(Update – Thursday 6:30 p.m.: Steve Duer has graciously posted his award winning picture of Grace & James over on his blog, “Du’s & Don’ts,” so y’all go check it out. Please!)
Here’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for the last (has it been?) three weeks.
But first, the typical Academy Awards type speech that drones on and on naming countless numbers of unknown people (to anyone but themselves) thanking all of those who made these awards possible ad nauseum until everyone is too worn out to care who won. Besides, I’m the only one to thank because I was the sole judge.
So thanks, Dee Ann (that’s my middle name, for those of you who don’t pay close attention, which reminds me – the answers to all 10 of my “Finding Directions” Trivia Test questions are going to be posted next, I think), for your fine judging and outstanding artistic eye in spotting quality photos and making them world wide winners. Well – as wide in the world as anyone reads my blog, which happens to include Togo, Africa and Bejiing, Bejiing – so that’s pretty world wide.
Okay – let’s hear (oh, and see) the winners!
You were all very generous in contributing jpegs for my “Winter Desktop” picture contest. I really appreciate your participation and senses of humor in indulging me here in my winter of discontent (well – this morning is going pretty well, actually) . You submitted a wide variety of pictures and all of them were good, so choosing just one for my desktop was difficult.
If it’s any consolation, I’ve been using all of them as my screen saver and will do so the rest of the winter. And, believe me, I spend a lot of time in here in front of the computer staring at the monitor lately, so I’ll see them a lot.
Also, there are a number of winners of special other awards I’ve bestowed. So, here goes.
The winner of my “Photo From Farthest Away” Award goes to:
“Winter in Africa” contributed by Anthony Parker of “Clay Pot Journal“, missionary in Togo, Africa. (Aren’t his – and Maureen’s – boys cute?!)
Winner of the “Best Gulf Coast Winter Scene” Award is:
“Shrimp Boat in Winter” contributed by Tom Andrews. This photo won for two reasons. One, it reminds me most of winter when I lived over on the beach in Long Beach, Mississippi and, two, I have to make sure Tom stays happy so he’ll keep working to try to support me in the manner to which I’d like to become accustomed. And, yes, politics were involved in this selection, although no money changed hands . . ..
Next – “Best Winter Landscape Photo” Award, “Icy Trees,” was contributed by Kc of “Just So You’ll Know.” Kc felt left out until I assured him the photo did not have to be his own. Thus, a great – and winning – picture. Thanks, Kc.
The “Best Winter Northern City Photo by a Southern Girl on Her Way Out of Town” Award goes to Nancy French, lately returned from downtown Philadelphia to the more sane state of Tennessee, for “Philly in December,” her entry. I had hoped for a Tennessee winter scene, but TCS supplied a terrific one (although – sorry TCS – that one didn’t win. But it was close.)
The “Best Use of Color” Award goes to Steve Duer of “Du’s & Don’ts” for “James & Grace in Snow,” which wins on two counts. It’s a great use of color in the wintertime and has two adorable kids and who can argue with cute kids. But I can’t get it to upload to my post here, no matter what I try or how many times, so if you want to see it (and it’s great) email me and I’ll send you a copy.
Which reminds me – TCS sent a cute picture of his even cuter kid, Titus, who I’m giving a nod to here so as not to discriminate among all my contest entry applicants’ children, which can get anyone in a lot of trouble any day, much less a judge in a contest.
The “Best Mississippi Winter Landscape” Award goes to TCS of “Believing Thomas.” Again, this photo wins for two reasons. One, I like the picture a lot and, two, TCS is bringing a group of guys down in a couple of weeks to put a new roof on our house and I want to stay on his good side until the work is done and there are no more leaks over our heads. (I’m just kidding. Don’t get upset.) (Love ya, Tommy!)
Now, three Honorable Mentions.
First is Honorable Mention for Best Use of a Cell Phone to Take A Picture Award won by Danny Sims (of the creatively named “Danny Sims Blog“) for his cool photo of “Lanterns Hanging From Camper” taken a few weeks ago. This is from his “Sunday Series” over on his blog that he runs each Sunday for readers to figure out what each week’s photo is that’s taken from his cell phone. Most of the pictures are quite different and Danny has turned cell phone pictures into a new art form, so check those out one Sunday.
Second is Honorable Mention for Most Nostalgic “Reminds Me of Home” Award for “Snowy White Cotton Waiting for Winter Harvest” won by Bill Barrick, who I rode the school bus with for years (we liked the back seat) starting when we were little kids and who is still my friend 50 years (yep, 50) later.
