One of my favorite things is to hear something from a contest that I’d entered way back when (and forgot all about!).

So, I danced a little happy dance when I opened a big envelope today and found a certificate with my name on it! I’d entered a non-fiction article about Maria Tallchief, the Native American ballerina, into the Children’s Literature category of the 2009 CNW/FFWA Florida State Writing Competition. I received the 6th Honorable Mention, and I felt pretty good about that place.

I’d have felt better about 1st Place, of course, and the money prize that goes along with it. But I did get a very nice note from the contest coordinator, saying, to wit, congratulations on a fresh, marketable article.

All in all, good enough for a happy dance. Now, I wonder what that other children’s lit find was that I had planned to share with you? It flew straight out of my mind when I opened the mail…

Oh, well. Remembering keepers (sooner or later) is my second favorite thing.