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I didn’t win the SAM-e contest. (Read SAM-e’s announcement here.) And I want you to know that it’s okay. Please don’t worry about me. What I’m most worried about is you. You worked so hard. I can’t thank you enough for everything you did. I was bowled over by your support.
Please join me in thanking SAM-e for giving me this opportunity. I also want to tell you how well I was treated by the people at Ignite Social Media, the marketing company who operated the contest for SAM-e. I was notified by phone in advance of the announcement and given the news privately. I was told they fell in love with me and my animals and my website, and about what a difficult decision it had been. I was told they watched my video over and over because they loved it that much, and some of them are now daily readers of Chickens in the Road as a result. I truly appreciate the respect with which they treated me personally, and I want you to know about that.
I also want to thank Jerry Waters, whose technical wizardry helped me create the video I submitted to SAM-e for the contest. In a forward-thinking moment, at the time the video was shot, we shot an alternate ending to the video. The contest video ends with the words, “Thanks for voting. See you at SAM-e.” In the alternate ending, I say, “Welcome to Chickens in the Road.” I realized at the time that the video was a perfect introduction to my website for new visitors. The welcome video, with the alternate ending inserted, is now here for new visitors to my site to find and enjoy.
The best thing that came out of this contest, to me, was the deeper connection I feel with you as my audience, and also the connections you have made together as a community. This has been an amazing thing. You are amazing. Thank you so much. (I can’t say that enough.)
I was told that they will be holding the Good Mood Blogger contest again next year, and I was personally invited to enter. I want to assure you that I will not. I will never again enter a contest like this. I don’t say that with any negative inference regarding SAM-e or the contest. It’s just not my style. It was an impulsive decision with no idea of what it would entail. It was intense. My focus is this website, and I promise you that from now on, it will not waver. Five minutes of wavering and impulsivity took me off-track. I won’t do it again. The only website-oriented contest I have ever been interested in is the Bloggies. The Bloggies is the most prestigious award on the internet for the best in blogs. Last year, Chickens in the Road was a nominee. The Bloggies, as opposed to the SAM-e contest, is not a daily vote. It’s a one shot deal. You vote, you’re done. (You can’t even see the vote count. It’s nothing like the SAM-e contest.) It doesn’t depend on rounding up connections and connections of connections. It depends on your readers. In other words, you. Why would I want to be a nominee again? Because it gives my blog exposure to new traffic, which will help me make a living writing this website. The nominations for the Bloggies will open at the beginning of the year, and if I haven’t worn you out with this other thing, I hope that you will be there. But never, and I promise never, will I ask you to do something like the SAM-e contest again. I hope I can talk you into putting up with the Bloggies once a year. Either way, I will be here every day and I hope you will, too!
And! I want to tell you that exciting things are in the works. For one thing, I will be appearing on Blog Talk Radio on January 17. I’ll provide more specific info as the date nears.
I also have a HUGE surprise coming. HUGE. Did I mention the huge part???? I’ll be launching an entirely new facet of my website in a few months. I’m not talking about some tiny thing. I’m talking HUGE. And you will be able to be a part of it. It’s going to be fabulous and exciting. And I’m not going to tell you any more than that just yet because I’m such a stinker.
I want to end by telling you THANK YOU again. Please know that I love every single one of you for what you did. I work hard on this site for you.
And here’s a fluffy chicken butt.
Just because.
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Their loss is our gain because you’ll have more time for us:)
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Hugs to you Suzanne and your blog brightens my day everyday!!!!!
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Now, hows about a lil clue regarding the H U G E surprise? Has it anything to do with fluffy chicken butts? Velvet donkey noses? Am I close??
1:58
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But you fought a fair and honorable fight, and you won something perhaps more important than the SAM-e gig: the admiration and respect of your readers, old and new.
But sheesh…you said “never again.” You know what happens when you say “never.” And we’ll be there.
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But now that this little *thing* is in the past, we can all look forward to better things in the future, starting with the bloggie awards!
You put your heart and soul into this blog, that helps each of us keep our priorities straight and our eyes on the future. How? Because you manage to balance real life with humor and that is a lesson worthy of learning. *Good Mood*? How about learning to deal with life and enjoying the present?….Ordinary Splendor!
