I realize today it's been a while since I won anything. I mean anything. And not just door prizes or something where my name is pulled out of a hat, but a competition, something I had invested in.

I really didn't expect to win. And none of that false modesty crap where I kid myself by saying I won't win, when I'm actually thinking about my chances and what I'll do when I win. But just the kind of habitual: "I'm finished. Here it is. Now I'm going to think about something else". For a long time, I had gotten used to the intrinsic value of what I did - how the process could be more rewarding than the product. I hope that hasn't spoiled!

Because ever since about 11:30 am CST, I've been walking on friggin sunshine (pardon the cliche). Thanks to the efforts of regulars like DoobieTimePiece, there are contests that promote and inspire. And once again, I threw my hat in the ring and walked away "thinking about something else". But what was my second choice for the Lullaby contest actually won, and now I'm just finding the words to express my emotions. Feelings I haven't visited in a long time, possibly years, have resurfaced and without rambling on too much longer I want to say 'thank you'.

First of all to DoobieTimePiece, of course for hosting this contest and making it as big a deal as it turned out to be. To all the submitters who gave me a run for my money, and raised the bar for the Audio Portal with their incredible (sometimes intimidating) works. And to the judges, who I still don't have a full list of, so I'll just say thanks to you collectively and avoid forgetting someone!

So if you haven't already, check out the submissions (full list here) and leave some comments. I personally love hearing from you, and that's another way to keep making things here that much better!

Thanking you in advance
Adam-Beilgard