First off, I’d like to say that I haven’t forgotten about all you blog readers. Taking 9 hours of summer classes has proven to be a little bit more difficult and time consuming than I had realized.

Nonetheless, AMTC was amazing! I had such a wonderful time and learned so much. The seminars present were so informational. They taught about the differences in modeling in different cities around the nation, acting tips, question and answer sessions with agents and with current models and actors who have ‘been there done that,’ and most importantly, some seminars were based on how to keep your ethics and values in the entertainment industry.

As the week went on, I was thrilled to be placed in the top 40 for the TV commercial division. This lead me to recompete with my TV commercial with the rest of the top 40. Although I didn’t win the overall award for TV commercial, I was still very pleased with the turnout at awards night. I won overall actor and overall model for the Female Fashion Category. I truly felt blessed to have both of those awards. However, the other girls were outstanding and it could have gone to any of them.

After the awards night was a quick session of callbacks. At 2 am my agent brought to my hotel room my list of callbacks. One callback was from 20th century Fox. I had to memorize a script by the next morning for the audition I had with them. It wasn’t easy to memorize it so quickly, but I somehow pulled it off. I then about 2 crazy hours to go to each table of agents to meet with the ones who had called me back to talk to them. This sounds like ample time, but it was one of the most hectic things I’ve ever done! Unfortunately I didn’t get to meet with them all, but I did get to meet with several. The interviews pretty much just consisted of dropping off your information so they can take it back to their offices to further consider you for representation.

Due to my callbacks at AMTC, I’m planning a trip either this week or next week to go meet with a modeling agency called Ford in Chicago along with possibily a few others which my agent hasn’t let me know of their names yet. There were several in the Chicago area which I was interested in further considering one called Factor, another with an agent named Maria (thought that was pretty cool!) and several others as well! I did recieve an offer from New York Model Service Agency for representation and Kim Dawson in Dallas. I’m not sure exactly where I will go from here. I hope to get an amazing agent who can help me get amazing work and bring on more traveling . I also met with an agency called Next in Nashville yesterday which was a similar meeting to those at AMTC.

As of right now, I’d love to fill you in further with more details, but I need to finish a quiz before midnight. I will try to be better about fitting blogging into my schedule for the upcoming weeks!

I’ve arrived in the beautiful Orlando Florida for the convention called Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ! This is the convention which I spoke of earlier that has huge agents come from all over the country, and even some from overseas, to watch up and coming talent compete in various competitions. So far, we’ve had TV commercial competition and monologue competition. Tomorrow is a busy day with three competitions, Photography, Scene Read and Runway. This leaves only one final competition for Saturday which is one of my favorites, Runway! Along with the competitions I’ve been attending amazing seminars about not only ways to be the best you can be in this industry, but also ways to keep good Christian morals and values while still being successful.

I can’t say enough about this convention and it’s not even over so far. Everyone here is so nice and goes out of their way to be friendly. I have to admit, it’s easy to get intimidated when around so many beautiful and talented people. But, once I actually talk to them they are just so friendly I have to love them! It’s so different from the pageant world also because there isn’t just one winner. Yes, they do award people for high scores in each division, and even overall awards, but it’s also about agents picking up the new talent and the agents don’t have limits that I’m aware of.

It will be a few more days until we have callback day where I’ll be able to update you on offers I’ve received if any happen to come. For the moment, I’m just having a great time and letting God’s will be done!

          I am back home safely in Danville after my first trip to New York City. I am thrilled to finally say that I’ve made it to the Big Apple, and even more thrilled that it was a modeling opportunity that ended up going very well! I worked as a “showroom” model for 5 days on Fashion Avenue for the evening gown designer Pamella Roland. Some of the celebrities you may have seen wear her gowns include Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, and much more! My first experience in the big city couldn’t have gone any better. The job consisted of friendly faces and low-key days. Nothing was ever too stressful or rushed. I also appreciate the time I was given to spend with my mom and grandmother when I wasn’t working since they both came up “to look out for me.” We ‘three-generation ladies’ had a blast together seeing what New York had to offer. This consisted of Double-Decker bus tours, sight seeing, trying new foods, and lots of walking. Even on a day when it wouldn’t stop raining, and I swore off the dreaded disposable “poncho,” we still rode the bus tours regardless of having to sit on top without a roof over our wet heads. Long story short, I wore the poncho. I figured it was all worth it since that particular tour showed off the city lights at night and took us all the way over the Brooklyn bridge.

