Moderator's Musings on 2007

The past few weeks have been really hectic for me, thus few musings have been posted. But I have a little time to catch my breath and thought I might share some reflections on 2007.

Going through the Editor's Pick candidates was at once invigorating and intimidating. The creme de la creme in the Flora gallery was spectacular and whittling them down to six recommendations for Jim was really tough. So many delightful images and only three that would eventually be recognized as the year's best. As a former EPA winner I can remember like it was yesterday receiving the notification that one of my images had been selected so making the nominations was a big deal to me. I'm glad Jim had the final call.

IMHO Flora came of age this year. Looking back on the work of stalwarts like Nathan Buck, Mike Moats, Toni Lankerd, Barb Hansen, Catherine Reilly, Larry Lynch, Patricia Brundage and Maureen Pulignano reminded me of just how strong is the foundation of the forum. But what is equally gratifying is the appearance and emergence of new members/participants like Ramammohan Pai, Ned Fenimore, Pat and Terri Sampson, and the incomparable Gigi, Giuseppe Guadagno. And finally, I want to recognize Michael Lowe who posted probably the strongest body of work throughout the year and Mary Smith who IMO was the most improved photographer on the board. To all of you, many thanks for making this truly the finest Flora forum on the planet. May 2008 be even bigger and better. >=))>

Thanks Bill for your hard work as moderator of this incredible forum.

I admit to being very pleased to be named a "stalwart" among such talented photographers in Flora. We're nutty about flowers, that's for sure! And it's been fun to pass the fever around and welcome posts from people who might more frequently post in the other fora, too.

Kudos and cheers for Michael and Mary! I couldn't agree more.

Here's to another grand year of blooms to play with.

There is a tremendous amount of talent within the Flora gallery, so, like Catherine, I'm honored to be considered one of the "stalwarts"!

Michael and Mary...here's to you!

Thank you Bill, for moderating this most excellent gallery!

Thanks Bill. I appreciate all the hard work you do and hopefully I will continue to improve under both yours and also all of the others strong leadership. Thanks!

Thanks for all you do, Bill. Under your care the Flora gallery has flourished. I always enjoy a stroll through the gallery. Pete D.

A wonderful job, Bill. You are to be commended for all you do for the Flora forum. I couldn't agree more about how much the Flora forum has really flourished this last year. I've been inspired by many to start looking at flowers in a new and different way. Many thanks to all who contribute. I look forward to participating in '08...hopefully more than last year. Thank you and thanks to all the stalwarts for their inspiration.

Bill my interests are torn betwixt a few sites these days and I am also spending a lot of time on some new photo classes that I am teaching. I would just like to say that when I don't participate in Flora I miss it and do often stop by for a peek at the stalwarts you mentioned and a few others. The continued interest in the Flora site can also be atributed to your hard work and great judgement. Cheers to you Bill.
Rick T

Thank you Bill. You have conducted flora on quite a wild and fulfilling ride this year! I am certianly looking forward to '08!

Nathan

Congratulations to not only the stalwarts who contribute but to all of the participants in the Flora Forum and a salute to the hard work Bill has done in this forum over the past several months.

A 2008 to all,

Carol

Bill, I don't think enough can be said on how much you have helped to make the flora gallery as good as it has become. On behalf of all of us, a big thank YOU!

Great job in 2007 Bill. We are lucky to have someone with your talent and passion for flora photography at the helm.

And congrats to all those mentioned, a stellar group of photographers who continue to open our eyes and minds to the possibilities and wonders of flora!