My former girlfriend, unlike some of us, is not all that comfortable in the limelight. I’ve been in public view for much of my adult life, and while it is complex, I am very used to it. For Maria, it’s a new thing and, sometimes, a strange thing. So her decision to launch a potholder giveaway contest on her website is a big deal, and the quite substantial response to it surprised her. I think it’s great idea. People love getting things for free, and here idea is to sponsor a contest for people who don’t usually see themselves as winning contests. And her contest has been a loud affirmation for her work, because an awful lot of people seem to want a crack at these potholders – smaller and eclectic (and cheaper) versions of her beautiful and artistic quilts.

The contest runs until tomorrow, and more than 150 people are already. She’s asked me to help pick the winners and I’m excited about it on several levels. Maria hasn’t won many contests, but she hasn’t sponsored many either. This is the first, but not, I suspect, the last. Check out the details on her website. One more day to enter. All you have to do is post a comment.

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Also please check out the Bedlam Farm notecards from the Redux Gallery. Notecards for Spring, Summer, Fall. Flowers, dogs, animals. The Redux site.