Tuesday, March 13, 2012

My journey as Mrs.Tualatin International

Competing in a pageant takes a lot of work and preparation.  More than I had ever imagined.  I realized for us first timers it is very time consuming.  Finding sponsors...figuring out what suite, dress and fitness wear to buy.  Then you have hair and make up.  And it's not just any dress, suit or fitness wear.  It needs to be pageant appropriate.  I have to admit coming from a fashion back ground I found this VERY difficult.  Including changing my walk.  Having modeled on and off for twenty years my runway walk is deeply ingrained in me. But what I learned most about this experience is my lack of willingness to be open.  I have known for years that I struggle to trust; to let people in. Over the last 12 years I faced much pain. Including a failed relationship to the father of my two children;  thrown into the world of a single mom.  Balancing being there for my children and putting food on the table.  To caress their pain as well as manage my own.  I shut down and closed up.  I figured this way no pain could enter, but I failed to realize I'm also shutting the love out.   I failed to communicate why I choose Soles4Souls as my platform for the pageant.    Why helping others who are less fortunate means so much to me. I refused to show vulnerability, but truth be told  I was once one who struggled.  2007 I became a Real Estate agent.  In 2008 the market crashed and I crashed with it. I struggled to provide the simple daily things for my children. I swore when I came out I would share my story and stretch my heart to give back.  Soles4Souls provides shoes for those who struggle.  They do not discriminate why. It can be due to a natural disaster, for those who stay in a shelter, an orphan...the list is endless.   17 million children are WITHOUT shoes.  So while you are thinking about what shoe to wear with what outfit they go without.  It seems simple...it might even seem too simple. Just TRY and go through a day in your life without a pair of shoes.
My message is simple.  I know how it feels to struggle with things so simple.  And I'm here to help change the world one shoe at a time:)

PacificPageants Online Magazine is out! Check out page 19

http://issuu.com/pacificpageants/docs/pacpageantmag_marapril_2012

click on the link:)

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Soles4Souls | Soles4Souls Reaches Out to Tornado Victims

Soles4Souls | Soles4Souls Reaches Out to Tornado Victims

Let the count down begin! 6 days till the pageant!

I can't believe how fast time flies!  With only 6 days till the pageant I can feel myself getting all gitty inside!
It has been a wonderful journey where I have made some amazing connections and friendships!  I never imagined it would have taken me where I am thus far.  I truly feel so blessed!