LOST IN LOS ANGELES

These Small Lights

2011-12-22T08:21:00.000-08:00

We have polished the silver menorahs until theygleam. My bubbe’s menorah is tall and majestic with wide branches spreading outof a silver trunk, the holder filled with pools of golden oil. The children’sare homemade of clay, and tile with colorful candles. We hang the crayonsketches of draidels and latkes, and gold coins. We display all of thisproudly in the front window where those who know can look and see. My childrenbeam with pride and anticipation.

But the whole scene isn’t very big. You have to lookfor it to know that it is there. And who will look for it? The season outsideis so very big, so exaggerated and all encompassing. Their holiday has musicand peppermints and men standing outside of stores ringing bells. They haveemails and catalogues and matching striped pajamas.

And we have these small silver lights.

I think of this as I stop myself from humming in thecar along with songs that are not my own. I think of how it must seem to ourchildren. How it sometimes seems even to me. I wonder how our holiday has beenmade to seem small, insignificant, a momentary aside in the glitzy false cheerof this advertising extravaganza. How we have been sidelined in our own homes.

The evening approaches and I tend to the lights,filling and refilling, cleaning out old wicks and as I do I think again of theprivacy of our song and our celebration. And I suddenly realize that this isright. Isn’t that, in fact, what the story was all about? They were many and wewere few. Their culture was appealing and inviting. It desired to swallow upthe small remnant of Judaism, to make them all part of a large whole, the sameas everyone else. And that small band of Jews, those stubborn Maccabeesrefused. Faced with a life of hardship, hiding and privation they insisted. Wedon’t want what you have. We would rather live in caves, in battle, on the run,than accept the sameness you offer us. We want only to be what we are, what wehave always been. Separate, different, other.

It was ridiculous, really. A scraggly band ofuntrained guerrillas waging war on a superpower. It could never succeed andthey knew it. It must have seemed like a death wish to anyone logical. But itwasn’t a death wish and they weren’t being logical. They were being faithful.They were proving with action their passionate belief that God would not letthem fail. That we Jews were meant to be what He told us to be when He said,“Be holy and pure as I am holy.” They believed with the pure faith of therighteous that if they showed Him their yearning He would stand with them. Andwith God on their side, they knew that the few could overcome the many, theweak could overpower the strong.

And so because of their faith, the Jewish peoplesurvived. Our culture, our pride, our stubbornness all survived. And all theseyears later we, their descendants, find the faith to defy our surroundings. Notfor us the glitzy cheer of tinsel, not for us the big red man. Our menorahs aresmall but beautiful, our tiny flames light up the darkness of this long lonelynight.

Stepping back from the table, I think of ourinsistence on maintaining customs that must seem antiquated; our way of dress,the Jewish names we give our children, our careful Shabbos observance. I thinkof our refusal to be assimilated, our insistence on maintaining the purity ofour line, our pride at our differentness. I think that maybe our tiny lightsmight be a signpost to someone who has lost his way in the darkness of thisexile, who needs to know where home is.

I think of all this as I fill the candles, as Igrate the potatoes, as I ready myself for the night, preparing the scene so mychildren can see and they can learn what we Jews have known all along.

Life Lessons from Full House

2011-10-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

Nostalgia is a funny thing. Everyone has memories, special recollections from the past. But it takes a special memory to make something nostalgic. I think the difference is that nostalgia is the intangible way that you miss something - the way that sometimes, often unexpectedly, a memory pulls at your heart strings and in my case usually triggers uncontrollable misty eyes.

On a vacation about three years ago, I experienced a surprising longing for the past and found myself reliving flashes of vivid memories that rolled through my mind like a movie reel. On this trip, I visited San Francisco with my Sorority Sister. Both of us are products of the mid-eighties and fondly remember the sitcom, "Full House." We wanted to see the memorable “painted ladies,” a row of Victorian homes that are featured in the picnic scene in the opening credits of each episode. This was easier said than done. I guess we both assumed that there would be signs posted all over the city pointing us toward, what we thought was a huge attraction. Low and behold, after some relatively extensive Google searching and a serious calf workout, we found ourselves in an area called Alamo Square, a beautiful city park featuring the “painted ladies.”

The "Painted Ladies"

So there it was. A scene I have viewed my whole television viewing life was right in front of me. Surrounded by tourists, I immediately felt a rush of memorable scenes from the show. I could picture myself at home, on my bedroom floor, with a crimper in one hand and the remote in the other, watching the program that defined my childhood. Ever since seeing the “painted ladies,” I have been thinking about that show. I took something away from each episode and somehow, looking back, I used Full House to measure the expectations I had for my own life.

Others may not understand the friends we choose.

Known for being irritating and having smelly feet, Kimmy Gibbler was D.J.’s funny best friend that no one particularly cared for. But many times she proves to be a truly loyal friend to D.J. This relationship demonstrates then idea that opposites attract, and that it is okay to be different than your friends - a simple lesson that I found to be valuable time and time again. I have a few Kimmy Gibblers in my life and while not everyone always understands their value as a friend, I do. I am grateful for the unique friendships I am blessed with and the unique role each friend plays in my life.

There is no “normal” family.

Well this sure goes without saying in this family. Danny, a single parent, is raising three daughters and asks his brother-in-law and best friend to move in to help. Then they never leave. As a kid growing up with a single mom, grandparents, and my siblings, I remember valuing the idea of having a non-traditional household. Now, don’t get me wrong, some aspects of the Full House family were sickeningly unrealistic, but I remember finding comfort in the fact that they were different.

Confrontation is not easy.

No matter the conflict, big or small, the Tanner family managed to solve any problem in a 30 minute episode. Even at a young age, I grew to recognize the cheesy dramatic music which likely signified a touchy moment that usually involved an apology and a hug. While I knew that not every conflict in real life could be handled so easily, I valued the simplicity of the show’s typical arguments because it taught me to remember that life is not a television show. Hurt feelings do not always mend quickly and conflict can take a great deal of nurturing. I learned to value healthy confrontation, but to also accept that it is not as easy as the Michelle and Stephanie could make it look.

Great couples can still break up.

D.J. ad her cute boyfriend Steve had the relationship that every girl pictures. Together for about two years, they have their ups and downs, but in general it is a picturesque high school love story. Steve is older and during D.J.’s senior year she realizes that she needs a change and the two have drifted apart. They break up after a hike on a hill top and I vividly remember it being a calm conversation that ends with D.J. sitting on a rock and looking out at the beautiful San Francisco landscape. At a young age, watching them experience feelings that I did not yet understand, I was very disappointed with their break-up. But, seeing D.J. feel relieved and content with her decision, I learned a lesson in relationships. It showed me not to expect that my first boyfriend and I would be together forever, and allowed me to learn that sometimes, in relationships you have to do what is best for you. Okay, I may not have realized all of these things at the time, but certainly was able to channel D.J.’s emotions when I experienced break-ups later in life.

Change is hard.

I can still sing the words to the song “Michelle’s Smiling,” written and sung by Uncle Jesse when he is moving out and into his own home. That was a tear jerker, but the lesson is that just because a relationship may change, doesn’t mean that it has to end. Now, he didn’t end up leaving so perhaps this was a backwards lesson in getting what you want. But regardless, I took away the idea that relationships are always evolving. It can be a challenge, but if it is a relationship that you value, it is worth the work to maintain.

It’s funny the lessons and ideas that we can take away from something that seems so simple. Even when we do not realize it at the time, something as simple as a television show can certainly contribute to values we attain and the expectations we have for our own lives. What from your childhood makes you nostalgic today? What makes you long for the way things once were? And on a more challenging note, what is part of your life now that you want to make sure you cherish in the future?

THE Full House House!

Being Bridget Jones

2011-10-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

Love. There are a million blog posts which can be written about love. It's a four letter word which can either make you cringe, go all mushy, cry (post break-up) or think of the "Big Day". It's perhaps the only word which can bring every emotion known to mankind alive. And its a pain.

The problem is simple. Ladies, we all seem to fall very easy. The issue, the guys generally don't. Now it would be fabulous to pin point the exact reason for this. Simply so we could have something to go by. Or a guidebook - that would have its uses too. Sadly, these resources are not currently on the market so we have to figure out the male brain for ourselves. The majority of men have the beautiful ability to be emotionally unavailable, and the good ones we rarely find and are usually taken. It's enough to drive any self respecting girl to that tub of Ben and Jerrys. (Or 5)

Whilst growing up, my experience of boys went a little like this:

When I was 10. Boys had "couties". They were not to be associated with under any circumstances. Covered in mud, ate with their mouths open, and were always very mean.
When I was 15. Boys had nice smiles. They needed to notice me just that little bit more. One boy in particular. The crush. But all the girls liked him. And he liked all the girls.
When I was 18. Boys had no feelings. The problem was; I did. They still liked lots of girls, and I became attached too easily.
And Now? I get caught up to easily. I look for a movie script romance. I watch too many romcoms, listen to too many soppy songs, and quote things far too much. I think I am Bridget Jones. And the boys? They are too stubborn.

Girls grow up surrounded by romance novels, magazines telling us "how to bag the perfect man" and beautiful boys with guitars who sound like they are singing to just you (Ed Sheeran I am pointing at you). Is this really any good for us? I am now always looking for that one person to sweep me off my feet. And it has yet to happen. All I ask for is a bunch of flowers, a few thoughtful words, and guy who likes me for me. Like Miss Bridget Jones, my Mark Darcy is being far too stubborn.

But what I am beginning to realise is you can't go out searching for that four letter word. I'm beginning to think it happens when you least expect it. I'm learning, as I'm sure most of you will as you grow up, that movie script romances are not real. But one day you will meet someone who makes you smile. That day, may not be today though. Don't go looking for something, be content with yourself first and wait until boys your age can chew with their mouths closed.

So for now, I think I will be quiet content snuggling up with a few DVD's, nights out with my girls and the two guys I can always rely on....

Ben. And Jerry.

Upcoming Radio Interview

2011-09-05T02:40:00.000-07:00

I will be interviewed on Friday, September 23rd, for a talk radio station here in Los Angeles. The woman interviewing me is getting me all the information to promote when I see her on Tuesday. I am so used to being the interviewer, being the interviewee will be completely different!!!

Meet Mikey! :)

2011-08-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

I met Mikey a few weeks ago at the Andy Grammer/Lonestar concert at The Grove in Los Angeles a few weeks ago ... He is a video blogger & just a fun guy! Here's his video of the concert we met at & belo this is when we were at a flash mob earlier this week! :)

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2011-08-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive ... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

~~Howard Thurman

Happy Birthday! Possible?

2011-08-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

From all the clothing I wore as an eight-year-old, I remember the silver-and-jean dress clearest. It’s not surprising, considering the fact I wore it solidly, every non-school day, for about seven months. I loved the glittery “adult” belt, though possibly my real attachment to it was due to the love and attention behind the purchase. It was on my special birthday shopping trip with my grandmother that I had gotten it. With the taste of my bakery birthday treat still on my lips, it was the sweetest, best thing to happen to me.

My real attachment was due to the love and attention behind the purchase. Similar birthday highlights throughout my childhood years come to mind: alone time with a parent/grandparent, splurging on fun accessories or toys, and always a “pick anything that you want” bakery treat.

A little older, and the silver-and-jean dresses got replaced with real jewelry, up-to-date gadgets, and gift certificates at expensive stores. And that’s what made my birthday special. Sure, I kept in mind that this was my birthday, and accordingly, I added in my good deeds. A trip to an old-age home or giving extra charity was always on that day’s agenda, but it wasn’t the focus per se. Personal happiness was.

Happy Birthday, get it?

Like in the classic birthday song, “Happy Birthday to You.”

I graduated high school, and for the first time I was learning because I wanted to, and not because I had a report to write or a principal standing over me. Insights, dulled after having been heard tens of times, suddenly seemed brilliant. Pertinent. Traditions weren’t test material nor listless rites of habit. They were tools to uncover the deep-set connection between puny little me and my Outstanding Creator.

You can be sure that my next birthday was not spent in the bakery or in the mall. I spent my twenty-four hours secluded in the safe walls of prayer and psalms, and let me tell you, it felt darn good. That’s how a birthday should be spent . . . !

Continuing to learn, I took to heart the idea that I was created intentionally to make a positive difference to my surroundings. I couldn’t be selfish anymore; life was about blasting the world with my mission. And that year’s birthday meant I would have to come up with the biggest, grandest outreach scheme ever. We're not talking everyday stuff here; we’re talking about a birthday charge. I have power, and I better use it! I would bless every single person in my city; I would visit all the Jewish patients in the hospital; I would attend three or four lectures (and give one myself); I would give away for free anything someone complimented me on; I would let the entire supermarket ahead of me in line; I would march into the public schools and tell them all about G‑d; I would cook dinner for my block; and, of course, still wake up at the crack of dawn so I can recite the entire Tehillim (Book of Psalms). Yeah, I know that sounds like a lot, but it’s not every day that it’s your birthday. We say the word all the time, but do we really understand what we’re talking about here? The day I was born! It's huge!

Happy Birth-day, we say.

Like in the classic birthday song, “Happy Birthday to You.”

Yeah, it’s really huge. And really stressful, turns out. I barely managed a small fraction of that before getting burnt out (not to mention my dinner burning). Moreover, I was so concentrated on my “change the world” goal, that I couldn’t manage to phone-chat past the “happy birthday” blessing, I couldn’t bother being patient with my little sister, and I definitely didn’t have time to rummage in my pockets for some stranger who needed change for a dollar. No time for smiles, no time for cake, no time for laughing, and only time for blasting the world with my birthday mission.

No time for smiles, no time for cake, no time for laughing, and only time for blasting the world with my birthday mission. Ugh, who wants such a stressful birthday?

The classic birthday song references a “Happy Birthday,” not a “Stressful Birthday.”

So we’re back to “happy”? But happiness, fun and gifts didn’t make me feel great either. They left me feeling empty. So now what? No “happy” and no “birthday”! What’s left?

What’s left is the next part of the song, “To You.”

“Happy Birthday to You.”

To me? Of course, to me. It’s my birthday.

Well, let’s see who I really am.

I’ve already learned that I was created and put into this world in order to fulfill a purpose. My grand purpose, like that of every other human being here, is to spread light everywhere I go. No, not through praying a whole day, and not, grand as it seems, through cooking dinner for my block. That’s what cooks are for. And my resume doesn’t mention anything about cooking.

Well, then, how do I spread light?

Let’s go back to my resume.

I’m someone who likes to write, to take photos, to read, to teach, to massage, to laugh, to talk, to travel and to experiment.

So . . . I should spend my birthday just doing regular everyday stuff?

Yes. But, with one small footnote. Do all my regular everyday stuff, but do it for G‑d.

Take photos? Of appropriate subjects. Teach? For need, not fame. Laugh? Never at someone else. Travel? Experiment? In ways that will get me closer to G‑d.

But wait, it’s my birthday! Why should I do it for G‑d?

True, but my real me, the one my inner resume is all about, consists of a piece of G‑d. When G‑d put me into this world, He first blew life into me. From where? From His innermost Essence. And now, my essence is a flaming piece of G‑d.

On my birthday, the day I celebrate my birth, I ought to capitalize on the day’s meaning and power by making sure my every deed is a perfect union of my whole self.

Yesterday, I celebrated my 39th birthday.

I didn’t run off to my room, I didn’t run off to my rabbi, and I definitely didn’t run around cooking dinner for the universe. I walked around, on those special 24 hours, just being me.

So now what? No “happy” and no “birthday”! What’s left?

But my real me.

I was excited for my new smoothie flavor, but my real me would be more excited that I not embarrass my brother-in-law, who drank it. So I didn’t.

I have no problem getting up at the crack of dawn to pray, but it sure was a struggle giving that up for the crying baby for whom I was babysitting. Praying a few hours later, with the right concentration, was the real test. And the test that my inner me wanted to see me pass.

The adrenaline of preparing a lecture for an audience of 120 is not present when preparing for a class of seven-year-olds. But am I a lecturer or a kindergarten teacher?

Is my birthday about stopping my life, or about living my life?

Oh, going along with my inner me is a lot less grand than the “me” I generally see on birthdays. No fanfare, no massive productions and no pious hermit lifestyle.

It’s also a lot more work.

But that’s just the point. G‑d didn’t leave me in heaven as an angel; He sent me down here to work. Furthermore, I’m here to work with what I have, not with what Moses or the guy down the block has. That’s why I was given my limbs, my talents, my instincts. They’re mine to use, to choose, and ultimately, to refine.

And, at the end of my birthday, I realized it had honestly been my happiest in years. I was being true to myself, and the peace and confidence it brought gave way to deep happiness.

There is a custom, on a birthday (whether Jewish or secular), to accept upon oneself a good resolution for the upcoming year. This year, my resolution was to continue my birthday for the next twelve months. How? By remembering to utilize every minute and experience I am blessed with, by just being me.

It’s not as easy as it sounds, but it definitely is the most rewarding.

And now? Now I can finally sing the birthday song, the entire birthday song, as it ought to be sung.

Enough Already!

2011-07-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

Enough already. Time for Congress to pass a clean debt ceiling increase in order to avoid default -- the same way it did repeatedly during the Reagan and Bush years.

It's time for Congress to act simply and responsibly to avoid the prospect that millions of American families won't get their Social Security checks, or their veterans' benefits, or their military pay. It's time to end the prospect that interests rates on credit cards and car loans and mortgages will rise and take hundreds of millions of additional dollars out of consumer's pockets.

It's time for Congress to end the three-ring circus that the Republicans created by electing to hold the debt-ceiling hostage in order to promote their right wing ideological agenda.

And if the Republicans in Congress are too reckless and irresponsible to do it, the president should seriously consider using his powers under the 14th Amendment to avoid default and borrow the money we need in order to honor the obligations that Congress has already authorized.

As the debt ceiling saga builds to a conclusion Tuesday there are three facts you should remember:

Fact #1. The Democratic Reid Bill to raise the debt ceiling meets exactly the conditions the Republicans originally elaborated when they set this off this crisis by demanding that any increase in the debt ceiling be accompanied by a comparable reduction of spending over the next ten years. Reid increases the debt ceiling by $2.4 trillion and identifies reduced spending of $2.7 trillion. And -- to the consternation of most Democrats -- his bill meets another Republican condition. It doesn't reduce the deficit by increasing revenue from the wealthy.

You'd think that would be enough for the Republicans since they originally set those two requirements as benchmarks. But the Republicans have so far said no.

Why you ask? Two reasons.

In fact the Republicans want to precipitate another debt-ceiling crisis between now and the election because they think it will cause political problems for the President (in this, by the way, I think they are wrong).

Second, they want to use another debt ceiling crisis to force passage of their proposals to eliminate Medicare and replace it with a voucher for private insurance companies, to slash Social Security -- and to lock in tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires by changing the Constitution to require a two-thirds vote to raise any tax.

The Republicans are like hostage takers who agree to release the hostage now if you pay part of the ransom, as long as you agree that they can take the hostage back into captivity in three months so they can demand more.

If they get their way, business and investor confidence will drop -- which will cost even more jobs. And their antics would gobble up all the political oxygen in Washington and prevent a serious debate over the number one concern of the American people: job creation.

Fact #2: This is a manufactured economic crisis. Up until today investors around the world have been happy to loan money to the United States Treasury at record low interest rates because they think it is the safest investment around. America is not Greece on the brink of bankruptcy. That is sheer fantasy.

If we default on America's obligations it will be because the Republicans in Congress irresponsibly refused to pay our bills -- not that we don't have the ability to do so. People who don't pay their bills because they are broke create problems for their creditors -- but they aren't bad people. People who refuse to pay their bills even though they have the ability to pay are completely different.

That would go for people like Republican Congressman Joe Walsh who has been the leader of the Tea Party faction of the Republican Caucus -- demanding "fiscal responsibility." But it turns out he himself hasn't been so responsible. While fathers who fall behind in their child support payments because they have no job create a huge problem for their former wives and children -- fathers who owe huge sums in back child support and make Congressional salaries of $175,000 a year have very little business lecturing anyone on fiscal responsibility.

Fact#3: The Republicans should remember that they have the most to lose politically if this crisis is not resolved.

They caused the crisis. They will wear the jacket if Social Security checks don't go out, the government shuts down, and interest rates on credit cards rise. Their major base, Wall Street, will be furious if their portfolios plummet in value. In fact, the polling shows the most Americans side with President Obama in the debt ceiling impasse. Wait until default actually happens.

You'd think Democrats would be gleeful at the prospect that the Republicans will damage their brand beyond hope as early as next week. In reality, President Obama and the Democrats have bent over backwards to try to compromise with Republicans and avoid economic catastrophe. And in fact, that's a good thing for Democrats, because whatever the short-term political benefits, over the long haul responsible, good government actually is still good politics.

PROJECT TIME!

2011-06-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

I've decided to sit down for an hour a day & just write. I want to write a book (or two), so I feel that this is what I need to do to get myself together ... As it's coming along, maybe I'll post teasers to get some insight?

Tiara Dreams,

Brigitte

Can u believe it's vegan & gluten free??? Believe it baby!! :)

2011-06-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

Humble Pie

2011-06-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Noted playwright Arthur Miller was once sitting alone in a restaurant , and approached by a well-tailored, slightly inebriated fellow who addressed him: "Aren't you Arthur Miller?"
Miller replied, "Why, yes, I am, and before he even had a chance to ask the fellow who he was, the man blurted out, "Don't you remember me?"
"'Well . . ." pondered Miller, "your face seems familiar."
"Why, Artie!" exclaimed the fellow, "I'm your old buddy Sam! We went to high school together! We used to hang out together by the soda jerk!"
Miller thought a while hesitantly, "'I think I -" but Sam cut him short. "I guess you can see I've done l right for myself. Sales. Department stores." Sam continued "... and what do you do, Artie?' "Well, I . . . write."
"Write? Whaddya write?"
"Plays, mostly."
"Ever get any produced?"
Miller shrugged, "Some."
"Would I know any?" asked Sam.
Miller paused a moment and hesitantly asked, "Well . . . perhaps you've heard of Death of a Salesman?"
Sam's jaw dropped; his face went white. For a moment he was speechless. Then he cried out, 'Why, you're ARTHUR MILLER!"

The Starfish Story

2011-05-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die."

"Son," the man said, "don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…

"I made a difference for that one."

It Could Be Worse

2011-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Pet Peeves

2011-04-21T00:35:00.000-07:00

people who talk with food in their mouths
people who chew food with their mouths open
people who feel the need to talk to you when you are doing other things (ie. working/talking on the phone)
gas prices going up instead of down
people who think they are always right, and never admit they're wrong
bullies
when all the movies playing suck
people who only think of themselves
people who judge others
people who can't drive
people who feel that you're not complete without having a man in your life
parents who don't parent
rich people who get away with things simple because they're rich

Confession ...

2011-04-16T01:57:00.000-07:00

OK, I admit it I hate competing. Don't get me wrong I TOTALLY enjoy the process and preparation. I love the wardrobe and sparkle. I adore that it gives me an opportunity to take care of me for a bit. I LOVE the various categories of competition; Interview and the opportunity to discuss my platform, changes I'd like to see happen and be part of making and getting an opportunity to think on my feet. Gown & Fitness: I love walking the stage and get a rush just before I hit that first mark.

I hate the scores. I hate having someone tell me I was only worthy of a '2' in fitness wear, that I lack grace in evening gown or that my interview outfit was the wrong color for my skin tone. I hate that on that one day at that one moment five to seven, or however many people get to, if I let them, put a number on my self worth.

But I endure it for two reasons. First, it keeps me working out. I hate exercise and I REALLY hate being forced to do it. I'm quite comfortable sitting at home reading, working, blogging, writing or any number of other things. I don't get up in the morning and think "man I can't wait to work out!" I don't enjoy what I call the S-es of working out... stinky, sweaty, sticky and sore. So I need a goal to keep me focused, competing gives me that.

Second, I'm all about my platform and volunteer work and a title helps further that work. If I win it is great and my titles have opened doors and helped me promote my platform in some AMAZING ways but all that said I really see the crown as optional. I'll do the work regardless, it just takes longer and I know too many people who can't afford to wait so I keep competing so I can unlock rather then pound doors down despite my love hate relationship with competing... OK scoring.

I now return you back to your regularly scheduled programing.

Another Day At Work

2011-04-16T01:44:00.000-07:00

Doing some commercials & noticed all of us in the studio had on chucks ... in honor of my friends Megan & Stephanie, I had to take this photo ...

BOWLING NIGHT

2011-04-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

Bowling for Children's Miracle Network & celebrating my highest score that night of 79!!!

Blood Pressure Medicine Ready?

2011-04-10T02:01:00.000-07:00

The co-founder of the Free Gaza Movement Greta Berlin will be on "The LiAmi Lawrence Show" before she embarks on another Flotilla to Gaza next month. Talia Shulman Gold from CAMERA will be on as well defending Israel. Listen & call-in and be a part of this historic show Wed April 13th 9-11pm (PST) on Radio Kol America !

"Dancing with the Stars" Cast Revealed!

2011-03-01T07:27:00.000-08:00

I have been a fan of "Dancing With The Satrs" for years now, secretly wanting to cha-cha my way onto the show with Louis Van Amstel (whom I have interviewd & is such a sweetheart)! So I was really excited to find out the new cast but am only diggin' about half of the cast.

The new line-up includes:

Kirstie Alley - ehh ...
Mike Catherwood - unless you're a Loveline fan, you won't know who he is
Chelsea Kane - beautiful girl; may bring in the younger votes as she was on that Jonas Brothers show
Ralph Macchio - "wax on, wax off" ...
Chris Jericho - wasn't he bigger when he wrestled?
Sugar Ray Leonard - not sure what I think ...
Petra Nemcova - beautiful soul; let's see if it translates in dance
Romeo - I am expecting him to surprise me with good rhythm.
Hines Ward - can he be the Emmit Smith of this season?
Kendra Wilkinson - love her, will always vote for her and can't wait to see what she says next.
Wendy Williams - there's no way she will be as good as Niecy Nash

It's no secret that they all have some big shoes to fill. I was surprised there were no Olympians on the roster this year. But, in keeping an open mind, bring on the rhinestones, spray tans and Brooke Burke's amazing wardrobe!!!

The Live 2 hour premier event all starts on March 21! What do you think about the new cast?

So Long Super Bowl

2011-02-07T00:49:00.000-08:00

The Super Bowl has come and gone. I enjoyed the struggle of the teams, tho I was not emotionally involved with either of them. There were a few good commercials but not as many as usual. Am I too jaded? Usually I love this event.

This year I had a quiet Super Bowl as I decided to not throw a big party. I love people but didn't know when I would get my place back, plus my roommate is a stick in the mud. I think I made the right decision tho I missed the friendly get together.

My kids, even my girls love football parties. The girls aren't as much into the football as they are into the food, LOL. Super Bowl, any bowl game, shoot - any sport - are days that I fix junk food. I try to keep most food healthy as a routine but sport parties are a splurge.

Today was scaled way down. I had little cheese dip, fudge brownies, chocolate rice krispies, chips, crackers, the usual stuff. I did not make my yummy chili because someone, not me for once, forgot to get chili powder at the store. I really missed it. I love the raw veggie too but that is usually labeled Mom's bunny food, LOL.

Do you celebrate sports? With food? healthy? Or junk food?

In The Synagogue

2011-02-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

written for newsletter at work:

The command to build the tabernacle (the precursor to the Holy temple in Jerusalem) is given in a slightly strange way: “Make for me a Sanctuary and I will dwell within you.” It would seem to make more sense to say, “Make for me a Sanctuary and I will dwell within it.” This small distinction draws our attention to an important issue.

The Sages explain: the temple is not a glorified granny flat. It is not a home away from home for G-d. Obviously so. G-d does not need us to build Him a place to reside in this world; He already resides everywhere. On a deeper level, though, the Torah is saying that the Temple is not somewhere we can put G-d out of the way. It would be all too easy to build a temple, in order that g-d can reside within it. It would be very convenient to compartmentalize G-d. Let me put Him in the Temple and there I will worship Him, speak to Him, and have a relationship with Him. But in the rest of my life, I will not.

I am always amazed that it has become the norm for Jewish men to cover their heads in a synagogue. Why is G-d any more inside a synagogue the he is on the street? Do we not believe in an infinite G-d who is everywhere? So why the distinction between synagogue and elsewhere? I think that the reason might be that if we can confine G-d to the synagogue, then outside the synagogue, we can live our lives however we want. If we define a place where G-d is, by so doing, we also define a place where G-d isn't. And that is very convenient.

The Torah is saying that to make a Temple is not to take G-d out of our day to day lives, but to help bring Him in. The purpose of a Temple is that G-d should dwell within you. If we come to perceive Him as dwelling within it, we are missing the point.

It is the role of a synagogue to inspire us to a relationship with G-d. It is our role to allow that inspiration to lift us, even after we have returned to our day-to-day lives. If a synagogue does not inspire us, there is a problem with the synagogue. But is the inspiration lasts only as long as we are in the building, there is a problem with us.

Where's Gary?

2011-02-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

We woke up my last day in Alaska to find that Gary the fish had disappeared!

Vote for Miss Alaska 2010 Abby Hancock

2011-01-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

I Hate Valentin'es Day

2011-01-08T20:42:00.001-08:00

I think I'm having a "I Hate Valentine's Day" Party for those of us who are single & happy being so! I'm so sick and tired of everyone telling me that I can't be happy unless I'm in a relationship! Anyone interested in joining me may do so!

Is Language Innate or Learned?

2011-01-07T18:38:00.000-08:00

A language is a system of symbols strung together to communicate thought. Equipped with language, we can share understandings, pass experience and knowledge from one generation to the next, and make plans for the future. In short, language allows culture to develop. Consequently, sociologists commonly think of language as a cultural invention that distinguishes humans from other animals.
Yet MIT cognitive scientist Steven Pinker, a leading figure in the biological onslaught on the social sciences, says culture has little to do with our acquisition of language. In his view, “people know how to talk in more or less the sense that spiders know how to spin webs.” Language, says Pinker, is an “instinct.”

Pinker bases his radical claim on the observation that most people can easily create and understand sentences that have never been uttered before. We even invent countless new words (including the word “countless,” which was invented by William Shakespeare). We normally develop this facility quickly and without formal instruction at an early age. This suggests that people have a sort of innate recipe or grammar for combining words in patterned ways. Pinker supports his case by discussing cases of young children with different language backgrounds who were brought together in settings as diverse as Hawaiian sugar plantations in the 1890s and Nicaraguan schools for the deaf in the 1970s and who spontaneously created their own language system and grammatical rules.

If children are inclined to create grammars spontaneously at a young age, we can also point to seats of language in the brain; damage to certain parts of the brain impairs one’s ability to speak although intelligence is unaffected. Moreover, scientists have identified a gene that may help wire these seats of language into place. A few otherwise healthy children fail to develop language skills. They find it hard to articulate words and they make a variety of grammatical errors when they speak. If these language disorders cannot be attributed to other causes, they are diagnosed as Specific Language Impairment (SLI). Recently it was discovered that a mutation of a gene known as FOXP2 is associated with SLI. Only when the gene is normal do children acquire complex language skills at an early age. From these and similar observations, Pinker concludes that language is not so much learned as it is grown. Should we believe him?

From a sociological point of view, there is nothing problematic about the argument that we are biologically pre-wired to acquire language and create grammatical speech patterns. What is sociologically interesting, however, is how the social environment gives form to these predispositions. We know, for example, that young children go through periods of rapid development, and if they do not interact symbolically with others during these critical periods, their language skills remain permanently impaired. This suggests that our biological potential must be unlocked by the social environment to be fully realized. Language must be learned. The environment is in fact such a powerful influence on language acquisition that even a mutated FOXP2 gene doesn’t seal one’s linguistic fate. Up to half of children with SLI recover fully with intensive language therapy.

In an obvious sense, all language is learned even though our potential for learning and the structure of what we can learn is rooted in biology. Our use of language depends on which language communities we are part of. You say tomāto and I say tomăto, but Luigi says pomodoro and Shoshanna says agvaniya. But what exactly is the relationship between our use of language, the way we think, and our social environment? Let me now turn to just that question.

In the 1930s, linguists Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf first proposed that experience, thought, and language interact in what came to be known as the Sapir-Whorf thesis. The Sapir-Whorf thesis holds that we experience certain things in our environment and form concepts about those things. We then develop language to express our concepts. Finally, language itself influences how we see the world.

Whorf saw speech patterns as “interpretations of experience." This seems uncontroversial. The Garo of Burma, a rice-growing people, distinguish many types of rice. Nomadic Arabs have more than 20 different words for camel. Verbal distinctions among types of rice and camels are necessary for different groups of people because these objects are important in their environment. As a matter of necessity, they distinguish among many different types of what we may regard as “the same” object. Similarly, terms that apparently refer to the same things or people may change to reflect a changing reality. For example, a committee used to be headed by a “chairman.” Then when women started entering the paid labor force in large numbers in the 1960s and some of them became committee heads, the term changed to “chairperson” or simply “chair.” In such cases, we see clearly how the environment or experience influences language.

It is equally uncontroversial to say that people must think before they can speak. Anyone who has struggled for just the right word or rewritten a sentence to phrase a thought more precisely knows this.

The controversial part of the Sapir-Whorf thesis is this: In what sense does language in and of itself influence the way we experience the world? In the first wave of studies based on the Sapir-Whorf thesis, researchers focused on whether speakers of different languages perceive color in different ways. By the 1970s, they concluded that they did not. People who speak different languages may have a different number of basic color terms, but everyone with normal vision is able to see the full visible spectrum. There are two words for blue in Russian and only one in English, but this does not mean that English speakers are somehow handicapped in their ability to distinguish shades of blue.

In the 1980s and 1990s, researchers found some effects of language on perception. For example, the German word for key is masculine while the Spanish word for key is feminine. When German and Spanish speakers are asked to describe keys, German speakers tend to use words like “hard,” “heavy,” and “jagged” while Spanish speakers use words such as “lovely,” “shiny,” and “shaped.” Apparently, the gender of the noun in and of itself influences how people see the thing to which the noun refers. Still, the degree to which language itself influences thought is a matter of controversy. Some men use terms like “fox,” “babe,” “bitch,” “ho,” and “doll” to refer to women. These terms are deeply offensive to many people. They certainly reflect and reinforce underlying inequalities between women and men. Some people assert that these terms in and of themselves influence people to think of women simply as sexual objects, but social scientists have yet to demonstrate the degree to which they do so.

I conclude that biological thinking about culture has both benefits and dangers. On the one hand, biology helps us see more clearly the broad limits and potentials of human creativity. On the other hand, some scholars have managed to get themselves trapped in a biological straight jacket. They fail to appreciate how the social environment unlocks biological potentials and how it creates enormous variation in the cultural expression of those potentials. Analyzing culture in all its variety and showing how cultural variations are related to variations in social structure are jobs for the sociologist.

Tallulah Nouvelle Starr

2011-01-05T18:17:00.000-08:00

Tallulah Nouvelle Starr was born this morning at 8.09 am! Tally is my goddaughter & I'm so excited to see her (along with my godson, Dallas) when I head home to Alaska for a visit in just 15 days! And yes, pictures will be posted! &hearts

Welcome 2011

2011-01-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

Dear 2011:

I just wanted to welcome you to my life. I'm looking forward to the next 364 days or so with you. Hopefully you are more agreeable and fun than your predecessor, 2010.

My goals with you include increasing and refocusing my business for sustainable success, figure out what I want in a relationship & then work toward actually having one, achieve personal success in my upcoming pageant in March, be more active both physically and socially, and so much more. I refuse to make those silly "resolutions" like everyone else as they tend to be forgotten easily & broken before the ink is dry.

As I think of more things we can do together, 2011, I will let you know. We will have a fruitful year together if you just work with me and help me keep the options open.

Yours,

Batya Brigitte

Where's My Jake Ryan?

2010-12-19T08:56:00.001-08:00

"Sixteen Candles" is on A & E -- It reminds me that my lawsuit against John Hughes, Michael Schoeffling ('Jake'), and Universal Studios (collectively, 'the parties of the second part') is still in limbo whilst the Supreme Court decides whether to hear the case, which seeks unlimited damages for the permanent emotional disability incurred as a result of seeing aforementioned film and consequently believing such perfect men existed.

Thought For The Day

2010-10-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

"Welcome every morning with a smile. Look on the new day as another special gift from your creator, another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday. Be a self-starter. Let your first hour set the theme of success and positive action that is certain to echo through your entire day. Today will never happen again. Don't waste it with a false start or no start at all. You were not born to fail."

~~Og Mandino

Miss Anchorage Pageant

2010-09-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

     The Miss Anchorage, Miss Cook Inlet, Miss Anchorage Outstanding Teen Pageant was held Saturday September 11, 2010 at the UAA Arts Building Recital Hall. The pageant opened with a moment of silence in memory of 9/11/2001 followed by the National Anthem. The contestants introduced themselves during a production of "Welcome to the Show" by Britt Nicole.

     The new Miss Anchorage 2011 is 23 year old Eden Barrington.Eden performed "The Doll Aria" from the opera "Le Contess de Hoffman" for the talent portion of the competition. Eden's platform is "Stop Diabetes: Join the Movement".

     The new Miss Cook Inlet 2011 is 21 year old Chelsey Reeves.Chelsey performed "Almost There" from the Disney film "The Princess and the Frog" for her talent. Chelsey's platform is "Nutrition and Health Awareness for Youth".

     The 1st Runner-up was Danielle Kusmider.Danielle performed a Hip Hop dance to a stylish musical mix by DJ Stephen entitled "School's in Session". Danielle's platform is "Children's Miracle Network - Volunteering to Save Lives".

     A Miss America Organization Outstanding Teen pageant for girls between the ages of 13 and 17 was held in conjunction with the Miss competition. 14 year old Regina Lochner was crowned as Miss Anchorage Outstanding Teen. For her talent, Regina performed "Get Happy", a Judy Garland favorite from the movie "Summer Stock Show". Regina's platform is "Providing Material Necessities for the Homeless".

     Other awards included the following ... Miss Congeniality: Eden Barrington Top Ad Sales: Chelsey Reeves Top Fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network: Chelsey Reeves People's Choice Award: Amanda Lindemuth Miss - Best Interview: Eden Barrington Teen - Best Interview: Regina Lochner Miss - Best Talent: Eden Barrington Teen - Best Talent: Amanda Lindemuth Miss - Lifestyle & Fitness: Danielle Kusmider Teen - Lifestyle & Fitness: Amanda Lindemuth

Sometimes You Just Need A Smile!

2010-08-23T18:09:00.001-07:00

Wine Tasting In Temecula

2010-08-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Spent August 1st with Birthright Israel Next LA in Temecula CA for a day of wine tasting. We went to three wineries; Ponte, Maurice Carrie, and La Cereza. It was very enlightening as to the process of wine making and the best thing ws to try the popular California local wines.

The Whole Group!

Quote For The Day

2010-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.
~~ Frank A. Clark

Sababa Event - March 2010

2010-04-08T23:34:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit late in posting, but this is a photo from a Sababa Event held in Beverly Hills, CA this past March. Every month they hold a party for the Jewish Community & invite everyone to attend. Ten percent of the proceeds are donated to a charity which sends children with cancer to camps during the summer. The people who attend are from all walks of life & it is truly an amazing event!

French Elle Features Plus Size Beauty in April Issue

2010-04-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

Niecy Nash & Her Jiggly Parts!

2010-04-06T22:46:00.001-07:00

Niecy Nash (from Reno 911) gave up BIG props for ALL PLUS SIZE women. Currently she's on Dancing With the Stars and she told the experienced male dancer partner, I like dancing but I LOVE MY JIGGLY PARTS! Then she goes on to say after dancing her routine...THIS DANCE IS FOR ALL THE PLUS SIZE WOMEN OUT THERE! Y'all let's give Niecy love and support on Dancing With the Stars. I appreciated the shout out and this further solidifies that PLUS SIZE women aren't in competition with ANYONE and we can do whatever we put our minds to! I LOVE NIECEY NASH!

Inspiration For The Day

2010-03-28T11:56:00.001-07:00

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple"

- Dr. Seuss

Miss California Plus America Pageant

2010-03-28T11:43:00.001-07:00

OK, so the pageant has been moved again! Now it's April 18th in Ontario, CA. If anyone wants the information to attend & cheer me on, I'll message it to them once I get all the deets myself!

Tiara Dreams,
Brigitte

Vote For Miss Alaska

2010-03-24T23:53:00.000-07:00

Miss USA : Members

Miss Alaska, Sarah Temple, is a wonderful and charming young woman who has a spark of joy about her! She is well spoken and an has a graceful presence that makes people at ease around her.

Please take a moment to vote for Sarah!!!

Inspiration Off Twitter ...

2010-02-20T21:57:00.000-08:00

If I have given my all & still don't win, I haven’t lost. Others might remember winning or losing; I remember the journey - I did it!! ~~from ApoloOhno

Musical Montage

2010-02-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

I've been going crazy running around doing stuff today that I feel like I haven't gotten anything done! Do you ever feel that way? The one constant today though has been my trusty IPOD & I'm bored now, so I'm going to list the last 100 songs played. Surprisingly for my eclectic tastes, it wasn't as random as I thought ...

1.    Falls On Me - Fuel
2. Tantum Ergo - Charlotte Church
3.    No One - Alicia Keys
4.    I've Been Thinking About You - Mariah Carey
5.    Science Fiction - Everclear
6.    I'm Not That Girl - Wicked Soundtrack
7.    React - Erick Sermon
8.    Brown Eyes - Lady Gaga
9.    Let Me Fall - Josh Gracin
10. The Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Tony Bennett & Sting
11. Last Dance - Paperback Hero
12. Serious - Legally Blonde Soundtrack
13. I Have A Little Dreydle - Western Wind
14. Without You - Dixie Chicks
15. I Will Buy You A New Life - Everclear
16. Hometown Glory - Adele
17. Kentucky Rain - Elvis Presley
18. I Came Here To Live - Trace Adkins
19. Diva - Beyonce
20. Everybody - Britney Spears
21. Leave The Memories Alone - Fuel
22. Eyes Like Yours - Shakira
23. Could've Been - Tiffany
24. On The Coast Of Somewhere Beautiful - Kenny Chesney
25. For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert
26. Live To Tell - Madonna
27. Invisible - Josh Gracin
28. Back To Tennessee - Billy Ray Cyrus
29. Still - 98 Degrees
30. Take A Chance On Me - ABBA
31. Iris - Goo Goo Dolls
32. You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift
33. Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson
34. I'd Come For You - Nickelback
35. Russian Roulette - 10 Years
36. Outrageous - Britney Spears
37. Follow That Dream - Elvis Presley
38. I'm Still Waiting - Jamie O'Neal
39. For The Girl Who Has Been Everything - NSYNC
40. Wide Open - Sugarland
41. Live Your Life - T.I. & Rihanna
42. Silent Night - Sarah Brightman
43. I Have A Dream - ABBA
44. So Long For Now - Paperback Hero
45. Stupid Boy - Keith Urban
46. Someone You Use - Vonda Shepard
47. Old Before I Die - Robbie Williams
48. Don't Stop Believing - Journey
49. Once Upon A Dream - Jekyll & Hyde Soundtrack
50. Heartbreak Warfare - John Mayer
51. Smash - Goo Goo Dolls
52. Again - Fuel
53. U Must Be - Gina Rene
54. Your Little Secret - Melissa Etheridge
55. Kings & Queens - 30 Seconds To Mars
56. Ha'rikud Ha'muzar Shel Ha'lev - Rona Kenan & Gidi Gov
57. The Wonder Of You - Elvis Presley
58. It Snowed - Meaghan Smith
59. Freakshow - Britney Spears
60. I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany
61. Wish You Were Here - Incubus
62. Shakin Hands - Nickelback
63. Leave Out All The Rest - Linkin Park
64. I'm Going Home - Rocky Horror Picture Show Soundtrack
65. Someone Like You - Jekyll & Hyde Soundtrack
66. Only In My Dreams - Debbie Gibson
67. Superman - Five For Nothing
68. Today Was a Fairytale - Taylor Swift
69. Glitter In The Air - P!nk
70. Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church & Sarah Brightman
71. Promises Broken - Gary Allan
72. Workin For A Livin - Garth Brooks
73. Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Kimberly Locke
74. Sure Fire Winners - Adam Lambert
75. Wasted Time - Fuel
76. All My Only Dreams - The Wonders
77. Without Love - Hairspray Soundtrack
78. Stop - Spice Girls
79. Fair Fight - The Fray
80. Bless The Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
81. We Danced - Brad Paisley
82. Brick By Boring Brick - Paramore
83. To Be With You - Jamie O'Neal
84. There! Right There! - Legally Blonde Soundtrack
85. Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie
86. Whuteva - Remy Ma
87. Fade The Years - Colleen Coadic
88. Sing - The Carpenters
89. Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah - Allan Sherman
90. Jackson - Johnny Cash & June Carter
91. You Got It - NSYNC
92. Addicted - Ace Young
93. You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
94. Can't Box Me In - Honor Society
95. What The World Needs Now -Jackie DeShannon
96. Dance Like There's No Tomorrow - Paula Abdul
97. Inquisition Symphony - Apocalyptica
98. Girl Like You - Constantine Maroulis
99. Other Side Of The World - KT Tunstall
100. Never Say Goodbye - Bon Jovi