One of my favorite stops involved the TV show ‘Project Runway’ with Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. We visited the store the contestant-designers use to quickly pick out their fabrics for that week’s challenge. It was surreal to see the store Mood in person. I couldn’t imagine having to pick anything out of that store since there are simply SO MANY different options. We even saw the Parson’s New School for Design, which is the elite school also used on Project Runway. Overall, Fashion Avenue was covered from head to toe with fabric stores, history about the fashion industry, boutiques, and anything else fashion related. It was awesome! I also really enjoyed Times Square, shopping on Broadway, and of course the food of New York City. I told myself that a trip to New York City is not complete without trying New York Style pizza. So I had one of my favorite types, loaded veggie without cheese as well as New York style desserts and several other big city specials!

Regardless of how much fun I was having already, one of the best parts came on our last night of the trip. It included visiting a city called Hoboken in New Jersey. In this quaint little city is the home of Carlo’s Bakery, which is the bakery onthe TLC show “Cake Boss.” I’m not sure what makes this show so irresistible to me, but it truly is. “Buddy,” who designs out of this world elaborate cakes, is the Italian baker who keeps the show anything but boring. The ‘three generation ladies’ jumped on a bus after a nice gentleman told us it was going to Hoboken. We didn’t realize we hadn’t arranged a way to get back to our hotel from Hoboken. We were just so excited and hoping to at least make it inside Carlo’s. I figured by the late hours we were heading to the bakery that Buddy would have already headed for home. When we arrived in Hoboken, I was speechless by the amount of culture the city presented. Each store front window and city street was decorated to the finest details and completely shined with hospitality. It was probably one of the absolute cutest cities I have ever seen. The skyscrapers of New York City was in view across the river which made little Hoboken even more attractive. When I first caught sight of the bakery I almost jumped out of my shoes! I’m not sure why I was so excited, but I was! Once we reached the door we saw a sign posted as a warning that upon entering the bakery you consent to possibly be recorded and used on the TLC show. I was sad to see a cake designer (who I recognized from the show) locking the door. However, I wasn’t going to stop at that. After knocking and a little begging, my mom, Mimi, and I were allowed in. I was content on simply being in the bakery. Since it was closing time, I was planning on just getting a few cookies, a T-shirt and making my way out. However, I caught word that Buddy was coming down from upstairs to visit with the crowd of girl-scouts which were also there to visit. Sure enough, he came downstairs and was generous enough to snap some pictures with the girls. I felt silly having to wait with the girl-scouts, but I believe I was even more excited than they were. I actually don’t think I’ve ever been as jittery or excited to meet anyone in my life as I was to meet Buddy! It was so neat to see him in person! I motioned to him that I’d like a photo after he finished speaking with the girl-scouts. I jumped right in, got my photo, and spoke a little with Buddy. However, before I knew it, the crew of Carlo’s bakery knew I was a previous Miss Kentucky USA. I’m guessing my mom had something to do with that . This pushed the conversation on a little longer but eventually I figured it was time to let them close shop. As I thanked them for their time and started to head out the door, I heard a voice ask if I wanted to come back. I again almost jumped out of my shoes, went and grabbed my mom and grandmother who already made it outside, and took this opportunity to be shown around the bakery. This wasn’t some type of planned tour, this was Buddy himself showing us the cakes he was making at that time. Buddy was so nice and friendly! I acted so silly by trying to let him how much I love his show by talking to him about past cakes he has made and things that have happened on previous episodes. He was presently putting together a cake for his niece’s sweet 16 which was gorgeous and red-carpet themed complete with aspotlight and lots of glitter. After thanking everyone for their time, I eventually left the bakery so TLC could continue filming. On my way out I came across the truck in the alley which is shown on the show that a boy was placing cakes in. I was amazed about how similar the real life work of the bakery is to the TV show. They were acting and doing just what they do on the show even without the cameras rolling. Although the cameras were rolling slightly when we were present, I wouldn’t necessarily look for us to be on the show any time soon. I don’t think they filmed us, but it was neat enough to simply be there!

While talking to him, Buddy called the company to see if they were making a trip soon to Kentucky. Although it wasn’t in their plans, I just heard today that Churchill Downs is bringing some type of festival which should bring several celebrity chefs here. Buddy talked like if there was a an event to bring him to Kentucky, possibly one like this, that he would! So let’s all write in to TLC to tell them about the festival and get them here! It would be so great for our state and then a lot of us could possibly see Buddy!

