Thank you, Ramona, for nominating me last week for the “Unusual Excellence” award.  Musings by Ramona is an unusually excellent blog itself, and well worth a visit – so head on over there!

A while ago I decided not to participate in the nominating portion of the blogging awards, but that certainly doesn’t mean that it isn’t flattering when I receive one.     But it seems like a great opportunity to recognize some of the blogs that I’ve been enjoying.    I am so impressed by the creative, smart, funny, caring, brilliant, talented, adventurous and yes, unusually excellent people out there – you are all amazing.

Really, check these guys out:

Mind Margins: Thoughts on Being Human    Thoughtful, beautifully written posts on the things that make life worth living.   In her own words:  “I love the outdoors, and am an avid runner.  I love to hike and camp, especially in west, but I love the desert southwest most of all.  There’s nothing better than gazing at a star filled sky in the desert.  I keeps me humble and reminds me that I really don’t know anything at all.”

Becoming is Superior to Being   Stunning photographs, mostly from southern Arizona, accompanied by lyrical and often magical poetry and narrative.

Topiclessbar   I laugh out loud at every one of his posts.  This guy is brilliant. And funny.  And charming.  Honestly, if I were 30 years younger I’d be stalking him.

Scillagrace    Scillagrace’s writing takes me to a meditative, calm and peaceful place that stays with me the whole day.

Krahnpix: Wild Photos and the Tales They Tell    Wonderful wildlife photographs accompanied by creative narrative.  This guy has talent.

Hotmamahikers     The names pretty much says it all.  Written by two young New England moms who love the outdoors and their kids.

Without an H   Photographs – mostly of people – in Southeast Asia.    You really feel like you’re getting a glimpse into the souls of the folks he photographs.  Amazing.

Giblets and Flapdoodle    Pictures and tales from a travelling writer, photographer, professor and self-described reprobate.    This fellow knows how to live life!

Avian101    If you love birds, you need to check out this blog.  Great photographs and drawings of southeastern birds.

WestEastern: Tumbleweed Life with Eastern Roots   The adventures of a twenty-something young woman who is following her own path in southwestern Colorado.

Hiking to Healthy    The Colorado hiking adventures of another young woman who is, just as she says, hiking her way to healthy.  She’s an inspiration.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your grand talents…you’re making life a notch or two better for all of us.