Joann gave me the Butterfly Award and now I have to think hard!

I'm supposed to pass it on! There are literally hundreds of good blogs I have seen. I have bookmarked only 172 of them, and often forget to do so. Here are some of my favorites, leaving out those already just mentioned by Joann. Because I joined the Yahoo Group Everyday Matters recently, this list might seem heavy on blogs with a sketching component, because that is what I have been looking at most lately. Most of these blogs also have a list of links for the blogs they like. Following these links can take you into a wonderland of wasted afternoons and give you limitless ideas for your own drawing, photography and writing.

http://www.durhamtownship.com/
This is a blog with infrequent postings of absolutely gorgeous single photos taken in the photographer's home area. That's all there is, and you can keep up it with less time, and more satisfaction, than any other blog I know. You will not believe the quality of these photos. Be sure to visit older posts far enough back to see Winnie on the Patio. You will recognize her, she is sitting on a flowered settee.

http://redredday.blogspot.com/
This artist's sensibility is totally unique, minimal, deeply felt and surrounded by space. It is unlike any other art I know and completely unlike anything I have ever paid any attention to. I discovered her first on Flickr, and was thrilled to find she also had a blog! I cannot explain why her handmade spoon series is so moving to me or why her work with a tangerine skin is some of the most emotional, yet withdrawn, art I know.

http://www.rozworks.com/dot.html
I have chosen to highlight here the section with daily drawings of her dog, Dottie. It's a beautiful series. Check other parts of her blog for essential tips for artists. All of her work is great!

http://ninajohansson.blogspot.com/2008/01/fold-simple-sketchbook.html
This person is truly an artist! She has done a series of portraits from old photos that is compelling, as well as self-portraits. This link takes you to her instructions to fold your own sketchbook, which are very good. Click on the banner at the top of the blog to take you to her current postings.

http://bethmaddaus.blogspot.com/
Beth found my blog because of our shared love of the writings of Bernd Heinrich, whose writings on natural history are the best I know. I've been following her blog ever since, as she hikes up and down Maine, and lives a vital outdoor, family and professional life.

http://www.myrnawacknov.blogspot.com/
This Creativity Journal follows the work of an artist newly serious about making art more frequently. She works in many different media. It's an inspiration, that's for sure.

http://www.miasketchbook.blogspot.com/
Her sketchbook pages are notable for the composition of the pages and the artistic use of hand lettering in the design.

http://kazumiwannabe.blogspot.com/
Consistently interesting sketches and thoughts.

http://flatsoundofwoodenclogs.blogspot.com/
I like the name of this blog--why can I never think of these things?? This blog has a food as well as a sketch focus.

http://everythingiscontextual.blogspot.com/index.html
Vintage cameras, drawings, and a very artistic spirit.

http://joansnaturejournal.blogspot.com/
The Appalachian Journal concerns nature study and identification from things she has seen in her area. Nice clear photos help you learn.

Oh, I know this is 12 instead of 10, and I have run out of strength to write lengthy annotations, but hey! Here is how to pass on the Butterfly Award, should you wish, to other deserving winners! I copied the instructions from Joann, with some additions.
click and copy it from above.
1. Put the logo on your blog, you can right-click and copy it from above.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Nominate other blogs for this award (it said 10 but I don't think that quantity is as important as quality).
4. Add links to those blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs
6. Give a reason why you consider their blogs cool.

I cannot close without mentioning these meaningful communities: Flickr, where people can find all kinds of photos celebrating everything you ever thought was interesting and a lot of ideas you never had. I have stumbled on many things through Flickr that enrich my life daily. And made a ton of friends.
Librarything is for those who love books and want to list, discuss and discover books and meet others with similar interests or discover new ones.

I could basically spend all my free time on the WWW, as we used to call it. And never have to write or sketch another thing of my own for the rest of my life. Be careful, be very careful . . .