Deanna Linz~TV Host and Pageant Coach

When I was a little girl I always had big dreams. My Dad encouraged those dreams with shows like "Life Styles of the Rich and Famous." In fact, that is how I ended up at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. My Father dared me to audition after watching one of the shows and I did. Much to ALL of our surprise I actually was accepted. We were a working family so we could afford the summer session (so I drove from Florida to California by my self in a Ford Escort Wagon...I am sure looking sporty:) and then was offered attendance into their program. We just did not have the money and I was never made to live the streets at 18 of Hollywood so I came home. I found myself working fulltime as a model for HSN so to me this was a left handed version of Hollywood. This is also where I met my great "sister" Lisa Humpries 20 years ago. ( I graduated college  the year my Father died, but hey I GOT THERE, right! I also worked fulltime time and paid my own way so I am proud of that)

This brings me to this week. The dream is still there for me and yes I do realize that it may just be a dream but if its in your heart...NO ONE and I mean NO ONE has the right to take that from you.

This past week was AMAZING and Janet Bolin, besides the fact that my husband's favorite racer is not her favorite racer:), is impeccable. I am so excited for her and the true opportunity that the International system offers. It gives you the voice in the crown. You know the one that when you screams FIRE everyone listens too.

I am a big supporter of the dream. There are naysayers that may not "get" you but that's ok. At the end of the day, if you get you and its in your heart, never give up on your dream. I don't care if its a silly dream to others but dream it and live it.

Shannon said this week that its about the journey and that is so true. My journey, lets face it, has been a bit bumpy. I can't change my life and Lord know sometimes I truly wish I could but I am BEYOND blessed to have my husband and my son and that I still can dream. I have lost both parents, had a heart attack, stroke, surgery, two deployments, breast Cancer (sister) and of  course my little man who spent his first 6 months in the hospital. Its not really been the best couple of years but every year I grow and every year I get stronger. This is why I do the International pageant. I am not special, my story is not special. When you are out there hearing other stories, clarity comes to life and it no longer about ME but about WE.

I was asked this week, can you do this job with a sick child and your heart issues? Well, I just wanted to scream " YOU DON'T KNOW MY LIFE". I am so blessed because of the education that the American Heart Association has given me. My parents were not that lucky. If it weren't for my volunteering and now working for AHA, I would not be here. As far as my son, he is not sick, but so so so special. He does has Cerebral Palsy but shines and advances everyday and is our miracle. "Sick" he is not. My hero he is.

There were 54 BEAUTIFUL, STUNNING and ACCOMPLISHED ladies at Mrs International this year and not one was more deserving than the other. When you have 5 judges in 5 minutes that form an opinion, that does not define who we are. They did pick an amazing lady though so I am so excited for that. I was lucky number 13 out of the 54 and top 12:) We all were!!

I also have to say what an incredible job all of the out going queens did this year. Shannon, Ashley and Juliana left some BIG shoes to fill. I was able to get to know Juliana and the McKee family this year through all of the work Jules did for AHA so I have officially adopted her as my little sister. Yes her crown was MUCH bigger that mine but her heart is even bigger than that.

My Father also said to me that if you give up your dreams you die. Well, I am not ready to go yet so look out world.....my head is high and I am moving forward with 53 new  INCREDIBLE friends.

A few quick shout outs to Group A for Awesome, Mindy Urzua, Sophia (AUS), Jacque, Kari,Riccha, Elizabeth and Lori...you just are all so amazing and I love you! A special one to Lisa Humpries,

To my sponsor and incredible friend, Joe Peri and SKINN Cosmetics, there are no words. I am soooooo blessed in your belief and love. To Joey, Clay and Terry, although I did not win, I felt like the winner all week. I love you all.

The International family is just that, family. Anyone involved is truly blessed.

I will post additional pictures when I arrive home but again, WOW what a great week. To Janet...ROCK IT GIRL. I know you will do amazing things with the NASCAR FOUNDATION and you are a true example to us all. To the rest of my class...GO 13!!!!

What is my journey? I am still walking and when I get there you will know. Never say never and never give up on your dreams. If you feel that someone may have not "got" you, don't let them "get" to you. Winner's are often not "gotten" but they are never forgotten. Walk your walk, pave your path and always listen to your heart.

Signing off from Mrs International 2011! Off to the best job ever...Mommy and Wife!