MidSouthCon is always fun, but I missed most of it this year, having spent hefty portions of the weekend in the Hospital with my son, who had to have a tonsillectomy and a tympanostomy (ear tubes inserted) on Saturday morning.  He's recovering nicely, now.  The highlights of the con for me were the three of my five scheduled panels that I managed to attend and the Darrell Awards.  The panels were fun and informative.  I hope those attending were fooled into thinking that I contributed something worthwhile to them.  
     The Darrell Awards were harrowing, because I had to speak in public without the aid of prepared notes.  For those of  you who attended, I do apologize for one of the worst acceptance speeches in history.  I'm deeply honored by being a finalist in the category of short story.  I'm glad the awards jury enjoyed my story, Discombobulation.  Anyone who wants to find and read it can find it at.   

 http://www.kerlakpublishing.com/clockworkspells.html

Congratulations to the first runner up, A. Christopher Drown, for his story, The Milkshake Story.  

 http://achristopherdrownbib.blogspot.com/

Congratulations to Award Winner, Frank Tuttle for his story, Saving the Sammi.

 http://franktuttle.com/

    I was not only honored but petrified to receive the Darrell Award for my novella, A Bag Full of Eyes, due to the unfortunate need to make a short speech.  

    http://sdpbookstore.com/storybooks.htm    

     If I recall correctly, my speech ran something like this, though more punctuated with awkward pauses:

          I've never given an acceptance speech before, so I'll try to make it quick.  I'm humbly honored to receive this award.  I'm very happy about it if anyone enjoyed, or God forbid was edified by it.  I'm very happy.  Thank you.

     If I'd had time, I would have prepared some hopelessly muddled, painful, and longer speech, or perhaps recited instead, Pericles' Funeral Oration.  As it is, that's approximately what I said.  I returned to my table with shaking hands, having had to stand also for con photographer Carlin Stewart's obligatory photo with my plaque.  If I'd really expected to be more than a finalist in anything, I would have taken the time to shave, comb my hair, and maybe wear a shirt with a collar.  

  My thanks again to Tim Gatewood and the Darrell Awards Jury.  I'm deeply and humbly honored.  I do not feel myself worthy, but neither do I feel qualified to argue with your decision.  The award will find a place of honor on my wall.  

  I was glad to see those friends that I could track down in the times I was at the con this weekend.  I'm sorry that I missed so many others.  You're wonderful folk.  I hope to see you at another con or at this one, next year.

  Robert J. Krog