Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network Luncheon

I was invited to be a guest of Arapahoe/Douglas NAMI at the Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network luncheon. I was invited because of my volunteer work with NAMI. It was a great luncheon with so many who came together to support this wonderful cause.

After the luncheon, I had an opportunity to meet the featured speaker, Pete Early, and to share my story. We are pictured holding his book, Crazy. He spoke of the true insanity of todays mental health care. Check out his blog to see the story he wrote that included my own story.

Kites for Life

I sponsored a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) booth  recently at the Kites for Life festival sponsored by the Douglas County Second Wind Fund. The mission of Second Wind Fund, Inc. is to decrease the incidence of teen suicide nationally by removing financial and social barriers to treatment for at-risk youth and to create a network of local affiliates to provide such services in their own communities. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze for flying Kites. It was wonderful to connect with so many people in my community who were there to bring awareness to suicide and prevention.

Miss Crown Jewel

Recently I was speaking with some friends online about wishing there was a way to enter a pageant to get feedback before I compete at Beauties of America this summer. One of my friends, Joy, suggested that I audit a local pageant. After much debate, I decided that it would be a good idea. I would be able to practice my stage work and get feedback on my wardrobe, hair, makeup, etc. So I entered the Miss Crown Jewel Pageant run by Valerie Sweely. It was a fun, one day pageant that had only two areas of competition: Evening wear and fun fashion.

Much to my surprise, three out of the five judges for the day were dear friends. Michelle Wegner, Mrs. United America was one of them. I think I was more nervous because I wanted to do well and impress my friends. I probably tried too hard. They were so gracious and gave me a ton of feedback.

Of course, it was so much fun to watch two of my clients compete. Congratulations to my clients, Tiegan and Hawley for their new titles!!!

This pageant was the morning after Ashley was crowned Jr. Miss Colorado-World. She was still glowing from the night before. I wonder if she ever took the crown off?

It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who would like a little practice and feedback before their next big pageant.

Miss Teen Colorado-World

I recently attended the Miss Teen Colorado-World pageant hosted by the pageant director Christina Sacha. I met up with friend and Mrs. United America, Michelle Wegner. It was a first class pageant, but that was no surprise. Christina is a first class lady. 

 Two of my best friends in pageantry and in life were there, (L) Rita Case and (R) Erin Feltes. Both of these women have been such a positive influence in my life.

It was an honor to meet Miss Colorado USA 2010, Jessica Hartman. She was on the judges panel. I did not envy her! There were so many fabulous young ladies that night.

It was also an honor to meet Pageant Legend Gaspar Cruz! He is the Director for Miss Teen World. He is such a kind and generous man.

It was wonderful catching up with Micayla Keely, Miss Teen Colorado-World 2009. We made several appearances together. She always had a great attitude and so much energy!

Heidi Hume is such a gracious young woman. I have to tell a story on her. The night of the pageant, one of the contestant's  gowns tore and was not wearable. Heidi quickly offered one of her gowns and saved the evening. That young lady went on to win the title. Now can you see why I love and admire her?

 Congratulations to Victoria Korthuis, Miss Teen Colorado-World!! I was so happy and excited for her. She was such a fabulous city title holder for two years before finally taking home the crown. She will represent Colorado well. I look forward to following her year.

The highlight of the evening for me was getting to see my client, Ashley Berry, crowned Jr. Miss Colorado-World. I am so proud of her. She has come a long way in the past year. Good luck this summer Ashley!!!

Emceeing the NAMI Walk Kick Off Event

Greg (R) is the organizer for the  Colorado NAMI Walk. He asked me to be the emcee for the kick off event. I was honored to do so. Nichol (L) is who came up with the tag line "Taking the ugly out of mental illness." I look forward to working with both to have a successful walk. If you would like to donate or participate, please go to my Walker Page.

Lacy is the director for NAMI Colorado. She works tirelessly for those with mental illness and their families.

Friend and fellow queen, Tanya, Mrs. Colorado Galaxy, helped emcee. She made a lovely "Vanna" as we gave away gifts at the end of evening. Matt is from the Mental Health Network. We support each other's efforts to help those with mental illness.

This gentleman is at most events. He has such a passion for helping others. I look forward to seeing him again.

Wounded to Wow

I recently had the honor of being the guest of Brenda Baecker at a womens meeting. Brenda shared her amazing and inspirational story of how God used pageantry to take her from wounded to wow. Brenda is Mrs. Colorado International 2008. She passed the crown on to me in 2009 and we have been good friends and pageant sisters ever since. If you would like to have Brenda come speak to your group, contact her at mrscoint08@hotmail.com.

Outstanding Scouter 2010

I received the Outstanding Scouter Award again for Troop 794, Arapahoe District. This is the second time I have received this prestigious award for Boy Scouts. The first time I received it I was a Cub Scout leader. This time I received it for my dedication and service to the Boy Scouts. I do give about 6 hours a week to Scouting. As an adult leader and merit badge councilor, my goal is to encourage young men to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Yes, I do take the uniform off at night. 

