Final Days at Mrs. America

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.

Day 4 at Mrs. America

Today was another great day with all of the Mrs. America ladies! This morning after breakfast we learned our modeling routine for evening gown and after lunch had some time before going out for our afternoon in Tucson. We all got a great pink cowboy hat before loading the travel bus. Dinner was at a Italian restaurant in Tucson. The music on the patio was wonderful and some was even from "my high school years". But, the rain came in quickly and soon we were all inside again. Once we got back to the hotel, most of us were so tired. I wanted to add some more stones to my costume tonight, but instead I was on the phone catching up with everyone back home. I can't wait for my family to arrive this weekend! I really miss them. Enjoy the photos. I'll send some more updates on Friday. Hope you guys have a great weekend!

Until next time...

Day Three at Mrs. America

Hey Ya'll! It is 11:30pm here and Taryn and I are just getting settled in. Yesterday and today were busy with rehearsals for the preliminaries and show. On Tuesday we received our opening number dresses and shoes. There were several colors to choose from, but I got pink, one of my favorite colors! The morning and afternoon were spent working with our choreographers Frit and Frat, two amazing guys! They are so professional, but fun. They have taken 51 ladies and turned us all into dancers somehow. I have a new appreciation for dancing and I can certainly see how important it is to know how to count and stay on beat with the music! After the morning today, we completed our first choreographed routine which will be the opening for the show. This afternoon we were fitted with our swimsuits. They are all one piece red and are beautiful! They came with a sarong wrap, but we still don't know if we'll be wearing those. We practiced our swimsuit modeling this afternoon and tomorrow morning we have a big group photo shot by the pool in our swimsuits. We all have to look AMAZING at 6:15 am! Our photographer is so cool and takes lots of photos each day. I've been taking lots of candid snapshots during our events.

Last night we had a dinner party hosted by the President of the Mrs. America Organization Mr. David Marmel. He and his staff have been so wonderful in helping each of us feel welcomed. He presented each of us a Vera Bradley bag AND sang a song to each of us that represented our state.

Tonight we had a formal dinner hosted at the resort to honor Mr. Brian Johnson, President of Loew's Ventana Canyon Resort. We each presented him a gift from our state. I was very fortunate that Carter and Holmes Orchids shipped a beautiful orchid to the resort for my presentation. We had a wonderful meal (all of our meals are great!), talked a while and then headed back to the hotel.

I will send another e-mail on Thursday to keep you all updated. Thanks for all the cards, phone calls and messages you have sent. You have no idea how special they all are and how they keep me feeling "up" and positive each day. I am so thankful to represent such an amazing state!

Until next time...

In Arizona!

I arrived late last night in Tucson, Arizona. I finally saw my first cactus and now I've seen thousands! It is so breathtaking and beautiful here! The landscape and colors are so different from home, but it is simply amazing. I will write back again a little later, but I wanted to send a photo of one of the saguaro cactus, one of the largest. It takes 40 or 50 years to grow one arm and they can grow many. Some only grow one or none at all. They live for over 150 years! Talk about being patient!

I met my roommate today. She is Mrs. Oregon. Her name is Taryn Stastny. We have had a lot of fun getting to know each other. She also has a background in the arts. Today we worked out at the gym together along with some of the other ladies. There are so many people here, but it is a very quiet place. I love it! Tonight we are all meeting each other for the first time at a dinner party for an orientation. Tomorrow morning we will all be up bright and early for a 7o'clock breakfast! Until next time...I miss you all!

Final Preparation

Well, it is almost here! I will be flying out of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Sunday afternoon for Tucson Arizona! The past few weeks have been the most hectic I have ever experienced and it's not over yet, but I feel ready to go out there and represent my state!
I am planning to post a new blog each day that I am there, but it may not be possible due to schedule issues. I know that according to our last correspondence from the National office, we will have some long days, starting at 7am and ending around 11 in the evening. My family will be coming out on August 30 right before the preliminaries begin. I will be so happy to have them safely there!

