Be True to You

     I can't believe that in less than two weeks, I will be leaving for Tucson, AZ to compete for Mrs. America! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I have been so busy preparing for this adventure, as well as working and getting two of my sons ready for college and the other children ready for school. It is non-stop activity around my house!
     As I have been preparing, there have been moments that I have questioned my own judgment and decisions. I think that when you are making any big changes or decisions in your life,  this is human nature. However, I want to share something that I have learned throughout the five years that it took me to get to this title....no one can be a better you. Trust yourself, trust your instinct and follow your heart. Leading up to the Mrs. Ohio pageant, I had made the decision, that crown or no crown, I was leaving it all out on the stage. I wanted to walk away with no regrets, and the feeling that I wouldn't have changed a thing. In my past performances, there was always something that didn't feel quite right....the clothes, the hair, the make-up, or my interview and on-stage performance itself were keeping me from being my best self. Some of this was due to letting others influence me as to what they thought I should be. At other times, it was due to my own insecurities, and the pressure I placed on myself to be exactly what the judges were looking for. But, you know what? None of us knows what the judges are looking for! And just because they didn't choose you, does not mean that there is something wrong with you. A wise friend once said to me, " a different judging panel, a different day, equals a different result". That is so true! So, do what you need to improve upon your interview skills and onstage skills, and get the advice you need as far as your "look". But, do this while staying true to who YOU are. I am doing exactly that as as I prepare for Mrs. America, holding on to my convictions, and making decisions based on what is comfortable for me what is best for my family. As Judy Garland said, "Be a first rate version of yourself,  not a second rate version of someone else".
     Please keep me in your prayers over the next couple of weeks as I finish my preparations and travel to Tucson! :)

Hugs!

Teri
Mrs. Ohio America 2013

Program Book Cover Shoot

As I reflect on my magical year as Mrs. Colorado in 2002, one of the most incredible memories was photographing the cover for the Mrs. Colorado program book.  It felt surreal, my hair in a ornate up-do created perfectly around my sparkly crown, make up that created a flawless face, and wearing an elaborate evening gown that made me feel like a queen from the inside out. I truly felt like Cinderella as she entered the ball on that enchanted evening. What was even more incredible was seeing my picture on the cover of the program book pageant weekend.

 

We shot the program cover for DeAnna Holiday, Mrs. Ohio 2013 this past week. It was full of glamour, dreams and surprise. DeAnna started her day of glamour by getting her make up done with the fabulous and talented, Muchion Hughes from the Make Up Store.

 

 

 

Mrs. Colorado Courtney Graham and roommate at Mrs. America came to be part of the day. 

 

 

Then we headed to Timothy D’s, A Salon where the incredible DJ created a beautiful hairdo only fit for a queen.

 

 

 

Then we had to find the Mrs. Ohio banner and crown in the rental car.

 

Our final stop was the photography studio – Graphique Fine Art Photography with Megan Anderson. It was so fun to watch DeAnna work her magic in front of the camera, it brought back so many wonderful memories for me.

 

The beautiful evening gown was provided by the Raeanne Smith with the Royal Image Boutique. 

 

 

The ultimate cover will be revealed pageant weekend.  One thing I do know for certain, the cover will be unbelievable as DeAnna’s words to us at the photo shoot were, “I have faith in you all.” 

 

 

Cancun Anyone?

 

For the State Finalist who sells the most tickets to the Mrs. Ohio America Pageant on June 29, 2013 will win a trip to Cancun, Mexico for five days and four nights thanks to Peter Guccione

with  World Ventures.  Visit his website at http://firestarter.rovia.com/

Who will be tanning on the beaches of Mexico this summer?

Ticket go on sale on March 2, 2013 via the website www.mrsOHamerica.com

 

 

Mrs. Ohio America Pageant

June 29, 2013

Abbey Theater of Dublin

Dublin, Ohio

$25.00 seat

7:00 P.M.

Doors open at 6:30 P.M.

General Admission