Leave Your Mark

It has been quite awhile since I posted on this Blog site, but as pageant season comes in full swing it's time! I would first like to say that I am overly joyed over the new friendships I have developed over the past year that have helped guide me to become a better competitor, mentor, titleholder and volunteer. As I watch Facebook and Twitter as the ladies are checking in for Miss Tennessee USA and Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2013 today I am reminded of the friendships/sisterhoods I gained while competing. I am trilled for the contestants to embark on this journey, whether it's the first or final curtain for them. I encourage them and all of my fellow pageant sisters competing this season to embrace this moment and leave your mark on not only each stage you walk in your heels but also on the people that you meet along the way. I have always been a strong believer that life is truly what you make it and how you take it. In my absence I competed in the MRS world of pageantry! Mrs. Tennessee America 2012(4th runner up) and Mrs.Tennessee United States 2012(2nd runner up to my MAO and MUO pageant sister Tiffany Love). I had the best time and challenged myself in ways that I thought I may have forgotten over time, yes I'm aging! I could not have done it without the love and support of those who have supported me in all of my endeavours. I'm a firm believer that you should NEVER forget where you came from, what it took to get there and the people who have helped you along the way. Oftentimes when we reach what we believe is our full potential it's easy to hop on a high horse and not humble yourselves to those who believed in you before you believed in yourself. Through growth and wisdom I have learned to look back, reflect on how to become better, remember who was there to lend a friendly hand or kind word but most of all to continue to build my personal legacy. Ladies, it's so easy to hop from coach to coach, system to system, gown to gown, hair color to hair color, photographer to photographer, friend to friend, clique to clique and that is understandable in some cases. This however must be done gracefully and without making those who stood by you when you walked around with your head down and unsure if you were "worthy" as some of those who took the stage beside you. To you I say that it is always best to be humble and take the high road. Pageantry can be gossip filled and mean(what true sport isn't) but it is up to you to define your legacy. Will you be remembered as the girl who became too good for everyone? A fake who uses others until they are used up and then toss them into the dust? The choice is up to you...
One woman wins the sparkly hat, but there are so many who wear it in their heart. Challenge yourself everyday to become the best you can be. Don't try to emulate others just be yourself as no one can be better at it that you. I am currently on hiatus as Durran and I have been Blessed with another boy due in early 2013, but I will be blogging here until the day I deliver.
As you know, I consider pageantry a sport. I read consistently on how players and coaches train to be the best. I'm still and always will be striving to climb the hill to greatness. I'm excited about that and I thank God for the Blessing of determination. I have always been told that I wasn't tall enough, talented enough and I won't bore you with negatives that I have managed to with one small line turn into a plus sign. Positive thinking is imperative and striving to put your all in everything you do will help you climb every mountain. As I close I will leave you with one of the greatest motivational speeches for this season in my life that was brought into my and my husband's life with the purchase of a game. Open your mind, reflect on your own personal journey and I hope it may inspire you as well! Until next time, Bling and Blessings! Good luck ladies!

Part 2 of 5...True Story....

So, first and foremost I would like to ask you all for patience as I get this "pardon me" moment out of the way. Last Friday I was in Memphis for a quick visit with my hair stylist/therapist, a TNMAO pageant sister, and a newly pregnant dear friend, who happens to be a TNUSA sister. I was composing what probably would have been the most descriptive blog of pageantry I'd written to date, with special emphasis on the job of a titleholder when the computer I was borrowing showed it had 13% battery life. I rushed across the salon with wet hair in all my glory and suddenly the computer just shuts off. After I got over my mortification of what I knew would lead to a nice blog (and cover parts 2-5) were gone and lost forever I resolved myself to the fact that I would have to do exactly what I'm doing right now, starting from scratch. I have had an interesting hiatus since my last post that did not allow me to finish up my coverage. As I play catch up with my princesses, (two are pictured above) and get in some much needed family fun time over the weekend you all can rest up and anticipate parts 3-5 when I return next week. Have an amazing weekend and thanks for reading! Until then.......

