Dame Eilidh has done two kind things: 1) posted the Bard of Caid rules early, and 2) allowed time to compose the on-the-site piece. Excellent plan, Eilidh!

Last year I swore I wouldn’t do the competition again. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it, I did. And I always like definite goals to aim for as they motivate me, and the competition makes me step up my bardic game. But there are two issues that made me think again about competing this year. To a lesser extent I was seriously unhappy about having to wait around in the rain until the results of the competition were announced at the Feast. It took hours, and Eilidh swears that will not happen again. (A 3rd kind thing!) But the real issue is a mite embarrassing as it points directly at my pride and acceptance issues. So here goes: I am the only competitor to have competed for all three years… and I didn’t win once. Ack!

I honestly believe that the best person won each time, so it’s not a feeling of unfairness going on. It’s just a little… well… humbling. So I had to think very hard about competing again, especially since at least two of the bards to  beat — er, I mean bow gracefully to — are from my own household.

So I am going on record to say that misplaced pride (i.e., taking my toys and going home) is a bad reason for not competing. If I didn’t enjoy it, didn’t need it, didn’t have time —  O.K. These are all good reasons for NOT competing. They’re just not my reasons.

And here’s another thing. I sing and I enjoy it, but I’m primarily an actress and storyteller. This does not make for a bard in the traditional sense. Eilidh deliberately mentioned all of these styles and more in the BoC posting.  (Ah, a 4th kind thing.) So I am just going to do what I enjoy and am best at. Because if I do my best, in the end it is the people who are honoring me with their time who will benefit. Their Majesties and the populace and the judges, all taking time out of a VERY busy day to listen to me and the other bards. Thank God for them, and thus I will be honored to be a part of this competition.

Long live Caid!