I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award. I would like to thank New York Family Adventures for the nomination! What does this Versatile Blogger nomination mean? I am glad you asked! It is a way for recognizing and supporting others within the blogging community. The only way to nominate is to already have been a nominee. There is no prize money or trophies, it is just about being recognized by your peers in the crazy world of blogging. My blog is just a platform I use as an extension of my photography website and not for monetary gain, which is unlike most blogs these days. All opinions I post, most products and places I showcase are all parts of my life that I want to share about for no other reason than it is something I experienced first hand. I don't play the blogger game with instagram and join groups of bloggers who just like and comment on each other to drive up likes. I truly only follow and comment on things I read myself and love. This makes the nomination for me that much cooler.

The rules are I am supposed to nominate 15 bloggers once nominated. Because I am a rebel (and honest) I can tell you there are only 7 blogs that I feel are worthy of listing and nominating myself.

1. New York Family Adventures
2. The Dainty Squid
3. The Daily Tay
4. The Bloggess
5. The Only Living Girl in New York
6. Wander North GA
7. Under the Sycamore Tree

7 Things About Myself

1. I tend to talk to myself when I am "in the zone" taking pictures. I don't like to pigeon hole myself when doing shoots. You won't catch me doing mini sessions for portraits because to me those are just outdoor studios and not my style. I need to move around and talk to my subjects and be open to what catches my eye between subject and environment.
2. Nature is my church. If I am sad, I hike. If I am excited, I hike. If I am angry, I hike. I find peace communing with nature.
3. I have always loved hiking and biking but hated running until I turned 39. I did couch to 5k in order to get closer to my teenage daughter who took up cross country. I never in my life would have imagined I would have ran half marathons for fun!
4. My favorite ride is the Ferris Wheel. I just absolutely love them. The more rickety the better. If I pass a parking lot carnival with a Ferris Wheel, I have to stop, much to my husbands chagrin.
5. I love tattoos. I have 2 on my back, wrist, arm and 1/2 my leg is sleeved. I did not get my first one until I was 27. I do not regret a single one. My husband has an award winning back piece that covers his entire backside and has been featured in many magazines, and he and the artist have several trophies to back that claim up. My daughter also has tattoos. They are just a part of who we are.
6. I never played organized team sports as a kid. As an adult I have been on several (horrible but fun) softball, volleyball and kickball leagues. Never a winning team but always the most memorable.
7. I have been a Vegetarian on and off since I was 14. I don't claim to be one anymore but I do not eat pork or beef ever. I try to choose meatless and dairy free whenever possible. I don't get preachy about it. It is what works for me and mine. People have very strong opinions about food. I get it. What I do helps me sleep better at night.

There ya have it! Now go check out these sites I posted...if you like what I post about then you will love them!