The first few days of December delivered a surprise notice to my inbox; for several months while I was chasing butterflies and hummingbirds and riding milk trucks in the cloud forest near Mindo Ecuador, “M” of NepaliAustralian was receiving nominations for the “Best of” blogs!!! Photography, travel, fashion, personal, design of blog, diverse, new, etc. — I was totally unprepared to see Playamart’s name perched at the top of the list beside four very-deserving blogs as Best Blog for 2013!

For over a year, the devil keeps trying to frustrate me through slow internet connections. Screen shots testify that I truly am unable to open pages more often than not. Thanks for your support even when I am silent with replies!
I am not sure how many of you nominated this site, but THANK YOU to all who did! I am truly honored and sobered and humbled.

Hugh wrote a beautiful post about the Zeebra, and she couldn’t open the page!
Sigh, internet frustrations for over a year… yet you all remain loyal! Thanks!
Over the past four months, there’s been little time to reply to comments or read other posts, and I remain grateful for your continued support. Unlike Major Tom to Ground Control, my communication circuits are not dead – just sorely lacking until the technical difficulties improve!

When traveling, I use not only the USB modem, but also an external keyboard, because the Burrito mini laptop is getting very stubborn!
The nomination period has closed, and “…its time to vote for your favorite blogs to win the title…”
Following are the nominations in each category.
Best Blog for 2013
http://www.thirdeyemom.com
playamart.wordpress.com
nellewrites.wordpress.com
tasteofcolours.wordpress.com
depressionexists.com
A diverse queue of amazing ‘Best of” blogs – and I remain in awe that some of you were speaking up for me! Thanks EVERYONE for your amazing support!

Closeup for you Linda! Thanks for your fun comments! Thanks, also to Debbie in Nicaragua for telling me about her Wok Antennae System!
Please visit the site and see the amazing variety of ‘Best of” Nominations!
http://nepaliaustralian.com/2013/12/02/nepaliaustralians-blog-award-2013-nominations-announced/ http://nepaliaustralian.com/category/nepaliaustralian-blog-awards/
THANKS EVERYONE!

(November 2013) Happily Immersed in the Andean city of Guaranda, Lisa critiques just-shot images of red-caped Indians.
Well, Zeebra I have one for you too!! The Very Inspiring Blogger Award should you wish to have it.
http://janthinaimages.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/a-personal-thank-you-to-the-very-inspiring-bloggers-in-my-life/
You have definitely inspired me for a long time and especially when I was under the weather a bit. I have been so on the edge to buy some water color paper and paints or some sketch paper and pencils. You not only distracted me with your art but engendered desires I’ve not had since I was a kid. I used to draw birds, just not the same kindsI shoot now. Keep inspiriting creativity..you do with your talent and your enthusiasm.
Very very well deserved, my dear Z! Congratulations!!!!! 🙂
Congratulations amiga, no surprise here. hugs
Congratulations! Well deserved!
Blog well done. Hope to see you over the holidays. Stephen & Xiomara
Well done, and very much deserved! Tony
You rock Zeeb!!!! Congrats are in order here!
You rock Zeeb! Congrats are your nomination!
Congratulations, Lisa. Well deserved. Creativity and perseverance are just two of the many reasons you are nominated. 🙂
Lovely. And I second the perseverance mentioned by travelerlynne.
Wonderful, and very well deserved 🙂 I hope your technical difficulties are over and done with soon (I find giving the machine a swift kick sometimes helps)
NOBODY and I really mean that, deserves this award more than YOU….You are an amazing Artist, Writer, Photographer, Inspirational beautiful lady!!!! And I will add….a wonderful friend to the world…not just people but the planet, dogs, cats, animals etc, etc. I could go on and on…
I am so blessed in being a friend of yours for the past 14 years and to experience some of the adventures of your life. Thank you!
AND when the Envelope is opened I will be praying it will be “The Zeebra’s!!”
Love ya Zeebra my fantastic friend!!!
Awesome. Many, many congratulations! I can not think of one who deserves it more! Happy holidays.
Congratulations for a much deserved, and earned, award. Your site is truly unique and one I enjoy and look forward to seeing in my inbox. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Congratulations, Lisa. No surprise. Well deserved!
Wow, I hadn’t even read this post yet as I am so behind so thank you very much Lisa! As you know I adore your inspiring blog and always look forward to reading your posts! 🙂