Greetings Miss Rodeo Texas Fans,
Fall officially feels like it is here and I am very thankful for the cooler weather along with all of the fall festivities. The Miss Rodeo America Pageant and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo are a little more than a month away and my anticipation is building as we get closer. As many of you already know, the Miss Rodeo America People’s Choice Award competition is well under way. Currently, Texas is in third place. I am urging each of you to please vote and tell your friends to do the same. Voting is easy just go to the Miss Rodeo Texas Facebook page and click on my picture, and then click ‘like.’ After you have voted please click ‘share’ and type a message asking your friends to vote. I know we can win this if we all come together! Let’s show America what the great state of Texas is all about! Thank you for your support.
This past week, I have had the opportunity to attend several events. Last Wednesday I went to the Lion’s Club meeting in Hondo, Texas with Miss Rodeo Texas committee member Glenn Klaus and former Miss Rodeo Texas, Brandy Bendele. Mr. Klaus, Mrs. Bendele, and I had a good time catching up with each other and the rest of the Lion’s Club Members. We had a delightful lunch, then I gave an informative speech about the Miss Rodeo Texas organization and explained how this has been such a positive life changing experience for me. After the meeting, Mr. Klaus and I were off to Meyer Elementary School to talk to the Kindergarten classes. The little ones were beyond being excited to see me and I was happy that I made their day that much more special. I am always grateful to be able to talk to student, and feel it is imperative to emphasize the importance of education at all ages. The Kindergarteners and I had a terrific time talking about what they want to be when they grow up, how they will accomplish their goals by going to school, and coloring the Miss Rodeo Texas coloring sheets.
Thursday, Marjorie Murphy, Miss Rodeo Texas State Director, and I left San Antonio bright and early in the morning, heading north to Fort Worth for the 37th Annual National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Inductions. Upon our arrival, I had the pleasure of meeting Mackenzie Carr, Miss Rodeo America 2012. It was nice to finally meet Mackenzie in person and visit with her about her year as Miss Rodeo America. I was also very excited to meet PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman, and was even able to get my picture taken with him. During the luncheon we sat with the Banks Family, and former Miss Rodeo California Kadee Coffman. The 2012 Inductees included Mildred Farris, Sunny Hale, Barbra Schulte, and Stacy Westfall. Being at the luncheon and around such ambitious women was very inspirational. It was interesting to hear their stories about how they helped to shape the west and how they left a lasting impression on the world. I loved getting to listen to these women whom I have looked up to tell their story. One day I hope to be able to say that I too have left a lasting impression and made a difference in the lives of others.
On Saturday morning, I was glad to see the rain had passed us by as the sun finally broke from the clouds and the Pleasanton Parade began. The streets of Pleasanton were lined with parade goers cheering for the kickoff of the 47th Annual Cowboy Homecoming. I had the honor of riding along with the Brush Country Republican Women’s Club and Michael Berlanga, who is running for Texas Senate District 19. We all had so much fun greeting people and taking pictures while riding on the parade route.
That night I headed out to Tejas Rodeo in Bulverde for their Saturday night performance. Tejas Rodeo is a weekly Saturday night rodeo in Bulverde, Texas that runs from March to November. I was joined by Miss Rodeo Texas Committee member, Terry Chandler, and her husband Allen. During the grand opening of the rodeo I made a presentation ride around the arena. Immediately after that I went to the Mutton Bustin’ station to help get the cowboys and cowgirls pumped up for their ride and made sure their safety equipment was on properly.
During the Mutton Bustin’ I cheered the contestants on and even was given the honor of presenting the champion with his beautiful shiny buckle. After the rodeo was over, I signed autographs and visited with rodeo fans. This prestigious rodeo draws quite a crowd from locals to people from other countries. If you are in the Bulverde area, I highly recommend you check out this action packed rodeo! There are still three rodeos left in this season, with the final’s showdown scheduled for November 17, 2012.
Tuesday morning, my travels took me to the picturesque town of Kerrville, Texas for a fashion show modeling Dolores’ Unique Designs at the Y.O. Ranch Hotel. Dolores’ Unique Designs is one of our great sponsors of the Miss Rodeo Texas pageant, and I was flattered that Delores asked me to come and model for her. I was joined by Miss Rodeo Austin Princess, Hannah Tomlinson. Hannah and I had a fabulous time playing dress up in Dolores’ Mohair creations. I was privileged to model a brown overcoat, and a gorgeous jade green jacket. It was an exhilarating feeling to be walking down the runway in front of the large crowd and hearing the crowd cheer.
I would like to thank Glenn Klaus, Brandy Bendele, the Hondo Lion’s Club, the Banks Family, Marjorie Murphy, the Brush Country Republican Women’s Club, Tejas Rodeo, and Dolores’ Unique Designs for an outstanding week of appearances. I am very happy to be fortunate enough to take part in these activities.
