I am a third place ribbon winner.

I am a third place ribbon winner.

That is to say, I have won best of show twice in my 15 years doing shows but I have won more 3^rd place and honorable mentions.  Do I despair the fact that I have only won first place only twice?  No.  I can honestly say I am honored to place at all.  I travel a lot, go several places a year.  Denver to Sedona, Edmonds to Solvang and I am among amazing talent everywhere I go.  I don’t use pastels in a way that a lot of people recognize.  I have been complimented on my water colors, acrylics, oil paintings and photos and each time I correct them; they are stunned.  “These are pastels?”  I hear over and over.  If I go to a show and people know what they are looking at, I know it should be a good place to be.  That doesn’t mean that I won’t have a good show in other places I go.

Recognition for artistic accomplishments can be reflected in several ways other than ribbons.  As long as I am still producing and selling my art, I am accomplished at something. If I keep working at it, the accolades may come with my continued effort.  While ribbons are great and may bring other opportunities, they don’t always bring enough to pay the bills.  For that reason alone, I won’t lament my lack of first place and will keep moving forward.  Success can be measured by different units and it doesn’t always necessarily have to be with ribbons and bows.  My measure is in sales and continued ability to grow as an artist.  That being said, I wouldn’t turn down a ribbon if it is offered.  I don’t even mind if it is another honorable mention. I’ll hang it with the others and smile.