I think I still am in shock. Ok I know I am! Last Saturday my husband crowned me as Mrs Maryland International 2012! Yes, the picture is me but at times I did think that photoshopping was my only option. After multiple tries, I won! We have lived in Maryland for 4 years and I am so excited to be able to represent our state. As a military spouse, you move around a lot so this is the closest thing to home I have. Although I do have to say that don't ever mess with the Florida Gators or Tampa Bay Buccanneers with me! Florida will always own a piece of me as I grew up there!

It was an amazing weekend and congrats to my new sister queens also. Kristyn Admire, Miss VA, Jennifer Williams,Mrs Va, Miss Maryland, Chardia Murray and our little miss title holders.

Thank you also to Deshawn Shepard, my new state Director. How lucky am I.

I love you Andy and thank you for always allowing me to pursue my dreams!

I remain blessed~

Mrs Maryland International 2012

Deanna M Linz

Everyday I feel blessed. Saturday was a great event that really made me love the "community". Thank you to the Ivy Community Charities for all you do for the American Heart Association and so many other great organizations.

I arrived for the 5k followed by many clouds and no umbrella. It was amazing! They awarded me with a check for $700 for AHA!

There may have been clouds but it was a sunny day for heart health!

I remain blessed

Choices.

We all make them, we all question them and I promise you...90% of the time they are wrong. Much like that aweful plane speech in an airplane ( I still would fully support the parachut speech and may the best jumper win) but seriously none of us come out of the womb with a manual in are hands. Oh, if our parents could have been so blessed.

As a Mother,wife and friend....unique job descriptions...how do we make the choices we need to make???

I guess the answer is to choose God, choose family and pray those will love you for just being you. Dream the dreams of many and taste the reality of salt. On some things its just salty but on the perfect piece of fruit its devine!

Never give up on your dreams, be healthy, choose wisely.

With sincere heart~




Thank you Dani from the United Way for inviting the American Heart Association! I had a great day!

  I really enjoyed today at the RFK stadium for the Howard University kick off game. I worked at the health pavillion and it was so fun to hear the music and feel the spirit of the start of football. My greatest memories growing up was football season! I grew up in a time that included multiple TV's plus a head set via radio. My Grandpa's BOTH were advid sports fans as was my Brother.

I love this time of year!

With sincere heart~

D

Join us on November 5, 2011 for the Greater Washington Heart Walk!
Help us raise $2 million! Register today at
http://greaterwashingtonheartwalk.org/

If you are a company, church or civic organization that would like me to speak at one of your events, please contact me at deanna.linz@heart.org! I am a survivor, you can be too! Get educated, learn your numbers and what they mean. Lets get up and get moving together!

If you raise $25 or send 10 emails from your Heart Walk Website between today and August 31 you will be eligible for a $100 groupon card. Groupon is a deal-of-the-day website that is localized to this area. Everyday Groupon features unbeatable deals on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in your city. One winner will be selected at random from all of those eligible . . it could be YOU!

The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization working to prevent, treat and defeat heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. These diseases, the Nation's No.1 and No.3 killers, claim more than 865,000 American lives a year. Thanks to all our walkers, donors and volunteers who have accepted the challenge to help fight heart disease and stroke. We cannot achieve our mission without each one of you

With sincere heart~

Deanna

You know how time passes you by and sometimes you just forget. For me it was survival I suppose. Honestly, at times it seems so much like a blurr. I had one of my great friends AJ remind me of things that were just two years ago and yet in my head...its a lifetime.

Today while at National Naval Medical Center/the new Walter Reed Medical Center we ran into one of Carter's doctors. He reminded us of what I had forgotten, well not really...but reality hit. They talk about Carter ofter as he is the ONLY case most remember weening off an epinepherine drip. Usually as he put it, was a time to say goodbye.

Carter is a miracle and our Rocky.

