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Natalie Ward's avatar

You know, the thing I find gutting about competition is that often the top contenders are truly the best of the best and BEING there is basically a huge win, unless you walk away with something, you feel awful. Like the people who say winning silver is worse than not making the podium. It all makes me so sad.

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Kate McDermott's avatar

That definitely can happen and yes it makes me sad, too. I brought a stack of blue ribbons to a pie contest I judged many years ago and awarded them for things like youngest pie maker, oldest pie maker, most creative name of pie, best vents, best flutes or crimps, most drips...well, you get the idea. But, the contests that you are referring to are big time and there are some who thrive on this kind of competition. Someone who came to Pie Camp some years back has taken part in the World Food Championships and now is on Netflix's Blue Ribbon Baking. They LOVE competition and thrive on it.

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Pam's avatar

Our world moves so fast and is so competitive. I want everyone to be a winner! ❤️

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Kate McDermott's avatar

Me too…well almost everyone.

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catsongs's avatar

Ha! ;-D

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Pam's avatar

Yes, indeed! There are some exceptions, and I think we know who!!

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Pat Willard's avatar

Really love the audio. Your voice is as warm as your words

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Kate McDermott's avatar

Thanks, Pat! ❤️

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catsongs's avatar

Beautiful and touching, Dear Kate. Much love, amg

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Kate McDermott's avatar

❤️

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Mel's avatar

I can't stand competition. I think it wilts the will out of those who lose, people who otherwise would shine in their endeavors. I don't like athlethics either, no form of competition. There should be no "winners and losers". There should be people who enjoy challenging themselves and sharing their abilities. Sorry for my soapbox.

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Kate McDermott's avatar

Safe soapbox here, Mel.

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Mel's avatar

Thank you, Kate. Stay safe. It's liable to get crazy from now on.

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Michael's avatar

Every time I learn something new about you I like you more. If all of us were more like you, this world be a much happier place!

I just relived my last band competition where I played tympani. In the end one judge praised my perfect execution of the subtle crescendos and decrescendos in the piece, while one of the other judges chided me for "disappearing" under the brass.

Subjectivity doesn't define us, ribbons do not make us winners. Heart and effort are the only things that matter.

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Kate McDermott's avatar

Oh, I know that one so well. Judges are all over the map. So subjective.

Thanks so much for your kind words today, Michael!

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Tom johnson's avatar

Never to late to tip my hat to you.

😉

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Kate McDermott's avatar

Well thank you!

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Rachel Ciordas's avatar

I love this picture of you at the beard awards! Such joy

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Kate McDermott's avatar

It was an amazing experience and I was feeling glitter all through me. I love being able to share the night with Duncan, too.

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Rachel Ciordas's avatar

What an incredible night!

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