Miss Colorado Preteen Pageant

I recently attended the Miss Preteen Colorado Pageant with two friends, E-Dee (L) and Tanya (R). They are the newly crowned Colorado Galaxy Queens. It was so much fun to sit with them. This was also my first formal appearance as Beauties of America Colorado's 40's.

One of the wonderful things about pageants is all the amazing friendships that are formed. Both of these young ladies attended to cheer on friends. I love these girls!!!

I had the honor of being at Katelyn's crowning as the emcee for the Colorado Coed pageant. I was so inspired by this pageant that I wanted to compete in a system that is divided by age categories, too. This is why I a competing at Beauties of America.

Congratulations to Rylee, the new Miss Colorado Outstanding Sweetheart. I also met her through the Colorado Coed pageant. She is so energetic and always has a smile on her face!

Congratulations go out to my client, Ashley. She won best essay and Fabulous Face as well as placing 2nd runner up!! Way to go, Ashley!!!

Colorado and Wyoming Galaxy Pageant

I had a wonderful time at the CO/WY Galaxy pageant. I was able to attend with my dear friends Tiffany and Shannon. Shannon brought her step-daughter, Taylor. She is a beautiful young lady. I wonder when we will get her into pageants?

L-R Jessica and Erin are both 2009 Colorado Galaxy queens. As Mrs. Colorado International, I had the honor and fun of making several appearances with both of these fabulous ladies. They are both dear friends now. Jessica was also Mrs. Colorado International 2007.

I met several visiting queens. Yolanda Makel is the reigning Ms. Galaxy. She is so transparent and genuine!

The reigning Miss Wyoming International is Alyssa. I am so excited for her to attend International!

Brandi is Ms Essence. She was the co-host for the evening. What a gracious lady!

Congratulations to my friend E-Dee for winning Ms. Colorado Galaxy!

Congratulations to my dear friend Brenda for taking first runner up to Mrs. Colorado Galaxy. She also is a Mrs. Colorado International queen.

RaeJean is the director of this quality pageant. She has done an amazing job of putting together a fun and fair pageant.

I was there to support two of my clients, Tanya (L) and Sybrina (R). Good job ladies!

A huge congratulations to client and friend, Tanya, the new Mrs. Colorado Galaxy!!! All your hard work and following hours of advice paid off!! Now to get you ready for the Mrs. Galaxy Pageant!!

We all met at Old Chicago's Pizza for an after party. After a long night, it was wonderful to kick off my shoes with outgoing Miss Colorado Galaxy, Amanda. She has done an amazing job as a title holder!

All Things Diva

I am so excited to announce that I have been selected to be the pageant writer for the new website, All Things Diva . I have already written three articles! I invite you to check out this website if you haven't already. Also, if you are on Facebook, come on over and "like" our page! The easiest way to find my articles is to go to the ADT colums and click on Crown Connection.

Mrs. Colorado Pageant

I recently attended the Mrs. Colorado Pageant with a fabulous group of ladies. We are all friends through pageantry. I would have to say that some of the most amazing women I have met, I met through pageants. These ladies are no exception.

Of course, this lady is no exception. This is Heidi, Miss Teen World Colorado. Her successor will have big shoes to fill.

My friend, Brenda, came all the way from Montrose for the weekend. The Mrs. Colorado Pageant, a preliminary to the Mrs. America pageant, is probably one of the most amazing shows in the world. I was not disappointed at all this year. Another quality and entertaining show was put on by the director, Emily and her crew.

It was wonderful to catch up with my friend and client Jennifer who also happens to be Mrs. Colorado US Beauties. 

These ladies are some of my dearest friends. Jessica, far right, performed with her dance troop and put on an amazing performance!

I was there to support my dear friend and client, Erin! Way to go, Erin. She placed top 15 in a field of 47 women! She is definitely one of my heroes!

This was also a reunion for three years of Mrs. Colorado International queens: Brenda 2008, Jessica 2007 and myself 2009. What a fabulous night of friends and pageantry!!

Holiday Pageant Double Header

My two beautiful friends, Shannon and Tiffany, were judges for the Miss Holiday Pageant and the Colorado Coed Preliminary. They had the difficult task of choosing the winners from a beautiful group of girls.

 Miss United America, Teresa, was the gracious emcee for the pageant. She really did a good job. She even experienced the daunting task of not having a contestants paperwork, so she created her own narrative for this young woman's evening wear. She actually did a really good job!

Some of the lovely Colorado Coed Queens were on hand to help out. They did a wonderful job of organizing the contestants and helping them on and off the stage.

Deonn is the energetic Director for the Colorado Coed Pageant. I love this lady. She has such a big heart and a real passion for the Coed program. I am honored to call her my friend.

A special shout out goes to my client, Ashley. She won her age division for the Coed Preliminary and tied for the Supreme title as well as winning best in Fashion Wear. Congratulations, Ashley!!!