Some time ago, my blogging colleague Rick, the man behind the superb blog ‘btweenblinks‘ gave the ‘Versatile Blogger Award’ to TheNaturephile. I was extremely pleased that someone liked my blog sufficiently to recognise it in this way but I deferred acceptance because at that time I had only dipped my toe into the waters of the blogosphere and in order to accept the award I had to pass it on to fifteen other worthy blogs. I was only reading a very small number of blogs so I was unable to extend the award to the requisite quota just then.
And then a couple of days ago an email dropped into my inbox from Lorna of ‘lornastearoomdelights‘ which is an utterly delicious blog dedicated to the worship of all things tea, cake and chocolate, and she has awarded me the ‘Very Inspiring Blogger’ award.
I’m now immersed above the knee in the blogosphere and there are enough top quality entries on my blogroll to fulfil the acceptance obligations, which also stipulate thanks to those who nominated TheNaturephile and to include a link to their blogs. The links are above and thank you very much indeed to Rick and Lorna for their nominations. I’m very happy they both consider Thenaturephile worthy of these accolades. Please pay a visit to both blogs and enjoy them as much as I do.
As well as passing on the awards I must share seven snippets of trivia about myself, so I’m going to follow Lorna’s lead and combine the nominations and the trivia in order not to overburden you, dear reader, with stuff you may wish you didn’t know.
First off, my nominations, in no order, for the two awards are as follows. They’re not all nature or photography blogs, just an eclectic selection that make me chuckle, think or simply say ‘Wow!’:
Wandering Woody – http://wanderingwoody.wordpress.com/ – tales of the wild and conservation predominantly from the north east of England
Natures Place – http://beingmark.com/ – some of the finest macro photography I’ve ever seen
naturestimeline – naturestimeline.wordpress.com – fascinating phenological phenomena from southern England
Montana Outdoors – http://montucky.wordpress.com/ – beautiful views of the nature of Montana
My Daily Denmark – http://mydailydenmark.wordpress.com/ – a delightful collection of images of everyday objects from Denmark which remind me of wonderful times spent over there when I was a kid
Pieces of me and other sundry things – http://seekraz.wordpress.com/ – marvellous photographs and thought provoking words from the state of Utah
The Lantern Room – https://thelanternroom.wordpress.com/ – beatifully varied nature photography
Haphazard Linkages – http://haphazardlinkages.wordpress.com/ – highly amusing and interchelated views of society, nature and sundry phenomena. A very entertaining read
krikitarts – http://krikitarts.wordpress.com/ – wonderful wildlife (including lichens!)
dutchgoesitalian – http://dutchgoesitalian.com/ – pasta, wine architecture and all things cultural from Italia
everyday nature trails – http://theresagreen.wordpress.com/ – natural phenomena from Wales and Spain – two countries covered!
And lastly because this is the newest blog on my list,
stephanielane2012 – http://stephanielane2012.wordpress.com/ – natural and social history from the southern states of the U.S.
And lastly, seven random facts about myself…
1) When I’m not photographing and blogging I’m learning to play bass guitar
2) I love making things out of wood (basic joinery – not cabinet making!) and my ultimate goal is to make a bass
3) Two things make me see red: inconsiderate driving and littering
4) My favourite shops are online, except bookshops and music shops
5) I’ve drunk beer on 4 continents (Africa, Asia, America and Europe) and I love them all, but the best is Adnams Broadside from a pub in Southwold
6) I try not to waste anything, especially energy, so my bike is my transport and I’ve recently installed solar panels on my roof
7) The thing I wish for most is a world that my kids will be happy in
The Naturephile 
Congratulations on receiving the ‘Very Inspiring Blogger’ nomination Finn, and on finally accepting the Versatile Blogger award; both are very well deserved. Thank you so much for generously passing them on to me, you are very kind. It may take a couple of days to fulfil the brief to select my favourite fifteen – especially as you already have awards for your own and have already nominated a few I also enjoy!
Hello Theresa, thankyou, and you’re welcome. It took me a while to find 15 blogs that I rated highly enough, but it was fun looking!
Hi, Finn, thank you so very much for the Versatile Blogger nomination and for posting a link to my site. It’s a delight to be in such fine company!
Many congratulations on your well-deserved Awards Finn. It’s lovely to come and have a look around your blog – it’s like a walk in the Countryside without having to leave the house 🙂
Thank you so much for nominating my blog – I really do appreciate it.
All the best with making your bass guitar – you could have a blog journal with images to show us how it’s going!
Hello Meanderer, you’re welcome indeed, The Lantern Room is a real pleasure to read. And if I ever find the time to carve a bass I’ll definitely keep you posted.
Firstly, congratulations. Your blog is a blend of insightful content adorned in simplicity. A rare combination.
It is indeed gratifying to receive a nomination! Smiles, especially when unexpected, are most welcome.
I couldn’t agree more with your opening paragraph. While I have been on WP for a couple of years, it is only recently that I have been more active in my writing. (I also agree with (3)).
I’m glad to have discovered you on the blogosphere and look forward to more regular visits to your blog.
Thank you, once again, my friend!
Many congratulations on two very well deserved awards Finn! I know a couple of your nominees but thanks for introducing me to a batch of new ones.
I’m absolutely with you on point 3. My driving motto, pinched from a roadside sign, is ‘Always be a courteous driver’. If everyone tried to be, the roads would be much safer and driving much less stressful. It’s years since I had a pint of Adnams Broadside, but I always liked it (partly because of the ship design).
Thanks Lorna, and thankyou for the nomination. I’m very impressed that you’ve sampled Broadside and can even remember the logo. Were you in Southwold?
I wasn’t in Southwold, I was in Edinburgh. I used to meet a friend after work for real ale and whisky sampling and my local had about 8 different real ales. There were always guest ales and Broadside featured from time to time.
Blimey, those evenings must have been hardcore if they involved Broadside and whisky! 😉
Many congratulations to you, Finn, for your beautiful and informative blog. You are very deserving of both awards!
And thank you for your nomination, too, your sharing of the Very Inspring Blogger Award with me. I do appreciate your consideration and your kind words. Thank you, my blogger-friend. 🙂
Hello Scott, thankyou very much, it’s very gratifying to know that quality bloggers such as yourself and others from around the world enjoy reading about the wildlife in my little corner of it. And regarding the nomination you’re very welcome , ‘Pieces of me…’ was at the top of my list of nominees, it’s a tremendously good blog!
You are very welcome, Finn…it’s always a pleasure checking-in with you and having a glimpse into your part of the world. Thank you for the introductions to your other esteemed bloggers…and for your nice words. They are a reward in themselves…little treasures. Thank you again…and happy blogging! Will see you here and there. 🙂
Congrats on your nomination for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, as well as accepting the Versatile Blogger Award. You definitely deserve both awards. Your posts have been a source of inspiration to me as well as being informative, interesting an just plain enjoyable to read. The extra time you have taken to respond to comments, and the insights you have given have been greatly appreciated.
I am familiar with five of your nominations for these awards, and I agree that they are quality sites which I like to visit often. I also look forward to visiting the other sites that you nominated. And lastly, you put together a great set of random facts about yourself.
I look forward to your future posts, and wish the best for you in all your endeavors.
Hello Rick, thankyou very much for all your kind words, they too are greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy the other sites.
Thank you Finn, you are very kind. 🙂
Hello Birgitte, you’re very welcome, yours is a fine blog.