Hey! I’m glad you’re here! This post is part of a 31 Day writing challenge hosted by The Nester. During the month of October, I’m writing on Southern A Way of Life. I will be back to my ‘regular’ posts in November. Consider pushing that follow button to the right for all my latest posts. Thanks y’all!
Day 14
Many a little girl’s dream is to wear a crown and pageants, in the South, provide crown opportunities galore. Girls, from infancy until grown and married, can compete for these glittering tiaras. The contestants have a variety of pageant options. Some are strictly beauty competitions while others focus on talent and interview. Some pageants even award food themed titles like Miss Strawberry Festival, Miss Peach Blossom, and Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival.
Among certain circles, pageants are a rite of passage. Those from outside the pageant world might view the experiences as silly. I’ve learned that to enter and compete is hard work and not for sissies. How many of us truly are blessed with a natural ‘fit’ body, know how to walk gracefully in 4″heels, have a talent to share that has taken years of practice to hone or have the ability to answer rapid fire questions ranging in diverse topics from social issues to current events: local, national and international, to questions of a personal nature? To be competitive, girls that are serious about winning must know all of the above in addition to choosing the right dress, make up and hair.
Southern girls are pros in the pageant world. Only watch Miss America and see how many Southerners make the cuts. In my state, we’re very proud of those who have been crowned. When a crowned Miss is at an event signing autographs, I’ve seen lines down and around a corner.
My favorite part of serving as an interview coach is watching girls grow and change and transform before my eyes into young women. I love seeing them discover who they are, what they believe, what the world is all about and learn how to relate their experiences to others. I feel like their proud mama because I know they will succeed in life after watching how hard they’ve worked.
Here I am back in my pageant days
Doodlebug and her daddy when she competed.
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What do you think about pageants?
Blessings,
Mimi
“She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.” Proverbs 4:9 NIV Bible
I can reply because I saw Katie transform when she competed for Jr. Miss…was wonderful watching her work so hard for something she truly believed and winning 1st alternate as well physical fitness was ‘winning’ in her book. She worked hard and really stood out. I’m glad she was rewarded for that. All young girls whom I have helped thoughout the years really have a special place in my heart. I, like you, love seeing them grow, especially when they discover their own opinions, their drive to be their best and show the world they have what it takes…it truly grows a girl to do a pageant, or scholarship program..hey, and the scholarship winnings aren’t too bad either.
You’re the best! : )