Crowning My Miss Texas International Successor

This weekend was the 2010 Miss Texas International Pageant. I was there to crown my successor. It was a hard job for the judges, there was plenty of competition. These women are not only beautiful on the outside, but smart, and have a dedication to the community. Each contestant has a personal platform that is near to their heart. The International system is great about helping promote the woman and her platform so that she can help elevate it to a higher level. The new winner is Ashley Smith, Miss Houston and her cause is Breast Cancer Awareness. Her mother is a survivor and she will do a great job this year to help others. It was a fabulous weekend, we had orientation on Friday night and I was so moved to meet all the contestants. Many of them had touching stories about their causes and I just applaud them for being able to speak out and help others who may not have a voice. Saturday we visited the Alamo and had a Riverboat ride on the Riverwalk, and Sunday we had rehearsal all day. Each time I go to a pageant I am just amazed and inspired by everyone. It has been a great year, and I am happy to now pass on the crown! I know that Ashley will do great things this year! :)

My Year as Miss Texas International

I have had a wonderful and fulfilling year as Miss Texas International 2009! I will be crowning my successor this Sunday March 28th, at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas. It has been such an honor to not only hold the title for one year, but to be able to make such a difference in the lives of others. This past year I traveled over 7,000 miles across the great state of Texas. I was able to promote and advocate my personal platform of "Preventing Youth Gang Crimes: Through afterschool programs and mentoring". I also helped to raise over $600,000.00 for youth mentoring and afterschool programs, with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Clubs. I just wanted to say "thank you" to all of my sponsors and supporters! Without all of you I would not have been able to fulfill my dreams!

My Dog Leia is a Cover Model!!

My Boston Terrier Leia made the cover of the Dallas Voice this week! It is because she was chosen out of 400 entries, and made Top 10 and was put online for voting. From there she had the most votes and was chosen to be on the cover!! Thanks to everyone who voted for her!! She also got a check in her name donated to LifeBark, which is an organization that is dedicated to helping people living with HIV and AIDS. We were honored to attend a party where we accepted the check for $2500.00.

Judging for the Denton County United America Pageant

This past weekend I was honored to judge the Denton County United America Pageant and there were so many great contestants! I had so much fun with my fellow judges Jain Hall and Tiffany Sherrell. There were 5 age divisions, where the girls compete in on-stage question, fashion wear, and everyone's favorite evening gown. Here I am with the emcee, national junior teen winner Blair Lynch and Mindy Le the Denton County junior teen winner. I wish all the winners the best of luck when they go to state in June!

Happy Birthday Texas!!!

Today is Texas Independence Day! It was 174 years ago, on March 2, 1836 that 59 delegates worked overnight to write the Texas Declaration of Independence during the Texas Revolution. It was then that Texas declared it independence from Mexico. The event happened at what is now Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park. To learn more visit: www.birthplaceoftexas.com.