Inside what it takes :)

Hello, and a humble apology will begin this blog. Post Miss Tennessee and the month of preparations for pageant week got the best of me.(yes,even HBQ's- has Been Queens suffer from post pageant syndrome) I have however prepared 5 post Miss Tennessee blogs to share with you inclusive of post crowning photos with our lovely new Miss Tennessee Erin Hatley, reactions and other unknowns to those of you new to this sport will enjoy. I'm so happy to be back with you and I look forward to the blogs I plan on sharing next! next month will mark a new preliminary season. Please continue to follow so that you can truly see the journey to the Hello, and a humble apology will begin this blog. Post Miss Tennessee and the month of preparations for pageant week got the best of me.(yes,even HBQ's- has Been Queens suffer from post pageant syndrome) I have however prepared 5 post Miss Tennessee blogs to share with you inclusive of post crowning photos with our lovely new Miss Tennessee Erin Hatley, reactions and other unknowns to those of you new to this sport will enjoy. I'm so happy to be back with you and I look forward to the blogs I plan on sharing next! next month will mark a new preliminary season. Please continue to follow so that you can truly see the journey to the ultimate crown :). I hope you all have had an amazing last two weeks! Until tomorrow!

Miss Tennessee Final night Part 1 of 5(yes 5!)

As the National Anthem began, sung by our own board member Mal Matthews I found myself nervously rocking side to side(and I'm sure my husband thought I was nuts) as players in the NFL and NBA do when it's game time!
I know the anxious feeling before you hit the stage for opening number! I had chills! The girls have done their best all week with their best all week with wardrobe, talent, and positive attitudes. One will wear as Mr.Hensley often refers to as the "sparkly little hat" tonight.As they began to announce the top 15 and later the top 12 and then 5, I wish you all could have felt the love, support and of course excitement for these lovely ladies! I flashback to my moments of the stage and felt so fulfilled knowing that one of these ladies would our new Miss Tennessee! The judges are looking for the woman who is the "total package". A woman who embodies the spirit of the Miss Tennessee Organization and will work hard as the Governor's official spokesperson for Character Education. And our new Miss Tennessee is.....

Note to the Contestants and Readers

As you prepare to leave for the Civic Center to make your mark in the Miss Tennessee 2011 pageant, please be honored that among the many thousands of young women who competed in locals and didn't get the opportunity to do the things you've done all week. Soak up every single moment! Tonight's bus ride will make you feel like Princess Kate! The crowd to greet you will be ENORMOUS!!! Embrace it!! Remember that only one of you will wear that "sparkly little hat" but you have a choice to either leave angry and bitter or you can use the things that you have learned about yourself and implement these things in not only pageantry but life as well. Be Sure to thank your hostesses for taking a week away from their homes and families to ensure that you have had everything you need at all times. Special thanks to Captain Bowls, Chis Long and all of the security staff that have helped keep you safe all week. Special gratitude to Mrs. Jane and Allison for being such positive encouragement to each of you. All of these people helped contribute to the woman I am today. For some of you this will be your "final curtain" as you will age out or move on. Regret nothing, be thankful for everything and everyone who has helped you on this journey. I am so excited for you all! GOOD LUCK!!! 

Night 2! Part One of Three(Jackson Sun Post)

It's night two of the pageant and I could not be more thrilled! We
have an amazing set of judges and skilled on all things pageant!
Allison even said that our former Miss New Mexico on the panel used
her "pretty feet" in a photo as all of us formers generally do :). We
are so excited to see who will be chosen as our new queen!
As a former contestant in this amazing organization it fills my heart
to see so many contestants who have come to compete regardless of
their current life situations(more on this topic in the online blog).
I'm so impressed with this particular class because aside from the
hard work they did to make it on this coveted stage, some went above
and beyond the call of "duty". This a job that requires a strong
desire to serve others unselfishly.Tonight and the remaining two
nights is not only a showcase of who you are, but who one of you will
be called upon to be. There are some amazing choices in
wardrobe,unique gown choices and great talents! All thirty six
contestants are apart of very special sisterhood that reflects the
four point of our crown. For those of you unfamiliar of the importance
of these four points: Style,Scholarship, Success and Service, I will
be honored to explain them. The new Miss Tennessee must embody all of
the the critical four points.Also, I would like to thank my Miss
Tennessee Family who sacrifice so much to make this week fun and
enjoyable for not only the contestants but, those of you attending or
following coverage as well.

One night down, three to go!

Let the games begin! Our thirty six representatives have come to Jackson to vie for the "Championship Crown"! Tonight we were joined by our Governor Bill Haslam who announced some amazing news for our next Miss Tennessee and the organization.
For those of you not familiar with the sport of pageantry, let me proudly introduce you to one of the most rewarding sports of them all! Wednesday night started with a patriotic bang inclusive of high fashion, rocking production numbers, comedy, elegance and talent. I will give you more details later inclusive of photos and video! Right now I'm preparing to host some pretty special people at my home, I'll let you in on that on in a few hours as well :) Thank you for reading and if you have questions or comments, please feel free too contact me or post. I am honored to be a blogger for The Jackson Sun and overwhelmed with those of you who have sought me out to speak with me about my coverage. Until then.....