Musing on The Muse Medallion
Last year, at the Cat Writers’ Association awards banquet, I won a Muse Medallion for Best Color Photography, but this year I couldn’t attend. While winning is always a momentary thrill and a lasting honor, it doesn’t define me.
There will always be awards I won’t win, and winners who won’t win next year. There are twists of fate, flavors of the month and politics as usual. What matters to me is moving forward, doing my personal best and striving to improve. It’s what artists do, no matter what their metier. I don’t know any writer, painter, musician or blogger worth their metal who thinks there’s no room for improvement. To be complacent or drowning in ego is artistic suicide.
No one knows better than me when I’ve missed my mark, posted a less than perfect post but tomorrow is another day. Another day to try better, do better.
Have you ever noticed how cats don’t beat themselves up over not winning? “Oh, damn, I didn’t catch that mouse. What a horrible, untalented cat I must be!”
No, they just try again and get better. When Odin was a kitten he struggled to climb to the top of bookcase. Day by day he improved. Now he scrambles up effortlessly. Cats don’t care about awards or medals unless they’re made out of catnip. Maybe.
Gris Gris could not have cared less about me winning the Muse Medallion this year for Best Black and White Photography even though he was partially responsible. A portrait of him helped me snag the award. He said, “You woke me up for this?”
Odin, on the other hand, ham that he is, expressed more interest. I think he’d love a Mini Muse of his own for Most Amusing Cat.
Of course Merlin is beyond the notion of winning prizes and gifts when the best gift is waking up every day. We have winners here every week. If you feel like winning a gorgeous one-of a-kind bowl with you cats’ names on it, just leave a comment here for a chance to win one! Have an winning weekend!
20 Comments
Angie Bailey
Congrats to you!! Wish you could have been there!
Cynthia Southern
Congrats Layla!
catfromhell
Mes thinks yous is a wonderful photographer! If my Mommy was better, me would not have to get her to photoshop so much!
Kisses
Nellie
CATachresis
ConCats on the medallion win and well said 🙂 xx
Eric and Flynn
Congratulations on your Muse Medallion. We do love to see your beautiful pictures.
Sparky Spitfire
a well deserved medallion. and yes. someone should give Odin a mini medallion. xox
boomermuse
Thanks Sparky. I may have to award Odin his own medal 😉
Katnip Lounge
Congratulations! I agree with Merlin–any day spent upright and breathing is a good one.
Brian
I am very proud of you for winning and very proud of all of you for being so wise!
Zee and Zoey - Deb Barnes
Could not have said it better myself and completely agree!!
Texas, a cat in New York
Lovely! Concats on winning the Medallion and on a wonderful blog full of beautiful pictures!
Purrs
Cheysuli
It is too bad you were not even able to attend. I think Merlin is very bright (although we are quite thrilled to have won the book which came yesterday already!)
boomermuse
So glad, your giveaway book arrived. Can’t to hear how you like it. Merlin is wisest kitty in this house 🙂
CarenOsrinGittleman (@CatChatCaren)
those are some mighty wise words my friend! Concatulations again on your Medallion!
boomermuse
Caren, thanks. My cats keep my ego in check.
Skeeter and Izzy
Concats again on the award! Thats why we love you Layla,because you are grounded and real.
Luv Skeeter and Izzy >^..^<
boomermuse
Skeeter, Izzy and mom, purrs of thanks. It’s readers like you that make my job a joy!
Sparkle
Congratultions on your Muse Medallion – maybe you will be able to make it out to L.A. next year? My human would love to see you!
boomermuse
Thanks Sparkle! I so wanted to hang with your mom like last year. I hope to be there next year but life is so unpredictable. Much hinges on Merlin and his care.
boomermuse
Thanks and I would love that!