Hi folks! I'm back from the maritime festival in Tacoma where I participated in the Victory Music Sea Shanty writing contest. I was one of five finalists. They had to choose five finalists out of 33 entrants so I am honored that my song was good enough to make the finalist stage!
First place: Theresa (forgot her last name) of Seattle. she won a Tacoma guitar.
Second Place: Mary Benson of Portland Or. She won a promotional package: Photo shoot type stuff. Her song was dynamite and I thought hers the best!
Third place: Ira Frankel also of Portland. Ira won a guitar as well. His song is a sweet one, metaphorical of life.
Then there was Myself and "Tark" who won a complete set of penny whistles, and two Victory music CD's.

Never having sung into a microphone, I was nervous and intimidated. But at the following sing at the pub, I got up at the mike and did "Paddy West" with my concertina, and all said I sounded good, so I think I'm getting the hang of it.

After my performance Emily Rain showed up! She was unhappy about having missed my singing, but I gave her a private concert back at my motel. I must report that the photo of Emily on bbc's page doesn't do her justice at all! She is a petite, blue eyed, pixie-ish cutie. There's a sparkle of life in her eyes, and I knew instantly that we would be friends.

I met a lot of people and got to know others better. It was my first festival! Must attend more. Hopefully, as a performer!

Margarita