Contests and Sweepstakes
My family has always enjoyed entering contests. When she was in high school, my mother was a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off and won a trip to Hollywood. Her recipe was an Apricot Coconut cake. Though she didn’t win, we have a picture of her with Ronald Reagan. She and her sister also won various other cooking contests which brought two new stoves to their family.
As for me, I won a local pie-baking contest once for a pear pie (mmmm!):hungry: and I was a spelling bee junkie. Spelling was always easy for me, and by golly I wanted that Encyclopedia Brittanica that was first prize. 
Alas, it was not to be. I was brought down by the word dilapidated. I spelled it with two L’s, and my spelling career was shot down. 
In my mind, I always wondered whether those national sweepstakes ever meant anything. You know the ones–enter to win a free trip to Hollywood to watch the finale of American Idol! Or–enter to see Vanna White get her Hollywood Star on the Walk of Fame!
My brother has always been a Wheel of Fortune devotee. I’m not sure if he’s ever missed an episode. I admire him a lot because, despite his disabilities, he holds a steady job, is a good citizen and has friends at work. He doesn’t make excuses for the challenges life has thrown him but does the best he can. All his life, for birthdays and Christmas, he would light up if we gave him a computer Wheel of Fortune game. And just for kicks, my mom entered his name in the Wheel of Fortune drawing on tv.
He won. :crazyjumping: Next month, he and my mother will fly to Hollywood to meet Vanna White, go on tours and parties, and there might be a chance my mom could compete on the show. When I heard the news, my first thought was: sometimes Fate gets it right. Out of all the people in the United States who could have won the contest, it will mean the most to my brother. This is a dream come true for him, and he deserves it. I’m really happy for him. 
So if they happen to televise any of it, and you see a guy named Frank Willingham, you’ll know it’s my brother. Woo hoo! 
Have you ever won a contest (writing or otherwise)?
P.S.–Keep your fingers crossed for me. I entered the Golden Heart contest for romance writing, and the finalists are announced tomorrow. 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 7:34 am | Viewed 1619 times
MaryF Says:
Good luck tomorrow, Michelle!!!
And good luck to your brother on The Wheel!
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
Oh that’s fantastic for your brother, Michelle!!!!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you for tomorrow
Stacy Says:
That’s awesome for your brother!:hello2:
I remember the first thing I ever won was a coloring contest for Halloween. I walked a mega stuffed pumpkin that was almost the same size as me home ten blocks with a big smile on my face.
Actually my 3yr old just won a draw from the March Break at the Library. He got a bookbag with two Curious George books, The Little Red Hen, and The Dog Who Wouldn’t plus a colouring poster and pencil. I was really happy for him.:love:
Kelly Says:
Good luck with the GH! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for both of us and then try not to think about it so I don’t drive myself crazy.
Congrats for your brother. I remember about ten years ago my brother was badgering me to buy these tickets he was selling for an all expense trip to Florida. Finally on the last day I bought his last ticket and ended up winning. Luckily he wasn’t too put out when I took my mother instead of him…
beth Says:
Wow! You’re so right, if anyone deserves it, Frank does. That’s SO awesome. :crazyjumping:
Definitely got my fingers crossed for your contest - you’ll tell us as soon as you know, right! Otherwise, severe retribution will take place.
Never won anything. *sigh* But it doesn’t stop me from entering.
Gina Black Says:
Got my fingers crossed for you.
And I hope the weather is beautiful here when your brother and mother come. It should be a great trip! I just googled it, and I see the show is taped within walking distance of where I live (which is on the old MGM backlot). They are going to have a wonderful time!
Tori Lennox Says:
I’m excited for your brother! We’re big Wheel Watchers at our house, too, so I’ll definitely keep an eye out for him and your mom.
As for contests, I’ve never won anythin big, but I have been winning books lately.
Alyssa Says:
Oh, I hope you’re selected as a finalist! Keeping my fingers crossed.
I have won books, primarily through blog contests.
April Alsup Says:
How awesome for your brother!
Got everything crossed, Michelle! Good luck!!!
Chris Keach Says:
Spelling was my thing in school, too. I got shot down by the word gray. Yes, easy enough, but my mom is from England so I spelled a lot of words differently. I spelled it grey and they took me out of the running!
Good luck with the GH! I’d forgotten all about it, although I don’t really bellieve I have much shot at finaling. (Or is that finalling?)
Peggy Says:
Woohoo for your brother. That’s the best if you win a contest you actually will enjoy.
Good luck on the GH!!
Melissa Says:
How cool! Hope you guys have a blast! And good luck on the GH!!!
Crystal* Says:
I don’t believe I’ve ever won a contest.
BUT…tell us when Frank will be on. Because I’ll be rooting for him!!!
And my fingers are crossed for you, m’dear. May the news be good.
Best wishes.
Grins*
Missie Says:
I have only won a Martina McBride CD from the Sean Hannity Show and a book on adoption from Dr. Laura. That’s it for my whole sad 35 year history. I entered every day for the HGTV Dream Home giveaway this year but wasn’t even selected as a finalist. Wah!
Congrats to your brother. This will be something he will remember for the rest of his life! Yay Frank! And Yay, Michelle’s Mom, for going on Wheel and winning scads of money! (just giving props ahead of time):headspin: