Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Playing Catch-Up!

Greetings!

Obviously it has been far too long since I've written! Sorry about that. I've been taking so many pictures I can't seem to keep up! Allow me to share some of the highlights of the past month...

On November 22nd I traveled to my hometown of Fort Myers and partnered with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for an event at a local Saks Fifth Avenue. I was greeted with warm smiles and open arms as I was escorted into the "spa" to get my make-up done. I then signed autographs as customers had the opportunity to get their make-up done at the various stations the Bobbi Brown artists had set up. I saw a lot of people that I knew, which was a pleasant surprise! This beauty-licious appearance ended with a very generous gift bag full of all sorts of Bobbi Brown products. Special thanks to Jackie Lopez, Andrea, and all of the beautiful Bobbi Brown ladies!


On the following Monday I accompanied my dear friend and mentor, Andrea Stephens, to the Lee County Department of Juvenile Justice...aka the Juvenile Jail. Once inside we met with 11 girls who were currently incarcerated. I spoke about how we all tend to wear "masks" from time to time, especially when we feel insecure about who we are. I gave the girls some tips to identifying and uncovering their masks and they really responded! It was a neat experience and I feel truly blessed to have been able to interact with the girls.

That evening I went to Andrea's youth group and gave my testimony to a small and attentive audience. Some of the students performed a skit that was absolutely hilarious! We all had a wonderful time!

While I was home for Thanksgiving I was interviewed by our local Christian radio station - WAY FM. We talked about my journey as Miss Florida and highlighted the upcoming "Poinsettias and the Princess" event at my church. Jeff and Steve were so much fun and truly made me feel like a celebrity!


After Thanksgiving mom and I hopped on a plane to NYC! While we were there I had three sessions with Shea to fine tune my dance. During one of our rehearsals the subject of getting "LaDuca" character heels came up...and it pretty much became necessary for me to get them. (Now you must realize that these are genuine Italian leather and what everyone on Broadway wears - the best!!) So...we called Mary and she agreed that they could be my birthday present from the Board! I can't even tell you how excited I was!!! Immediately after rehearsal we went to LaDuca and (after about 45 minutes of making sure I had the perfect fit) bought the beauties!!



Shea and I after class at Broadway Dance Center

Mom and I after dinner with Aunt Lo at the Playwright Tavern

We returned from NYC via the Tampa airport and met my dad, sister, uncle, cousin, grandma, and host family for dinner to celebrate my birthday!! (It wasn't my actual birthday, but close enough!) We had a delicious dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant and I was really blessed to spend some quality time with my fam.


On Saturday, December 6th, (my real b-day) two of my Sunshine Princesses, Shelby and Madison, came over to St. Pete and we were in the Santa Parade together. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we got to ride in a BMW convertible! The girls looked beautiful in their red dresses, but I think they got tired of waving! :) It's tough work being a princess!



After the parade we had a delicious lunch at Panera (one of my favorite places!) with Bill and Kim Doniel. Then the girls, Dawn (Madison's mom), and I spent the afternoon at the park, which overlooks the Bay. It couldn't have been more perfect! That evening I had dinner with my host family and I opened gifts during halftime of the Florida/Alabama game (which was quite a privilege!). My host mom had silly birthday hats and had even shown up at the parade with a huge sign and noise-makers! They made the whole day really special.

Well, that's all I have time for right now and I'm sure your eyes need a break! More to come soon!!

Merry Christmas!!
Sierra

9 comments:

Debbie said...

We love the picture Miss Sierra.
Thank you for all you do for the young girls. We enjoyed celebrating the big 21! with you.
Love always you sunshine princess'

Shelby and Madison

Unknown said...

Sierra - we met you and rode the fire truck with you in the St Patrick's Day parade in Delray Beach. We (me, hubby, McKay, Joshua and Weston) sat up front with you. We are so excited for you that you became Miss Florida and even better you placed fifth in the Miss America pageant - we were cheering for you all the way. McKay has a great picture with you from St Baldricks - where all the guys shaved their heads. Take care of yourself and congratulations! You are amazing. ~Maria

debsford said...

Hi Sierra (CC?) :),
Hey, you most likely will not remember me, but I worked for years with your dad, mom, Uncle Flip, Aunt Lisa, cousins....
on a variety of film and TV sets.
This was mostly in the mid to late 90's.
Anyhow!!! A friend called me to say you were in the Miss America pageant - by the way - Congratulations!!!
I caught most of the pageant (as I was out and about when my friend called). I even called your uncle (Flip) twice. Betsy and I have been emailing lately too.
But back to you, your accomplishments, your future...
I'm so happy and proud of and for you.
What a blessing doing all this in His name as well.
Yours in Christ, Deborah "Deb" Ford

Chelsea said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chelsea said...

Sorry-the last post got deleted on accident. Just wanted to say that you did an incredible job representing FL at nationals! I absolutely loved your dance- it was definitely my favorite. It's so refreshing to hear of another beauty queen who is trying to represent Christ in all she does. Congratulations on your accomplishments and God bless!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on placing in the top five! After following on TLC and YouTube I thought for sure that you would place. I hope you are not disappointed because you did an awesome job! I would love for you to get back on your blog and report on what Vegas/pageant was like. Good luck and have fun completing your year as Miss Florida!

ames305 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ames305 said...

Sierra, I'm from Grove City College, and I'm in the same sorority as Kayla Lynam. I've been watching the Miss America stuff to support her, and one night as I was watching at a friends house I discovered someone else there went to PBA and knew you. I was excited to hear that you went to that school (some people from my high school attend there), so besides watching Kayla I kept my eye on you as well. I just wanted to let you know that I was so impressed how you handled yourself all throughout the pageant. Obviously I don't know much about you, but your joy and love for Christ was apparent even to me, and that was so refreshing.

In Christ,
Amy

Sarah said...

Sierra: I was a fan of the TLC show and cheered you on in the pageant a few weeks ago. Congrats! Also, wanted to tell you that you have great hair - you inspired me to get mine cut just like it! Every girl likes to hear THAT, right?

Enjoy the rest of your year :)