MADISON - Maryellen Miskimen, Milwaukee, took first place honors with her essay, "Kissing Busia and Other Easter Rituals" in the Wisconsin Regional Writers' Florence Lindemann Humor Contest. The essay, filled with vivid description and wit, is the author's reflection on past Easters and the rituals performed as a child, such as kissing her father's grandmother, Busia.

Miskimen was awarded the $50 first prize at the May 5^th WRWA Spring Conference in Madison. UW-Professor Marshall J. Cook was the contest judge.

The $30 second prize went to Darlene Buechel, Chilton, for her essay, "If at First You Don't Succeed Re-define Success." The author recounts the events of a disastrous Friday the 13th before redefining it as a successful day.

The $20 third prize was awarded to Kathleen McGwin, Watertown, for "Lost Colony," an amusing account of the author's dislike of ants that invaded her house.

Certificates of Merit for Honorable Mention went to: Thomas Manteufel, Hartland, for his essay "Hello, and Welcome," which pointed out how ridiculous automated telephone systems can be;
Bill Beecher, Waukesha, who contemplated how flies can land on the ceiling up-side-down and other curiosities in his essay, "All About Flies";
and Sue De Kelver, Brussels, for her essay, "Godzilla Vs. Goliath," a humorous clarification of the Olympic wrestling match between the Russian and the American from Wyoming.

Barb Jensen, Portage, was the Chair of this year's contest. Nearly 100 writers from Wisconsin and neighboring states attended the spring conference.