P-A-G-E-A-N-T-R-Y

I would be amiss if I didn't share these last 8 months of this unexpected adventure with you. The easiest way I can manage to express myself would be through the acronym using the word PAGEANTRY. But first, let me tell you how all this came to be. I met Kim, the current Mrs. United States All World Beauties, last July at one of my Mystery Hostess Shows that I held. Kim is the mother of my youngest son's best friend. Learning of her title, I was awed to be so close to a title holder of such stature. She and I began having conversation about this pageant system, and I found myself being encouraged by her, hearing her say,  "give it a try". I kind of chuckled and went on my way. I couldn't stop thinking about the "what if's". Then the "whys" came, then I found myself answering back. September I found myself filling out the application to enter into a world I knew nothing about. But something I did know? I want to teach and inspire women of all ages and all walks of life, that they too can be and do ANYTHING they want using all opportunities and resources to do so.  And how can I continue to teach it, unless I continue to take risks such as this!! So I began my journey into pageantry.

Prayer~Hands down, this entry into pageantry would not have occurred without prayer. My deepest thoughts and desires are shared with God daily and I do not go into anything without going to Him first. I felt His prodding through my prayers to Him. I asked Him how this would glorify Him? I asked Him if other women could be inspired through my experience? And I asked Him if this was His will? I heard that quiet, gentle voice that said yes.

Attitude~A person with a good attitude looks at everything in a positive way, giving everyone the benefit of a doubt, always in a good mood, that smiles a lot. They are a joy to be around. A bad attitude usually means the person is negative, a downer, everything's bad, nothing is going to turn out good, someone you do not want to be around. Attitude can make you or break you. It's up to you, or me as in this case. I always look at the glass as "half full" and my favorite word in the English language is NEXT. No use sulking about it. Just keep moving on!

Giving~If you know me, you know that I am a giver. In fact, I am a cheerful giver. I love to give of my time, my resources, and even my things. Of all that I give, giving of my time is the most rewarding. Whether it's to walk/run a5k for a worthy cause, or to volunteer behind a table, or to judge a Halloween event's costumes, or to feed the homeless, there is great blessing when we are blessing others. But there is a time that I cherish the most and that is giving of time having coffee with friends, one on one. I love to hear what's going on in their worlds, their successes, their problems, and just listen and share in thoughts. I have no idea how God will work in those times, but I know He does. And I am ever grateful that He's using me to help another!

Encouragement~Blessed to be a Blessing, by a word of praise, a touch of support or a handwritten note. All of these and more help others to feel significant and worthy. The gift of encouragement has been bestowed upon me from my creator and I would be a fool not to open it up and use. There's no greater joy than to see that an act of encouragement can bring another person hope, acceptance, and life. New life. As if I could see that life come alive in others as a result of saying, "I knew you could do it", or "Atta girl". It's just as wonderful receiving encouragement. I have been so encouraged through this process. Others continued to believe in me when sometimes it was difficult to believe in myself.  My husband and our 3 children have been so encouraging. When self-doubt would creep in, I would always hear the words, "Mom, you can do this". I am ever grateful for all who continue to encourage me through prayer, notes, gentle words, a hug, or just a simple smile. Thank you!

Appearances~One of the key factors in holding a title is making appearances. This not only promoted my charities of choice and my platform, but also exposed this pageant system, All World Beauties, a fairly new system in the world of pageantry. Appearances are so much fun!!!! To be included and involved in such wonderful events allows you to see the "Bigger Picture" in the world. Through my appearances I have been priveleged to meet some outstanding organizations and people. Such as; Dress for Success, Grace Med, Cash Mob, Rick Santorum, American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen, John Whitmer, Children's Miracle Network, the Mayor of Wichita-Carl Brewer, School of Rock, Wichita Choral Society, and KAKE TV. I absolutely  love giving to my community with my resources and time. It is so true that we are blessed to be a blessing.

Nourished~There is no doubt that my soul has been nourished through this experience. Because I pray a lot, this experience has strengthened my faith and gotten me in the Word even more. I am ever grateful for the faith I have. Had it not been for this faith, I would not have had the courage to step out of my comfort zone. This experience not only makes me vulnerable to others, but also to myself. And when we're vulnerable, those glaring defects seem to rise to the surface and need to be addressed immediately. We all have them. No getting away from that fact. It's what we do with those defects when we see them that matters. We have a choice to ignore them or to face them head on making the necessary changes. I will never graduate from life! But I can strive to continue to be better every day.

Tiaras~The tiaras and crowns are beautiful. Wearing them, are fun. I believe, that in every girl, young and old, there is a "princess" inside of us. Some will deny it, others will embrace it. Why did we play "dress-up" when we were little girls? We still do!!!! Going shopping and trying on clothes, trying on the latest fashion accessories, (which should be Premier Designs!!!), and looking in the mirror. It's fun!!!! It's joyful!!! And it's affirming of that little girl within us. Having said all of this, I must say that for me personally, this experience is NOT about the crown. The crown is a representation of the distinguished title that is held. It is symbolic of the responsibilities that come with holding a title. It is meant to be worn with integrity and respect. And meant to be worn with humility, honor and pride. It is an honor I hold in high esteem and that I take very seriously,.

Risk~"Being willing to take a risk is an ESSENTIAL element to innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. Risk requires guts, passion, and the willingness to fail and try again." I had no idea how this risk would and will turn out when I said yes to this opportunity. Because of my passion for life, I was willing to take this risk to learn, to grow, to experience. I absolutely love life, and I'm willing to get out of my box and take risks such as, compete in a pageant. My attitude is, "I'm already a winner" BECAUSE I did take this risk. With the support and acceptance of my family, I have been able to continue to move forward. The excitement and enthusiasm overrides any fear to risk!

Yourself~BE YOURSELF!!! Well it's a good thing I don't know how to be anyone else!! As women, many times we tend to compare our insides with others outsides. Comparing how we feel with how they look. Feelings of inadequacy would surface, feelings of insecurities would grow, and then we become emotional wrecks, doubting ourselves. And then we'd quit. My lessons have brought me to the place of self acceptance as I am today. To accept ALL of me, where I am now, has enabled me to encourage genuinely, sincerely, and get excited for others, without any threat of self-doubt. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, my passion is to teach and inspire women to be all that they can be, learning to accept themselves as they are, believing that they too have self-worth with a purpose!

I have had such an amazing experience as Mrs. Wichita, then Mrs. Kansas. I don't know how the National Pageant will turn out, and quite frankly, my focus is on the journey itself, not the destination. What I do know is when I step out on that stage, I am representing the wonderful state of Kansas and all those that believe in me. Everything that I have done to prepare me for this event have been life changing. Pageantry is certainly the best "text" book in any classroom that I have studied.

Thank you to Gary, my husband who has stood with me through this adventure that neither one of us imagined. My kids, Michael, Christopher and Alicia. Your belief in me has kept me going when I wasn't sure I could do it. My sponsors have been incredibly generous: Top Master Inc., Dress Barn, Platinum Hair Salon, Sunny Lane Cleaning Service, Iseman Photography, Shotwell Photography, Foggy Bottom, Beyond the Window, Realty World, Wichita State University's costume shop, Fred Shanks, Jan Utter, Deb Reinink, and many more, Thank you!