If you live in Michigan, like I do, you are probably familiar with the ArtPrize competition that comes to Grand Rapids each fall. This year, the Cascade Writers’ Group sponsored a writing contest in order to provide a way for writers to be a part of this fantastic celebration of art.

In April I wrote an essay and entered it in the contest. In July I was thrilled to receive the news that my essay had been selected as a finalist in the competition and that my writing would be published in an upcoming book titled, Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology.

Last Thursday, Chris and I attended an award ceremony held for all the finalists and winners of the competition. In the end, my essay didn’t win one of the top three prizes, but I am still so excited to be a part of this competition and to have my writing included in this collection of short stories, poems, and essays.

It was a fun evening in many ways, but I must admit that my favorite part was getting to see my name in print for the first time. I hope that doesn’t sound boastful or conceited. I certainly don’t mean to sound that way. All I really mean is that it’s a dream come true and I wanted to share this news with you, my readers, so that you can join me in this celebration.

Speaking of celebrations, I’d also like to take this chance to preview another celebration coming up this Monday, September 16^th. In honor of this celebration I will be posting on Monday to share with you a special milestone, a big announcement, and…drum roll, please…my first ever give-away! So stay tuned, you won’t want to miss it!

In the mean time, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Please check back on Monday for more exciting news, and if you have plans to visit ArtPrize this fall, keep an eye out for Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology, which will be on sale at several ArtPrize venues. Look for me, I’ll be there, right between page 86 and dreams do come true.