Writing for Contests

It's my teacher's fault. She told me that one of my recent writing pieces for class was good enough to be entered in a contest. So then of course I had to find some. There's three so far. The Discovery awards given to NM, CO or TX residents who have never been published; "The Room of Her Own foundation" week long writer's retreat at Ghost Ranch, Abiqui, NM and the Taos Summer writer's cfc in none other than Taos, NM. Flurries of email back and forth to my writing teacher for assistance with editing, proofing and format. I never did buy a copy of APA guide in college.... Punctuation, grammar and syntax has never been my forte.

So we'll see how it goes. The first one was sent off tonight. A $35 entry fee. Apparently you have to pay money to have the privege of being chosen to win money. The piece is about fond memories of my 4-H sewing teacher, Mrs. Larsen. I've titled it, "Tuesday Afternoons". The next one is not due until April 15th and the third, May 1st so I'll have time to obsess adequately before submitting them.

Last week a friend invited me to go with her to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs. What a treat. Seven different natural mineral pools built into the sides of a cliff: sulphur, iron, arsenic, sodium and lithium Your skin feels as smooth as a baby's .... when you're done. Of course they have spa services, too, but that requires a more luxurious budget. I went on a Tuesday which is 2 for 1 day for NM residents. Not good for much of anything productive after I got back. But sleeping that night was great.

I've now made to high school in my memoir writing and have discovered why I don't ever want to go to any high school reunions (haven't either). Life definitely is better after high school.