I have to admit that the past few weeks have been rough on so many levels. Its really not been a feel sorry mode but more like what did I do in my last life kind of state. I mean seriously, so much was just brought on by me but COME ON, REALLY! I had an amazing time in Chicago because I was surrounded by SO many incredibly ladies. I know so many people REALLY do not understand why we subject ourselves to five complete strangers and call it fun, but we do and HEY, I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING. Although Disney is looking pretty good to me at this point.

After we left Chi town and drove to get out furry family, I decided that there was no better way to end a trip then to take off the back of our bumper by BACKING into a ditch!!! Yes, idiot...please check here. Then we get home and one calf is swollen and THANK GOODNESS I work for AHA that I was admitted to NNMC for a DVT. Then, apparently, I am allergic to contrast because hey I am also allergic to milk, Plavix and at times a few family members so its just gotten better.

I did attend our all staff for the American Heart Association which was amazing! First, I can jump rope in 5 inch heels with HEART CHASE and yet FALL just walking on my own two feet. How I just wanted to lay there and cry but I was SO horrified, I brushed off, prayed for coffee and a quick exit and now I am the proud owner of a bruised ego and a third degree burn from a LEAN CUISINE CHEESE POCKET on my chin. REALLY, YEAH...really and a broken wrist!

Out of all this, this is God purpose. We sat there through seminars and encouragement, bathroom breaks and me discovering that I will NEVER book a trip via a tour guide to meet the ultimate reason.

What people do not realize is what the American Heart Association does. I get asked ALL the time, where does the money go. I can pull up to the pie chart and it will tell you that 93 cents on every dollar goes to the cause. Yeah...what does that mean????

There is a young lady in Virginia that was not feeling well and collapsed at school. She was blue. The American Heart Association Doners had supplied AED's to the school and no one thought it may save a life.

The nurse used the AED and saved her life. She had an irregular heart beat and now has a pace maker.

At that point I got it. This is what I do, this is who I am, and this is the reason why.

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!

Hello~~ First I apologize for the photos but I am working off a net book. Secondly, WOW. I have truly made friends to last a lifetime!

Also, in regards to the hair...yes I am not a natural blonde, SHOCKING :) So I went back to my roots!

Be who you are and embrace the journey, we only have one time so live a little!

Listen to your heart~ Deanna

The day started out with a good workout, then makeup and then the interview. It was a great panel of judges. I learned a long time ago not to guess how I did because all I can do is my best. You like me or don't. I was just real and me. I just pray it all went great but I do know its in God's hands.

Some have asked, yes we have FOUR pregnant ladies competing this year. Montana, Idado, Nebraska and one more, They all are so cute! Idaho is in my group, love her.

Here is my interview group....off to rehearsal then Meet and Greet is tonight!

Listen to your heart~D

Good evening!

It was a wonderful packed day full of a trip to downtown Chicago, a boat ride, rehearsal and a makeup seminar! This will be short today but I promise to blog more tomorrow. I have to get some zz's as Carter is sleeping and my interview is tomorrow morning!!!!

Here are some pictures of the day~

Listen to your heart~Deanna

Orientation Shoes! Happy shoes!



Mrs Kentucky, Lisa Humpries and I

 Orientation was tonight. It was great. I know it sounds like a cliche but everyone looked beautiful. I was so blessed to be there and excited that I did not take a lot of photos but Paula Preston was taking them and I am so excited to see them!

I have to say I LOVE Oklahoma. There must be NO unattractive ladies in that state and Autumn is also very sweet! Minn too. Another just stunner. It was so nice to see everyone and I look forward to tomorrow where I can really get to know them. Arkansas also...really Ms Bernee...what are you feeding your ladies! I want some.

This is brief as I am off to bed but a few quick notes...there will be a top 12 this year. Exciting!

Listen to your heart....D

Thank you for the flowers!

With the beautiful Mrs Arizona! Jennifer Olson. Love her.

Love the program book covers! Clay Spann did an amazing job as usual!

CHEESY TOURIST PHOTO:)

I love my Carter!!!!!Taking in the view...from a distance!



More views!



