The return of class.......y or less. Which one are you?

Hello all!!!!

I know it's been quite some time since you've seen something from Pageants & Pearls and I have to be honest why.  My mom often told me growing up that when something that wasn't mandatory STOPPED BEING FUN, STOP DOING IT!  Let's just say, over the past few months - things I saw, heard and witnessed caused my beloved pageantry to no longer be FUN!  I decided to take a break and regroup, with hopes that it would once again return to it's proper place in my life ;-)

I spent many hours talking with my pageant sisters, friends and pageant business counterparts about my dilemma and they all assured me the zest I once felt would return and they were right!  I made a commitment to myself and to you, my readers, that we would publish again beginning Sept. 1st and happily, here we are.

As luck would have it, something happens that causes me to dedicate my first return post to the classy and classless, with a question - which are you!

So my dear readers, I will first tell you about a true class act!  - Suzanne Duckworth, Mrs. Mississippi America 2009!   I met this beautiful young woman during our time competing at Mrs. America in Tucson - Sept. 2009 and absolutely fell in love with her!   A true Southern belle, she has one of the biggest hearts I've ever known!

Suzanne & Deanna - Aug. 2009

She and her family were visiting our Nation's Capitol over the Labor Day Holiday.  You know, the times when you meet someone and say "if you're ever in my neck of the woods, look me up?"  Well look me up she did, not only did she call when she was close to my job so I could meet her - for a quick hug and chat - she introduced me to her beautiful family who were kind enough to let me crash their lunch to catch up with my friend.  AND, because she is so absolutely kind and thoughtful, she brought ME sweet treats on HER journey north through Hurricane Issac!

 Suzanne & Deanna - Aug. 2012

That's the beauty of pageantry!  We often say "we'll stay in touch" or "I'll come and visit" when we spend a week of more with dynamic women, but it doesn't often happen.  I am glad to say that because of this class act it did, I can't wait to see her again - next time I'll make my way to Mississippi :-)

Now for the CLASSLESS....... I won't go into much detail, but I will say this.  If YOU or anyone you know, associate with or encourage....... in any way shape or form, think it's acceptable at any point in time to BULLY a girl who decides to participate in pageantry you're a total moron.

There is NEVER any reason, for an adult to instigate or initiate a verbal, social media, text or physical confrontation with a minor, especially over a pageant.   I'll let you marinate on that....

Until next week my friends!!

Sunday, January 30th

Perhaps I missed the memo because on this particular day, things were pretty busy for married women in the southeastern corridor of the country!!!  I think the staff at Mrs. America will be very pleased with the representatives who will wear the crown and represent their states at Greenbriar Resort in April.

This blond beauty showed up and captured the crown and title of Mrs. Tennessee America 2011 after two previous tries.  Thankfully, Melody Usdan wasn't afraid to try again after placing 2nd runner up in the 2010 pageant and fourth runner up at the 2007. 

Beautiful Allison Whitstine, an English teacher, won the title of Mrs. Louisiana America 2011.

Third time was a charm for the stunning Tiffany Marshall who practically swept the pageant to become Mrs. Georgia America 2011.   In addition to winning the crown, Tiffany also won Most Photogenic,  Best Evening In Gown and Most Physically Fit at the pageant. 



Mrs. Mississippi .......again! Michelle Cole captured the crown after competing against nine other beauties and representing Warren County.  Answering to the title won't be hard for Michelle as she competed in Las Vegas the summer of 2005 as Mrs. Mississippi United States.




Best of luck Ladies !!!