Received an e-mail 3 days ago letting me know that my first entry for the Seattle Erotic Arts festival had been rejected. The next day I got another rejection notice. I mean, I really didn't expect to get in considering I had 2 days to prepare 3 images. Then to find out they rejected like 8 out of every 9 pieces, I was already looking at really doing something for the 2006 show; shooting especially for it. So, anyway, just received an e-mail on the final piece and it was accepted for the show. Ok .. now this I wasn't expecting. NOW I'm freaking nervous. I think I liked it better when I had no shot at making it into the show. -=>Donald

Deep Breathes Donald....in and out....that's it... no use hyper ventilating....wow!....I am proud of You... lets hope it gets recognition....so all Us hangers on ...can say...Donald is My bestest Friend....manly hugz

Big congrats!! but try not to be nervous, Donald! so what now? you just wait?????? are you excited at all? i would be!!!

Congratulations Donald!!!! I can feel your excitement/nevousness, when is the show??? I'd like to drive in and see your work?!!!? Let me know please... Akemi

Would freak me out too. Hold tight there buddy.Give me your best.

"The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions."

congratulations, and good luck :)

Pictures appear to me, I shoot them.   Elliot Erwitt

Fantastic news, Well Done. I am so pleased for you. Just the first of many I am sure.

Adrenaline rush....! Wicked news and I'm terribly excited for you.... I took a look at their website and it looks like a huge event. Woo hoo!!!

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com

Must be a scary feeling. I offer my sincere congratulations Donald. Simon

The Truth is Out There

Congratulations - excellent news.

YES!!!! CONGRATTS!!!!!!! It will turn out splendid!!

Well done, Donald. We've already been telling you how good your work is. [...er... what exactly is the prize for getting into an Erotic Arts festival?]

ah...leave it to Misha to ask the right question! lol Congratulations Donald!!! fantastic!!

Congratulations I hope you do well

Eggiwegs! I would like... to smash them!

way to go Donald! just think, after you're famous, we can all say we knew you when....

Donald, be glad that you live in a city that is open enough to allow an Erotic Arts Festival. Nashville is such a prudish nightmare that the holy rollers are still griping about how shameful that the city paid a sculpter to create "Musica", much less to put it out in full view of little children and old ladies. How SINFUL!!!!

Outstanding! Of course I believe I predicted this. The honor is being accepted, the rest is cake. If you win (which you should), you will beside yourself with glee! For now, don't be nervous, be happy! Magick Michael

Really great news!! Congrats! And good luck.

AND he scores!!!!! Congrats!!!!! Bsteph

Thank you guys. All kidding aside, your encouragement and support really means a great deal to me. Thank you.

I'm sucking it in and moving forward with it. It's still kind of nerve-wrecking, but you have to make that leap sometime. Guess this is my time. :)

Sheila - They just judged the image itself. Now I have to do the presentation/competition ready version (matted, framed, etc). I thought about it and the judging part didn't bother me one bit. It's having my work hanging before 5,000-10,000 people. I don't know why that bothers me so, but it does.

Jack - It really is sad when something that beautiful (at least, from what I can say) is taken in that way. You'd think a few thousand years of nude sculpture and people would stop reacting that way.

Nongo - It's in mid-April (don't have the dates handy).

Thanks again guys and I'll let you know how it goes. I'll, of course, be shooting images of the festival when I attend. I don't think I'd know what do with myself if I attended an event and didn't have a camera in my hands. :)

-+>Donald

cheeeeeeeeeeeers & hugzzzzzzzz, was sure you'd get in!! :] * * * * doin the happy dance for you * * * *