Thursday I flew to New York to have photos taken for Mrs. America and my first ones as Mrs. Illinois. This is pretty huge for me in a lot of ways because I've never been to New York before in my life, and to get to work with Fadil Berisha, the official photographer of the Miss USA and Miss Universe Organization, is something I NEVER thought of doing, let alone it actually happening!
I was incredibly grateful to have my friend Rena from Florida be there as well. She was a huge help and support, and she made it all the more fun! I met up with her first after my flight in and we did a bit of shopping and lunch at Bergdorf's. I picked up a pair of shoes on sale for $1495.00...and set them RIGHT BACK DOWN AGAIN!!!! That was something! I knew I wasn't in Kansas...er, Gurnee...anymore! GRACIOUS!
We then headed off to Fadil's and were met at the door by him and escorted to hair and makeup. Walking in there and seeing photos of Miss USA and the girl's from this past year in their 40's glam garb was surreal. Getting to know them all more, I found out that my hairstylist had worked for Ford Models, and at one time had worked on Jackie Chan's hair!!! It also happened to work out that my shoot ran alongside an assistant of Donald Trump's, so I got to meet her and Roston Ogata, who is the guy in charge of running Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and Miss Universe around in NY. He was so nice and a blast to talk to! I also met Miss Albania and Miss Kosovo who were in NY getting their shots done for the Miss Universe Pageant in August. Such sweet girls!
Now, I share this with great pride and even greater humility (believe it or not)...Miss Albania actually asked me which country I was representing, saying she was glad I was there so she could make more friends before going to Miss Universe...Oh, HONEY, can I take you home and keep you?!?! My head and heart could have burst from her saying that to me! That was one brief moment of elation I won't soon forget. Honestly, I will probably hang onto that conversation for as long as I can for the moments when I don't feel so pretty (those H&M people are pretty darn AWESOME, aren't they?!?! HAHAHA!). Seriously, all you ladies out there...take the compliments, encouragement, and any other support you ever get and tuck them away in your heart. Don't dwell on them so you puff up, but retain them so that when things happen to cause self doubt, fear, disappointment, or dissatisfaction, you can pull out those gems of kindness and remind yourself that you are uniquely, beautifully you. You are worth it!
After the shoot, we headed to China Grill for dinner. Fadil said "You're beautiful, you did a good job, now go get a drink to celebrate!" So we tried a "Pink Halo" which was also a first for me. Cheers!
So thanks go to Fadil Berisha, Colin, Yoku, Roston, and the rest for treating me like I was really something special for the evening. That is a night I will never, ever forget. To Rena for taking me around NY, for taking photos, helping with wardrobe set out, selection and changes, and for making sure the crown sat just right on my head! ;) To Rena and Steve for an excellent dinner and time together, miss you both so much already! And an extra special thank you to my husband for making it possible for me to go to NY, for taking care of Elena and Diva, and for being the most loving, supportive person. Thank you for telling me I'm beautiful , for making me feel beautiful, and for being beautifully mine. I love you.
I have a couple posts for these shots:
-Makeup
-Hair - Miss Kosovo and Miss Albania are in the background!
-My "Big Bear Sandwich" as Fadil called it of myself with Roston and Fadil
-Prep...I think I was singing Brad Paisley's Song "Celebrity" when they were touching up in between takes..."Adios, Reality!"...HA!
So back to reality, and wife and mommy-dom, and laundry, and plain, imperfect me again. Clock had to strike midnight sometime. I am once again a pumpkin, and am forever grateful for the wonderful people who for a brief time made me feel like Cinderella.
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