“Mystery Lady” writing contest! ArtSees Diner proudly announces the “Mystery Lady” writing contest.  The contest is inspired by a painting by ArtSees Diner’s Patriarch, Harold Lester Rapier (1926-1999).  The oil was painted by Mr. Rapier, while attending the Art Institute in Chicago.  For many years my siblings and I were frightened, intrigued and mystified by the Mysterious Lady that adorned the living room wall in out childhood home.  Recently, one of my best friends from high school (we reconnected on Facebook) brought up the spooky lady, recalling the nightmares that claimed she had as a result of this spectacular portrait after sleepovers.  While visiting my Mom’s house (Nancy - another Artsees’ writer), I took a picture of the Mystery Lady that was hanging on her dining room wall to share with my friend.  The more I thought about the portrait, the more I looked at “her”, the more I was intrigued.  My mind raced with thoughts of this mystery lady and the amazing stories that one could conjure up about her.  Let the mystery lady captivate you. Write your version of the “Mystery Lady.”  All submissions will be featured at the diner.   And you - our readers - will be the judge, voting for your favorite “Mystery Lady” submission.    Two categories of submission will be accepted: poetry and short story. The winner in each category will be featured on ArtSeesDiner and win a: ·         Raven’s Brew t-shirt, ·         Raven’s Brew Coffee, and ·         ArtSeesDiner coffee mug.  Writers/Contestants: All entries must be emailed to ArtSeesDiner@gmail.com. Include in the subject line: Mystery Lady Entry.  Include in the body of the email a brief bio of yourself, a picture, and your submission as an inline text or an attachment.  Deadline is 11:59pm CT, October 31st, 2009. All entries will remain online until November 30th, 2009 and voting will end at 11:59pm CT, November 30th, 2009.  The winners will be announced December 1st, 2009.  Voting will begin immediately. Submissions will be updated daily.  To vote, send an email to artseescontest@gmail.com, including the name of the author you are voting for in the subject line.