The Boise State Broncos did it again.  In case you haven’t heard, they won the Fiesta Bowl, beating TCU in a 17-10 victory, and completing a 14-0 season.  It was thrilling; and completely stressful.  My shoulders *whimper.*

I’m not a diehard football fan, as you might have guessed, but I do so love our boys.  And Coach Petersen!  He deserves every win … not just for his tireless work as a coach, but his sportsmanship.  I’ve never heard him put down an opposing team; I’ve never seen him gloat.  He is a good example of how one should win, not only on the playing field, but in life.  So to to our Broncos – the Big Blue – a hearty Congratutions for a perfect season.  We’re proud to call you our team, not just for your wins, but your character as well. 

And while we’re on the topic of winners, I thought you might like to know I am one.  Now I know what you’re thinking, aren’t you the girl who took the “fun bus” to Jackpot – where you played Bingo all three hours – and did not win so much as a fly swatter?  A fly swatter people – and yes, that’s correct.  

But a couple weeks ago, I was perusing the winners on the Bright Side Project and came across my own entry.  Naturally, I didn’t believe it at first, figuring it to be some sort of technological spasm.  But after clicking back and forth several times, I realized I was, indeed, a winner.   

First of all, I won my choice of jewelry from FriedaSophie - and you must know I love, love, love her pieces.  Secondly, I was informed by the girls of the Bright Side Project that I probably wouldn’t hear back from FriedaSophia until after the first of the year, being the holidays and all.  I figured as much.  But much to my surprise, I promptly received a reply.  Even though it was a gift, she allowed me to choose my gem, and she created the earrings and sent them out before the new year.  I received them Saturday.  

Here I am wearing them …

And since you can’t really see them (with that beak, I refuse all profile shots, naturally), here’s a bit of a closeup (profuse apologies for the blurring nature of the photo) …

They are well-crafted and oh-so lovely.  You can probably guess that I now highly recommend FriedaSophie.   

Lastly (but certainly not least), there was meaning behind this win.  I wanted teal because it reminded me of Dixi.  Winning with this entry, at this time, was truly a bright side to a moment of blue.  Who would believe a couple of women would come up with an idea to give away free things, to make people happy … an artist would donate one of her pieces … and the heart of a sad stranger would be lightened.  

For such a time as this … After reading the winning entries for the last few months, I know I’m not the only life that’s been touched. 

So remember, winning or losing is not nearly as important and how you conduct yourself.  If you feel led to do something – even if it requires a lot of work, and not-so-much money – do it.  You just never know the lives you’ll touch.  And even if you consider yourself unlucky, refuse to give in.  Chances are, you’ll win when you least expect it - right when you need it most.