Mrs. Maryland's Experience in Palm Springs, California
Representing Maryland and the Mrs. America pageant was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. I would like people to know how amazing it was. Pageants are not understood and I did not know until I got involved a little over a year ago, what they are truly about. |
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Relaxing after interviews...
I became Mrs. Easton to promote my platform of healthy lifestyles and to educate the public on the power of prevention and its relationship to disease. Over the course of the past year and becoming Mrs. Eastern Shore America and finally Mrs. Maryland America, I learned how important it is to not only serve your family, community and career, but also to serve yourself.
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With the Army Reserves at BWI airport
At the age of 39, I have developed more self-confidence, public speaking skills and how to take better care of myself. I have been surrounded by women who are incredibly accomplished and are very positive. I want to reach out and tell women that you can continue to grow as a person and be at your personal best well beyond your 30s. |
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A group of delegates at the Aerial Tramway
Competing in the Mrs. America pageant in Palm Springs over the last 15 days was beyond description. Absolutely every single lady there was just that – a lady. There was none of what you might expect, no cattiness or rudeness. Everyone enjoyed getting to know each other and we all came home with 49 sisters. I made a point to sit with a different group of ladies at each meal and learn more about them. The power of being surrounded by them was so uplifting and lifted each of us up to a new level. It will stay with me the rest of my life. |
With Roommate - Mrs. Washington at the swimsuit video shoot
During the first week we were there, we were taken to various locations for filming. We went on the Aerial Tramway which ascended 2 ˝ miles to the top of a mountain for some of the most spectacular views. We were taken by Hummer to Indian Canyon to film our introductions and then I volunteered with a few other ladies to go into the natural springs to film the Carol Wior swimsuit segment. It was absolutely gorgeous. |
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At the Palm Springs Art Museum
We also visited the Palm Springs Art Museum, where there was a special display of the European Masters. I got to view Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Picasso and Manet. What an amazing honor to see, once in a lifetime. |
With Palm Springs Mayor - Ron Oden
Meeting Mayor Ron Oden, was a definite highlight of my trip. All the state delegates were taken to meet him and each of us presented him with a gift representing our state. My gift to the Mayor was a hand painted crab shell depicting a scene of a Maryland skipjack sailboat on our beautiful Chesapeake Bay. We also presented a gift to the vice president of sales, Ed Svitak, who is responsible for hosting the Mrs. America pageant at the beautiful Riviera Resort. Former home of the “brat pack”, Elvis and Connie Stevens (who was a judge at the pageant). |
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Mrs. California - The new Mrs. America
We were also treated to some fabulous restaurants. The Chop House, among the top 10 steakhouses in America, was mouthwatering! One of the girls even celebrated her 40th birthday there. We also were treated by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce to dine al fresco at La Vallauris, the garden patio was completely romantic. Here we were enveloped by the colors of gorgeous fresh flowers, lupe ficus trees and the scent of the sweet desert air. Mrs. Maryland was also the lucky winner of an all expense paid trip back to Palm Springs, donated by the city. |
Julie Love Templeton - Mrs. America 2005
Speaking of judges, it was an incredible honor to have Jessica Lynch, the first rescued POW from Iraq as one of our esteemed judges. I was able to share with her an experience I had on my flight from Baltimore to California. I was blessed to have met 10 Army reserve soldiers in the airport (they asked to pose for a picture with me). I sat with three of them on the flight and was told firsthand of all the wonderful things that are happening over there in Iraq that you don’t hear about. The people there are so thankful that we are there and freeing them. The women can go to school now and are learning to drive. This isn’t just about protecting America, it is about freeing a nation and we should all be honored that our great country is able to help. Jessica and I were in tears during my interview discussing the emotions and events that are taking place. |
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With Mrs. Iowa - I wanted to be taller!!!
Another funny story is about Connie Stevens. On a shuttle trip to get my hair done, the driver looked at me and said, “Do you know who you look like? You look just like a young Connie Stevens!” I nearly fell on the floor because I had just learned she was one of our judges and it gave me the perfect opening line. Well it gets better because once I sat down at the interview; Connie looks at me and says “Has anyone ever told you who you look like?” I can’t even remember who she said because I was about to fall on the floor again. After she told me, I reached over and said “You will never believe what was said to me the other day about who I look like…” Needless to say, that broke the ice and we had a great interview! |
With choreographers - Frit and Frat
After the first 5 days, it was rehearsal time. We spent the next week rehearsing for about 8-10 hours a day. Luckily it was inside in the air condition (it was about 120 degrees outside) but we all ended up with blisters on our feet from practicing in 5 inch heels. Yes, we did finally go barefoot sometimes. Our amazing choreographers were Frit and Frat, identical twin brothers and yes those names are really on their birth certificates. They worked so hard with all 50 ladies to make us look so professional in the opening dance number. You will see me front and center in group two, having a great time! They also had to teach us all the modeling patterns for the preliminary competition, finals and how we would be called down for the top 10 announcement. |
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Rehearsel by the Pool
The very charismatic, John O’Hurley (Seinfeld, Dancing with the Stars) was our wonderful host and Omarosa (The Apprentice, Surreal Life) was the co-hostess and backstage correspondent. And don’t believe what you have seen of her, she is really a great lady. She stayed late with several of the ladies, coaching us (she has competed in over 100 pageants, including the 2001 Mrs. America as Mrs. D.C.) My director, Laurett Arenz (Mrs. America 2002) and she are great friends and I was privileged to get to know Omarosa during my time at the pageant. |
With my wonderful family...
Interviews, Preliminaries and Finals were but a small part of this whole experience. Having my husband – Richard, my two children – Nicholas and Justin. My parents, brother, father-in-law all there supporting me made me feel so proud to be there representing all of you. I hope you will have a chance to see the TV show, which will be on WE-Women’s Entertainment television on Wednesday Sept 14 at 8:00 and 10:00 pm. Also on Saturday Sept 17 at 7:00 and 9:00 pm, plus Sunday Sept 18 at 4:00 pm |
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Costume Winners
Mrs. Louisiana - The Big Easy and Mrs. Maryland - A skipjack sailboat from the Chesapeake Bay. Costume by Dinah's Creations |
Dancing with Mrs. Minnesota
To schedule an appearance, you can contact Laura at mrseaston@verizon.net or 410-713-4757. Mail to 210 Marlboro Ave. Ste. 31 Easton, MD 21601 c/o Mail Boxes Etc. |
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