The third, and last, is Honorable Mention for Best Thematic Entry Award given to first time reader (from London, no less) for the “Winter Wind Vane” photo, which, while not too great a picture (it looks much better on my desktop), shows much creativity and good thinking on Ian’s part in finding a winter wind vane picture. Especially since this is “Finding Direction: The Wind Vane Chronicles.” And I’m surprised that none of the rest you thought of that somewhat brilliant idea. Hint, hint (for next time.)
Okay – now for the top three. Third Place Award goes to DJG of “Chit Chat” for “Sunrise on Gulf Coast Beach.” What can I say? This is just a great photo. Although we’ll have to take her word for it that she was looking east here at sunrise and not west at sunset to capture this glorious photo. Which I may have to use some as my winter desktop, as well.
[Note: JD, your "Setting Sun on Gulf Coast Beach" was good, but sorry, DJG beat you out. However, I'm awarding you the Honorary Best Sport and Most Dedicated Minister Award because we all like you and you've been under more stresses than any of us over there in Pascagoula what with your house and church building both getting 4 1/2 to 5 feet of water through them. And we all pray for you in your work, too.]
Second Place Award goes to Raymond Fleming of “Freedom Sanction” for “Winter Fog“. I like this one for two reasons. I love black and white photography and this looks good on my desktop (I tried them all out, by the way). This one will probably appear there, too, for part of the rest of winter. (Well – such as winter is here in southeastern Louisiana. It’s nothing like Ray’s neat picture.)
Oh – and I have to give Ray an Honorary Best Pet Photo Award for the outstanding black and white photo of his really sweet looking dog, Sydney. (Hear that, Syd? You look really sweet.) You see – his daughter named the dog after “Sid Vicious” and I don’t figure I want to mess around with a dog with a name like that on the off chance we might meet up some day. (Stay, boy. Stay.) I mean – you notice that even Ray changed the spelling of his dog’s name because he was afraid. (Here puppy, puppy.) (What do you say to dogs to get them to be calm, anyway? I am not a dog person.) Although in the picture Sydney is really cute (as dogs go) and looks quite gentle, which I’m sure he is. But I’m not taking any chances here with my life after all the other stuff I’ve been through.
I mean, when I was living over on the beach in Mississippi my insurance agent neighbor up the street ended up in a big lawsuit after another neighbor tripped over his Bassett Hound on the sidewalk and broke his arm. I could quite conceivably trip over Sydney if I were around him, now couldn’t I? I’m sitting here right now in my 8th week wondering how on earth I broke my foot. A big dog could do far worse damage, I’m sure. What if I broke my arm – and couldn’t blog? Think how boring your blog reading every day could be for a long while. Just think about that! A girl can’t be too careful. (Sorry, Sydney. But congratulations on being an award winning dog. And I mean it.)
And, finally, First Place Award and grand prize winner (well – make that just “winner”) of my “Winter Desktop” Picture Contest goes to someone who wants to remain anonymous (sorry, guys, but that’s quite likely the best thing so you all won’t be mad at each other or me) for “Winter in Bryce Canyon.” This photo looks great blown up on my “desktop,” I like the colors and I like the close up focus with the background blurred out. (It looks much better on my desktop than it does here. It hasn’t transferred to this post very well, I’m afraid.) I find it very creative and an interesting take on winter. So, whoever you are and you know who, thanks.
And thank you, everyone who comes by and reads “Finding Direction: The Wind Vane Chronicles,” for faithfully reading, praying, commenting – or not commenting, laughing, questioning, emailing me, entering my contests and playing along and, most of all, for all of the encouragement you so graciously extend to me and Tom all the time. I greatly value our journey as we walk along together “Finding Direction” in the “Wind Vane Chronicles.” Thanks.
What!!!! I didn’t win?
Wind vane was creative.
Awesome photos, Dee! Congrats to all the winners!
Bobby
Absolutely Gorgeous photos! Kudos to all who entered and won something. I do not know how you chose which picture to win what because they are all great!
Note to self: never have photo contest…no ability to choose.
Sunset from the very same place looks like this. Remember I am on the Gulf so looking out of my room the sun would come up on the left, and it would set on the right. Also you can tell by comparing the two pictures that the sun looks weaker when it setting, it is getting brighter as it rises…
Thanks for my 3rd place award! I am truly honored!
