THANK YOU. I can’t say that enough. When I told you in this post why I wanted this job so much, something amazing happened.
Something astounding.
Something unbelievable.
I entered this contest for this job late, far behind. An impossible dream. I asked you for help and you catapulted my name to the top in 48 hours and you kept me there. I asked you to help me with something that could be very important for me and for my family–and you did. You did it as if you were doing it for yourselves. You posted on your Facebooks, on your Twitters, on your blogs, on your forums. You emailed your friends and families. You called people. You walked around your offices asking your co-workers to help.
You didn’t care whether I knew or didn’t know you were doing it.
You just showed up with your big old hearts.
It has been surreal.
I could say thank you a hundred thousand times and it wouldn’t be enough. The most important thing to me now is that I don’t let you down. Today is the last day of the first round voting. There is a second (final) round in which I must submit a 90-second video and an essay. (I’ll be posting more information as soon as I have it.) I will do my best, for you, because I want this now not just for myself and my family, but for you. Because you worked so hard for it.
Thank you. Over and over, thank you.
11/07 update: The voting is now closed. Thank you!
Cindy says:
Yay!!
On November 6, 2009 at 1:14 am
Patty says:
Oh I am really rooting for you to get the job! Surely those great people at Sam-e will see how amazing you are and how you put us all in a good mood first thing every morning!
On November 6, 2009 at 1:56 am
Darlene says:
You’re welcome! Everyone at this end has had a blast doing this and keeping up with the numbers. We simply can’t get enough of your writings. I agree with one of the other commenters in that SamE should hire you full time…..just look at those hits!
Where you go….we go!
On November 6, 2009 at 2:24 am
trish robichaud says:
im vote #17167.let me just say it is my pleasure to help, i will be reading your sam-e blog everyday along with my dose of this one.this is a very special place to come to everyday. you have entered my thoughts, my heart and my prayers. i know without a doubt i will have a good time seeing the animals and your photographs and i thank you ,thank you , thank you.
On November 6, 2009 at 2:51 am
Christopher says:
Its just an opportunity for your friends to give back just a little love and affection for all that you do for us.God Bless.
On November 6, 2009 at 3:43 am
KateS says:
Last day! We can do it!!! :snoopy:
Yay!!!!!!! :airkiss:
So impressive! You are blasting your way right to that job…..where IS that rocket smiley?????
On November 6, 2009 at 4:45 am
Brenda says:
Its the very least we could do. We are so blessed that you share your ordinary splendor with us.
Good luck and best wishes from South Carolina :wave:
On November 6, 2009 at 5:17 am
JOJO says:
:woof:
lOVE RETURNS LOVE—WE ALL LOVE YOU!!
On November 6, 2009 at 5:20 am
Helen Chsiholm says:
Congratulations! This proves that my Mum was wrong when she said you must not ask fro what you want. Keep on asking, and asking be grateful (I know you are) Often (no always) what is right for you will come to you. I’m going to try it out this weekend.
Best Wishes
Helen,
Egham Surrey United Kingdom
On November 6, 2009 at 5:20 am
Steve says:
I was over visiting Barbee’s Blog and I saw her post dedicated to helping you. Dear, you sure have good friends and I can readily see you are somewhere beyond thrilled. You make others feel good too, yu know, letting them help you and showing such gratitude as you so graciously do. I voted. I’ll vote again. I even joined your forum so I can be the fool I desire to be in public! You may regret this day!
On November 6, 2009 at 5:36 am
Cecelia says:
There just couldn’t be anyone better for the job!! You help get my day started in the right way with your blog and pictures. I love it. Hoping the rest of the contest goes as well for you.
Cece
On November 6, 2009 at 5:42 am
Jeanne says:
Go get em Suzanne! Good Luck from Ohio! :hug:
On November 6, 2009 at 6:00 am
Becky says:
You are so very welcome, Suzanne!
That’s what friends are for!
On November 6, 2009 at 6:04 am
Carmen Smith says:
I sure am keeping all my fingers crossed for you that you will WIN! You deserve it and so many of us enjoy your blog….GOOD LUCK GIRL!!!!!
On November 6, 2009 at 6:34 am
Tovah says:
Good luck! And I love that picture of the chickens running:)
On November 6, 2009 at 6:46 am
NorthCountryGirl says:
We are so lucky to have YOU! You make our days brighter; make us smile with your many adventures. You share your life with us. That is very special. Just like YOU…Thank you.
