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.

Tuesday the 29^th I attended a UK basketball game just for fun as Maria, not necessarily an organized appearance. This was a very eventful night! I had plans with my boyfriend to go to dinner before the game. My sweet little cocker-spaniel puppy decided she wanted to go for a run across the neighborhood right before we left. She somehow manages to look adorable after 20 minutes of chasing. Regardless of our frustration and missing our pre-game dinner, we eventually headed up to Lexington. Whenever my boyfriend and I attend UK games, or any event, it’s never boring. We always have fun with the scalpers to try to get the best seats possible. Usually, I just sit back and let him do the talking with the scalpers. However, this time I was more involved. My boyfriend Tyler didn’t forget to mention my title to them as he eventually talked them into trading our existing tickets plus a little cash to get incredible seats. I was trying to talk him into just sticking with our seats to save money, but I’m glad I didn’t! We ended up on the very front row! This was the most fun I’ve ever had in a UK basketball game! Viewing the player’s facial expressions close up through their celebration and frustration made the game more entertaining. I viewed this game from a different light after interviewing these guys earlier this year at the media day. I looked at them more from a personal point of view instead of just as a player for one of the best college teams in the nation! Within the first five minutes that we were in Rupp, the Mega-Tron recording crew turned right around and pointed right at Tyler and I! We wildly waved and smiled at the camera. This was a great way to start a game for me. Later, I caught Larry Vaught walking by and I jumped to say hello! He was busy taking notes about the game, but stopped to say hello! Shortly after, the ESPN camera crew was pointing their cameras my way asking for a wave. I believe Larry had something to do with this . They pointed towards us twice, but I believe a lack of another timeout prevented our recording from making TV.  That was okay with me though because I felt it was meaningful enough to have them interested! Needless to say, I walked away thrilled because this ended up being more than any regular game and so did Tyler after a great big blue victory.

This week has been a fun and busy week! On Tuesday I headed towards Harrodsburg with Larry Vaught to conduct interviews at Eddie Montgomery’s steakhouse. I was excited as always to get to do the interviews, but I also was anxious to see what the steakhouse looked like inside. I had been watching the building process for months waiting to go inside. Eddie was generously  hosting several girls basketball teams for breakfast this morning before their tournament later that day. Matthew Mitchell, the UK girls basketball coach, was the guest speaker. I interviewed coach Mitchell and Eddie both.

As soon as I pulled up into the steakhouse with Larry I was amazed! Everything is extremely detail oriented and completely thought out. From the roadways for tour buses, Eddie Montogmery trash cans, VIP entrances and seating for the entertainment guests (you’ll have to wait to find out who ), and even guitar shaped heating ducts, the effort that’s gone towards this restaurant is obvious. As soon as I walked in I passed the gift shop created by Eddie’s wife, Tracy. I predict that “Totally Tracy’s” will become a favorite shopping spot for many. Her creative talents are demonstrated in the wide range of goodies the unique shop has to offer. The store she had a while back in Danville would be hard to beat, but it looks like this one is going to be even better! As I continued back, the walls are lined with some of the celebrities Eddie and Tracy have met across the way. However, my favorite photo is the photo that hangs in the open eating area across the stage which catches a family photo of Tracy and Eddie. That photo proves again this family is real and knows what’s important.

I was in awe of Coach Mitchell’s passion and professionalism that shined through during the interview regarding basketball. If I played basketball, I’d want him as my coach! He explained how he thought that coaching a girls basketball team was what God had lead him to do, and it seems as if he’s doing a great job. Despite having his first loss of the season the night before, he kept his head high and stirred towards what required improvement. What a nice guy!

Speaking with and interviewing Eddie was as enjoyable as ever. Each time I see him, I’m humbled by how he talks about the things that have happened in my life this past year. He even mentioned the road signs! Regardless of his great success, he’s incredibly down to earth and personable. Gary and Larry decided to throw a curve ball right before I conducted the interview by having Eddie ask me some questions after I was done asking him mine. The laughter, insight, energy, and viewing of how great a guy Eddie really is what made this interview extra special. 

I’m really enjoying this side of interviewing and events. I’m continuing to try to grow and better my skills to be more accessible for all types of media involvement. I often get caught up in having so much fun that what I know I need to improve on goes right out the window! However, sometimes having fun makes for a great interview itself . I hope you catch the Montgomery and Montgomery interview on amnews.com!

My puppy Cali (short for Calipari) and I are wishing you all a very merry and blessed Christmas! I’ve enjoyed the season and I hope you have too! I’ve had a delightfully busy last few days that I’ve enjoyed so much! On Christmas eve my mom’s side of the family came to our house in Danville. This is a tradition since I can remember. I love having everyone over. Even my aunt from Texas came! As some of you know, breakfast is one of my favorite things. On Christmas I was able to fulfill one of my family’s best traditions of waking up and eating cinnamon rolls and also had fresh squeezed orange juice. It’s not the delicious rolls that make this tradition special, it’s the sentimental value behind it! This Christmas was a little different than normal as it was the first Christmas since my older sister got married last December. The only change was that we celebrated a little later and her and her new husband Jesse came down and we did all the gifts as normal! This worked out great because although I was anxious to start the day, I was able to catch a couple more minutes of sleep. Later that day my family and I traveled to my uncle’s house just down the street and celebrated with  my dad’s side of the family. This side of our family has many younger kids, who are always a source of precious memories. That night I attended my fourth Christmas gathering at my boyfriends house. However, it didn’t end there! The next morning, which was the day after Christmas, another one of my most favorite days of the year, my boyfriend’s dad invited me to come over about 10:00 for brunch and then for dinner with the family that night. For the dinner, I made sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole and banana pudding! I enjoy cooking and am thankful I was able to try out some of my new recipes. Although I think I may be able to live off of sweet potatoes because I like them so much, there is still a huge amount in our refrigerator at home!

I absolutely love Christmas and couldn’t get tired of all the celebrations! I love the shopping, family, friends, Christmas music, decorations, cooking, the treats to eat, and especially relaxing at home in my pajamas. I keep telling myself it’s good to have some days off . On the other hand, I’m still pursuing my modeling career. I had a photo shoot last week and another one planned for the end of January. There is a third photographer that I’ve also spoke with about a shoot soon although we decided to wait until after Christmas to schedule. With these photos, I’m building my portfolio to use in auditions. I plan to post some photos soon. Thanks for reading and hope you have a very blessed Christmas season! Let’s try to stretch it out as long as we can!