Miss Finger Lakes 2011 is...

Charlotte Boothe! Welcome to the family, Charlotte, and again, congratulations - you are in for a whirlwind of excitement!



And a huge congratulations to all of the other contestants, as well, including 4RU Vicky Rippel, 3RU Amanda Boyer, 2RU Margaret Feldman, and 1RU Chelsea Prophet! All of the contestants were so incredibly talented, and it was near impossible to predict who might take home the crown.



This weekend was really special for me because it was my first time watching a pageant! Of course, I have seen Miss America on television and watched festival pageants, but this was so much more exciting. In addition to seeing so many pageant sisters, I really enjoyed seeing the pageant from a completely different perspective. With diverse talents, beautiful evening gowns, an upbeat opening number, and so much more, it was truly a fun evening, and an insightful learning experience as well. A big thanks to Chris Keefer, Pilar Miller, and Jane Eikov, for allowing me to speak on my experience as Miss Thousand Islands!

The weekend as a whole was a lot of fun, a little exhausting, and I'm now looking forward to the Miss New York State workshop and pageant more than ever! Before the pageant, Shelby, Sue, Gary, Corri, and I all spent the day shopping. We had a delicious dinner at an Italian restaurant in Corning before the pageant, that made up for our less than mediocre lunch experience in food quality AND laughs, as I successfully spilled the delectable garlic butter clam sauce down my new dress. Luckily, I had an extra dress with me! When I said pageant prep takes organization, I meant it - and not just for contestants, because you never know what could happen! If anyone knows of any pageant poncho vendors, please let me know, because we've determined I'll be needing some type of coverage to protect my wardrobe! I think I need to add "mess prevention" to my list of pageant prep!

Like my mom said, at least I have a good story...

That's all for now! Oh, and remember to get your ticket for the Children's Miracle Network Fashion Show, sponsored by A Touch of Grace, which will take place this Sunday, March 6 @ 2pm at the Best Western Carriage House in Watertown, NY!

Pageant Prep!

It's not the easiest thing to wake up on a Monday morning, look outside to see four inches of snow (after the spring-like weather that melted it down to green grass on Friday), and still have a positive outlook on your day, but I try to look at Mondays as a day to get back into the swing of the week. Lucky for me, my Mondays aren't too hectic, and I always have lots of time to catch up on schoolwork in hopes of making the rest of my week less busy. Plus, this week, my boyfriend is visiting! Now, I always look forward to the weekends, but try to keep my thoughts and daydreaming to a minimum because I like to enjoy each moment for what it is, and find joy in ordinary and daily activities. This weekend is especially exciting for me, as I will be attending the Miss Finger Lakes Pageant in Corning, NY, to support the contestants vying for the title of Miss Finger Lakes 2011, and the chance to compete in Miss New York State in June, and to support my pageant sister, Amy Valenti, as she ends her year as Miss Finger Lakes 2010.

Just one year ago, I was getting ready to compete in Miss Finger Lakes 2010, and looking forward to the pageant almost as much as I am this year. This year, I will get to attend the pageant as an audience member and titleholder, which is especially exciting for me because I have never actually watched a Miss America local pageant before. I am looking forward to the experience and hoping to learn from the other contestants. I know I love competing, so I am hoping my experience watching a pageant is just as thrilling! I want to wish all of the contestants good luck in their final week of preparation for this pageant, and offer some insight:

In the words of Mary Johanson, a titleholder in a corny pageant flick of mine, Drop Dead Gorgeous, "With one week to go before the pageant, I was finishing my outfit, rehearsing my talent, brushing up on current events, and running 18 miles a day on about 400 calories. I was ready."

Now, obviously this is a joke, but I do love watching this movie as it gets closer to any pageant I am competing in. It's cheesy, strange, and oddly funny, and we all know it's really nothing like the pageants we compete in, but what people reference every time we say, "I compete in pageants."

Unlike the unwell titleholder in this dark comedy, with a week before a pageant, I absolutely do not recommend running 18 miles a day on 400 calories. But I do have a few tips to offer, especially to the contestants in the Miss Finger Lakes pageant this weekend, as they enter their final week of prep for this pageant.