On November 6, 2009 at 6:46 am
Kathleen H from Indiana says:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being there for me everyday! Over 17,000 votes – it is amazing what we can do when we all come together. Wow! Way to go Suzanne, you will be great for Sam-e
:sun: :snoopy: :moo:
On November 6, 2009 at 6:53 am
Chic says:
One of the best things I’ve ever done is stumble across your Blog Suzanne….you’re the first thing I read (after family’s emails)EVERY morning. Then off and on during the day I come back and read the forum and then when I need a recipe I come here first. You’re a part of my day EVERY day and I’ll be reading your Sam-E post too! It was a pleasure voting for you Suzanne. :hungry2: (pitchfork!)
On November 6, 2009 at 7:02 am
Sheila Z says:
Cup of coffee and your blog first thing in the morning always starts my day off in a good mood. Hope you get the gig, you deserve it.
On November 6, 2009 at 7:03 am
Debnfla3 says:
You are very welcome!
Someone posted on one of my forums about your contest and that is how I found your wonderful blog. I am sooooo happy to find this place. What a wonderful thing to share your family and farm with all of us that come to your blog. You are truly living on a “little piece of heaven” and I thank you for sharing.
Deb
On November 6, 2009 at 7:06 am
Nancy says:
I’ve said it before, but the pure joy I get out of reading your blog EVERY MORNING sets my day in a positive way. There’s so much negativity out there, so much pessimism, it’s overwhelming at times. Your posts, your pictures, help centre me, help block out the nasty. See, the thing is you are genuine. And that’s a breath of fresh air.
So good luck! And Sam-E would be lucky to hire you!
Nancy
On November 6, 2009 at 7:08 am
Hannah says:
You’re awesome! That’s what really kept me voting: the pure awesomeness of your blog! 8) 8) 8)
On November 6, 2009 at 7:15 am
Kelly Walker says:
I am so proud of you….and I am so proud of our little “Chickens in the Road” community! You, and we, did it! Congrats. Now get that job! :snoopy:
On November 6, 2009 at 7:19 am
Kathryn says:
Suzanne, you know my time is no longer my own, so I am not able to be here much. But, every morning I read (and thank you for auto-posting in the middle of the night which makes it easy), and I always vote. I love this place. Your words about everyday happenings in your world give me a few minutes of goodness before facing days that are, at times, not so good.
I do hope you win. I can’t wait to see the video. Please remember your pants!
On November 6, 2009 at 7:24 am
Tracey In Paradise Pa. says:
:purpleflower: :purpleflower: :purpleflower: :purpleflower: :purpleflower: Guess you now know how loved you and your blog is now!! GO SUZANNE GO!!
:purpleflower: :purpleflower: :purpleflower: :purpleflower: :purpleflower:
On November 6, 2009 at 7:27 am
Brenda From Morgantown says:
Suzanne, we all vote for you because you are so STUNNING! LOL GOOD LUCK.
On November 6, 2009 at 7:29 am
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
Suzanne,
I love your blog and everything it brings to me as a reader. I could never say it better than the other readers/posters have said it so I just say Ditto to all the above!
I can’t wait to read your sam-e posts!
I voted again!
On November 6, 2009 at 7:33 am
mamawolf says:
Voting for you is one way to show our appreciation for you and what you do. If I can’t go to Chickens in the Road first thing the whole day is shot! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your wonderfil life. Two more votes from Colorado. :fairy:
On November 6, 2009 at 7:48 am
cheryl says:
Just voted and you’re welcome! I’m so proud of you (and us of course) for pushing you up to the number one spot!!! :shimmy: Now get to work on the video…I know it will be great. You deserve this!!!
On November 6, 2009 at 8:10 am
Susan says:
Suzanne: What you do is truly amazing. I really envy all you do. You’re an inspiration to us all. It was my pleasure to vote for you every day. Please keep up the excellent work. I read your posts to my co-workers every day. They always say I should meet you because we have so much in common with the farm. Some day I will make it over to Roane County! Best wishes and good luck from Nicholas County! :sheep:
On November 6, 2009 at 8:11 am
Cyndy Buiniskis says:
Dear Suzanne,
It is time that I finally quit “lurking” and add a comment, LOL! I too “stumbled” across your blog a few months ago. I have no recollection even how….I’m just so very grateful that I did. It is often the highlight of my day.
I do not have your wonderful gift of words, but in my bumbling way want to say THANK YOU. You share from your heart, and that is why our hearts react to you.
