"Go Prepared."

"Go prepared."

That was the advice given to me by a childhood friend after sharing the announcement that I was an AHP Awards finalist for an article I had written for Modern Arabian Horse magazine.

For years, he had worked as a stylist for the television industry in New York City, and his considerable talents had once earned him an Emmy nomination. So he understood the range of emotions that come with such a humbling yet tantalizing announcement. We had grown up in an upstate New York county so remote, rural, and poverty-stricken it was often called the northernmost tip of the Appalachias. Just getting out of that county, in passionate pursuit -- and ultimate realization -- of our personal careers, was more achievement than many of our high school classmates would ever realize.

It's not trite to say "just being a finalist is honor enough." It is. One of the best things about each AHP Seminar is the simple, enervating pleasure of being among one's peers. To realize we all share similar observations about the idiosyncratic nature of our business. All share war stories. All share laughs. And in just under two weeks, I am looking forward to sharing company with the writers who are also finalists in the same category. Keeping in good company is reward and validation enough.

My friend attended the Emmys that year knowing full well his chance of winning was remote. But he kept some notes handy to remember -- just in case -- who to thank if he did (and bought a gorgeous pair of Pradas to dress the part).

No, he didn't win his Emmy. But he remembers every thrilling minute of that evening, from the walk down the red carpet to the embrace by his peers that he was, indeed, among its industry's best.

So while I'm going to try very hard to keep a humble and level head about my chances, yes, I'll "go prepared." After all, it could still be a nice excuse for a new pair of shoes...