Overall, my experience of New York city was outstanding. I was very surprised with the amount of friendly people. I had heard so many stories about how people can be very rude there. However, it seemed like they were just as helpful as could be to guide my family and I in the right direction or help answer our endless questions. As far as the modeling went, I loved it. I really enjoy traveling to different modeling opportunities across our country (and maybe the world on day ). I was invited to come back up to model for Pamella’s amazing gowns again. Those plans or simply depending on what I can work out with school. I’m really hoping that it works out smoothly and another trip can be arranged soon. In the airport my mom started small talk with a lady who’s from Louisville but has an apartment in New York. By the end of the conversation, she offered my her apartment anytime I needed. It almost gave me cold chills how God works to bring people in your life just at the right time for just the right reasons. I hope I will be seeing her again soon on my next trip to New York City!

A morning of waking up at 3:30 for my flight, a bumpy plane ride, buses, walking, and a long day in heels…. all completely worth it! After my sweet boyfriend went a whole night without sleep to take me to the airport at 4:30 am, I finally arrived in New York City around 10 am and headed straight to downtown Manhattan for my first day of modeling in New York City. Thankfully, my wonderful mom and grandmother came along for the ride (but actually to keep an eye on me, which I am relieved about). This made things so much better. Thanks to my mom’s expert Internet researching, the two of us who have both never been to New York City made our way just fine and my experienced grandmother only helped the cause. We caught a car to downtown where we stopped and had lunch at Subway. We walked right around the corner after eating to the one and only Fashion Avenue. Suddenly, we looked up to realize we’ve arrived at the beautiful entry that seemed to sparkle through the glass doors. I entered and asked the concierge just where I’m supposed to be heading. He directed me kindly and I kissed my mom and grandma goodbye and was just about ready to jump out of my heels with excitement. I was surprisingly, once again, unnervous. God seems to do strange things with my nerves in big situations. On internationally viewed live television, or working my first day on Fashion Avenue… I was calm! What a blessing!

Once I rode the elevator upstairs, I was welcomed at the even more beautifully decorated showroom of Pamela Roland by Kenneth. He showed me around the office. I was speechless! It is JUST LIKE project runway. There is a specific room with wonderful sweet ladies who can sew and stitch anything you could dream, offices of sales and marketing employees, a welcome lobby decorated with zebra everything, and an astonishing showroom sparkling with crystal chandeliers and outstanding flowing chiffon dresses. Since a certain actress was coming in for a fitting, I was directed to change in none other than the one and only Pamela Roland’s office. This was by no means a downgrade. After meeting the rest of the crew, I was headed about 30 dresses and the door was shut to begin trying on the gowns, making sure all fit just as they were exquisitelymade to do. Once the door was shut and I was alone, I have to admit, I did a happy dance . It was a feeling of accomplishment, and a feeling of “I can’t believe I’m on Fashion Avenue!!!”I feel as if I can barely grasp the truth that I’m in New York modeling, modeling as me! We’re talking, I look out the window across the street and see rooms and rooms of desks covered in fabrics, seamstresses at work, and many windows of outstanding designs. I admired “Pam’s” office as the desk shimmered with pictures of her family, a book which I’m assuming had some doodles for new designs, and a framed photo with her family and Nigil from America’s Next Top Model. I made sure not to touch a thing! After the actress left, I was guided to the fitting changing room and that began my day of modeling. I was to show buyers from across the country the newest “resort” line of Pamela Roland. This is otherwise known as showroom modeling. It’s perfect because I get a chance to talk to the buyers while modeling. I enjoy this more because I enjoy actually interacting with the people while enjoying modeling alone. I find this an enjoyable challenge to show the buyer the positives of the gown to see if he or she will purchase whichever gown I have on at that time.

Fashion Avenue! See the sign?

 After a day of work, my mother and grandmother came up and I showed them around the dream office and we headed off to get a bite to eat. Yes, it’s our first night in New York City, but I’m absolutely exhausted. So we’re already  back in the hotel almost ready to crash! However, I did see a glimpse of Times Square and can’t wait to take the time to really visit it. That’s when it will hit me… I’m in New York City! Need to head to bed early tonight to refresh for another great day tomorrow! Can’t wait!!!!!

Three Generations!

Designer Yahyah and myself in my first look for the show

Some pretty exciting things have been going on here lately. I was recently in a fashion show at the Lexington Horse Park. It was for Yahyah Haute Couture. Yahyah is a designer from Saudi Arabia. His designs were displayed in tune with the World Equestrian games. I would say this was the most interesting fashion show I’ve ever taken part in.

