<<<<>>>> we have thirty potential winners.

[Mira]

<<<<<Ding Ding Ding>>>>> we have thirty potential winners.

In the first 23 hours we had 29 submissions, and then it took 16 more hours for the last one to come in.
I'm thrilled with the varied entries, I honestly think we stretched in new dimensions pulling them together and studying our photographs in new ways.

GREAT!

Now I have time until Thursday when I post the preliminary threads.
Let's all breathe!

Edited to say: You can make any changes you want until Wednesday evening at 6 pm EST.
you can change your entry, or your title.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. It is truly an incredible field, my dear Mira!

We have some of the most gifted photographers on the planet...

:hi:

[Celebration]

2. Thank you!!

So sorry you aren't entering for one of your favorite themes, but I am sure you are enjoying your role. I appreciate all the time you are putting into this.

[Mira]

5. Thank you so much. How nice of you to think of me. Actually it would be

very daunting to enter into this strong field.

:)

[Callalily]

3. Thank you Mira for your all

the hard work that you put into this contest.

You always greet us all with your kind words of encouragement, and your fabulous suggestions.

Sending big hugs your way. :hug:

[tabatha]

4. Great job, Mira.

Your enthusiasm is infectious.

[Mira]

6. Thank you Tabatha, I hoped I could get things going, and then it started to roll.

Where did you take the butterfly photo, your very intriguing entry?

[tabatha]

7. At a place where monarchs overwinter.

It is very difficult to capture good photos at the preserve. Because of all the tall trees it is very dark and one has to bump up the ISO. I could not take that shot from any other angle because there were trees and branches in the way, and it was the best lighting - a shaft of light illuminated a few of the stragglers on their own. The other butterflies were all in big clumps in very poor light. Anyhow, the word tranquility popped up without a moment's reflection, because preserve visitors are very quiet in an almost cathedral like growth of trees.

http://www.fs.fed.us/monarchbutterfly/migration/index.shtml

[Mira]

12. Thanks for the link. How absolutely mindblowing to think a little wing

flapping butterfly can go as many as 250 miles in a day just to escape the weather and survive.

I once was in a butterfly sanctuary and took photos. I don't have a single solitary one that was worth keeping. So you have my huge appreciation for your shot!!!

[Bonhomme Richard]

8. Thank you for your help and insight. n/t

[Mira]

10. ...

:hug:

[HarveyDarkey]

9. Great job Mira, as always

Smooth as silk is the expression (trite as it is), that comes to mind.

[Mira]

11. A few days ago I whined to someone

and said nobody is saying I do a good job when I'm working hard on making this a good experience.
I'm eating those words now.

On the other hand, the hard part is still ahead, and I am also capable of lousy work...

:)

[HarveyDarkey]

13. I guess we sometimes take it for granted, or more accurately

expect you to do a good job that we fail to mention it. I for one appreciate the hard work you do, and apologize for being remiss in mentioning it.

[Solly Mack]

14. Beautiful photos! Great host! Going to be a fun contest!

I'm jealous that I had to pack my cameras away for shipping. I don't trust the movers to pack my photo equipment up the way I want it, so I took care of all that last week. I'm straining my old eyes with a lap top these days and I kept an old Nikon PS handy to document our travel. I won't be processing/uploading any photos until after the move. Just easier to keep everything together that way.

Good luck everyone!!!