You rock, Suzanne!
2:35
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I wouldn’t miss my daily visit here. Even on the rare days when I’m running so much that I don’t get to comment, I still make sure I squeeze in a few minutes to read your post (loved yesterday’s totally cute cookies by the way, and your son was a super sport to let you post his photo. Gotta love a guy who finds it in his heart to agree to go public to please his mom).
I can’t wait to vote for you in The Bloggies and to find out what the surprise is. Especially if it’s huge!
2:45
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I am a believer and I know God blesses us with our losses too.
The contest was just to let you know that you are a blessings in our lives. So you are being prepared for something bigger and better.
I want to say thanks so much for being there for me. I am daily blessed by your talents and the fact that you share them with such joy. Thanks for giving of yourself. I know you will make it finacially because you have investments in love that money cannot buy.
2:46
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HUGE surprise??? CAN’T WAIT!!
And the Bloggies……….it was easy clicking over to Sam-e daily, what’s 1 vote??? Just tell us when!!!
And I LOVE the video you made, it makes a great welcome to your site!
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I still see a bright future ahead. Maybe this contest got the attention of someone that will lead to an even bigger opportunity.
Warm hugs to you and the critters on this snowy evening,
Susan
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Can’t wait for the HUGE news!!! :-)
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I think people got to feel like they were helping you out a little… I mean, you help all of us out every day by sharing little views of your world, we felt like we got to help you out a little by rocking the vote for you! Still, at least the suspense is over now.
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I found your site on a random search right after Thanksgiving. I got my mother and myself hooked (she LOVES animals as much as I do). I made a bunch of your recipes already that my husband loved. Your cornbread was to DIE for. I enjoyed voting too, it was fun, not a burden as you may think. Let us know when to vote again, I will be there
Your new friend, Laurie
from the dairyland state
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maddie
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I really wanted you to win the Sam-e contest b/c you deserved to. It’s ok, as you said, you can do without it, I’m sure, but…
Anyway, I’ll do anything I can to help you get more exposure, half of my staff at work has tried numerous recipes from your website, and the other half won’t get a bonus this year if they don’t try the Grandmother Bread
5:47
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Cynical,because it was a publicity stunt to push Sam-e.California versus West Virginia! volume versus quality,no contest. I wont get personal.Its a marketing ploy.
Mad. Because Corporate America is about bums on seats, bang for your buck,dumbing down to the lowest common denominator.
You are too good for this Suzanne.Your passion comes from your heart,not from your purse.Your grit and determination to build the life you want,and to allow us to take part speaks volumes for you.
I applaud your decision not to take part again.
If we could give you back a small portion of that which you give us so freely,you would be a rich woman.
Onward and Upwards Suzanne,there is much ahead.
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YOU brighten our day.
YOU inspire our lives.
YOU make us dream.
More BRIGHT and INSPIRED DREAMS are coming YOUR way!!!
It’s guaranteed!
6:08
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I get up at 4 am to go to work and this site is the first thing I go to. Either here at home with a big fat black cat sitting in front of the monitor or in the office right before all heck breaks loose (I’m a PBX operator for a large hospital group) but I read you every single day. Sometimes two or three times a day and I check out the recipes and re-look at the photos. You have become as much a part of my morning as brushing my teeth.
I’m sorry you didn’t win the Sam-E contest but I’ grateful for the opportunity to vote everyday. It was a pleasure and will be agan if you decide to do another contest.
You are truly a joy to be ‘friends’ with.
6:09
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Hugs Granny Trace
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Surprise? Huge? I love surprises! Can’t wait to see what you are up to!
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I love reading your blog each day and have linked it to mine. Can’t wait to know what’s HUGE.
Enjoy the snow today. I know you will.
(That’s what makes you OUR SAM-e girl.)
6:48
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What is almost equally distressing is that the votes for the other top candidates near the end seemed fraudulent. This does not reflect well on the company either.
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Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas.