Thanks for our award and for giving our boys “top billing.” Next year I’ll have to try to send in a photo with some artistic merit since, Lord willing, we won’t be so far away. This is going to be an annual thing, isn’t it?
Poor tcs! Yay me!
Thanks, Dee. I’ll be working on my acceptance speech.
“I’d like to thank my agent…”
Hey, Dee! I enjoyed those. Maybe next time I’ll get a Tennessee entry your way.
Dee,
This contest has created some sour grapes for SOME losers, I mean people. Ole TCS is threatening to photoshop my new pictures because of a LITTLE trashtalking I did over at his site.
I didn’t say Nanny Nanny Boo Boo, after all….
Dee, you are our spiritual inspiration. Tell him to be nice.
Very nice. What do I say about winning an honorable mention… well, it’s an honor to be mentioned!
It struck me that perhaps I will do for cellphone pictures what that odd guy who writes concertos for those miniature pianos. Of course that guy is very odd…
Thanks Dee. You’re the best! Great pictures.
Nancy!?!
I read the exchange between you and TCS yesterday over in the comments on his blog and your first comment here and if memory serves me right – YOU fired the first volley (to keep in line with Tommy’s post showing the pulpit with the big guns pointing out). Isn’t that true, girl?
After all – TCS won an award just like you did. Just in a different category. And the two awards are “separate, but equal,” to borrow a phrase from another dimension.
As far as mediating this “difference” between you (which you started? or not?), I gave up the practice of law a while back so as not to have to do that any more.
Tommy has always been VERY nice to me (and has yet to come down to help us with our roof, and you got my position on that in my post!) and I’m sure he’d be nice to you, too, if you’ll let him.
I think you guys are grown up enough to work this out. Besides, after the artwork TCS did on Keith, I might like to see what he can creatively work on your photos!
Sorry, Nancy. I’m being totally objective here, is all. (And keeping the repairs on my leaking roof close in mind.)
Donna – I love the sunset on the gulf picture, too (which I’ve seen before on your blog) and am going to add it to my winter screen saver collection here. Thanks!
Anthony – We might do that – make this an annual winter competition. What do you all think? Should we consider that? (Nancy and TCS – do you think you’re both up for round two next winter?)
Maybe the next picture (photo or pictures, i.e., artwork, line drawings, etc) contest should be one to find the best wind vane picture, whata ya think? I kind of like THAT idea for the next big contest after seeing what Ian thought of and entered.
In fact, I’ve been wanting to get a good picture of my wind vane which is the subject of the name for my blog. (I wrote about where and how I got it several months ago, but might re-post it to start off the new contest if you think we should have one. To give you all inspiration.)
Think about it. I’d probably have to have a longer time period for everyone to find wind vane pictures to take or collect. Sounds like a good idea to me, hunh?
Danny – Concertos for miniature pianos? I haven’t heard of him or any of his concertos, either. That sounds interesting. But the cell phone art idea is a better one (and not nearly as odd, I don’t think, so you’re okay.)
Cheers, everyone! Dee
Winning will never make one brilliant.
Cheers!
Ian -
You’ll note that I didn’t equate winning with brilliancy, although they CAN go together, I’m sure.
I said your “idea” was “somewhat brilliant,” and I stand by what I said. In fact, if you read my comment above, I’m thinking of having a wind vane contest. So, there.
Dee, Oh, I’ll stomp on TCS next winter. He’ll be crying in his hot chocolate.
I mean, I might compete nicely next year as well.
Ha — he DID do some magic on my photo.
NOW I do look gorgeous!
Wow! What a collection of photos. This is awesome! Thanks.
Dee, I was glad to see you included the picture of a small part of my brother Wendell’s 2005 cotton crop. The photo actually doesn’t do it justice. It was an amazing crop – the second in a row. We never saw such snow white fields during our long school bus rides.
And by the way, I don’t recall sitting on the back seat with you, but our daily trek from home to school and back did provide all of us ample opportunity to get to know one another very well. Those were the days my friend…
Come on, Bill -
We DID sit on the back seat of the school bus, or as close to it as possible, all we could. (Or maybe it was your “cute” older brother, Ronnie, I wanted to sit next to all the time now that I think about it. Sorry! ha!)
No. It was you. You KNOW – back there with Ronnie and Frankie Manley and Harley Franklin.
I clearly remember sitting back there next to Ronnie one day (and you were just in front of us) while he helped me with some of my math homework. I would have asked you, but you were too busy drawing all the time instead of paying attention to math. (Am I right, or what?)
