Although it may not feel like Spring outside just yet, that’s not going to stop me from accepting my week off from school. Some days can be a little overwhelming while others aren’t so bad. Things are continuing to tick right on in my modeling world. Just last week I went for an audition for a “Mr. Clean” print ad in Cincinnati. This audition was a little bit different than what I’m used to and could be a great booking! I’m starting to think I didn’t get this one because I haven’t got a call back yet, but that’s totally okay with me. I also was told about a Brooks and Dunn music video audition that I was on my way to just in time to find out that I didn’t respond back to the email in time, so the first people who responded got to do the audition. Some days are filled with slight disappointments such as these. Others are filled with huge highlights. It’s easy for me to feel down every now and then from happenings such as these. But I quickly remind myself that I just have to accept that’s the way this wild industry works. It’s never anything to take personal. I actually suprise myself how well I can bounce back from a denials since I usually am a little sensitive.

Auditions are suprisingly different than pageantry. In pageantry, everything seems more personal. In modeling, one may not get the job because he or she is simply not what they are looking for. For example, there may be a commercial who is looking to cast a red head to talk about a specific shampoo, or someone who is really short for a new brand of jeans that appears to add height. Either one of these obviously isn’t me! Sometimes when a model goes to audtions he or she may know these things going in, and sometimes they don’t. Sometimes the company doing the casting doesn’t know themselves! However, there have been other bookings that have gone my way which I’m thankful for. You’ll be seeing some of them soon . I’ll give more details after they are released!

Next up, Friday March 5th I’ll be in a fashion show at the Castle in Versailes. I’ll be wearing dresses from The Wedding Center in Lexington and also outfits from Embry’s boutique in Lexington. If you want more information on how you can attend this event, please go to http://www.thecastlepost.com/weddings_and_events_upcomingweddingsandevents.asp. There is quite an event planned for the evening which includes even more than the fashion show! I hope to see you there!

What a great weekend! Starting on Friday, I had a shoot for the magazine called “Tops In Lex.” I have admired the fashion spreads in this magainze for some time now. Needless to say, getting the call that my headcard had been chosen from Images Model and Talent Agency to take part in the shoot made me thrilled! The shoot took place at the Arts Center in Lexington. I was assigned to model for the boutique called Twirl in Lexington, which specializes in bridesmaids dresses and similar dresses for special occasions. I am so thankful to be chosen not only for this opportunity, but to have been assigned “Twirl.” The lady named Ty, who is the owner, is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met and has one of the most adorable stores I’ve ever stepped foot in. The theme of the shoot was Derby dresses. You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for the issue coming out March 18th. I will give you a little behind the scence details… a wore a  jade colored dress which I would have LOVED to take home!

On Saturday I traveled to Nashville for an audition. Thankfully, my  mom was able to go with me. I was actually a little nervous about it. Thankfully it went great and I was accepted! I don’t want to give away too many details just yet, but I hope to let you know more soon! Today was the “Images Event” at Red Mile in Lexington. This was a special opportunity to support the Woodford County Humane Society which teamed up with Images Model and Talent Agency to put together a great night. There were 3 amazing designers which supplied clothes for the 45 models to wear on the runway. I was speechless when I arrived at the fitting to see Sara Estes, who was one of the designers, because I graduated from highschool with her. I remembered how she always talked about wanting to be a designer. I can’t be happier for her that she’s making her dream come true!

Ty, the owner of Twirl, and one of the most amazing dresses ever!

Another big day is up for me tomorrow! I have a photo shoot with Alicia Carlton. I met Alicia last semester at school as we live only a few rooms down from each other. She is going to school for photography. You may be familiar with the work she did for Laura Kirkpatrick. Her work is very edgy and fun! A designer from Texas made the gown I will be wearing. I’m predicting her amazing talents to make for some really neat photos!

Last week I shot with Mark Hicks of M-Gallery in Harrodsburg. His photos are always classy with a touch of something special. I had a wonderful time hanging out with him for the day and catching up! He did my senior photos and my sister’s wedding photos.  I love the way he makes a picture look sophisticated, but still unique! He uses great lighting and tricks, which he wasn’t too shy to share with me.

