I apologize for the delay in posts. Each day seemed to be so busy and hectic! After breakfast we had our usual rehearsals and it seemed that our days became much longer as time drew near for the final production day on September 2. During our last few days we took a little "field trip" into Tucson and had dinner together at a wonderful mexican restaurant in town. Preliminaries began on Saturday with interview and then Sunday with swimsuit and gown. Swimsuits were one piece red, designed for our group by Carol Wior. They were beautiful! We had group photos taken in them by the pool early one morning and they looked really great on everyone. During the opening for our prelim night I cannot describe the feeling of enthusiasm I felt when I walked into the room wearing that swimsuit. There were hundreds of people with signs, screaming for their delegate. It was an amazing night that I will never forget! I felt really good about all of the prelims and hoped that the Tuesday show would give me an opportunity to be named as one of the finalists. We all worked so hard to get our show number perfectly for Frit and Frat, our choreographers.
Tuesday evening during the final show I was named in the top 12. It was so exciting to hear them call my name. As I walked down I hugged some of the contestants and slapped their hands as I walked through. It was a feeling of excitement, but very surreal, like a dream almost. I mean we had all done so much to get to that one moment of time and they really called out my name! But then you realize that there are others left behind that you just wanted to be with you so much! Many of us became so close during our time in Arizona and will be friends for life.
Once top twelve were named, we rushed back into the dressing area to select a new swimsuit, a purple one or two piece. Decisions had to be made quickly and of course it was important that it look great since we were "starting over" with scores in swimsuit and gown. Once we modeled in swimsuit and gown, they were ready to announce top 6. Once again I was elated to hear my name called! My obvious thought was "OK, now comes the on stage question". Of course you wonder what it will be? There was no way to know. Once we walked off stage many of the delegates came up and hugged me, telling me they just knew I was going to win, hoping that I would. It really meant a lot to me and I won't ever forget the feeling of knowing that no matter what, I was really there in the final 6. I hoped for the title, but wanted to stay calm for question.
When it was time, we were asked to come back on stage for our question. I was the third person to hear a question. Mine was "Where do you see yourself in twenty years?" I was 45 and I got that question...hmmm well I was going to be a lot older than MOST of the contestants since most of them were in their twenties. In fact four of the six finalists were in their twenties. But I wasn't nervous at all about my answer, in fact I felt good about how I answered the question. Later I was told by many people that I answered it best of any of the other 5. That was a good feeling. While I was answering I was thinking of my Daddy. I just knew he was watching over me. I felt calm. It was over. I had completed my question. Now I just had to wait for the final three ladies to answer theirs.
Once runner ups were announced I was disappointed to be named third, but of course thankful also. Thankful that I had the opportunity to be there and represent my state in a national pageant. THE national pageant for married women. Being named third was not what I had hoped for, but was an honor, as well. I met incredible women from every state and Washington, DC! The staff were wonderful and the Loew's Ventana Canyon Resort...impressive and very cordial and warm! I can't speak highly enough about the experience. Best of luck to Maureen McDonald, Mrs. North Carolina who won the title. I wish her the best and to all of the other women from America...my best wishes to each of you as you finish your reign in your state as I will finish mine. I look forward to continuing my role as Mrs. SC America, promoting arts advocacy and DARLA, my work with the arts and foster children.
Now...on to Japan in October. I have another blog set up if you would like to visit with me. Lets Go To Japan is the name of the blog and I will begin posting the week prior to my trip on October 12. Thanks to all of you for your continued support with my Mrs. America journey. I love you all!
TOP 6 in photo above from left to right: Mrs. Connecticut, 5th runner up; Me, 3rd runner up; Mrs. Florida, 1st runner up; Mrs. North Carolina (winner); Mrs. Alabama, 2nd runner up; Mrs. Nebraska, 4th runner up.
Time for a quick photo during the evening. General Nagamine and his wife were very gracious and welcomed all 160 of us into their home for the evening. 
Our dinner consisted of authenic Japanese cuisine including beautiful sushi, all displayed very artistically for the teachers. We took lots of pictures....even of the food!
This stained glass wall curved with the curve of the stairway which was at the front entrance of General Nagamine's home. It was quite striking and very large, all with great lighting that really enhanced all of the details of the stained glass. 
