Year End Award….

Let me first say a big ‘Thank You’ to my fellow blogger Sweety The ‘Pen’lightment of the Soul who considered me worthy enough for ‘Inspiring Blogger Award‘. I feel humbled accepting it. And delighted at the year end.

Sweety mentions that my work inspires her, which i consider is such a big compliment – in fact one of the best of this year. Truly, like a childlike heart, my joy knows no bound. How many students she would have inspired, and continues to do so, in her profession as a teacher, i am sure she herself may not be aware of it. Whatever i am today, i owe it to my teachers, for they are the ones who have moulded and guided me, and still continue to do so. I have utmost regard for this profession. And when she mentions that my work inspires her, i fall short of words.

I have enjoyed her poems, for they come direct dil se (from heart) – very thoughtful and sensitive. Her photos have often taken me on the joyride to so many places far away. As a traveler and photographer myself, i have so much admiration for her work and creativity.

At this juncture, i must also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Weekly Photo Challenge and other such contests which has connected me to fellow bloggers like Sweety and so many others. A wonderful year 2014 when i came across so many of you!

***

Next let me nominate other fellow bloggers for this award. They have inspired me in 2014 and with whom i enjoy this journey of blogging, with so many sweet interactions. I am not sure of your no-award policy, nor i know of your busy schedules towards the year end – so excuse me for that. What i know though for sure, is that someone must have inspired you in this creative journey of life. You can call them up to let them know how you feel, send them a Thank You message, share a blog about them or nominate them for this award. Choice is yours.

1. Kat Pegi Mana

So where is Kat going in 2015? Secret, and will be unveiled in 2015 only, she says. Wonderful blogger from Kuala Lumpur who travels and dreams of her next trip. I have enjoyed reading her blogs on South East Asia and India. Full of life and enthusiasm, always.

2. La Audacia de Aquiles

I often wonder if her blogs were written by Muses, Greek goddess of knowledge, rather than by this Argentine. Amalia or Aqui has fascinated me with her knowledge about mythologies, especially Greek, and their characters. I feel so jealous of her sometimes 🙂 Hope to meet you in person some day and talk more about your ‘treasures’.

3. Sreejith Nair

Aha, my photographer friend, whose wonderful photos inspired me throughout the year. Some of the fascinating composition of art and culture, and people. Only your photos can speak about your work, I am just your admirer. You just rock with your camera!

4. RandomlyAbstract

Maria loves words. And we love her words woven in simplicity, emotion and thoughtfulness. I fall short of my words here, and hence, to quote her, she “paints emotions with a pencil, draws poetry with one’s feelings, and exhales life like that”. Now you know, why i feel so inspired reading her musings and poetry. I have always enjoyed our thoughtful discussions.

5. Travel Defined 

Vasudha Aggarwal. I remember our initial interaction at the start of this year over Twitter. It is great knowing her and her love for travel takes her to some amazing places. I have always enjoyed reading her travel blogs.

6. This, That and The Other Thing

Janet is an amazing person and her posts are equally interesting. Beautiful photos from her travels. Someone who is completely devoted to her family. That’s not all. She has an ‘extended family’ in the form of the initiative by her and Bill – 2Wheels2Kids – where they are doing a great service to humanity.

7. ThirdEyeMom 

So much goodness can be ‘infectious’ at times. I am now living in her city of Minneapolis and feel so proud about it. She writes about her travels, volunteering activities and ‘travelanthropy’ – her volunteering initiatives and social good. She gives back to the society in the best of her capacity, and we get to read her beautiful and inspiring blogs. Her photos of cute little kids have always put a smile on my face. Keep doing the wonderful work. We are so proud of you. Hope to meet you soon.

8. Cardinal Guzman

Gem of a blogger. I am surprised to know, despite being in a “non-creative, standard, lame and pointless job – just like most people do” how he sustains his creativity and zest for everything beautiful around us – simply wonderful the way he manages everything. He has traveled to some of the beautiful landscapes and cities on earth. Inspires me to travel all these places. Not to forget our interaction about Ganga and India. Dhanyawad!

9. Gallivance 

Terri and James – Two fascinating people with so much love for life and traveling places. I was so thrilled talking to you about Guanajuato and our trip to Mexico at the beginning of this year. You take us places through your writings and photos.

***

Thanks to you all, and to every fellow blogger, without whom this journey of 2014 would not have been possible.

I wish all my fellow blogger friends a very Happy New Year. May 2015 bring out the best of your creativity…!!!