It’s been more than five hours since the little graphic to the left appeared on my Facebook page after the final votes and judges’ scores were tabbula tabulei added up for this week’s round of Performance of the Year competition at The Public Blogger.
Why the delay?
I’d like to say it was because, after several margaritas and a donkey ride (at least I think it was a donkey) in Tijuana, Mexico, (at least I think it was a Tijuana) in celebration, I passed out in wheel barrow and was being carried back through customs when I was detained for slurring and yelling “Mi esssss Numero UNO, senior Policia!” over an over until I lost my enchiladas on the shoes of a border patrol agent.
I’d like to say that, but the reason for the delay is much less colorful and, admittedly, a lot less forgivable:
I got sidetracked with work on an early deadline after posting the results on my *sigh* Facebook page.
I’m aware that many of you don’t follow Facebook, which is all the more reason I should have made sure to post this hours ago, when Michelle Terry at Lipstick and Laundry commented: “Was that YOU I saw in Mexico?”
Ok, not really. She actually commented, Let’s see, it’s 1:34 my time, so 11:34 your time. I’ll have to check back in 16 minutes. Assuming the cannonball position in your honor!
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
If she’s still under her desk in an honorary connonball position waiting for results, I’ll never be able to forgive myself. In fact, I’m send her a sourdough cannonball filled with chowder as an apology.
Assuming you can all accept my apology, I’d like to take this moment to say how much I appreciate your incredible support here and at the polls these last few weeks. I came into this morning ranked third before the judges scoring, which accounts for 30% of the final score. I’ll be honest: They didn’t appear to think much of my attempt at poetry.
In fact, I ranked dead last.
No really!
Fine, no one is having a hard time believeing that. Let’s move on.
Given my third-place ranking and the anticipation of a — how do I put this — crappy poetry score, I was feeling more than a little concerned that I might be in the bottom two. When the final results began posting with…
I was pleasantly surprised to see I had moved up from last place in the judging. Must’ve been the fruitcake I sent. Then this was posted…
And I thought (with more than a little pride) My Peeps are so [explative] AWESOME! I had resigned myself to the fact that I probably wasn’t going to slur “Mi Es Numero Uno!” anymore, but as long as the people who matter most — all of YOU — felt I was No. 1, that’s what mattered most. Because in the end, win or lose, I walk away from this experience with you as my blogging family. So in effect, I’ve really already won. Everything else is just extra.
Then this popped up on my FB page…
I’ve been stunned very few times in my life. And until today, there was always a police officer involved. I honestly couldn’t believe it when this image appeared. Given my fourth-place score from the judges for this week’s submission, there must’ve been a whole lot of voting going on — and I truly can’t thank you enough. Not just for keeping me in the top spot; I would’ve been happy just to getting through. It’s really more about what it means knowing you’re out there supporting me, even when I stumble. I gave my poem a lot of thought and, all joking aside, I felt pretty good about it. I was disappointed it didn’t do as well as I’d hoped and it caused me to second-guess myself a little. Your vote of confidence shored me up and gave me a gentle slap in the face. Sure, a pat on the butt would’ve been just as effective, and probably a little less visible, but hey — the point is you were there.
And I can’t express enough how much I appreciate that.
They’re giving us a short break this week, with the next vote not until Nov. 8.
I’m looking forward to a bit of normalcy and column writing.
Well, column writing, anyway…
Again, thank you so very much.
— Ned
Ned's Blog 
I knew you could do it.
Never doubted a minute.
I said to myself,
Ned’s in it to win it.
That’s my story, an’ I’m stickin’ to it!! You ROCK, even when losing your enchiladas. Or maybe it was the rocking that made you LOSE said enchiladas? Whatever! Keep on keepin’ on, Ned. You’re goin’ ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP!
Thanks, Marcia! And no matter what, I’ll never lose my appetite for enchiladas. That’s the important thing…
As long as you have your priorities straight. 😉
I was going to pat you on the butt but I’ve been told that is not socially acceptable – maybe if we turn out the lights so no one can see?
Ha! Congratulations Ned!
HAHAHA! Thanks, Paul!
I voted for the first time today – for you, of course. So glad my vote counted! (If only that were true in other elections.) Congratulations, Ned!
Lol! Good point 😉 And thank you!
I could so relate to your poem and not just because I write. Could be I know that rivers edge and not just the one in Florence.
Thanks, Pamela. I think everyone has stood at the river’s edge, literally or figuratively, at some point.
Okay…so much to write here. Some funny and some serious.
First – clearly, I was drinking your tequila when I did the math. Even though I do like to be early, coming back 16 minutes after I posted the comment means that I would have been 10 minutes too soon. I’m more of an alegbra/calculus girl and clockwork is too complicated for my little brain
(thanks for the shout-out!)
Second – in reference to your poem–“it caused me to second guess myself” Um. Yes. That’s what poetry does. You feel good about, almost proud with full feathers displayed. Then you get one cock-eyed look sideways from someone and suddenly it feels like, “Gulp! Who am I kidding?? I’m not a poet!” *Assumes fetal position under the desk.
It’s why I keep a separate site just for my poetry and only a few folks follow and visit over there. What is it about fewer words that feels so much more vulnerable? Something more revealing than when we hide within paragraphs of prose and one-liners.