First off, I arrive at the horse park after the auditions for rehearsals and had no idea where I was going. I saw a large group of people surrounding a stage and figured that might be where I was supposed to go. After getting closer, I realized there was a red carpet and that whatever was going on, I was very underdressed! I was getting some looks from the Saudia Arabian men, who probably aren’t used to any lady showing skin whatsoever (I had a shorts/jumper outfit on that was actually very modest at that!) Needless to say, I was pretty uncomfortable. But I figured I didn’t know anyone there and no one was trying to kick me out, so I was going to figure out who was on stage. I walked closer only to realize it was Governor Beshear along with the prince of Saudi Arabia! Whoa! He was covered in a beautiful headdress and had a cute little smirk on his face while everyone at the welcome reception made a point to help him feel right at home. I figured this was not the correct place for rehearsals!

Needless to say, I wasn’t too shy to bring out my camera, snap some pics, and find the cute little old men who were driving the golf carts around to show me where I should go for rehearsals. I arrived at rehearsals, which lasted until 11:30pm and another 6 hours or so the next day, but went over wonderfully. You would think the 3 local models including myself, and about 27 models from Cincinnati would have it mastered after that many hours, but the routines kept changing each time we rehearsed! Nonetheless, come that night, the music blasted, the huge room in the center was decorated beautifully, and the clothes were exquisite!

On Monday starts one of my biggest adventures yet. I’ll be traveling to my first modeling job in New York City! I can hardly believe it! After working a trunk show in Nashville for a designer named Pamela Roland, I was invited to come up to New York for a week to model for her in their “market.” This will be similar to the markets where I’ve modeled Tony Bowls’ gowns. When I was offered the job from Ms. Roland’s representative, I was thrilled! I hardly knew what to say. But I do have to admit that I wasn’t sure it was something that would actually come to true. Also, I thought my mom may freak about the idea of me going to New York by myself. I didn’t want to admit it to her, but despite traveling solo almost everywhere else, New York would be somewhere I’d be intimidated to go alone. I’m the WORST with directions. I’m talking… had to call my friends to figure out how to get t

o Wal-Mart in little-o Danville when I first got my license. So, it would definitely be a possibility that I’d get on the wrong subway and be heading to who knows where. I could definitely use my mom once I was in the city for guidance as well as company to spend time with. So, I got the guts up to tell my mom about the offer before things were written in stone and she didn’t freak out in nervousness for my safety. Regardless, I could read her excitement plus anxiety for me in her eyes. She did say she wanted either herself or my dad to come along. I secretly was relie

ved and as I preferred someone to come along as well. We don’t have a lot of extra money to burn for a plane ticket for my mom, but I figured it would be worth taking some of my pay to get her out there with me. After my mom booked her flight to match mine, she mentioned the trip to my grandmother. Now, my grandmother is going as well! We may not get to spend much time together during the day as I’ll be working, but at night I plan to visit the Modeling Capital of the world for one of the best weeks of my life spent with my mom and my grandmother! Some places I for sure want to see are: Times Square, The Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, Ground Zero, Central Park, Soho… the list goes on and on. I want to see everything the city has to offer while keeping the trip as budget friendly as possible… even so much as to buy PB and J to eat for dinner in the room a couple nights! I just remind myself of the stories I’ve heard from Tyra Banks’ of how cheaply she had to start her modeling career and I feel a little more inspired. I also would like to try to complete my wardrobe for the convention called AMTC (Actors, Model and Talent for Christ) that I’ll be attending during the second week of July. I’ll be on the look out for great discount bargain outfits to wear at the convention where tons of scouts from major agencies from the US as well as some from overseas will be present. I’m also attempting to cover the entry fee for AMTC, as well as room, travel, and preparation costs by sponsorships. I don’t have the funds myself to cover the cost, but I don’t want to let th

at get in the way of my future possibilities. I just feel now is the time to pursue a trip such as AMTC to see how far it could take me. If anyone would like to contribute, or knows someone who may be interested in receiving a sponsorship letter, please let me know! Also, if anyone knows any Big Apple tips or places to go please guide me!

I’m packed now and ready to go! Praying for safe traveling and a safe trip! I’ll try to blog while I’m in the big city if possible. Talk to you soon!

