The One About Pageants.

My cousin Alaynah just gave up her title as Miss Saratoga Springs.  Alaynah was crowed last year and for the full year has done volunteer work.  She spent most of her volunteering time at the local library (another cause I whole-heartedly support).  When I saw her at Christmas, she was a confident high school senior.

I hope they'll forgive me for posting her picture.

I wish that I could have been there to support her.  There are few things I enjoy more than a pageant.  

Are you shocked?  If you really knew me, you wouldn't be.  Pageants get a bad rap, I think.  There are so few opportunities in your life to practice, put your best foot forward and then perform.  I love to sing and don't get to really be on stage like that anymore.  So much preparation goes in to making you look and present yourself in the best way possible. It really is full of lessons for the rest of your life.

I did my first pageant right out of high school and continued every summer for the next few years until I got married.  I never competed in any really large pageants (although, I placed in the top 10 at the Days of 47 pageant), I never had aspirations to be Miss Utah, I just liked participating in local programs.

There are two real reasons that I loved my experiences competing in pageants.  

 There is something about being in a beautiful dress, all made up with rhinestones that makes me feel beautiful.  Participating in pageants gave me a lot of confidence in myself.  I guess acting like you are beautiful and confident somehow makes it true.  After the pageants, while attending community events, I'd put the crown on my head and I was somebody.  Somehow, when I took the crown off, I still felt beautiful and like I was somebody. 

The second reason, is that it was something that my mom and I would do together.  We'd work for the weeks before putting together costumes and dresses.  We'd talk talent and interview questions.  It was so fun to design dresses, to shop for necklaces and heels.  We had the best times preparing together.  I always received a lot of support from the rest of my family too.

We designed this one together and mom made it.

Those experiences in pageants were some very formative ones for me.  They gave me so much confidence and belief in myself, something I still carry today, even though I don't have too many opportunities to wear beaded gowns.

I am so proud and happy for Alaynah.  I'm so glad we share pageants too.