It's a lifestyle for those of us who compete regularly in pageants, but pageant prep seems to increase in intensity and importance in the week leading up to a pageant. Just one year ago, I was spending extra time at the gym, saying "no thanks" to treats, and reading up on my current events, but also trying to relax and find time in my busy schedule to just think about the pageant. This time is so important to reduce stress, set goals, and plan for a successful week. While it may seem stereotypical, I like to pamper myself in the week prior, not because I think slathering my face with green clay mask is really going to help me win, but because I know that it will relax me and help me to boost my confidence. It is confidence that is the key to winning a pageant. So, to the contestants of the Miss Finger Lakes, many of whom are pageant sisters, I want to wish you good luck in this week and at the pageant. I will be there to cheer each and every one of you on as you further your dreams.

I would also like to offer some advice, as a fellow competitor, based on my own experience, and current pageant prep for Miss New York.

1) Set goals. If not the crown, what is it that you hope to gain from this pageant? If you have set goals in mind, you are bound to be successful. There are no losers in pageants.

2) Relax. Find a yoga class, and go. Yoga has boosted my motivation, plus it is a really great workout in itself, in addition to reducing stress. Stress reduction is so important, not only this week, but always, because negative stress makes it difficult to be focused and successful.

3) Pamper. Whether it is a pedicure or at-home skin care remedies, find something that will add to stress-reduction and relaxation, as well as boosting confidence, in turn promoting overall success.

4) Organize. Getting ready for pageants certainly includes some tedious list making, quick shopping trips, and trying on all outfits, and maybe even practicing hair and make up. This is really good to do earlier, rather than later, so that any issues with clothing or otherwise can be taken care of, preventing stress. Plus, this can help to get you really excited for the pageant, and always helps me to feel more confidence.

5) Practice. Pageant practice is kind of like practice for any other hobby or sport. Continue work on your talent, interview, onstage-question, and walks/poses, and stick with your fitness plan. Read the news every day, practice speaking while you are driving or with friends and family, put on your heels and walk in front of the mirror, and record your talent and critique yourself or have others help you so you can improve to your fullest.

We all have our own ways of getting in the zone during pageant week, and I hope that some of these tips can help your pageant preparation, and that my learning experiences can be beneficial to you all. I am so looking forward to the Miss Finger Lakes pageant, and am excited to cheer each and every one of you on, and support Amy in her final moments as Miss Finger Lakes 2010. I offer this advice not only to the contestants of MFL, but to those in all upcoming local pageants. I hope to attend as many locals as possible, and look forward to meeting new friends, welcoming new titleholders to the Miss New York Class of 2011, and catching up with my pageant sisters. Good luck!


All my best,

Morgan

The Power of Mighty Power Yoga

What a great way to start the week! Yesterday, Sunday, usually cleaning, catch up day, I went to my first ever yoga class. Not just a regular yoga class, but what is called power yoga, aka Mighty Yoga or Hot Yoga. I went with a roommate and friend, and was a little nervous not knowing what to expect, especially because I had only ever done yoga from a DVD. After 75 minutes being in a 100 degree room, I felt completely renewed! I am so ready to start my week, and enjoy every second of it! I can't wait to go back next weekend, but this time I will bring a bigger towel! I encourage everyone to try some type of yoga, especially this particular class if you are in the Ithaca area! Prepare to push yourself to the "edge" and sweat, a lot!

This 18 credit semester s certainly a busy one, so I don't have much time right now to post, but before I go, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day, especially my Valentine, Tony! I hope you all, regardless of relationship status, find a way to enjoy this day. Celebrate not only love and commitment, but health and happiness! I challenge everyone to do something good for their own heart today - I know I will be spending some quality time with the elyptical and treadmill today!

A new addition...

First and foremost, I would like to congratulate my pageant sister KIeren Sheridan, Miss Fulton County 2011! Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this local competition, but kept a close eye on Facebook Saturday night so that I would know who the winner was! So, again, a huge congrats to Kieren, her runners-up, and all of the talented women who competed in Miss Fulton County. I am so looking forward to seeing many of you at Miss Finger Lakes 2011!

