Blue Ribbon

This year, my daughters entered the arts and crafts competition at the Dutchess County Fair and they won some blue ribbons. It was very sweet to see their faces when they found out that they won. The older one was a bit disappointed that she didn't win as much as her little sister, but she's in a tough age group. There are some serious artists in the youth division. When I saw some of those items, I couldn't believe they were handmade, much less by an 11-year-old! The journey to the blue ribbon was a long one. These crafts aren't always easy. They have rules and you have to follow them. If you don't follow them, you have no chance of a prize. And, who's fault is that? Mine. All that work for nothing because Mommy didn't bother reading the directions! So, I didn't have her paint the egg carton for the paper-flower-egg-carton garden and put green paper grass on it instead. Fail. They give you great ideas for crafts to do with your kids. A felt name banner (just remember you must tie ribbons to the wooden dowel or you fail). A paper mosaic (use a colored background or you fail). A placemat with woven foam strips. A decorated t-shirt. Ojo de dios (the yarn tied around popsicle sticks). Next year, I will remember to start earlier so it won't seem like such a chore. At the end, we weren't having fun. We were trying to meet a deadline. And next year, I know the older one will focus on quality instead of quantity, because she saw what she was up against. Yes, the stiff competition of the county fair will compel her to new heights in craft making. But, for this year, the blue ribbons were fantastic. Next year, maybe even I will enter! Biggest pumpkin? Best canned jelly? Who knows!