Helene Hadsell Entered a Contest & Won
While looking for some files, I discovered I had two videos of Helene that I recorded at Rosa’s Cafe. One was a first attempt, and the other was the contest entry I submitted. I only remember recording one, so of course I immediately shared the second video on YouTube! Remember, it was 2008 when I visited Helene in Texas. I recorded her entry on my BlackBerry (hence the quality).
Excerpt from Contesting: The Name It & Claim It Game
Saturday, November 15th, 2008
After breakfast, I headed to Starbucks to check in, write, and get a Cinnamon Dolce latte. I brought one back for Helene, extra hot and double-cupped so it would survive the drive. She LOVED it! She had never had a drink from Starbucks or a latte, and I remember how giddy she was sipping her first hot, sweet, foamy drink.
On my way to Starbucks, I spotted a roadside stand selling fresh pecans. Of course, on the way back, I stopped and bought two bags to bring home with me. What a treat!
When I returned, Helene said she wanted to buy some supplies to create Blueprints. She was out of the photo albums with the sticky pages she used. Off we went on a shopping trip.
I should say adventure. One of Helene’s favorite sayings was Helen Keller’s quote, “Life is a daring adventure or nothing.” Anytime spent with Helene, no matter how mundane on the surface, was an adventure!
Our first stop was Rosa’s Café, as by then it was lunchtime. The first thing we spotted when we walked in was a big sign advertising a sweepstakes.
You had to record a 30-second video describing your experience at the café. As Helene didn’t have any modern video recording skills, I recorded her entry and submitted it on her behalf. She messaged me a few months later, telling me she had won a secondary prize.
She really did win every contest she entered, and I got to witness it firsthand. While looking for pictures for this book, I found her video submission. I posted it on my YouTube channel.
We ended up going to several Dollar Trees and Dollar Generals, as none of them seemed to have enough of the specific photo albums Helene needed to make her Blueprints. In the end, we found a dozen or so.
Once we got back, we sat and enjoyed afternoon tea. Helene still had her coffee station set up in her kitchen from her workshop days. Coffee maker, kettle, mugs, teas, sugar, etc., all set out for anyone to enjoy a cuppa anytime they wished. It was the first time I’d ever had Irish Breakfast tea. To this day, it is still one of my favorites.
Later that evening, we watched a made-for-TV movie: The Two Mr. Kissels. For some reason, I still remember the whole movie. It may be because, as crazy as the story was, it was based on real-life events.
Helene and I talked during the commercials. I can still see her sitting in her big easy chair with a heating pad on each armrest to keep her warm. I sat on the couch, tucked under a crocheted throw. The following year, she mailed me that throw. The enclosed note said I won first prize for being the best guest in 2008. I still have the note and throw.
We talked about how she manifested all of her adventures, prizes, and dreams. Helene told me there was one thing she still wanted to do: be a guest on The David Letterman Show. It was one adventure that never manifested for her.
I wish I had spent more time with Helene. It would have been fun to contest more with her.