I also am thankful to be pretty busy with auditions and modeling opportunities. This past week I had a job for an author who wanted models to portray the characters in her book “The Revenge.” The plot goes along with the current trend of vampires, drama, and mystery. We took several photos that will be used in the “book trailor” which will tell the story with the photos online. I’ll try to keep you updated when it is ready for viewing. However, you may not recognize me with my short, black hair wig which portrayed the character of “Tori.” I also worked to promote KCTS at the UK vs. Alabama game last week. I even got to go on the court at half time to help someone out of the stands play a game for the promotion! A few weeks ago I did an ad for “Radon testing.” I was surprised to know the amount of people that get killed from Radon, which is a common gas in households. I recommend you check your home to double check. Google “Radon Testing” to find out more.

I’ve had my blessings with the lights, cameras, and now it’s time for the ACTION! I completed an acting boot camp in Nashville to learn more about the industry. I have to say, I really learned a lot about auditioning and acting in general. I’m thrilled about being able to put my new skills to the test. Just when I thought the long trips to Nashville were complete, they start right back up again. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier with that!

Photos below are by Jerame Stephens of Lexington. I hope to get some up soon from Mark’s shoot!

My eyes were glued to the TV the other night as the Miss America pageant took place. I was so excited for Mallory, Miss Kentucky. I first met her about this time last year when I was training for Miss USA with the Miss Kentucky USA personal Trainer, Josh, in Nashville Tennessee. She was getting ready to compete for Miss Kentucky which was that summer. From that moment I met her,  I knew she was a special girl. Not only is she stunning, but she is so spunky… you just have to love her. I loved the way she seemed so down to Earth during Miss America and during the “Behind the Curtain” episodes. I admire how she stood true to her character, she really is that funny. Just thinking about her signing gives me cold chills. I was speechless. I thought her dress, her swimsuit competition, and especially her on-stage answer were outstanding. I really thought she may have been brining home the crown as she continuted to be called. I couldn’t stop smiling when she made the top 5. Even if she didn’t come home with the total crown, I couldn’t have been more proud that she got fourth runner-up. Not only did she deserve it, but it’s pretty cool both systems had a Miss Kentucky get the same place, 4th runner-up. Congrats to Mallory for her success, I can’t wait to see what doors will open for her now.

Watching the pageant also brought back positive feelings from competing for Miss USA. The Miss America girls competed on the same stage, in the same Planet Hollywood auditorium as I did for Miss USA back in April. Even the dressing room that was shown under the tent out back and the path they had to take to the stage was all the same. It was such an experience! I also keep catching myself relate to the girls for Miss America and think about what they may be thinking this or that very moment. My heart goes out for them especially as they took their plane rides home. I remember that emotional trip back to Kentucky. It was a trip I wasn’t sure I was going to make when I went to Las Vegas to compete . Nonettheless, I’ve ddiscovered it has been for the better, and I’m just grateful for every minute of the whole experience as Miss Kentucky  USA. It took me a while to really be able to sit back and look at the situation as a whole. I’m still not sure I have the ability to do that, / weeks prior. It’s interesting how my view has changed to what it is now compared to how I felt during that plane ride. I think I realize now just a little bit more how much of a blessing the whole competition was. A lot of that had to do with coming home to Danville, Richmond, and all of Kentucky and continuing to see people’s interest, support, and emotion. I’m speechless that still just last weekend I had someone from Arizona, New York, and Canada email me about sending them a signed photograph. Why me? I’m not sure… but I won’t ask questions and soak it for as long as I can:)

p.s. I regret my lack of blogging lately. My laptop had to be sent off to Toshiba for repairs. It should be easier to keep in touch now.

p.s.s. I still am doing photo shoot with photographers for advertisement and to build my portfolio. Below are some of the latest photos from Zack Delp where I got to really show my Kentucky Roots. Today I had another shoot with Mark Hicks of M-Gallery Photography in Harrodsburg who actually did my senior pictures years ago!

