I love entering things at county fairs or shows. The pleasure comes from making or growing something yourself – something you think is worthy to show others. There is pleasure in sharing something you are proud of in a quiet way – without having to brag about what you’ve done. There is fun going to the fair to see if you’ve actually won something – anything. It makes the trip to the fair far more exciting than just being a spectator. And there is the reward and excitement of actually seeing a ribbon of success.
I entered one dahlia in the Monterey Bay Dahlia Society show in Soquel yesterday. Even though I’m not an expert, I received a second place in a class of dahlias that had multiple entries. It was only a red dot. But it made me smile to have received it.