Congrats on the contest, and may it continue right thru to the end!!! We are rooting – and voting! – for YOU.
Blessings,
Cyndy in NE Texas
On November 6, 2009 at 8:17 am
jenn says:
You’re welcome, Suzanne. I very rarely vote for bloggers because I get so sick of the “vote for me” entreaties that are often for nothing more than a popularity contest. But your letter in which you explained why this job was important to you and your family moved me greatly. I have voted every single day since. Plus, I’m a longtime “Chickens in the Road” reader, who has greatly enjoyed trying out your many wonderful recipes! Good luck. I really hope you get it.
On November 6, 2009 at 8:21 am
jason says:
I’ve put the word out on my Facebook for 20,000! Wouldn’t that be impressive?! Might be a long shot but I think it’s possible.
On November 6, 2009 at 8:21 am
Brenda says:
I have voted every day- love your blog, love your animals, especially love your attitude! Good luck!
On November 6, 2009 at 8:49 am
Claudia says:
I feel a pie celebration coming on! :sun:
On November 6, 2009 at 8:53 am
Darlyn says:
Suzanne, you are SO very welcome! We just love your blog…and YOU! There is no one more deserving of this job than you. Through your writing, you have spoken to my heart. You have entertained and made my children happy when they have been stuck home sick. They make up stories about Annabelle and Clover. You have touched their imagination. You make a whole different world of beauty and life and trees and majesty all come to life for this city girl. You make me dream. God bless you, Suzanne!
On November 6, 2009 at 8:56 am
Jo says:
Oh, I’m all teary-eyed reading all of these posts. :happyflower:
I found your blog about four months ago or so and it quickly became my favorite and gained a top spot along my bookmarks toolbar. Your every day stories of life on your farm even became favorites for my two boys, 11 and 8 years old. They will follow along as I read them your post of the day. Even they would go to school with a laugh and a smile.
You truly are an inspiration and I believe you’ll find success in this passion you’ve found. You truly are living the dream and I’m blessed to be able to peek in your windows. Thanks for letting me. :heart:
On November 6, 2009 at 9:12 am
Julia says:
You are so welcome–You give so much to us, it is our pleasure to give a little back.
Julia
On November 6, 2009 at 9:15 am
WvSky says:
Awww.. it was nothin really. :wave:
On November 6, 2009 at 9:33 am
Nancy in Iowa says:
I’ll bet Clover has found a way to vote! I’m sure Spice (do I have the right cat?) opened the door so she could go in and use your computer. :snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy: :shimmy:
On November 6, 2009 at 9:43 am
Ms E says:
You are a very gifted writer and story teller, Sam-E will be lucky to have your talents on board As someone aptly said above – where you go, we will follow. Take note of that fact Sam-E people!
On November 6, 2009 at 10:06 am
Joan Crowson says:
I love your blog and I voted every day. The voting page was a bookmark and I went to it first thing. I’m so thrilled you are at the top and I know your video will be great. West Virginia is lucky to have you and so are we. Thanks for a great website and so glad we could brighten your life like you brighten ours!
On November 6, 2009 at 10:17 am
CindyH. says:
YAY! I’m sure we will ALL be pulling for you!
As for the next round, if your video is anything like your pix and stories on this blog, you are a shoe-in!
On November 6, 2009 at 10:24 am
carol says:
good luck with the contest
On November 6, 2009 at 10:35 am
Yvonne says:
18,000 and still going strong Suzanne!!! :snoopy: :woof: :sheepjump: :sheep: :fairy: :dancingmonster:
On November 6, 2009 at 10:36 am
Barbee' says:
Aw, Suzanne, we love you and yours, and wish the best for all of you. I have voted everyday on 2 computers (I know, I cheated.) and wrote 2 posts about you on my blog. Glad to do it. We are with you all the way.
On November 6, 2009 at 10:37 am
Kim W says:
You’re so very, VERY welcome!
Blessings from Ohio… :snoopy:
On November 6, 2009 at 10:39 am
Linda says:
Go girl!
On November 6, 2009 at 10:41 am
mary says:
:clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: Good luck, Suzanne!!!!!! I have a good feeling about this. You will be great! :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover: :clover:
On November 6, 2009 at 10:46 am
Nita in SC says:
We’re just thanking you for all the Clovery goodness we enjoy every day. And you can thank us back by keeping it going for a long, long time. Also you can mail all 18,,000+ of us a loaf of grandmother bread. I’m sure it wouldn’t take you any time at all 😆
On November 6, 2009 at 11:31 am
Melinda says:
YAY!!! I have been voting everyday. I love your blog and was happy to do it, after all I have been using your wonderful recipes to amaze my family with my culinary ability.
