Like all or most little girls I watched Miss America. That was the dream maker and it had talent. I felt it was obtainable and all though I appreciate the Universe system as a little girl it was America. Like so many things in life I had no clue how to get involved, did not have resources and my parents weren't thrilled at the thought. We weren't the honey BOBO family. I also never felt pretty enough but it was a dream. Life is built on them.
I was a little late in the pageant world. Side lined by a life event but came back to Florida and got a job modeling full time on the Home Shopping Network. I was the fairest, unique in appearance and not model like but different. I had someone who believed in me named Barry Loper. Thank goodness! So I worked all hours of the day and would get fan mail. Most were screened as the convicts loved me but one day I received a letter. They suggested I compete in the Miss Seminole Florida pageant and were on their board. I reached out to have the blessing of having Denny and Judy Pieczonka in my life. The first local I did was Largo. I had NOOOOO clue. I rented, begged and borrowed. I came from theatre at the American Academy so I went Broadway. I even rented a costume and these girls were fierce and I just looked so out of place. I came out in this HUGE gown and it was shameful but probably funny. They had incredible gowns and sang incredible opera's. I was and still am a contralto. I am loud and strong and contemporary country. I rented a white swimsuit from someone and a gown that I taped up the bottom because it was to long.
So there I was, white blonde hair, fair as snow dressed in a gown with no one in the audience to cheer but I am sure I got a few heckles.
I was determined and not shamed. I found out I won interview but bombed the stage. I think I was screaming lost and I was so blessed to have Mary Petre and Don Morgan take me in as another daughter. They drove me to every local and took care of me. Even as far as Orlando. The year Jamie Bolding won Mary Petre told me she would win and hey I did crown Nicole Johnson in Florida and she should have won Florida prior to her winning Miss America but she did ok for herself:)
I really don't know how to put this but to say my Mom was amazing, beautiful and did her best. Supportive, not really. She told me I won't watch you compete because I don't want to see you loose.
I committed myself to only three locals a year. I was the 1st ru and I just wanted to win Mary Petre's pageant. She drove me everywhere, I stayed with them, they were family.
I competed again in Largo and Mary Petre was in the hospital with lung cancer. I never new a Mother's love like that before. I was first ru and just broke. Two weeks later I won Seminole, she passed two days later. She was always the wings for me.
Denny and Judy Pieczonka took me in as parents and I just forever am taken back by the heart of people. I lived with them and they are and will always be a huge part of my life,
If you ever question pageants, people or faith....I was so lost and someone believed in me when I could not believe in myself.
Because of their support I won Seminole and competed at Miss Florida America and Miss Florida USA.
Dream on......
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