. I arrived at these wonderful souls because they practice giving. I will list these in no particular order of importance. They, to me, are all special, magical. I am a better man because of them and so many more loving souls.
Sacred Touches with Natalie Scarberry
Finding Your Middle Ground with Val Boyko
West 517 Inspiring vintage photography
Myas Writes with Margaret Prezioso-Frye
The Gravel Ghost with Merilee Mitchell
Blue Jelly Beans with Giovanna
The Hopeful Herbalist…Understated Beauty
Tell Me About It with Michelle Marie
Blissful Blog with Shyla Cadogan
Busy Mind Thinking with Belinda
I know some of the above may be awarded out….understood. Do as you see necessary. But, these wonderful, creative souls have massaged my mind and heart of late and I have enjoyed it. There you have it. I didn’t swear…I only alluded to a woman’s physical characteristics twice…and I thoroughly enjoyed putting this together. Thank you Hollie!
Congrats! And thanks a lot for thinking about my blog 🙂
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You are most welcome and enjoyable.
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Congratulations and thank you for the recognition!
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Your very welcome.
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I was certain I had posted a comment here but for the life of me I don’t see it. Your photography adds great meaning in my life, in addition to the quotes and poems you include. You reach out to others, and in so doing, continue to broaden the welcoming atmosphere of wordpress. I don’t believe you have seen my post as yet about my gratitude for your kindness; but you are deeply appreciated. Blessings.
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It arrived and thank you very much. Rest well.
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I honestly cannot sleep because it has been such a great day filled with so many blessings. Having received your message I am now content. Kindness should never be overlooked and I was concerned I’d missed saying thank you. My memory isn’t great so I keep having to double check myself. Thank you for easing my conscience. Huge smiles.
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congratulations dear Gary, Love, nia
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Thank you sweet Nia.
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Thank you so much and I truly do appreciate this I do and for the compliment! I do not feel like I deserve an award or any accolades, if I have touched hearts it’s because mine was broken and spilling out! I’m thankful that you attest that some of me got on you and that’s all the thanks I need! 🙂 Huge hugs to you sweet sweet friend!
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That is very kind Michelle. Thank you.
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NO thank you! 😀
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congratulations SB… how exciting, most well deserved.
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thank you so much!!!
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Ok…. here’s the ‘big’ reply…. 🙂
I can’t believe you’re &% years old!! Youthfulness emits through your blog… it sounds of someone who knows how to be young.
Your remark about photos (#2) – is similar with writing: things that I decide to “post anyway” though I wonder if anyone will like them at all get the most press… it is fascinating. All I can say is well, son of a gun…
I absolutely adore your sensitivity to animals. Dogs hold a special place in my heart… I wonder if their sensitivity stems from having hung around with humans so long.
Old B&W movies rock but I’m partial to old horror… the things that used to scare me to death as a youngster. When I saw Humphrey Bogart in “The Left Hand Of God” as a grown up I understood why a woman would be drawn to him. Since then I’ve watched Bogie, Bogie and Bacall movies as I find them available. They really have (had) that special synergy like the Rat Pack had – you know, some people just click and create something great. I don’t know the Thin Man series but am curious.
I’m not a big beer drinker as a rule, but when I was teaching in Italy i was introduced to Belgian. Every once and a while I’d have one… they are served in monster-sized goblets. The thing with that was I had the mountains and was constantly walking from the upper to lower city which held burn it off!
I’ve never seen a desert (yet) , I am an ocean baby although living near a body of water gives me peace
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I wasn’t finished! I must have breezed by ‘post’ …. I have to say that the mountains of northern Italy fulfilled me the same way the ocean does. I twas a place of beauty, health and life.
For a non-writer type, you give good ramblings. ..
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here’s a couple of corrections….. ha… now you know an unedited post… your blog resounds of of someone who knows how to be young…. AND …. walking from the upper city to the lower city helped burn it off…
Amen
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Thank you Myas for the kind remarks.
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Congratulations. You are very deserving of this award my friend. Your photography adds meaning in ways perhaps you are unaware. I’m so thankful you blog. I am deeply moved to know you feel as you do about my site. I am in a stretch of unwellness, but will post this as soon as I’m able. Huge hugs from Canada.
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Blessings and prayers. Thank you Belinda.
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Congratulations Gary and thank you for filling in the gaps 🙂 I am really honored to be a recipient, and will let the baton pass on to someone else. Having peeps visit my blog and connect with me is more than I can wish for.
Val x
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Thank you so very much! I am honored to be included…! Your kind words mean a lot. 🙂
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Your very welcome…love your work, your vision
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Great post! You very much deserved this award!
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Thank you Hollie!
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Congratulations! And medium rare is the way to go 🙂
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Thank you Trish!
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Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Thank you!
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Congratulations! Well-done 😀
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Thank you!
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Congratulations on the award!
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Thank you Amanda!
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congratulations from all full-figured women
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Congratulations!
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Thank you so much!
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