And I KNOW you remember that day Harley Franklin was sitting there on the back seat with us gathered around him while he told us the, shall I say, rather risque joke (actually there was no “rather” about it – it was a dirty joke) and you and I neither one had a clue what he was really talking about.
Those WERE the days, weren’t they? But our times together now aren’t bad, either, kiddo. In fact, now they are even better in most ways, I think. We’ve got the best, Bill! And the best is yet to come.
What an honor! Actually I’m glad you liked it and I agree with Gina in that I don’t know how you could select a winner from so many perfect pictures.
Dee thanks for all your support and encouragement and especially your example of kindness which seems greatly needed these days.
Finding Direction: The Wind Vane Chronicles » Blog Archive » I’m Starting A Fan Club // Nov 14, 2006 at 10:58 am
[...] Okay. I’ve decided it’s time to start a fan club.I’m even feeling magnanimous today and will invite Bubba, should he choose to participate, which I’m just sure he will love to do. But I’m stuck already because it needs a name. So today begins one of Finding Direction’s famed contests. In fact, today heralds a new day for Finding Direction because the new contest is a first here. It’s going to be a "Mini-Contest." Isn’t that exciting?!All of you, and that includes a large number, who have been players (contestants) and/or winners in Finding Direction’s two previous contests (and you remember them well – they were the "Finding Direction Winter Desktop Photo Contest" from nearly a year ago, which photos had to have a winter theme, and then the "Finding Direction Summer Desktop Photo Contest" held last summer – of course – in which trees were the subject, although the renowned Bobby Ross of the world famous Bobby & Tamie’s Blog and editor of Christian Chronicle tried to bend the rules a bit, but was still a heppy winner, even displaying his winning photo on his now more than ever world famous Bobby & Tamie’s Blog site) and all of you who have followed the escapades of the contestants and winners know how much fun the Finding Direction contests are. They are, to state it in one apt word, a BLAST!! (Make that in "bold" with not one, but two exclamation points!!)My mini-contest is to choose the best name for my new fan club. Following the selection of the winning name by the official fan club contest judge, who is also world famous and renowned for witty repartee on rare occasion when the bed bugs are in season, or something like that, and that judge would be none other than me, that person’s name will be officially entered into the following Finding Direction mini-contest to select the officers of the newly named fan club.The reason the Finding Direction staff and board of directors decided on this process is because of the late snit raised by the less than erudite Bubby which caused the Finding Direction board of directors and staff to be concerned that reinforcements might be needed to head off the next Bubby attack. Besides, the season is boring, winter looms but is still too far away to initiate the second annual Finding Direction Winter Desktop Photo Contest (but stay tuned because one is coming in the near future, so be thinking about those photos, which this winter are going to have the theme of "water." Yep! That’s it. Water. I know that’s a difficult subject, but hey (yeah right, Dee Ann), but hey – it’s my contest and I can pick whatever subject I want) and I’m bored.So, put your thinking caps on and come up with the winning, brilliant (that’s assumed) name for the Finding Direction Fan Club. Oh yeah – the rules (as usual) are simple. Basically there are none. Except you only have two weeks this time, beginning today and allowing for Thanksgiving (WARNING – remember that’s coming up so you’d better get your entries in in a hurry!) to get your entries in. You can submit as many as you want and be as creative as you’d like. In fact, I encourage you to do so, remembering Finding Direction’s "theme," Finding Direction: The Wind Vane Chronicles, and remembering the attributes of the founder of Finding Direction and the strange bent to her mind on occasion.Tell you what? Since I’m really in a great mood this moring and in a humorous frame of mind (the bed bugs bit last night, I suppose) I’ll throw out a couple of possibilities for names of the fan club that whoever’s first by here after I post this can snap up to throw into the contest pool to see if they sink or fly (with the judge, that is, and of course, since the judge is thinking them up, they are bound to be some kind of winner!!).The judge is thinking perhaps the Finding Direction Fan Club’s official name could be "The Sheep & The Goats." Bubba could lead the Goat section and whoever throws in this name first (see, I’m checking to see if you’re paying attention to my posts when I write) can lead the Sheep section.Or maybe the "Wind Vanes" Finding Direction Fan Club. That would be fun because all of the fan club members could engage each meeting in the Wind Vanes officlal cheer which would include bowing to the four winds (north, south, east and west) for guidance at the meetings to see what direction we wanted to take the club’s activities next. Okay. That’s your assignment so let’s get the comments flying in to enter the "Finding Direction Fan Club Name Mini-Contest." The race is on!! [...]
