Congratulations to the first winner of the Splendid Teapot USA Racing and a Lady Driver! “Gracie’s tea time table” built and raced by Bette Cornette Smith from Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was Bette’s first time ever racing her rig. Bette who loves having fun, built it a week before the race with her granddaughter in mind as her inspiration.
I chatted to the lovely Bette today, who confided to me that she is a pirate. She has a pirate shop and designs hats, jewelry and clothes! How cool is that! She did not really know what steampunk was until her grandchildren commented on her creations as steampunk. ‘Aunty Peaches,’ they said, ‘this is steampunk!’ Bette said, ‘Whats that?’ and went off to do some research. Unbeknown to me, Bette found Countess Simona’s site and then the Splendid Teapot Racing site. Bette befriended Daniel Lee Hawk at a Comic Con and over several afternoon tea parties the subject of Splendid Teapot Racing came up and Daniel explained that he was going to host a race event. To which Bette duly attended, apparently with bribes for the judges. Yes, we are impressed!
Bette Cornette Smith said that she is in it for the fun and the friendship. Dressing up and meeting others is what motivates her and she didn’t set out with any competitive thoughts at all. When it was announced that she had won the overall award Bette was not expecting it. The beautiful medal was made by Lois Wallace of Victorian Magpie! She said she can make them for $30 USA shipping included, please contact Lois.
Winning words from Bettte – ‘Remember to love what you do. And share that love. Always be kind and gracious.’
We have the pleasure of adding that Bette’s beautiful photos were taken by LJ PHOTOS by John Hudson – thank you John they are fantastic photos.
Splendid Teapot Racing 