My friend Miss Teen USA Stormi Henley, me, Patrice

Where do I even start??? The pageant itself was incredible. It was thrilling to watch live from the seats in the theatre at Planet Hollywood. Within minutes before the show, the celebrity judges were walked in and Donald Trump went on stage to give his welcome. It was so different watching the pageant after having been a contestant. I remember only 2 years ago watching Crystle Stewart, Miss USA 2008 (and one of my biggest role models) get crowned Miss USA 2008 from my house. I looked to the girls who represented each state as if they were true celebrities, people who simply didn’t live normal lives. Before I knew it I was crowned the next year and could hardly believe it. I still held Crystle Stewart in celebrity status, but didn’t think of myself differently at all. It took a few appearances to begin to realize that some people might view me slightly differently as well, but that’s something I still don’t fully grasp. Anyway, after having competed myself, I looked at this year’s contestants simply as sweet girls who are having an opportunity of a lifetime. I was able to meet several of them during rehearsals, and they were as sweet and down to Earth as can be.

I also got the opportunity to talk to the newly crowned Miss USA, Rina, after the pageant. I was blown away when I approached her for a photo and she recognized me, referring to how she watched videos on youtube the night prior to make sure she was completely ready for what this day brought. It caught me by surprise by how this (tiny!), sweet girl, took time out of being pulled left and right for photos to talk to Patrice and I for not only a photo opp, but for several minutes. While speaking, I was trying to find out about how she felt about having to instantly move away from home and all that was to come. The only response displayed was her extreme excitement about everything that was unfolding. She made the point that winning our country’s title is one of the toughest compared to the other countries since women treat their bodies here differently than other places across seas. She was just glowing realizing she just received that coveted title.

Miss Florida Teen USA 2010

Kindra Clark!

If you watched the pageant, you may have noticed that Kindra Clark, Miss Kentucky USA 2009, was shown a million times! She did SO, SO good! I couldn’t have been more proud of how she performed. She looked gorgeous, her hair was amazing, and she stayed true to herself. I’m so thankfully Kentucky was represented so prestigiously while standing true to her grounds. She didn’t just perform well during the final performance, but during her whole 2 week stay while competing. Her photos were flawless and she reported her interview and prelims going very well. If you missed prelims, there should be clips of them on youtube to view Kindra competing. If one needs a positive role model, check out miss Kindra for a good example to follow.

After the pageant I also had the opportunity to meet some of the crew, the host, previous title holders, 2010 contestants, and even current teen title holders. I caught eye contact with Miss Florida Teen USA 2010 long enough for her to mouth across the room that she wanted a picture together. When we went to take the photo, she explained to me how I am on her inspiration wall at home. She explained how she had an exercise to make a board of things/people and etc. who inspired her. I was speechless when she told me I was on the board. It’s so easy to not realize a difference one is making but it’s so refreshing to hear that I’m at least making somewhat of an impact on someone I’ve never even met. This isn’t necessarily a pat on my own back, it was just eye-opening. Thank you Miss Florida Teen USA 2010 not only for letting me impact your life, but encouraging me while you thought I was encouraging you.

Miss USA 2010

I am home sweet home after about a 5 day trip in Las Vegas to watch Miss USA. It was so interesting to see the whole concept from a “been there done that” point of view. Everywhere I went I thought “oh that’s where we did this…. and that’s where this happened, or that ’s where we met this person…” The memories constantly poured in with each location visited.

After meeting Patrice, Miss Colorado USA 2009, at the airport we were quick to plan out our adventures. I blogged earlier about our amazing discount for the Cirque du Soleil show. It was incredible! Like I said before, I had looked forward to recording my TV introductions since I could ever even watch Miss USA. Even since I found out that I had to record them while the other contestants went to was Cirque du Soleil, I had been wanting to make up the lost experience. Finally, I saw the acrobats in action while they literally danced above water! It was breathtaking! The rest of our adventures included shopping at Caesar’s Palace, the Venetian, and on the strip, a visit to Madamme Tussauds to see what appeared to be true celebrities (but were only made of wax!), great meals, sunshine, and time with the contestants.

The first time I was able to see Kindra, Miss KY USA 2010, was when the girls were walking out of the beloved Spice Market Buffet. This is the buffet inside Planet Hollywood that we ate at last year for all 3 meals of the day during our rehearsal days. We were dined to extremes during the first week, but the second week meant business. However, I’m a huge fan of food. I almost consider eating and cooking a hobby! So the massive buffet with food from all around the world wasn’t too big of a pain for me! I was able to try many new things including escargot. And yes… I liked it! Steamed with pesto and parmesan made it taste very yummy! Wonder if you can get those in Kentucky ??? Anyway, family and Vegas pedestrians always lined up in the casino just to watch the girls exit or enter, and even eat, at the Spice Market. It was strange being one of those people, I almost feel a little creepy. Nonetheless, I figured it was worth it to see Kindra. My head was turned when all of a sudden I felt her leap into my arms and give me the biggest hug ever! It really showed how much she appreciated me being there. I Could almost feel what I felt this time last year when I first saw my mom in Vegas. It was then that it clicked in that I was really about to compete in Miss USA. OMG… I didn’t know what to think.

