Elimination Week 28

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

If someone were to say "Gary has a favorite to win", by pretty much any definition there would need to be two major factors involved in making that determination:

(1) Me saying "She's my favorite to win" would be a pretty solid one.

(2) Me actively getting excited when someone signs up because I'm a bit of a fan, that would probably be a pretty close second.

Last season I did a lot in the way of personal evaluations of where *I* felt people were at during the course of the season. I did a check at one point this season and people indicated that they didn't want them. So I checked again at 7 and they said they were fine with them. For one reason or another I just never got them the way I wanted. . . that said, back in Season 3 I made a prediction at the midway point at who the person was to beat. It wasn't the expected choice, or even *one* of the highest vote getters. Rather it was someone that I thought combined all the elements it takes to win with a writing style that not only engaged the reader but showed a great deal of promise for further growth. Unfortunately real life caught up to her and she had to drop out of the season before she could realize that win.

This season I was actually lamenting that she hadn't come back. . . and almost as soon as it left the tips of my fingers, there she was!

For me, the start of this season was a bit rocky writing wise. But that's because I was used to seeing her going full-tilt. That, and I'm sure there was a bit of rose colored glasses on my end of things.

But she developed on that promise she showed last season, and now despite being voted out this week does have a record of her own to hang on the wall - Best Performance by a Returning Player!
Rarely does someone coming back for a second (or third in some cases) season do better than they did the first time around. This season several of them did, showing that it can be done, and done well.

She did the best at it, coming in *5th out of 155*!!!

imafarmgirl, the last "veteran" of Idol is leaving us this week.

Comments

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

Sniffle. What a way to start my vacation week. Looks like I get a vacation from writing as well, and am truly freed up.

Sorry to shatter your expectations for a win, Gary. Grin.

Thanks to all those who voted for me and got the word out!

[bretzysdude.livejournal.com]

It'll be sad to see you go. I loved your entries.

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[desert-rose.livejournal.com]

You have said really nice things about each contestant who has been illiminated, Gary! Your words of praise for imafarmgirl are extra special, though!

Thank you imafarmgirl for bringing us so many wonderful entries again this season, and huge congratulations for outlasting 150 contestants!

WOW!! *smile*

[chite.livejournal.com]

imafarmgirl, I am so glad to have experienced your writing this season. You are truly a gifted writer, and I hope to see more from you in the future.

[chite.livejournal.com]

that was supposed to go under the main message but I have been up for hours and am obviously not thinking straight!

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I will not be participating next season, which I decided long ago. I may play the home game though.

[kittenboo.livejournal.com]

imafarmgirl, it has been an absolute honor to be in the finals with you. You are an amazing story teller!

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

thanks.

[marjory.livejournal.com]

Seconded, thirded and infinitied.

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

Thanks, and thanks to whoever originally said this. I can't deal with expanding these damn threads. lol. I finally tracked it.

[roina-arwen.livejournal.com]

Wow - and those poll numbers couldn't have been much tighter! 103, 105, 106, 106, 107! Talk about a close race! You did great, imafarmgirl!

*raises glass of diet Nestea in your honor*

[spydielives.livejournal.com]

Congratulations for your Best Performance!

(But I am so sorry to see you leave at this point!)

[Not that it is easy to see anyone leave now]

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[porcelain72.livejournal.com]

For the most part, these numbers aren't turning out at all like I've been expecting.

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

Me either. I expected to be gone long ago.

[porcelain72.livejournal.com]

I expected quite the opposite, but I already told you that. :o)

[bateleur.livejournal.com]

Sad now. (And surprised - one of only two I voted for this round.)

Congrats to imafarmgirl, though - loads of awesome, thought-provoking writing. A very fine run indeed!

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

Thanks, and as always, cool to see you popping in.

[baxaphobia.livejournal.com]

Very sad to see imafarmgirl go.

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

What are you talking about? You can't see anything. Jeez, does everything have to reference blindness and seeing?

[tulip-in-yellow.livejournal.com]

I'm very sad to hear imafarmgirl go. Is that better?

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

:;hugs:: to imafarmgirl

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[creature-girl08.livejournal.com]

Too me you are still a winner simply because you made it to the top 5.