I am so excited, blessed and honored to have the opportunity to compete for the title of Mrs International 2011. I really would not be here if it weren't for my incredible husband and wonderful sponsor, SKINN Cosmetics. I am also so blessed to work for the American Heart and Stroke Association so thank you for allowing me the time off!!!! This is truly a mission of the heart for me...literally!

We arrived yesterday to the Doubletree Hotel and Convention center in Skokie, Illinois.The unpacking of the car took some time so after my wonderful husband dragged multiple luggage carts up to the room, I sent him off to watch Harry Potter while I organized and hung with my little man.



 Today started with a workout and an errand then the day began. Andy and I really wanted to "tour" Chicago today as this is my final attempt at a dream for me. We have never done the tourist thing so out the maps came and off Andy, Carter and I went!

We went to the John Hancock and went up 94 floors. I am not good with heights but Andy and Car enjoyed it. We then walked around the Gold Coast and took in some lunch at Gibson's.

I did see Wisconsin and Australia today and both are equally stunning! Australia is so tall. I am so jealous! I look forward to getting to know them!



I also spoke today with a friend of mine for 20 years! We use to model together at HSN and she too is tall and stunning. Hello Mrs Kentucky! I was one of her bridesmaids! I love the International family and I am so excited to see her!



I gotta run, my son has discovered that tearing up the newspaper is almost as fun as Christmas! Good thing the Doubletree has amazing service. I may need to leave an apology note....

Listen to your heart...orientation is tomorrow at 6!

Daddy and Car!











I love my life, I really do. I am so blessed for my wonderful family, my faith and even my job. Yes, I said it, my job! I work for the American Heart and Stroke Association so everyday I not only share my story but get to listen to so many others. This is my purpose, this is my mission.

I met the most amazing gentleman last week name Morris Gavinson. Wow, what an inspiration. I met him in cardiac rehab and we chatted over coffee as I was once again reminded that everyone is a book. You just need to listen...

He asked me an interesting question. He asked, "Do you ever feel sorry for yourself?". I said I may have moments but we all do but we also have choices. So for my son, my husband and my faith I choose to live. That includes meeting incredible people like Morris.

Please join me in my journey:

Greater Washington Region's Heart Walk!

http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=456092

Thank you to our sponsors and walkers for helping us to get to $782K so far! We can get to 2 Million with your help! Walk is Nov 5th!!!!

Until next time...listen to your heart!

Log on to: http://www.heart.org/ to find out how you can help in your community!

PS~ I love the teaching gardens!

I am a survivor, you and your loved one's can be too...learn more...

The American Heart Association hosts DC Stroke Awareness Day to Combat the Leading Cause of Disability for Americans




Stroke can happen to anyone, at any time and at any age. Learn to recognize a stroke, because in a stroke emergency, time lost is brain lost. For every minute you don’t get help, more brain cells die. Therefore education the Greater Washington community on stroke risk factors, warning signs and prevention is of critical importance.



What: DC Stroke Awareness Day. Members of the DC Stroke Collaborative have agreed to support the DC Stroke Awareness day by providing education to raise awareness of stroke risk factors and warnings signs as well as to learn more about comprehensive cardiovascular wellness. There will be giveaways, health materials and this year, we have combined with the Wellness Works Farmer’s Market so fresh produce grown regionally will be offered for sale. The American Heart Association will have a prize wheel with a variety of giveaways including certificates to the Farmers Market. Tentative health stations include:



Booths: Display:

George Washington Hospital BMI/Weight

Georgetown University Hospital Warning signs

Howard University Hospital BP Screening

Providence Hospital Diabetes/Nutrition

Sibley Hospital Life’s Simple 7

United Medical Center Nutrition

Washington Hospital Center BP Screening



When: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 from 10:00am – 2:00 pm



Where: 1900 E Street NW, Washington, DC – outside of the Office of Personnel Management and combined with the Wellness Works Farmer’s Market



Who: The general public, American Heart Association volunteers and the DC Stroke Collaborative



Why: The American Heart Association, in collaboration with the DC Stroke Collaborative, is throwing a free event in order to raise awareness about stroke warning signs and prevention. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability for all Americans. African Americans are at an increased risk due to high rates of factors such as family history, diabetes and high blood pressure. Therefore stroke education is a necessity.