I want to say a big thank you to some very special people who have helped me get ready for Nationals and most importantly given me constant support and encouragement.
To my beautiful family...How could I ever make this without you? I love you all so much for your support. This has been a huge committment for our family. I know you realize how much DARLA means to me and knowing you are a part of this means everything to me.
Friends and Family...You are all awesome! Thanks for all you do to make my life so special.
Newberry College and the Publications/Alumni office...Thank you so much for the ad page sponsorship! I know that any student coming into your program will get years of great memories, an unbelievable education and a fantastic start to their career, whatever it may be. I am proud to say I am a Newberry College alum!
Dr. Daley and his entire staff...You guys are amazing! Thanks for giving me a beautiful smile! If everyone knew how fabulous your office was, no one would ever worry about going to a dentist again!
Genesis...I tell everyone how fantastic all of you are in Florence, SC! I can see why so many previous Mrs. South Carolina America ladies continue to see all of you. Your willingness to help people look and feel their best is so obvious from the moment you walk into your salon. What all of you do in that office is so much more than just skin and beauty on the outside. It is obvious that you bring out the best in people from the inside!
Kathy Cobb Communications...You have helped me throughout the journey to Mrs. America and through the process I have found a new friend.
Lancome Cosmetics/Belk...The fragrance you have provided for delegate gifts is great! Thank you for taking the time to make each of your customers feel special. Your continued service to helping me look good in Lancome makeup is greatly appreciated. I tell everyone to come visit your counter because of your service and smiles!
Barbara Graham, Mrs. SC America 2007... Your friendship is so special to me and throughout this process you have been a great person to talk with. Thank you for sponsoring the jewelry bags for delegates. They are beautiful and will be an actual gift that I know they will enjoy for years to come.
Representative Walt McLeod and Mrs. Rosemary...Once again you are always there for the people of Newberry County! The pins and booklets you provided for the delegate gift bags are great and give all of those ladies a peek into our beautiful state of South Carolina.
Stokes Trainor, Griffin Pools and Spas, Debra Smith/Newberry Opera House...Thank you for your financial sponsorship and helping make my trip to Tucson Arizona a reality for me and my family!
Brandi/Salon V...As always you make my hair look amazing. Your color and cut are going to help me feel my best on stage. Thanks for taking the time to show me cool things I can do with my hair, especially if I'm having a "bad hair day".
Jonathan and Heather Carter/ Carter Studios...Your photos are always amazing! They have won me a state photogenic award. Let's see what will happen in Arizona! Thanks for making the photo shoot so much fun!
Mike Goff...Your "crown and gown" shot will travel with me during this year as I have many opportunities to visit with people in our state and autograph those photos.
CATZ Formal Wear / Tammy Newton...How do I begin to thank you for all you have done to help? You always have a smile when I arrive in your shop and you take the time to help me find just the right dresses. I thank you so much for that and all that you do for the girls! I will think of you as I wear all of the dresses throughout my reign and in Arizona.
Elegant Image / Teresa Phibbs... Visiting your shop in my home county of Newberry is a treat! I want to thank you for the beautiful gowns that will travel with me to Arizona. You went above and beyond to make sure I was able to get the gowns that I really loved. Sully really appreciated that too!
Jamie Ingram and Dr. Ed Bull...Back in Shape Gym and Lake Murray Chiropractic have changed my life! Your guidance and training during the past months have given me not only a great eating routine, but a body that feels fit! No matter what happens in Arizona, I know that I feel better today than I have in my entire life thanks to your training and support!
Wayne and Mary Ellisor, First Impressions...You are always there to help with anything! Thanks for keeping me looking good and helping my family during this road to Nationals. I am happy to know you will be there cheering me on! I think back to the start of this and how you went the extra mile to make sure I had the gown I truly wanted. You are there to assist, be a listening ear, make me laugh and encourage. For that I am truly thankful!
And to Rhonda Woods, Director of the Mrs. SC America pageant...How can I ever thank you enough for all you have done to help me prepare for this national pageant? You are an amazing person who is so organized and helpful, all to give me an opportunity to enjoy this journey and have fun in the process. Your friendship will forever be treasured along after this pageant is over!

So...I am going to Arizona with no expectations except this...
I will do my personal best to make sure that I represent our state well. I truly want to win the title of Mrs. America, if God has this in His plan. But no matter what happens I know that I am representing the best state of the United States and will proudly and humbly respresent my little town of Pomaria.

Kim Sullivan, Mrs. SC America with Congressman John Spratt during 2008 Little Mountain Reunion Parade