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Suspense on the huge surprise? I can’t stand to have part of something told to me and then be made to wait for the rest (you are not nice.lol) Anyway, me and daughters are making the reindeer cookies and chocolate marshmallows today, since the snow is everywhere.
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Good morning Suzanne.
I am with the others readers as far as the “contest” is concered–it was all about the numbers, and I will say no more, your readers know what I mean. We are all glad for you that it is over, you showed style and grace through out the whole thing, and your readers as well
When it comes to the bloggies, we are your lean, mean, voting machine. Well, in my case, not so lean, but we are here for you.
Now–about the surprize–it will be like waiting for Christmas all over again! I wonder–are numbers involved??
This morning we woke up to our first real snow fall in this part or Ohio, and it is beautiful! The bushes look like giant cupcakes with fluffly white frosting.
Today I start my cookie and candy making, I will be rolling in dought–the cookie kind! Most of the recipes I am using this year are from you.
I will be a good day to spend in the kitchen and look out at the snow in the woods.
I hope this comment doesnt appear twice, I always forget to fill in the name and mail thing, have a good day and if you have it, enjoy the snow.
JO
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Christopher– I just read your comment–you are so right in what you said.
Thank you.
JO
7:52
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On the other hand I can now tell you what I could not say before. I tried the SamE and it Does. Not. Work. Save your money. It is expensive.
I will vote for anything you need Just say the word. I am a true fan of this blog.
I am going to make the marshmallows on a lollipop stick this weekend for treats for the office. Can’t wait.
8:11
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Your blog is what Americans really need…living the “real” life..appreciating the simple things and finding your happiness within you home and family.
Now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, I will continue to get my lift for the day from you and your wonderful blog.
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I think everyone likes affirmation that they are doing a good job and I think the largest thing to come out of this contest was a very real affirmation for you that you are highly thought of, deeply cared for, and that you have found your niche in life…your talent for writing obviously is superior, but more importantly, you show by example how to be gracious in even disappointing circumstances.
You are truly a rich woman. Rich in ways that matter.
Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family
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I do wish the winner luck, but I can’t help but wonder how steady the readership will be with Sam-E, and whether the winner can sustain her readership (not to mention build it further). That’s the issue with popularity contest. The glitter falls off.
Your readership is solid, and constantly grows.
Corporate America stumbles once again.
Nancy
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Please watch the “never, never” promises! As you admit, you did gain new exposure and readership and OH what publicity for Wild, WONDERFUL (snowed in) West Virginia!
Love your “fluffy chicken butt” photo. Stop by and see my Merry Christmas Chihuahua if you have time. It isn’t as relevant to your farm as my Chicken Crossing the road the other Saturday, but it is GOOD. Hint, “Feliz Navidad.”
Jan
Mrs. GDP
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We love you! I have your blog, a cup of coffee and it’s snowing…awwwww….the perfect morning!
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It snowed here in Sanford yesterday for about fifteen minutes. It was pretty when it was falling, but didn’t last long enough. I guess if I want to see snow I’ll have to come here and look at your pictures.
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and not out of a sense of duty. Although I would have liked for you
to win for the money part and knowing you would do a fantastic job, there was never any doubt in my mind that you are the winner. You see, you are a winner in each of our hearts for the being the real you and sharing that with us every day, cheering us up and making our day and inspiring us to try new things. Why do you think you have so many blog followers? There is a simple answer to that and it is just because of who you are, and how you are able to communicate that to us. We love you Suzanne, and you are our WINNER!
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Can’t wait to see pictures of your snow! I live in Spencer and we have probably 10-12 inches right now! LOVE IT!
((((BIG HUGS)))))
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Euni
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But you are made of sweeter stuff and that is what I love about you. You are a fun, hard working person with a fantastic sense of values and that I admire most.
I just want to thank you for all you give to us each day.
I will be here to vote in the Bloggies, because you so deserve that!
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Not so Patient Victoria
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You are too good for Sam-e. And I’m not saying that like some kind of “temper tantrum”. I saw the job with them as a vehicle for you, not a destination. I so wanted you to win the job so that you wouldn’t have to worry financially for a few months. And for the exposure it would’ve brought you….but I think just being IN the contest gave you plenty of exposure.
