The Evil Eye of Pageantry

The Evil Eye of pageantry is the 10% of individuals who are negative, catty, spiteful, revengeful, and downright despicable. These individuals don’t care about anything other than winning. They attack everyone – young and old. I understand that not winning is a hard pill to swallow. But it happens. Ladies - in the words of Rodney King “can’t we all just get along?”

I am appalled at some of the personal attacks that I have seen against women in pageantry. Is it really your business what happens in someone’s private life? Do you know what “really” happened or are you drawing your own conclusions based on your own selfish reasons? If you are really concerned, did you go to the head of the pageant system (local, state or National) to provide them with the information? If you did, you have your done your duty and should now step back and let them make an informed business decision. Because in the end, pageantry is a business! You are not the moral police. If you were, you would not post your “concerns” anonymously. Honestly, you wouldn’t post your concerns at all. It’s time to man up and grow up. Judges pick titleholders based on the person’s performance. You don’t have to like their decision but I suggest you respect their decision.

If not winning sends you into a tailspin that requires you to attack winners, their families, their professions, their coaches and every person who they have ever known, you need to find a new hobby. I really hope I never experience that type of personal attack because I am so far from perfect that all kinds of skeletons would likely tumble from my closet! Don’t even get me started about that one summer vacation……………………

Seriously, the Evil Eye of pageantry is only about 10% of the industry, yet it gives the other 90% a VERY BAD image. Pageantry is a small world with less than 6 degrees of separation – your behavior will likely come back if you don’t let go of the anger and move on. If you don’t like the results stop competing all together or find a system that best meets your needs, values and morals. The Christian thing to do is pray about your feelings and ask God to help you – that’s what I do even when I feel wronged or slighted.

John 8:7 - "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Whether it be a marble, pebble or rhinestone, take a hard look at yourself to see if that stone will come back to haunt you.

Observations

Have you ever just observed your surroundings? For example, I walk about 2 miles from the train to my office most days. Most of the time I'm focused on the walk to make sure I get to work on time. But at least once a week, I focus on the actual walk. During that time, I have made some very interesting observations. For example, there is a Capitol Police Officer who is always playing with his dog in the dog park - you can tell he really loves that dog. There are the two men pushing baby strollers while jogging - funny because you normally see moms doing this. There was the dead squirrel who I think was starting to decompose (pretty gross). One of the funniest was when the Capitol ambulance pulled up and out jumped three EMTs in business suits with their medical gear on their back. I understand being dressed but that was hilarious. I won't even tell you about the day the rat the size of squirrel almost ran over my foot (thank goodness I was paying attention that day).

Now that I'm at pageant week, I'm observing people.....and it's quite interesting. I'll just say I hope that all of the contestants remember this is just one week of their lives. I hope they enjoy every moment, write down memories to cherish, and go home filled with excitement even if they don't take home the big honking crown.

Life is so short that we really need to make time to stop and smell the roses. Live - Love and Laugh, at your self and at the world.

Miss International 2010

Tamika, Miss Virginia International 2010, and the other amazing young women officially began their National competition at 8pm last night for Orientation. So many beautiful and accomplished ladies. Glad I'm not a judge!

I wonder if everyone feels prepared and ready? I get the feeling that some folks didn't know what to expect because they are new to the system. Those are the folks that I love to help. You know the ones who don't have a director and are flying by the seat of their pants to a National competition that is top of the line. I'll bet those young ladies wouldn't feel "stifled" by having a director. I'm sure they would cherish the opportunity for a little (or a lot) of guidance.

Since I can't direct them all, I'll be sure to offer a kind smile and a word of encouragement to all of the ladies. I'm excited for Tamika because I know she's awesome but I'm excited for all the others who are embarking on an exciting journey that includes someone picking up the big crown. But more importantly, I hope it means that all of the ladies learn a few things about themselves, make some new friends, and take home memories for a lifetime. And maybe, just maybe VA will leave with two crowns instead of one...........................yes, I'm a little partial!

Pageant Patty Philosophy

What's a pageant patty? And is it bad to be a pageant patty? In my short pageant career, I've learned there are two types of Pageant Patty's. First, there is the girl/woman who can only answer questions for which she has been prepped and scripted. This is the Pageant Patty that gives pageantry a bad name. The other is the kind who competes on a regular basis because she enjoys competing. She may be called a crown chaser by some but in the end she doesn't do it to make herself seem better than others. She loves competing, has the means to do so, has a heart of gold, and has a lot of fun. I am not a Pageant Patty.

There is nothing traditional about me and my love of pageantry (except that I believe everything has the potential to be stoned!). I don't know the names of all the National Directors or National titleholders. I don't call other folks titleholders and ask them to sign up for my pageant before they give up their title (this is quite rude). I don't know Sherri Hill personally and I don't have a pageant trust fund. I don't believe that the depth of your bank account will determine your quality as a queen.

I'm not sure why I set myself up for the abuse I take as a pageant Director. Everyone loves me....until they don't win. Then I, along with many other pageant directors, are blasted as money grabbing monsters who fixed the pageant for someone they've never met before pageant workshop! Yet, I will say that it's the Sarahs, Tinas, Joys, and Ashleys of the pageant world who make me renew every year. When I see them grow, expand and exude that inner confidence, my heart fills with pride.

Rhinestone's Sparkle for Life

In 2006, I found a hobby that I absolutely adore - Pageantry. I was fortunate to win the title of Mrs. Maryland International that year and to make top ten at the National pageant.

My friends decided that my passion for crowns and sparkles would earn me the name of Rhinestone. I love it. It says everything that I want to convey. I have a sparkle for serving the Lord, loving my family, serving my community, and helping those in need. So, like a Rhinestone - I have a sparkle for life!

I invite you to follow me as I share tips and random thoughts that may give you a reason to smile, laugh, shine or just sparkle!