Awards and rewards

Sincere thanks to the D in D & T of Athens [Perspective] daily photo blog and to Catherine in Paris, at The Five of Us, for giving me this nice award created at the Arte y Pico blog.
Their words moved me very much. D wrote that her five chosen recipients "do a wonderful job of contributing to the blogging community and help to keep this blogger going with their kind comments and friendly visits. Thanks guys!"
Catherine wrote: "Dina at her blog Jerusalem Hills Daily Photo for giving me a real vision of Holy Land. A daily modern vision, an historical vision since Dina works in archeologic searches, the vision through her pictures, a vision of all comunities."
If Jerusalem Hills has succeeded in these good works, this mitsva, it gives me quiet joy!

The transmitted rules are these:
1. Recipients must pick 5 blogs they consider deserving of this award for creativity, design, interesting material, and for contributing to the blogging community in whatever language.
2. Each of the 5 selected blogs must include the name of the author and a link to his/her site to be visited by readers.
3. The recipient must show the award and indicate the name and link to the blog of the one that handed it to him/her.
4. All award recipients must include a link to the Arte y Pico site to inform all readers about the origin of this award.

The best part of receiving an award is the opportunity to pass it on, to play matchmaker between you and some of my favorite bloggers. I'll include some rather unusual and diverse ones.
And the award goes to
1. Natan Slifkin, the Zoo Rabbi, for Zoo Torah, Judaism and the Animal Kingdom
2. Sister Hildegard, Contemplative Woman, for Contemplative Horizon
3. AUHgal of Abu Dhabi/UAE Daily Photo
4. Tipper for Blind Pig & The Acorn
5. Eki Qushay Akhwan for Bandung Daily Photo

Thanks to all five for sharing their worlds (both inner and outer) in such a captivating and friendly way. Mazal tov!

"Make my day" award

The Jerusalem Hills area is honored to receive this award from Reader Will over in The Netherlands who writes with knowledge and love about her country and lots more.
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Award Rules
1) Award and link to 5 blogs that make you think and/or make your day.
2) Acknowledge the post of the award giver: Reader Wil
3) Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs with the news!
Now the part I find hard... I could give this to many. All the blogs I visit make my day or I would not keep going back for more, but I'm told I can only pick 5.
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OK. There is a special place in my heart for the bloggers who stuck with me during my first feeble attempts at blogging just last February. They gave me the needed encouragement by reading and commenting, letting me know that someone was really out there when I clicked on "publish post" every night. I thank these new friends and encourage everyone to sample their fine writing and photos.

From Africa/Middle East: Cairo/Giza Daily Photo. Seeing how well Maryanne Stroud Gabbani shared her country with others was what inspired me to try the same with the Jerusalem Hills.
She answered my questions via e-mail and was like a mentor. Shukran!
From the U.S.A. : Musings writes with wisdom, great openness and truth, humor and courage. In a few weeks she will be moving back to Hawaii and we anticipate lovely photos from the islands.
From Tasmania, Australia: This will hurt me. . . Maybe, but the blog often gives me a big smile and laugh. Kris McCracken is a brilliant young man who cares deeply about his family, Oz, the world, and issues in society. Good photographer too.
From Pakistan: Lahore Daily Photo I have learned so much about Pakistan from the perceptive and caring young man called Destitute Rebel.
Of unknown provenance: The History Blog. "Livius Drusus" keeps us up to date on archaeology news (for one thing) with lots of wit. The running comment dialogues are most fun.

Bloggers of the world, unite!