Now, I have even MORE exciting news. I had posted in my last blog post that I will be hosting the Children's Miracle Network Fashion show on March 6th. Well, on Saturday I had plans to try on the gown that Kathy & Kristan Letteire at A Touch of Grace had chosen for me. What was supposed to be a quick trip, turned into a fabulous morning of gown shopping during which I found both my talent AND evening gowns for Miss NY!!! It happened that the dress Kathy & Kristan wanted me to wear to host the fashion show was so amazing, that I ended up getting it for states! Needless to say, I will be wearing a different dress at the fashion show!

I also suppose I should tell you all about my morning, mostly because it involves my crown. Because last night was the Super Bowl, I decided to drive back to Ithaca early this morning, despite my parent's warning that the drive might encounter some weather. Regardless, I decided I wanted to wake up this morning, and thankfully did not come across any snow or ice. However, just as I was rolling into Ithaca around 8:15 this morning, I was involved in a minor, two-car accident. I am so thankful that no one was hurt, besides my car, and that it wasn't worse. At the time, I was completely overwhelmed, mostly because my car was obviously damaged, and also because I needed to get to my first class in which I was responsible for conducting an interview. The man in the other car was so kind and considerate, as was the policeman who was on the scene. I have never been in an accident and really wasn't sure what to do. Anyway, once everything was taken care of, my car was towed and the police told me to take only what I needed from my car and to put it into his car. Because I was on my way back from home, my entire backseat was full of my bags, filled with clothes, make up, etc, but I decided that I needed my backpack and purse more. Then, at the last second, I realized my crown was in its box that had wedged itself from the impact. I quickly grabbed it and put it in the car. As I started thinking more clearly, I realized that I had some of my essentials in my car which is now at a shop, and I had taken my crown instead, I just had to laugh at the whole situation.

Thank God I am OK, and for the crown box that saved my crown!

Back to School, Back to School

Today is officially a week and a day into classes for the spring semester, and for me, my last semester of undergraduate and Ithaca College! While exciting, it is also bittersweet to know that this is my last semester of undergrad, and my last semester at Ithaca. The next fourteen weeks will be full of first lasts, and I am really looking forward to living this semester to the very fullest! And although it has only been a week, the schoolwork is already beginning to pile up. Because I elected to graduate a year early, I am taking a full load this semester - 18 credits - plus taking 12 credits this summer at Jefferson Community College. I will be graduating in August 2011, but fortunately, I will be able to walk at graduation in May. My decision to graduate early came a little late because, shockingly, schools don't like to broadcast the opportunity to save a year's worth of tuition, especially to students like me who came in with credits from high school. So, as you can imagine, these past few months have been spent realizing the changes ahead for me. I will be attending graduate school, moving out of my parent's house, and finding a "real job"! I'm a little anxious to do all of these things, but at the same time, I am really excited and looking forward to the opportunities that the real world will have for me.

Now, for some updates on Miss TI!

I've started a new workout plan (Thanks Shelby!), in addition to my previous workout. It is imperative that I maintain my fitness and health, plus, the plan helps me to stay on track with my schedule that includes classes, work, homework, and meals. I have found that by staying busy after classes end, I have been much more productive with schoolwork and other things that need to get done! Remember to mix up your workout, fuel your body with wholesome and healthy foods, and find time every day for the gym or a home workout!

Over winter break, I also met with Corri Dartnell, Miss Thousand Islands 2008, who is a music teacher, to work on my song for talent! I'm keeping this a surprise, but I'm really excited about it!

Upcoming Pageants & Events:

February 5 - Miss Fulton County 2011 (Gloversville High School)

I would like to wish all of the girls competing in this pageant good luck! Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend, but I will be thinking of my pageant sisters as they compete! I encourage you all to venture out and support these amazing young women on their journey to the crown! Also, I would like to congratulate Heather Shaffer, Miss Fulton County 2010, on a fabulous year of service!

February 26 - Miss Finger Lakes 2011 (Corning, NY)

I will be attending the Miss Finger Lakes 2011 pageant, and am SO excited! I realized that I have never actually watched a local pageant in the Miss America Organization. Plus, last year I competed in Finger Lakes and met some wonderful new pageant sisters who I hope will be competing! I would like to wish all of these ladies good luck as they prepare for this competition, and encourage you all to join me for this event! Last, but certainly not least, I would like to give a shout out to my pageant sister, Amy Valenti, Miss Finger Lakes 2010, and congratulate her on her amazing year of service. I was there to witness Amy's crowning, and have to say, it was one of the best I've seen!