Good luck. :snoopy: :shimmy:
On November 6, 2009 at 11:53 am
Miss Becky says:
three words ~ YOU GO GIRL!!! :hug:
On November 6, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Terri Draeger says:
I can’t think of anyone more deserving to win. I’ve been reading your blog for over a year now and you are truly an inspiration to all of us.
On November 6, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Jeanette says:
You give us a little bit of yourself each day….what is a little daily vote in return?
Any thing else that we can do you just name it..
LADY SUZANNE …YOU ARE LOVED !!!!!!!
On November 6, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Edie says:
It was our pleasure! :hug:
On November 6, 2009 at 12:59 pm
klabmom says:
I am so proud of you and FOR you! What great people you have rooting for you and what a great gal to root for. I’m pulling for you all the way from Oregon.
On November 6, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Cathy says:
So happy to help out and vote! :snoopy:
On November 6, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Jessica says:
You’re welcome. I hope everything works out to get this job! You deserve it… and I mean that. I love your blog and so glad I found it.
On November 6, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Patty says:
You are the epitome of what they are looking for. Honest down to earth and FUNNY! I will pray for you and I have voted as many times as I was allowed. I enjoy your blog and the happiness you share!!!
On November 6, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Wheezay says:
:hug: you are welcome. I’m glad I could help. :snoopy:
On November 6, 2009 at 3:04 pm
SHIRLEY T says:
You are so very welcome. I voted for you everyday. No one deserves it more than you. Love your blog. :sheepjump:
On November 6, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Letha says:
We know you will not let us down….you are awesome! I know you will win. You are an awesome writer and it comes from your heart. We know, cause we feel it through your words. Good luck! Even though I know you have got this gig in your pocket.
On November 6, 2009 at 3:48 pm
hohosmurf says:
Yay! Go Suzanne! I love your blog, and your recipes, your stories of your daily life and your adorable pictures. Anything we can do to keep you going strong, just ask. 😉
On November 6, 2009 at 4:02 pm
TXLady says:
What fun to help you out Suzanne. All the ladies at the Kitchen Table, Kitchen Table II, Our Humble Home and the Garden Web Harvest Forum have been voting every day. We have all added you to our Facebook pages and it’s been a real hoot…We love your blog and look forward to your new effort for Sam-E. PS…I have Sam-E in my vitamin drawer.
On November 6, 2009 at 4:10 pm
shannon says:
i’m so glad i could help in this way as i couldn’t help monetarily before. you are crushing the competition!!! i’ve looked at the other competitors and really, it should be a slam dunk for you :heart:
On November 6, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Estella says:
You go, girl!
I have voted everyday. Just let everyone know when you need us again.
On November 6, 2009 at 4:20 pm
stefinity says:
Suzanne my husband and I both voted every single day. It’s the least we can give back to you after all you have done for us.
On November 6, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Jan in South Australia says:
You’re more than welcome. Good luck! I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
On November 6, 2009 at 4:35 pm
mirela says:
you are most welcome! you deserve it!
On November 6, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Yvonne says:
If you don’t get this job, those people at SAMe are crazy! You have put us all in “Good Mood” for a couple of years now, and I will continue reading your blog as long as you are writing it. (Actually, your’s is the ONLY blog I read!) Like I said yesterday, “WIN, WIN, WIN!” I’d love to meet you some day!
On November 6, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Sheila Thompson says:
You are very welcome! Love your blog & look forward to reading it.
On November 6, 2009 at 6:32 pm
trish says:
I enjoyed voting everyday and reminding people on my facebook to vote. More importantly, I was having alot of difficutly with my moods which could have lead to my losing my job. So I have been taking the SamE for about 3 weeks and it has evened me out. I still have some tough days, but I feel the difference. I am with everyone on this site. If Sam E does not hire you permanantly something is wrong with this world. I come here first thing everyday and when you are blogging for Sam E they will be my third stop every morning after Jill Shalvis’s blog. Thank you for being there!
On November 6, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Deborah R says:
You’re welcome! It’s been an honor to be able to vote for you.
18540 votes. Who’s #1? You are!
Good luck!