There’s a reason why I kept checking in this leg of the trip – I KNEW it’d be difficult, but I KNEW you’d make it. You know why? Because you are the real deal – no cannonball/fetal position required.
AWESOME!!
You’re so right Michelle, and not just about the tequilla. I wanted to try a complete departure and dig a little deeper. There’s nothing to hide behind when you bare yourself while attempting to include imagry, rhythm and insight — with every word having to be chosen so specifically. It was a great exercise, and something that shook me up a little. Stirring things from my childhood. I’m glad I did it and accomplished what I set out to do: get out of my comfort zone and try something I want to learn more about. Except without the red thong…
Thanks so much for your constant goodness, humor and support 😉
You KNOW the writing is good when it “shakes” you up. Have a wonderful Tuesday, my friend!
What she said here too…. LOL!! Your words are exactly what I was thinking so no need to repeat, right??? 😉
Donkey? Really? Didn’t know they were rideable! ESPECIALLY under influence? Thanks for the laughter… The vision in my imagination is quite unreal… LOL. Along the lines of the Apple Dumpling Gang!
“Under the influence” is the only way to ride a donkey! And by that I mean the rider, not the donkey. Although…
One more note! In Brene’ Brown’s new Book “Rising Strong,” she titles Chapter 2 (I think) Civilization Stops at the Waterline. Much of your poem reminded me of her story where she and her husband swam across a large lake – a defining moment in their relationship and a striking lesson for me to read.
Poetry gives the writer power to express complex themes and grants the reader power to make it their own. Your river was my lake 🙂
Poetry definitely has a power all its own and, as you said, that power rests in each person’s perspective that makes it their own.
Thanks for joining me at the deep end, Michelle 😉
I have an extra life jacket if you need it 🙂
What she said…. LOL!
Way to go, Ned. I’m pretty sure every comment I post in here includes the phrase, “You rock!” so no need to say it again. Oh. Did I just? Oh well, if the awesomeness fits…
Lol! You’re too kind, Marla. Really! Seriously, have you been drinking?
Truly, though — thanks so much and it’s great to see you around these parts 😉
Well Congratulations there Ned! Now I will have to do the Canadian thing and pop a can of Maple Syrup in the mail.
Don’t tease me…
You’ve done it and you’ll keep doing it! What’s it? I liked your poetry for the record! Oh and you may not want to drink quite so much next time!
Thanks Gibber! And you’re right — I’ll make sure the next donkey is sober…
pft!
So exciting, Ned! Nothing better than seeing your name next to the number UNO!! That should be celebrated regardless of the final outcome! Just stay away from Mexico, will you? 🙂
Thanks, BHC! And yeah, Mexico has already told me it is off limits… 😦
HA! I shared the good news on my FB page because you are a good muchacho. 🙂
Gracias!!
Congrats Ned! I knew you would pull it out again! And your poem is truly VERY good! I liked it a lot! Poetry is not easy and it is taking a risk to put it out there. Putting ANY of my stuff out there is ultimate vulnerability for me and I still struggle with that ALL THE TIME! Especially when I post something and I get NO comments or maybe just one. I do have a couple of loyal followers 🙂
Your writing and Michelle’s make me feel good! And blessed that I have you both as bloggy friends. Keep up the good work! and Rock on!~
Aww, thanks Courtney. I really appreciate that. And I’m sure Michelle would agree that we feel pretty lucky too 😉
YAY!
Thanks, Art!
yup
I suck at poetry too. Congratulations!
That actually sounds like it could be the end of one of my poems… Thanks, Susan! 😉
Congratulations, again! Looking forward to the next round.
Thank You! Me too 😉
You got a wonderful fam here Ned.. Envy you too much, maybe next time we could both share your votes. LoL
With this you have going here, you might as well come out tops 😉
I’m very blessed to have some really great folks in my corner; and they also happen to be very funny. I’m sure this is going to keep getting more difficult, so I have no illusions about staying on top indefinitely 😉 Good luck to you my friend!
You trying to be funny yeah?
You have a huge fan base that adores you Ned. I envy you
I think of them like an extended family, and I’m their crazy cousin. Or maybe it’s the other way around. Either way, I do feel very blessed to be able to connect with so many terrific people — yourself included, my friend.
Feeling blessed too Sire..
You community is one nice place to be 😉
You’re welcome any time!
Bless
Well earned Ned….
Therefore….
I’ve given you my “Respect” Award for fellow bloggers who consistently reach out to other bloggers, offer support, are kind, struggle to understand differences in people, and who treat themselves and other people with kindness and respect.
You don’t have to do anything for this award.
You can choose to copy the Award Picture from my post and give the award to the people who have earned your respect or you can do nothing.
This is my way of saying thank you.
You have earned my respect.
That means a lot, Robert. Thank you so much.And the feeling is definitely mutual. Even before the award.
But it didn’t hurt…
Seriously — very much appreciated, my friend.
Ditto on my previous comment…YEAH!
Haha! Thanks, my friend!
Well done, Ned!
(Don’t quote me on that.)
Your secret is safe with me! Just like I won’t ever tell anyone how you dress up on Friday nights.