I can’t say as eloquently what everyone else has said my appreciation for you and the life you share with us. Let’s just say, “I want to be like you when I grow up!!!” And I’m 45 years old…is it too late?
I can’t wait to find out what the surprise is!!!
Please don’t make us wait too long to find out! 
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Our sad, screwed up world doesn’t need any more false glitz and glamour or superficial, shallow images touted as ideals for which to strive. We desperately need to get back to basics, relearning how to take care of ourselves and exhibiting a good healthy dose of personal responsibility. That’s what you have to offer on a daily basis.
Keep doing what you’re doing. You have true style, grace and CLASS! Classy, classy, classy . . . that’s what you have been through all of this.
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I was thinking your site should be in the Webby Awards, but the time to have the stuff put in for judging ended yesterday. Maybe someone else here was smarter (and faster) than me. But, I will definitely vote in the Bloggies. I read a lot of journals online, Suzanne. I mean it when I say that I think yours is one of the absolute best.
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Look at the positive: Many new folks came to know you and your site through this contest. Maybe that was the real prize after all. Thanks, Suzanne, for all you’ve given us…and for a job well done.
10:40
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I don’t need SAM-e to help me feel better….I have Suzanne and the Chicken in the Road staff for my peace of mind!!!!
When I stumbled onto your blog everyone made me feel right at home and one of the crew. That feeling is still there and I am so grateful to be here where I can relax, learn new things and see fluffy chicken butts!!! LOL
Deb
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Hugs,
Vicki
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Jo
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My best to you always!
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Blessings to you and your family
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You have a great blog!
I am looking forward to the new surprise!
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Carol
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For me, it is a bit of what I had a few years ago, sort of reliving life with chickens, a mean rooster, etc.
jmho
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Merry Christmas sweetie!
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If you would have won, it would NOT have been a compliment. They only like glitter glue cardboard, not someone or something of substance. They don’t understand depth; they don’t understand real people. In a word, they have a corporate feel to them, and corporations, by and large, are what’s wrong with this world. We have lost our way with corporations, but you’re bringing us back to what’s important, one reader at a time.
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Just a small note on the Sam-e product; thanks to osteoarthritis and focus issues Sam-e really works for me, although it took a week plus for the effects to take initially hold (I notice within days if I run out!). Truly, thanks to the Sam-e site I found CITR! What an upside! The product does work and it would be unfortunate if the fallout from that ridiculously intense contest would be a shut-off of a supplement that is useful just because the company is myopic on their target audience. And no, I’m not really attempting a commercial (look, I’ll drop the mike now) … was just startled by some CITR devotees declaring they would never take Sam-e because of the contest result. Gotta watch that word “never”!
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This is a wonderful, cheerful blog and I relish my time here each day. The times have not been easy for many of us and it is comforting to know there is a place to go that will provided a picture of kittens cuddling, a fuzzy chicken butt, groaning shelves of proudly canned veggies and treats, and your joy in life. All of life. The rewards and the toil, the enjoyment in a job well-done, and the respect you show your children, friends, and family.
I agree – voting for you to win the contest was something we could do to give back to you in a small way for brightening our days.
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So don’t worry about it!
Your *Graceful* acceptance of losing the contest says *volumes* about you.
We love you no matter what contest you enter or don’t, win or lose, or if you just skip outside to take “a few” pictures to post.
*We* love you, no matter!
=-)
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I have two or three blogs that I follow somewhat on a regular basis. I think about and try to check Chickens in the Road each day. I look forward to seeing what’s new with Annabelle, Clover, Sprite, Fanta, Mr. Pibb, Poky, Jack, Little, Kitten, Coco and the others. Over the past year I’ve laughed lots, cried some (Pepsi, Little Hen and Honey) and have learned much (Grandmother Bread, Canning). I especially enjoyed watching our Bottle Baby, the lamb who thinks she is a dog, grow this past year. I am inspired and you do make my day brighter.
Wishing you much peace and prosperity this holiday season and throughout the New Year,
Kelley
aka: redmountainmomma
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It’s no surprise you have gotten such positive feedback from the contest folks; you make any- and everyone feel right at home no matter where they start reading. Even more – you make us all want to MOVE IN with you!!!
