The other day I was delighted to find that Lorna McInnes, a fellow WordPress blogger who writes Tearoom Delights and Teacups Press, has nominated The Hazel Tree for a Blog of the Year award.
I feel Lorna is more of a friend than a ‘virtual acquaintance’ and she has written some very kind words about both The Hazel Tree and my other blog, Jo’s Journal. It is lovely to receive such praise (little though I think I deserve it!) for doing something that I love to do.
If you already follow The Hazel Tree, you will know that it has been a little bit dormant of late. In fact, it has been engulfed by winter and there has been no new growth at all! This has been forced upon me by pressure of work: we published a new book in December, and I have also had a great deal of writing and editing work elsewhere; to top it all, our elder daughter, Verity, got married in November. Planning a wedding deserves some kind of certificate in efficiency and competence! And it’s not just ourselves I’m meaning – Verity, Chris and Chris’s parents, and many of their friends, did so much to make their day special and unforgettable.
Anyway, I am aiming to start the New Year with a burst of fresh life on The Hazel Tree. I have lots of ideas lined up, all awaiting development. I’ve learned a great deal so far by writing the features, and it seems that other bloggers and readers are enjoying the experience, too – which is wonderful. Purdey is also awaiting her moment to shine (she is currently sinking her teeth into all the empty cardboard boxes that are littering our hallway).
Meanwhile I would like to nominate two or three other blogs for a Blog of the Year Award. These are:
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller: Bob is a keen birdwatcher and a talented photographer, and he regularly posts wonderful photos from his expeditions around the parks and wildlife habitats of Texas. Bob writes with an irresistibly laid-back Texan humour and I always enjoy seeing his latest photos. He used to be a famous saxophonist, too – I kid you not.
The Freelance History Writer is a fascinating blog written by two authors: Susan Abernethy and Susan Ozmore. They write about subjects as diverse as the Battle of Flodden, the Great Fire of London, Ripon Cathedral, and the clothes worn by of Margaret of Denmark. Their posts are authoritative and informed, and I always learn something new. Well worth a read!
Sansom Photography: This is Verity and Chris’s wedding photography blog, and their galleries are simply stunning. They deserve the award, simply because they are so talented and they put so much effort into their work – whether it’s taking photographs, editing them, or uploading them for others to see. Take a look, and follow them for updates throughout their busy year! Also check out their stunning new-look website, www.sansomphotography.co.uk.
I would also nominate Lorna’s blog, which is called Lorna’s Tearoom Delights, but she has already received this award! It is very well deserved – I always love reading her posts, and I recommend you to visit her site.
Finally, I would like to wish all my readers a very happy Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. Thank you for following, and for all your comments. I’ll see you in 2013!
Rannoch Moor in winter
Congratulations Jo, Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year
Thank you Scott, and thank you for all your amazing photos throughout the year – I always look forward to them. Merry Christmas to you, and a very Happy New Year.
I am humbled, Jo. Thank you very much for your award and your shout-out. You mean a lot to me.
It’s a real pleasure, Bob. I mean every word!
Congratulations, very well deserved!
Thank you, Stephanie!
You very much deserve this award, and thank you for nominating me! I didn’t mention it in my post, but each time you get nominated you can collect a star, up to a total of six, and the award images are available on that blog I mentioned if you want to stick them on your own blog. I had a look at Verity and Chris’s website and blog and they’re very impressive. I’m really looking forward to seeing what you have in store for The Hazel Tree – roll on 2013!
Thank you very much, Lorna – I will take a look! Thank you also for your kind comments about Verity and Chris’s site. I can’t wait to get started again – I love researching & writing the articles.
Thank you so much for the lovely comments and nomination! Your blog is a real inspiration
Thank you very much! So are your photos!!
It is so reawrding
Sorry…what I meant to say is it must be do rewarding to get recognized for your brilliant efforts. Congrats. Wishing you a happy 2013.
Thank you, Rayya! And the same wishes back to you.