Wow… I can’t believe the stories about the Haiti earthquakes and the devastation there. It’s hard to believe thatthis morning earthquake number two shook even more lives. I encourage everyone to give in ways they feel are needed and reasonable.  The Haitians are with out a doubt having difficulties with food, death, and shelter. But it goes farther than that. Simple problems that cause huge problems such as not having cell phone reception for the citizens and those helping as well as medical supplies shortages are often overlooked. It can also be an easy time for infections to spread. I’m thrilled for those from our community who were in Haiti when the earthquakes struck who have made it back safely. As I read their story in the Advocate Messenger, I was reminded how much of a blessing their safety is. I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like to be there. I’m also thankful for those traveling over to offer help after the quake happened. I am trying to figure out a way myself that would be best to help and hope everyone sees that even if you feel as if you can’t give the greatest amount of money, or can’t miss a week of work to travel there, there are other options to help. Any small thought can make a difference. 

“ Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10″

This weekend I traveled to Louisville with my mom to attend the annual Miss Kentucky County Fair pageant. This was a apecial trip for me because it was one of the first pageant related trips I’ve taken since handing down the title. As you may know, I absolutely adore traveling. So I had been looking forward to this weekend at the Galt House for a while. However, it was even more special because I knew I would get to visit with my friends I’ve made throughout the year through pageants. Some people don’t believe that pageant competitors really do form close bonds, but we do! I suppose we just have special similarities and interests that make up feel like we’ve known each other for all our lives.

Two years ago I represented my home of Boyle County at this pageant. I feel blessed to have been selected as the Miss Kentucky County Fair 2008 that year. I recall this pageant as one of the most fun pageants I’ve competed in, mostly because of the many other sweet contestants. I still remember watching this pageant as my sister competed as Miss Teen Boyle County in 2001. Although it took two years for me to grow the confidence to compete in a pageant, watching the teen version of this pageant is what originally got me interested in pageantry. I wonder where I would be today if I hadn’t simply gone to watch her compete!

As far as the results go, our girls represented Danville wonderfully Elizabeth Reynolds placed in the top 15 as she represented the Boyle County Fair. Allison Carrol (who is from Danville but was representing Marion County), placed 3rd runner up among the 82 contestants! They both couldn’t have competed better. I was so honored and bragged about them a lot .

Before the night was over, I had spent time with my past dress sponsor, personal trainer, and the new Miss Kentucky USA. It was a very enjoyable weekend to remember!

P.S. I would like to send a specific shout-out to my uncle Jack,  who I feel is my most devoted blog reader. Your healing from surgery is in my thoughts and prayers!

The turning of a new year is a great time to focus on goals and plans for our futures. Many people have plans to save money, lose weight, travel and etc. The beginning of 2010 brings some New Year resolutions for me as well. One of my resolutions is to more seriously pursue my passion for modeling, acting, entertaining and etc. I want to put effort into not “falling into the cracks” as my year has ended as Miss Kentucky USA.

I’m thankful I competed for Miss USA at 19 years old. The contestants’ ages ranged from 19-27 years old. I’m hoping being on the younger side of the spectrum can mean that my career will go up from Miss USA, instead of Miss USA being the finale of my career.

As my Christmas Break from classes is coming to an end on Monday, I have made progress towards some of my resolutions that I wanted to work on during the break. I have gone on two auditions in Cincinnati, one being for the Maybelline job I spoke about earlier. I also went on another audition for a Speedway commercial.

I haven’t heard back results from the Speedway commercial yet.

I never really thought about acting in commercials. After I got the call about the audition from Images Model and Talent Agency, and attended the audition, I was surprised how much I enjoyed acting. This is something I have plans to pursue even further. I’ve also had a photo shoot for my portfolio and head cards. This shoot was w

ith a photographer named Jerame Stevens, whose work is amazing! He did some work with Laura Kirkpatrick as well, so I knew he had to be respectable.

I have about four other photo shoots scheduled from January to February from photographers who are also looking to grow their portfolios.

As far as New Years goes, I had a quite celebration at my home here in Danville with my mom, dad, brother, boyfriend, along with my aunt and cousins. We’ve started a tradition of my aunt and cousins coming down from Louisville on New Years. However, they were also in this year for my grandfather’s funeral.

Unfortunately we lost my step-grandfather (my mom’s step dad) on December 28^th.  Although we miss him here, he is truly in a better place now feeling much better, and that’s promising to know. He had been in Hospice for a while and had been going in and out of consciousness for a couple of weeks. He also was about 86 years old. This is my grandfather who gave me his car, the 2007 Saturn Aura, after Miss USA.

He was very special to me and encouraged me tremendously. I hope to never forget the things he taught me and how much he believed in me.