I promise to refrain from that
If it hadn’t been for the contest, I may not have found your blog until later. As is was, Joanna (BooneDocksWilcox) shared the contest news on HER blog (we had her geese for a couple of years and live in an adjoining county). Since she spoke so highly of you, I looked… and was hooked.
Congratulations, even though you may not have come in first. THIS event, anyway
‘Lucy’
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Dianne
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I’m sorry you will not see the added boost of a 6-month guaranteed income. But as so many have stated, something better will come of it. Certainly for us it is the NATURAL good mood you give to us.
Suzanne, may the blessings you give to all of us through your blog come back to you tenfold. Your Ordinary Splendor puts a little magic back into this sad old world of ours…..every single day. Oh how we thank you for that!
May you and yours have a very special Christmas. Can’t wait to see what 2010 brings to CITR!
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I wanted to make my comment before I found out who actually won. I’m sure that you know that you are the true winner in our hearts and minds.
I’m sorry you didn’t win! 
We have around 12 inches of snow here in Hurricane, West Virginia.
I’m going to try to post some pictures here in a moment. I had to read your blog before I did that. Plus it is still snowing! We are without electric but our generator kicked on at 4:20 a.m. We are toasty warm and watching Harry Potter’s newest movie on our tv. 
Hope all is well at your house!
Angela
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Their loss our gain…..
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Sorry you didn’t win the contest. God must have bigger things in store for you! Your blog is awesome, and I will continue to visit you every day.
Have a Merry Christmas!
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I love this blog. I don’t comment every day, but I do visit and read the other comments.
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By the way, I check in here almost every day and enjoy the pictures and the words to go along with them. I have never been one to be enamoured with the slick/commercial sites, so I know where I will be spending my time. Time is precious, and if I wanted to waste mine, it won’t be at a highly commercial online site.
Got a good laugh about the ‘Clydesdale’ comment earlier … but they don’t come in miniatures
… which seems to be a focus for a good bit of your livestock additions (‘ceptin Cocoa’ ).
4:03
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I am with auntbear, you cannot run in the “best kept secret” Bloggies category any longer. Voted for you there last year and will find your new category and vote again this year!!
4:16
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Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!!
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Hugs, if you want one,
Julie Andrea
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Terry
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Have a wonderful Christmas, can’t wait to find out what the big suprise is.
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And thanks for the fluffy chicken butt.
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The whole Sam-e thing is kind of a turnoff – I voted for you every day from work and from home, but it wasn’t very fulfilling. Your blog is like your farm: real, nurturing, and continually growing. Keep up the good work
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Thanks for the fluffy chicken butt!
11:54
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On to Christmas…..”heap on more wood, the wind is chill…..” probably especially on the East Coast.
12:28
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hope you have power by now again
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Through it all you have a great outlook and it seems you exemplify the saying happiness & joyfulness aren’t determined by circumstances but rather by choosing to be so.
I look forward to your blog every day. Thanks for all you do.
8:38
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With your motivation and positive attitude, Suzanne, you’ll do well whatever you try.
You are a true winner living in ordinary splendor. Thanks for sharing your joy of life with us.
Onward and upward I say!
Looking forward to the HUGE surprise
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Blessings from Ohio…
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Thank you for this blog. I appreciate what you put into it. I love coming here.
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I, too, agree with Christopher, comment 24. They took a look at what’s-er face’s age, did numbers crunching and went for corporate demographics, totally ignoring reader loyalty (which would have translated to brand loyalty) and, dare I say, TALENT. People, I’m afraid, will quickly tire of a blog that will probably read like a 22-year-old’s text message.
Too bad for SAM-e, great news for us. Better things are in store for you.
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Those of us that voted for you again and again realize it was because WE wanted to, not because you asked us to.
You have one of the most fantastic blogs EVER and I don’t know how you find enough hours in the day to do what you do. Perhaps it is fate that you did not win the contest. Because I have a feeling that you are going on to even BIGGER things….and the contest winning would have distracted you from this coming, new path….
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