Praise for Versatility

The time has come for me to laud the ‘versatile bloggers’ who have put an outstanding effort into sharing their knowledge, love for the arts and their magic into their blogs.  Interesting this ‘love’ kanji is from the Aikido perspective. The top and bottom parts of it is the character for Uke, or “to receive”.

With this in mind, I present my first 5 picks (of 15 total which will be posted in groups of 5) who will receive ‘The Versatile Blogger’ nomination/award:

1)  Shiseidojo’s Blog    With life as hectic and over scheduled as it can be these in these times,it is great to find ways to stay healthy and at peace.  Sheseidojo offers tips for good health and fitness in the Asian style.  Topics range  from green tea to plants in the visual arts  (Geijutsu to Shokubutsu).  Along with discussing different concepts in the martial arts, you will also find entries on the Japanese concept of nature ( Shizen) and Wabi Sabi.  You can even stumble upon quotes by Thoreau, who also believed in simplicity.  I actually achieve a peaceful state of mind reading Shiseidojo’s Blog, and I highly recommend brewing a green tea and checking it out.

2)  Talking to Myself about colour light form and space   Rachael Dunk is a Digital Artist living and creating in Sydney, Australia.  She specializes in 3d illustration for print media.  Rachael’s blog is a visual delight.  She brings her talents to us so that we can see the visual world through her eyes. The graphics she posts are amazing.   Rachael works alongside visual art directors and photographers extensively, and her site is a true credit to the time she gives to the arts.  I especially like the way she has offered different pages in different categories i.e. Photographers, Design, Architecture, Books, Poetry, 3d and more.   The visual harmony Rachael offers is medicine for the weary soul….Rd3d.  Awesome!

3)  Kate Gale: A Mind Never Dormant    This is truly the blog of a ‘writer and editor’ (which is part of the name of her blog).  Kate writes about serious issues, like Kathryn Chetkovich, the Sinai Peninsula and Bin Laden to light topics as in ‘showing lifelong friendship’ through matching tatoos.  Kate fits ‘the versatile blogger title’  precisely.  Her topics (which include great photos and art) are varied and intriguing.   I love her personal accounts of her experiences in the world of authors and publishers.  For a great read and a versatile menu, give Kate Gale a visit.

4)  GEORGY RIECKE:  Piercing the Mists of Obscure European Culture    Georgy’s entries focus on neglected literature which, in my mind, should be brought to the forefront.   Writers with intrigue who have passionately written novels, etc.  and have not been noticed, definitely need to be read (Paavo Laami,  Klaus Steigsson etc.)  I especially recommend Georgy’s  XXX entry of the story of Xa  Xov.    Georgy is a highly skilled writer and critic, and quite entertaining.   His writing smoothly seduces you to want to explore these obscure artists.  The archives here are extensive and can keep you exploring for hours.  Finesse!

5)  CALM CHICAGO    If you have ever visited Chicago, you know that you may need some calming afterward.  This blog is based on the philosophy of generosity.  It offers videos on T’ai Chi, meditation suggestions, videos, advice on stress relief,  writings on peace and calm, and Asian art and calligraphy to name a few.  As a T’ai Chi practitioner, I am into this blog, even though I don’t live in Chi Town.  If you do live in Chicago, you can find activities relating to T’ai Chi and Qigong in the city.  You will also find great suggestions for form perfection.  Versatility in all things revolving around healthy mind and healthy body.  Do yourself a favor and calm yourself here.  Much Gratitude!

Well, I’ve done it!   I have found some amazing ‘versatile’  blogs that should not be missed.  I love them.  This week I will be posting the next 10 nominees/award winners.  To be continued…Peace until then, and remember to rejoice in life.

{Video} The Sartorialist’s visual life

I mean, what did you expect?

via T. Davies