The American Heart Association has also found that nearly four in 10 American adults believe they have ideal heart health, when actually less than 1 percent does. Managing high blood pressure is one of the seven simple ways the American Heart Association has identified to get healthier and reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke. The Association will be on hand to discuss the online My Life Check assessment at mylifecheck.org.

I have to tell you, as an over 10 year volunteer for AHA, I knew the staff of the American Heart Association was committed to the mission and worked hard. As I am a staff member, I really have seen the true heart that goes in to our events, advocacy and fundraising.

Yesterday we held the 21st annual American Heart Associations "Lawyers Have Heart" event at the Harbor in Georgetown. I set my alarm for 1:30 am and arrived in Georgetown at 3:30AM for event set up. Everyone was in great spirits and that alone I was impressed with considering the time of night and there were people in Georgetown who were still out from the evening prior. Bars in DC close at 4am. I parked and started to walk to the harbor to find my self somewhat lost but after the guidance of my great VP , Patty MacEwan , I arrived. Set up ended around 6:30am and I went to my next duty station which was the water station on the fun walk. Yvette Mingo, VP Baltimore for AHA was my partner and we had a great time. She is an amazing lady and her heart just shines.

Our weather has been extreme lately so hydration is key and I have to tell you, not many people turned us down. It's really important to stay hydrated in extreme heat. ITS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART and vital for your health!!!!

The run/walk was shortened to a 5K due to the heat and the event was a success. Over 8000 walk/runners participated and we were able to raise over $650K to go to funding research and advocacy, which is a vital part of our mission and organization.

Thank you also to the Miss Preteen, Teen and Miss and little Miss DC International for walking for the cause. I am so proud and blessed to be a part of the International family.

Today and everyday~Listen to your heart!

A little bit more about the event:


Lawyers Have Heart


Since its creation in 1991, Lawyers Have Heart has raised more than $7.5 million to benefit the American Heart Association, whose mission is building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. By participating in the Washington area's largest 10K event, you will not only help to strengthen your own heart through exercise, you will also help raise funds vital to the education programs and research of the AHA. Learn More...
Saving Lives


Since 1924 the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers, claim more than 910,000 American lives a year. The association invested more than $474 million in fiscal year 2005-06 for research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs so people across America can live stronger, longer lives.

Your Contribution At Work


For every $1 raised through Lawyers Have Heart, .88 cents is used to fund our mission. The American Heart Association is the largest source of non-governmental funding for cardiovascular research in the country.

There is no doubt that I love my job and my mission. My life has been so impacted by Cardiovascular Disease that to me, its just part of my life and my story. As serious of a subject that Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke are, some days...it can make you smile:)

Deanna Linz, Mrs Northeast International 2011, walks the walk as HEARTWOMEN!

Yep, that's right. I was our mascot. The American Heart Associations "HEARTMAN" or in this case women, attended a START! Walking Now kick off!

 http://www.startwalkingnow.org/mystart_tracker.jsp

I encourage you to check it out and get up and get moving! Celebrate Accomplishments!


As time goes on, you'll see your activity time and distances go up. You’ll outgrow your Walking Plan and gain confidence as you tackle a new one. View how you're doing by week, month, any time period you choose.



Register and start using the Tracker and MyStart! Walking Plans today. If your company wants to use the Tracker for a worksite wellness program, please have your HR department or worksite wellness coordinator set up your company account first. This is a separate registration.



Walking program developed by American Council on Exercise (ACE) in collaboration with the AHA.


Listen to your heart~Deanna

Barbeque's, sunshine and family, its so easy to forget why we are offered this fortitude on this Memorial Day weekend. As a military spouse, I am beyond proud. Don't forget to remember....Thank you to all who serve and have served this Memorial Day....

