Early Christmas Present: Guitar Jackpot from Winery

A few days ago, Napa freelance photographer Lisa Harris had an early -- but not unexpected -- Christmas present.

Delivered to her home was a Gibson LG-2 American Eagle guitar signed by breakout singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow. It was the grand prize in an essay  contest sponsored by Chateau St. Jean Winery in Sonoma Valley in October -- breast cancer awareness month.

Crow, as has been widely publicized, is a breast cancer survivor.

Harris, who is in the process of publishing a photo book, said she was notified she had won the grand prize at the end of November. It was the reward for her passionate, approximately 250-word essay.

"I wrote the story about a very good friend and neighbor who is from Napa," Harris said Monday.

Even though she doesn't play guitar, Harris said the instrument is an important reminder message to her and to everyone who sees it about the urgency of breast cancer awareness, early detection and prevention.

Here is Harris's essay:

"Yesterday my good friend Lori called to say she had good news and bad news.  The bad news was that she was just diagnosed with breast cancer. 

"The good news was because of early detection, it was in the very early cellular stage and she will be a survivor! 

"We reminisced about my mother, who lost her battle 13 years ago.  Lori’s news was a reminder to keep reminding. 

"Pink in October, run for the cure, communities and people coming together to fight this monster.  We must keep reminding because it’s working! 

"Lori is one of the good stories, but there can be many more. 

"Remind your mother, your sisters, your aunts and nieces, cousins and your friends. 

"Wear pink.  Think pink.  Share pink and shout pink!  That monster is shrinking from all the pinking!"