March 6 - Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Fashion Show sponsored by A Touch of Grace (Watertown, NY)

This is another exciting event that I will be hosting!!! This fashion show holds a special place in my heart, not only because it will raise money for CMNH in a really fun way, but also because I have been a model in this fashion show twice. You can call Kathy or Kristan Lettiere (Miss Thousand Islands 2009) at A Touch of Grace at 315-788-6164 for more information on attending or being a model. The event will be held at the Carriage House at the Best Western in Watertown and begins at 1pm. Tickets are $10, and you can call the above number to purchase. The fashion show will feature this season's hottest prom looks, so come out and support a great cause and find your dream dress for prom!

March 11 - North Country Goes Green Irish Festival - Miss Ireland Pageant

The Miss Ireland pageant is another event that I have looked forward to year after year, and I am excited once again to attend this pageant and festival. Two years ago, one of my closest high school friends won the crown of Miss Ireland, and last year, she was lucky enough to be able to crown her younger sister as Miss Ireland 2010. Must be the luck of the Irish! The phases of competition in this pageant include evening gown, on stage question, and expression of Irish Heritage. Girls express their heritage in many different ways, including storytelling, poetry, music, dance, and comedy. In this phase, the contestants are not judged on their talent, but on how well they are able to express their Irish Heritage and its importance to them. If you happen to be in Watertown or a surrounding area, be sure to stop by the Irish Fest, a tradition in the North Country and Thousand Islands region, and the pageant!


Lastly, I would like to encourage you all to follow the link below and make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. In doing this, you will be helping me compete in Miss New York and reach my fundraising goal of $500 (required, $250).

In the works:

Keep your eyes open for news about my big CMNH fundraising event that will happen in mid-May!

Have a great week everyone!

Clayton, NY @ #3 for Top Ten Coolest Small Towns in USA!

Hey everyone!

I know it's been a long time since I've posted, and I'm just getting back to classes today, so I promise to post with updates and news about my life soon, but I wanted to quickly encourage you all to follow the link below and vote for Clayton, NY to be one of the Coolest Small Towns in America! Clayton is only one of the unique and picturesque towns within the Thousand Islands, but it certainly deserves this great honor!

http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/coolestsmalltowns/CST2011.html

GO CLAYTON! :-)

Miss America!

As I impatiently wait for Miss America to begin (tonight at 9pm on ABC), I thought I would update my blog, something I haven't done in quite a while. Before I start babbling, I want to wish Claire Buffie, our Miss New York 2010, luck at the pageant tonight. Claire has done an AWESOME job in preliminaries this week (view them on the Miss America Facebook or YouTube) and no matter what the results of tonight's pageant are, New York is very proud.

Now, I was supposed to be at a Miss America party with my pageant family, but because of the crazy winter weather, I had to stay home, snowed in. Even so, it will be fun to watch the pageant with my mom, something that I remember doing when I was really young. Anyway, I am beginning the last week of my winter break, and it is pretty bittersweet. It is exciting, and also a little scary, that after this semester and a few summer classes, I will have completed my degree and will be on to graduate school. Much of my vacation has been spent making a plan for the next year. Of course, I compete at Miss New York in June 2011, then will return to my summer job at the Crescent Yacht Club Jr. Division as a Swim Instructor and Head Lifeguard. As the summer comes to an end, I hope I will have found a "real job" and will start taking classes at Jefferson Community College through SUNY Potsdam to pursue a Master's in Childhood Education with a specialty in Special Education. Even though it sometimes seems really overwhelming, everything seems to be falling into place and I'm so lucky to have the support of my family and boyfriend, Tony.

Upcoming Miss NY prep: modeling/walk practice with former Miss NY, Jessica Renzi! I would like to thank her for her ongoing support! It means so much! Thanks, Jess!

That's all for now! Remember to tune into ABC at 9pm EST for the 90th Miss America pageant!!! And again, lots of luck to Claire! I'll be watching in my I <3 Miss NY shirt! (Thanks to Shelby & Sue for that :-))