Going Wild for Mother Earth!

So, the pageant experience wasn't all bad because it allowed me a trip to the West coast and even better, a road trip from Arizona to Nevada and back with my mom, aunt and sister. I saw so many beautiful sights and animals during our trips, but I just wanted to highlight one of the most daring things that I, and probably my aunt too, has ever done.

On the way back from Nevada, we expected to see wild animals along the way, but we didn't expect to get close to them. We road past some wild horses in the desert and as you can see from the photos, there's not much to separate you from the wild there. These horses touched our hearts because they were trying to reach the puddle of water on the other side of the fence but they couldn't get to it. We were so sad to see them dehydrated, so we thought it would be a bright idea to feed them the water that we had for our road trip.

This shows that my platform still stands and that our actions are indirectly affecting our wildlife and marine life.

In Conclusion...

Congratulations to Amy Diaz, our Miss Earth United States 2009!

Amy performed very well at all points of the competition and I'm sure she will be a great representative for the United States at Miss Earth.

Now for my performance review...

Shame on me for thinking that my knowledge, passion and beauty would qualify me for the title of Miss Earth United States; I was sadly mistaken. To those of you who follow this blog, you all know that I like the "earthly" part of being Miss Earth Maryland far more than wearing the crown and sash.

During pageant weekend, I lost myself because I was not prepared for what I was about to endure. If you have never done a pageant before where you had to spend days and long hours with other "pageant girls," let me give you a brief description. I went there energized and ready to meet everyone, do photoshoots and activities but by the day of the pageant, I was crying on my best friend's shoulder. I came to the conclusion that I am not cut out for pageants, personality wise. I noticed that I was far more selfless, confident and less superficial than most of the women who surrounded me. I felt like I was in a barrel full of cats and I just kept getting clawed, pulled down and stepped over.

Although I was confident and knowledgeable about environmental issues and prepared for the stage, none of that mattered once my personality faltered. The worst part was my undying need to always be honest and follow rules--one of the reasons I don't have photos; none of that mattered either. (Next time, I'll scribble "Mickey Mouse" on the signature line, get it notarized and see if it goes unnoticed.) I felt like an empty shell fighting to bring myself back. After crying and venting to my best friend, I felt re-energized and ready for the stage. I felt that I had performed so badly that I had to leave it all on the stage that night and I am proud that I did!

I learned a valuable lesson from that experience and from watching some of the more seasoned girls of note, Amy Diaz, Anastagia Pierre and Dani Reeves (all who won titles that night and in the USA system). I must develop tough skin in order to be successful at the pageant "game."

After sour-graping, I realized that it was destined for Amy Diaz to become Miss Earth United States and that something for me is in waiting. I would like my readers to know that I always strive to set examples in everything that I do so that others may learn from my mistakes and successes; so I live each day with no regrets, only lessons learned. I will continue to shoot for the moon and reach more stars.

Pageant photos coming soon (hopefully)...

Thank you Earth Pageant Productions for an eye-opening pageant experience.

Pageant Results...
2009 Miss Earth United States titleholders:

Amy Diaz -Rhode Island - Miss Earth United States
Danielle Bounds - Mid-America - United States Miss Air
Anatasgia Pierre - Florida Sunshine - United States Miss Water
Dani Reeves - Central U.S. - United States Miss Fire

Today Is the Big Day!

Tonight, I will compete to be Miss Earth United States. Everything that I have done up to this point and on will determine if the judges think that I will be the best representative for the title. My passion and confidence says that I am the winner!

The road to this pageant and all of the preparation that I have done have made me a better me and I hope that the judges will see that. I do not regret anything that I have done in regard to this pageant.

I will update you with results later.

Stay tuned...

XO

Tia

Today Begins Pageant Weekend...

I am on the road with my family today heading from Arizona to the pageant in Nevada. For some reason, I love this road trip. I'm no stranger to the journey across these state lines and it never gets old!

Today we're in for registration, photoshoots and rehearsals. Fun, right! The best part is that I will finally meet the best pageant director ever! The man behind the United States Earth Pageant.

I will update with photos later...

Wish me truth (not luck) :) I believe in this cause with my whole heart so I don't need luck, I need the wisdom and confidence to let the judges see the real me.

XO
Tia

My Future Beauty Queen!

This is my niece wearing my crown and heels. She's a a-diva!


XO
Tia

My Regards to Miss and Teen District of Columbia International

Dear Queens,

It is with great regret that I inform you that I will not be able to attend your sendoff party, because I am currently en route to compete in a nationally competition myself. Though I know that you will make me and every judge who helped select you proud at nationals, I wish I could be there to support you. I still remember that day judging and I recount it in my head frequently as I prepare for my national pageant. Judging experience is invaluable and I appreciated and took in every moment of it. I regarded myself the "nice judge" that day because I believed I was asking easy questions to make you all feel comfortable and to treat you all as I would like to be treated as a contestant. The things that I learned from watching each judge and contestant that day will help me be the best that I can be at my national pageant.

Enough about me and my experiences...

Juliana: You are a phenomenal young women; I only wish that I was as focused on a goal as you are on your platform. If you show that same confidence to those judges at nationals, I'm sure you will blow them away as well. Remember to always let your inner beauty shine on-stage and in interview! At the risk of sounding strange: I will never forget those piercing blue eyes.

Amanda: Your inner beauty shined, shined, shined brighter than any light in that interview room. Not only was I impressed when I looked at your photos and platform statement, but meeting you was the icing on the cake! You exemplified the meaning of true beauty and showed me what every beauty pageant should be based on. I learned so much from watching you that day. Please show them the same Amanda at nationals.

I'm looking forward to having tea and toasting to your (our) national titles!

Cheers,

Tia

Five Days Before I Meet My Pageant Sisters...

I am looking forward to the pageant and festivities! I will update you on the happenings when I get there!

XO
Tia