I remain blessed...listen to your heart...D

Today I was asked to be a keynote speaker at a kick off event for Lockheed Martin for our Greater Washington Region Heart Walk! Linda Gooden, from Lockheed Martin, is this year's heart walk chair and her passion is clearly conveyed in the Lockheed family. It was amazing and I felt blessed to share my story. I live the loss of my parents and my own heart attack and surgery but I don't often allow myself to feel the loss. It never goes away.

I feel so honored to be a part of the American Heart Associations team.

To put things is perspective tonight, my son Carter held tightly on to his favorite toy all the way through his bath. He is still smiling as Daddy is rocking him to sleep.

My life is great, I am blessed and this is why I share my story.

Listen to your heart~

Have you walked today?

I am so excited and honored to be featured on the American Heart Associations Heart Walk website! As a heart attack and stroke survivor, its importmant for me to inspire change and create hope. 80% of Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. This includes exercise. Just 30 minutes a day can change your life!!!
http://www.startwalkingnow.org/


I was also excited to have been at the Hughes Kick off celebration yesterday as they inspired change and challenged their employees to get moving and WALK with the American Heart Associations START! Walking tracker!!!!

So get up and get moving!!!!

Listen to your heart!!!!

When I was younger I decided I would write a book. This was really a collection of short stories that I gathered while visiting different places. Mostly, retirement homes and VA's. There were and are so many incredible stories. Like many thoughts and dreams, sometimes life just gives you a few detours to make you value the stories you want to aspire to tell.

Today I had the "fun" of hanging with the RED HATS! This group of Women brought me back to what I aspired to do many years ago. They also reminded me of my Grand Mother, Memaw, who is 84 and still so full of life! Shirley, who is 84, ran today's event and just sky dived!!!!

The Red Hats and Mended Hearts organizations are so impressive individually but together along with the American Heart Association have so many books to be read.

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in American and number three in stroke. I was able and honored to speak today on heart health but lets face it, they educated me. I was so honored and blessed today.

Thank you to Shirley and the Red Hats. I tip my hat to you!!!

There are just some days that you really worry about prior to even starting. Its usually the big days. Yesterday was a big day. It started at 9am and was scheduled to 10pm, which really meant 11pm for me and many other American Heart Association staff and volunteers. The American Heart Association host a "Heart's Delight Wine Tasting and Auction" annually and this yes did not deny. With over 400 in attendance, over a million dollars raised and a plethora of world renowned chefs and wine experts, it truly was what Washington, DC is known for. Glitz, glamour and philanthropy. Did I mention the Honorable Richard Chaney also attended the weeks events. A friend of mine was so excited about Dick Chaney, me well, the minute I saw the chef that worked with Gordon Ramsey I was in! I love Hell's Kitchen!!!!

We started out the day setting up then the wine Bordeaux tasting and seminar followed. Around 8:30pm the live auction started with a lot of hoopla. The theme was the village people and the 70's. Yes, I sported some fantastic glasses and hat!

As things winded down, all the auction items were packed and attendees checked out....14 hours after it started,,,I headed home. Thank you to the Omni Shoreham, Washington, D.C. for hosting the event and supplying all the incredible food to all the volunteers (we even had sushi!) and AHA, Lane and Heidi for putting on such an amazing event.

Listen to your heart~D

What can I say, life is good. After all, I was able to spend this past Monday on a golf course for a GREAT CAUSE! The day was sunny and a bit brisk but by the afternoon it was pretty much perfect. I volunteered to help out with the American Heart Association's "Celebrity Golf Tournament". I had the fun of challenging the players to a 50/50 challenge on hole 17! If they made the shot, we paid them $20. If they didn't, they paid us. There were a few that made it but they let us keep the $20...good sports:) I was able to raise $960 dollars.

The event itself raised over $275,000!!!!!

Since I am not a golfer, I did have some challenges initially finding the hole but I ventured out in my golf cart (first time driving one:)) and finally came upon it. The challenge lasted five hours and I did manage to see a lot of deer. I am from Florida so deer excite me! I tried to get a picture but they were camera shy and FAST!!!!

Until next time...listen to your heart~D