Finding Direction: The Wind Vane Chronicles » Blog Archive » 2nd Annual Finding Direction Winter Desktop Photo Contest Begins Today // Jan 11, 2007 at 9:32 am
[...] Winter has arrived in full force (I mean, it’s a whole 40 something degrees here this morning, but sunny), the extended holidays are over (the longest I’ve ever seen school out for Christmas) and the boredom has set it. So now what? Why the Second Annual Finding Direction Winter Desktop Photo Contest, y’all! I’m happy to announce that the 2nd annual FDWDPC kicks off today (the first was held here a year ago) and will last through the weekend of February 2nd, which is three weeks from tomorrow. (But I’m lenient and allowing last minute stragglers to get your photos in by the end of that weekend, before Monday 2/5.) That should be plenty of time for even those of you who haven’t dug your cameras out to get them out, shoot some winter shots and email them in to me.What should you shoot this time, you ask? Well – the rules are few, simple and easy. You have to shoot some type of "winter" (and by that I mean the months, not the location, allowing for those of you in sunny California – Greg, Arizona – Vonnie and now Bobby, and Florida – Cecil) photo with some type of water in it. It can be frozen water – ice, rain, sleet, snow, the ocean, a lake or pond. The locations are rather endless. I mean if you’re land locked in Arizona, for instance, like Vonnie, find a fountain or a swimming pool to shoot.They can be old or new, borrowed or blue (just like the wedding thingys) and the FD Judges employ a "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy, so whoever you steal your pictures from, just don’t mention it here and get them in first (Greg, who asked about using Bill’s great sunset over the ocean photo). Just don’t break any copyright laws.The internet is a great place to look for good shots, if you’re so inclined, and they can include people and pets. You can take photos of your kids or dog in the bathtub for all I care, if you think they are good enough (and cute enough – no ugly kid or dog pictures) to be in the running. I mean, the stakes are pretty high and we don’t want anyone slouching around about this.As usual, there will be no out and out fighting, although a "tad" of bickering amongst some of us is likely to happen. Just fight – uh – bicker clean (Nancy Jayne and TCS). I think TCS is out of pocket for a day or so, so Nancy, behave in his absence, please, and BE NICE!!!Okay – I think that about covers it. Oh yeah – there will be a wide variety of awards given, as is customary, and so funky and unusual photos (and even lousy ones) might have a chance to win something. Use your creativity. Barring no creativity, be sneaky and get something off the internet over at Google Images.You all know (don’t you?) that the top prize winner is awarded the grand distinction of being displayed on the FD Judge’s desktop until spring, which is a worthy and high honor. So before you send in those photos, think how they’d look on your desktop. Mine is big, so that’s a double honor – big picture in front of me.All of the entries, however, will be esteemed and will fly by moi at a slow rate until spring, as well, as moi’s screen savers. Plus, all of the winners will be shown here on the 2nd annual FDWDPC’s Awards Day when winners are announced and everyone who enters or drops by is appreciated unendlessly just for showing up.You may enter as many photos as you’d like – just keep the size of them under control so as not to tie up the FD Judge’s email box for hours on end each day. One final thing. Take a look at last year’s winners and winning photos to get some ideas. You can find them here. Last summer’s contest winners are here. Let the shooting (of photos, that is) begin. Good luck and have fun!Cheers! from the FD Judges. May the best photos win, although in the FD Judges’ book, you all are winners! [...]
Finding Direction: The Wind Vane Chronicles » Blog Archive » Summer Contest to Kick Off Next Week & Other Morning Musings // May 31, 2007 at 8:31 am
[...] entries for the last three contests for you to peruse to get some ideas for this summer’s big event:First Annual Finding Direction Winter Desktop Photo Contest WinnersFirst Annual Finding Direction Summer Desktop Photo Contest WinnersSecond Annual Finding Direction [...]
Finding Direction: The Wind Vane Chronicles » Blog Archive » Summer Contest to Kick Off Next Week & Other Morning Musings // May 31, 2007 at 8:31 am
[...] entries for the last three contests for you to peruse to get some ideas for this summer’s big event:First Annual Finding Direction Winter Desktop Photo Contest WinnersFirst Annual Finding Direction Summer Desktop Photo Contest WinnersSecond Annual Finding Direction [...]