Antiquing today, originally uploaded by kellybelly.

Lots of strange things at antique stores…

Happy birthday Justin!, originally uploaded by kellybelly.

We’re at Monkey Dish having dinner…

Happy (early) Thanksgiving!, originally uploaded by kellybelly.

Had a free Thanksgiving lunch at work today. Yum!

When my mom forwarded me a link to a photo contest put on by Picture.com, I figured “What the hell!” and entered a photo of my cat. This was months ago, and I didn’t think much about it (forgot about it, actually) until a few months ago when I received a letter in the mail.

This letter said that my photo “Nougat” was one of the hundreds (thousands?) of photos selected for print in a collection called Endless Journeys. As an exclusive offer for this honor, I was able to pre-order the limited-edition hardcover book for the low price of $70. There were also some options available to have the photo printed larger than the default “postage stamp” size — for an additional cost. I wish I had kept that letter so I could relate the prices as they were slightly insane.

Pssshhhhtttt.

Well… shortly after this amazing offer I got an email that stated that I was nominated to join the International Society of Photographers Hall of Fame — and to “commemorate this amazing achievement” they are “proud to offer [me] a one-of-a-kind gallery print” of my photo. I checked on the pricing and the least expensive (ie smallest) print available is $120 + $20 shipping, and they range all the way up to $300 for a poster-sized print.

Funk dat.

Then a “vote for me so I can win an iPod” contest started, and I received an email or three asking me to forward this link on to everyone I know so they can vote and I can win an iPod. (For the record, I don’t need an iPod but if you vote and I end up winning one, I’ll donate it or sell it and give the money to a charity).

Today I got yet another email. Apparently I have been selected as Editor’s Choice award recipient! Because only 12% of all entries received this high honor, they are offering a limited edition wall plaque commemorating the achievement PLUS I am invited to join the International Society of Photographers (ISP). How much do you think this would cost me? Oh it’s quite reasonable. The plaque and membership are valued at $135.00, but I have the exclusive offer to order them together for $75.00 (plus $14.00 shipping & handling).

So let’s add this up. If I order the book, get the smallest gallery print and get that plaque and join the ISP… oh, and factor in shipping… I’ll have to shell out over $300. That cost would grow higher if I want my photo to appear larger in the book. All for a picture of my freakin’ cat!

No thank you.

I’m seriously tempted to start marking all these emails as spam (I get a few each week) but there still are some actual prizes to be awarded… so we’re told. I think I’ll wait this out.

If you’re interested, you can view my photo on their site here.

photo.jpg, originally uploaded by kellybelly.

Justin’s chili won second place!