08 February 2011
Lens:
Witch Hazel, February 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2012
Witch Hazel spreading cheer in early February.
Pens:
I want to thank Arley for nominating me for The Versatile Blogger award. Blogging is a new passion for me, and it’s oh so sweet to be selected. Arley is a professional photographer and graphic specialist, and he has much to share about the art of photography; see his blog at http://shootabout.com/
The process of blogging–the sharing of one’s individual view of the world through images and words–has been its own reward. I’ve met and am meeting people from my own country (USA) and others throughout the world. It’s a joy and continues to entrance me. Add to the mix this nomination by another blogger, and I am in blogging heaven.
What are my responsibilities as a nominee:
1. Add the Versatile Blogger Award photo on my blog. (Check)
2. Thank the person who gave me this award. Include a link to his/her blog. (Check)
3. Select 10 blogs/bloggers that I’ve recently discovered or follow regularly. (Below)
4. Nominate those 10 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award and include a link to the site. Contact my nominees and give them the news. (Done)
5. Share 7 things about myself. (Below)
Nominees: (In no particular order)
1. Ana Lucia Silva at 1001 Scribbles
http://1001scribbles.wordpress.com
2. Ehpem at Burnt Embers
http://burntembers.wordpress.com
3. Steve Schwartzman at Portraits of Wildflowers
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com
4. Katie’s Camera Blog
http://katiescamerablog.wordpress.com
5. Gracie at Frames & Focus
http://framesandfocus.wordpress.com
6. Jennifer M. Darling at for the Love of Nike
7. Cameron Karsten’s Imaginarium
http://cameronkarsten.wordpress.com
8. Scott at Little Crum Creek
http://littlecrumcreek.wordpress.com
9. Anita Mac at Travel Destination Bucket List
http://traveldestinationbucketlist.com
10. Polly at Watching the Photo Reel Go Round and Round
http://watchingthephotoreels.com
Seven Things about Myself:
1. Since I was in ninth grade, I’ve been reading the New York Times. I am especially addicted to the Sunday issue, which I have rarely missed over the umpteen years.
2. My passions include: blogging, gardening, nature, photography and writing. Add walking too.
3. I have a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from the University of Delaware.
4. My world spins around with my two incredibly fabulous grandchildren.
5. I volunteer for the local nature center. As a backyard steward, I advise and assess people’s properties to help them incorporate native plants and wildlife habitats.
6. I am taking a food writing course at my alma mater.
7. 2012 is a year for more travel, which I long to do.
Well, there it is just a few things about me.
Finally, it is important to say that yesterday’s nomination made my day. I salute my nominees, and hope that they feel my excitement and humbling.
Note: As always I welcome any comment about any part of this post or my blog.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
You’re so much farther north than Austin and yet you’re getting native flowers already too: happy spring-in-February to you!
Last week I visited a local horticultural center, and was shocked to see the witch hazel somewhat confused. But then we’re all in awe of this winter’s low budget showing. We have not had any snow and temps have been (mostly) in the 40s and 50s. I have bulbs sprouting and even some buds on the daffodils. Some native wildflowers bloomed around my woodland pond. Hard to determine what will happen when official spring arrives, Sally
I love this Witch Hazel photo. Just so wonderfully bright, Sally! And congrats! You most definitely deserve this award. Your blog is just wonderful with the words and photos. Thanks too for nominating me. I truly appreciate it! Thank you!
Thanks Katie, and enjoy your Versatile Blogging Award. I enjoyed “passing” the award onto others, Sally