19th century Romantic poet John Keats said it best -- "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." ... Keats knew that when something or someone displays beauty, grace and class, the memory of that object stays forever with the beholder. The Rose is no exception, a classic example of perfection that remains with anyone who has savored it's beauty, admired it's gentle grace, experienced it's subtle fragrance.

As the daughter of an Irish-American father who grew rose bushes for the sheer pleasure of it, I have always loved this tender, special flower !

I am looking for websites that, like lovely roses, are blossoming all across the worldwide web, giving the Net viewer a chance to experience sheer perfection and total joy ! .... Do you think you have a top-notch web site which qualifies for one of my Rose Awards ?

The Mission and Purpose of The Rose Awards program is to reward those web designers who are the "best of the best" -- whether they are professionals or self-taught amateurs, their talents far exceed those of the average webmaster/mistress, and they are mastering the art of web design!

In addition, it is no secret that my passions in life are art, beauty, education, religion, creativity, tolerance and love .... With all these things in mind, I wish to honor and recognize those web sites which offer the following aspects to the worldwide Internet community:

-- A heightened sense of beauty, wonder and awe.
-- An educational experience.
-- The promotion of love, tolerance and understanding for our fellow man.
-- An increased awareness of the world around us.
-- A chance to learn something new & exciting.
-- The encouragement to take care of this wonderful planet.
-- A renewed sense of hope and purpose.
-- An artistic, poetic, musical, and/or creative element.
-- An overall sense of accomplishment for a "job well done".
-- An opportunity to grow spiritually, or to learn something about another religion, path, philosophy, or idea.

The Rose Awards will not be given out easily, but will be earned in a series of points' building, with a chance at Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Merit ... If you think you're ready to apply -- if you think your website is like a beautiful Rose-- then please proceed with the program !