On November 6, 2009 at 7:47 pm
C says:
We love you, too, and we are so pulling for you. Because, you see, your victory is ours, too! We’re also adding prayers!! C
On November 6, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Camille says:
:heart: couldn’t happen to a nicer lady. Good luck Suzanne and we’ll all be rooting for you in round two.
On November 6, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Cranberry says:
Done – again, your posts mean more than you know, and the pictures say a thousand million words, thank YOU!
On November 6, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Claudia W says:
I would have given you three more votes, but my darned computer went south for the winter! I just got home and hooked up this new one, so I got the last vote from me in.
I am so happy that all of us have been here to do this. You know we all love you to death and I personally will help you in any form that I possibly can.
I think the numbers alone should show them that you are the QUEEN of good mood!
Congrats so far, and although you don’t really need it, good luck in the round (s) to come!
On November 6, 2009 at 9:02 pm
catslady says:
If all of us have anything to say about it – the job is yours!!!!!!
On November 6, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Tina says:
I can’t think of anyone more suited for this job than you, Suzanne! Your posts always make me smile. I hope the SAM-e people realize what a gem you are. Good luck!
On November 7, 2009 at 12:24 am
Mary Lou says:
You are very welcome. It’s the least we could do for someone who dedicates so much time each day to make our lives brighter.
On November 7, 2009 at 5:25 am
NorthCountryGirl says:
Congratulations! Now, good luck with your video and essay. Too bad you couldn’t just submit the blogs you get on this site. If that doesn’t show all the qualities that Sam-E is looking for, I don’t know what will!!! Anyway, we’ll be rooting for you all the way!
On November 7, 2009 at 7:31 am
Dayhiker says:
Woo hoo and congratulations, Suzanne! I made a calendar appointment to vote again starting November 17! Hope you get the gig–you are perfect for it! :yes:
On November 7, 2009 at 9:14 am
pam from ohio says:
Was there ever a doubt? I was so happy to vote every day and see you crush the competition in round 1. I love your writing and your blog brings back so many memories of my childhood summers at Grandma & Grandpa’s house in WV. As Brenda from Morgantown stated, “you are stunning”.
On November 7, 2009 at 11:25 am
jaq says:
Congrats, Suzanne! I did vote, but never got back here to say so. Good luck with this final round. Fingers crossed for you woman!!
On November 7, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Jenny S. says:
Congratulations and good luck! We’re all rooting for you!
On November 7, 2009 at 3:53 pm
monica says:
Fitting that you now are going to get paid for what you do to encourage others to live a better life. I’ll bet that you didn’t know that you had that many friends!
It has been a long day–I am in my hotel in Pittsburgh. I insisted that I just couldn’t live without seeing Clover and Crew! I miss home already, but it doesn’t seem so bad with a small pot of pinto beans on the stove. I start my new job on Monday.
On November 7, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Lisa says:
I’ve never commented here before, but I voted for you every day. Even though I’m an urban 25 year old who has absolutely no desire to live in rural West Virginia and wouldn’t know a fainting goat from a donkey if one bit me on the butt, your posts always make my day. I make it a point to read right before I go to bed most days because then I fall asleep in a good mood. So that’s my love note to you, and I hope hope hope you get this gig!
On November 7, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Taryn says:
Suzanne, I would not have voted for you if I did not enjoy your blog. You have a beautiful way of seeing things and showing them to others. Even in sadness, you find some hope to give us. WE did not do this for you, YOU did it for us. Because of your skills and warm heart, we believe you would be perfect for this job.
On November 8, 2009 at 12:37 am
Linda says:
coming out from the lurking world and wishing you the best, I voted as often as I could and really believe you deserve it, so congrats and I know you will do us proud. Linda B.
On November 8, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Barbara says:
No..thank you!! You are delightful..Now that this round of voting is over it feels like something is missing..come home for the day…seep some tea..go on line..vote..enjoy..wait thats it..no more voting..I read that round 2 is starting again Novemeber 17th and we get to pick our favorite from the top 20 people..hummmmm what a choice..NOT…going to round up more people…I am in a contest with my self :-)…I do have to stop trying to read every thing on your blog in one sitting tho..I am always amazed now to look up and see morning light! You put big smiles on worried faces..how cool is that..so thank you
On November 9, 2009 at 9:22 pm
kay keen says:
:fairy: I love your Blog, I can”t wait to read every morning. I know you will get this job. I have voted everyday. Good Luck from Miss. kay :fairy:
On December 6, 2009 at 11:35 pm