Patrice and I also went to open rehearsals in the auditorium where the pageant is held. The girls rehearse their steps and even the emcees and Trace Atkins practice to get everything down to a fine art. It took me a while to realize that it was the true Trace Atkins singing instead of a stand in, but as soon as I did, I jumped up during a break and grabbed a picture with him. He is so nice and was extra sweet. I have pictures of Kindra talking it up with him about how the Miss KY USA organization uses the same hair sponsor as he uses in Nashville. At least it brought them something in common to talk about, good excuse Kindra! I also touched base with many people of the Miss Universe organization. Many of these people were involved last year such as security and my “pageant mom” who was like a chaperon. Others are behind the scenes and are in charge of going everywhere with Miss USA, setting up appearances, doing online videos… the list goes on and on. It’s astonishing to see how big the organization really is. I think it would be incredible to have all those people behind you. Miss USA is only one face that represents many. It’s a huge responsibility! So much more than just “a pageant.” It’s an entire business!

While I sat in rehearsals, I once again felt the strange roll of emotions come over me. I’ve referred to this happening in previous blogs, but still am unable to pinpoint what it’s all about. Maybe it was the sad country song, maybe it was because I was so happy for Kindra… I’m really not sure. I know it wasn’t because I was sad that I didn’t win. Although becoming Miss USA was my goal, I’ve come to realize God had other plans for me. Maybe it was because watching the girls practice brought me back to that time last year. The entire event meant so much to me. It was more like the entire process, even before I got to Miss USA. It was something I had dreamed about doing forever, and can still hardly believe that I did it! Maybe the emotions were overwhelming because I feel that I grew so much during my time as Miss KY USA mentally, and especially during the Miss USA pageant. Maybe the emotions are just because I’m grateful and felt overwhelmingly blessed. I really have no idea, but do know those guesses are true and probably contributed somehow. Maybe you’ve wanted to cry sometimes and haven’t been for sure why. Or maybe not.. maybe I’m just crazy . Regardless, I was able to fight an actual tear rolling down, but if I was alone there would have been no stopping!

This brings me to the idea of the pageant all together. There were times in Vegas that I caught myself looking at it only as a pageant. I wondered “who’s going to win.” I realized that if I can get caught up in looking at it only from a “pageant” stance, than many people who haven’t been contestants or haven’t been involved in some way probably look at it the same. But it’s so much more than  a “win” for a night. It’s someone’s life getting ready to change! In that case, it’s each contestant’s life at stake. I still remember riding the plane home and suddenly I looked at everything differently. It was like my eyes were open to how wide our world really is. I was second guessing completely what I wanted to do with my life and trying to grasp what just happened during my 2 1/2 week stay at Miss USA. For the girl who does receive the crown, it’s so much more than just a crown. Her life will be changed not only for a year, but forever! Many Miss USAs move to New York or LA after completing their year at the Miss USA apartment in New York. Also, Crystle Stewart, Miss USA 2008, said she got to see her family 3 or 4 times during her entire year. That would be hard and a big change for many girls.

Before this gets too long, I just want to hit again on the subject of feeling thankful for what I’ve been through. I’m just going to assume that’s why I wanted to cry at rehearsals. I think we often overlook our blessings. Sometimes blessings come in small, discrete packages. For example, a blessing can be when the person in line at Kroger gives a couple pennies to the man digging in his wallet, or when someone just takes the time to put a cart back in the right location at Wal-Mart to prevent the teenage worker from walking an extra mile in the cold to go get it.  Maybe it’s the man who lets you cut in front of him regardless of how late he’ll be for work. Other times blessings come by bringing someone in your life, a surprise, a new job, or maybe by competing for Miss USA. Regardless of the blessing, I think it’s important to not just watch out for the ones wrapped in colorful wrapping but the ones that we bypass everyday. Life is made of mostly of small gestures and how one makes another feel. I hope to focus more on the little things that make up the color of my life instead of solely on the big details.

Next blog I’ll try to hit on the actual pageant, meeting up with other formers, the fashion shows I modeled in, and yes… those photos! I’ve got to get to work for now. I stayed the night in Nashville so I could model in a couple trunk shows. Check back soon!