Rainy Day

2010-02-09T12:20:00.001-08:00

It's raining outside & I just thought I would share the thought that I'm tired of rain!!!

NEW GOALS!!!

2010-02-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

I have a new goal! Help me to earn 1000 community service hours by July 2010. Please let me know if you have any community events that I can attend as Ms Los Angeles County Plus America 2010. The wonderful thing about having a pageant queen at an event is that the crown and banner draws a lot of attention. I'm a great public speaker and would be happy to help spread the message about great community projects. Please email me at btwilinski@gmail.com.

If you or your company is interested in interviews, photo ops, meet & greets, or becoming a sponsor for Ms California Plus America, please send a message or send an e-mail to btwilinski@gmail.com for further information.

Updated Calendar

2010-02-02T22:54:00.000-08:00

To the right, I've updated my appearances ... this is as of today.

Tiara Dreams,
Brigitte

FOXNews.com - Miss Virginia Claims 2010 Miss America Title

2010-01-31T14:41:00.001-08:00

FOXNews.com - Miss Virginia Claims 2010 Miss America Title

Posted using ShareThis

Salmon Enchiladas

2010-01-20T23:01:00.001-08:00

Salmon Enchiladas

Posted using ShareThis

The Original Dress Design

2010-01-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

So this is the dress design we came up with ... what do you think? I'm thinking it may need a back piece as I will have to wear something to keep "the girls" contained, but otherwise it's gorgeous!

I choose to have the royal blue color to honor the fact that I was raised in Alaska. Somehow Frankie is going to add some gold (but not too much) to represent the stars on our flag ... And if it's sparkles, hopefully not too much ...

Once it's final & made, I'll post photos so you can see the fabulousness that is me! Thank you Frankie! <3

Why I Love American Idol

2010-01-14T21:57:00.000-08:00

OK, I love it for Simon ... but then these "people" show up & just put a smile on my face ...

Miss Alaska Trunk Show

2010-01-14T01:28:00.000-08:00

Barring any flight problems, I will be home this weekend to send off Sydnee!!!

Dress Dilemma!

2010-01-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

So I decided that I just might as well get my dress custom made ... Problem is, I have looked at so many different styles, I'm not sure WHAT I want!!! I'm thinking Grecian style with hit slit (my legs rock!) & banded or corded waist ... Thing is being 5'4" tall is would I be able to carry it off & then, what about color? I love bold colours, but this style seems to say muted ...

I sent all my ideas to Frankie & *HOPEFULLY* he'll muddle through them all to make the perfect dress for me!!! If he can get thriough the gazillion styles & colour schematics I sent him last night that is ...

Then it'll come to cost ... the economy still sucks, especially here in California, but if the dress is me then I'm going for it! Sometimes you gotta splurge if it's for the right thing, ya know?

Well I will post Frankie's concepts once he sends them to me & let me know what you think. Maybe even let you vote? hmmmm ... If I take state, the dress will go to Nationals in July in Louisiana ...

Louisiana in July with MY culrly hair ... dead G-d, that's going to be a hot mess!!! I'll deal ...

Tiara Dreams,
Brigitte

Welcome 2010!!!

2010-01-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

OK, so we are a few days in now ... still trying to get used to writing 2010, but I think everyone has that problem! hahaha

My Torrid Appearances fell through. :( We were all set & then - BAM! - they pulled out! Something about Miss Plus America not being withing their target niche or something vague like that. Ummm ... hello ... most of my wardrobe is from you! But, whatever ... I'm also trying to do an appearance at the Lane Bryant in the mall by my house.

OK ... now dress shopping is moved up as a priority! I need to find THE dress for formal wear ... Any suggestions? I just don't know what I really want ... If I win state, I'm splurging and having one specially made for me by a friend ... He's a designer so I'll rust him to make me look good, even if it costs me! :)

Hmmm ... New Years Resolution this year is to cut out fast food/proccessed junk & caffeine. I think the first part will be easy, but the caffeine ... I love my diet sodas & teas ... So far I've done well though with no cravings ...

And OMG I read this article online about a dating service that kicked people off because they gained some weight over the holidays! Seriously?!? I'll have to find the link & post it ... I was just gobsmaked over it! I mean, real beauty comes from within & love doesn't care what size you are!!! SO THERE!

Anyways ...

Taking my neice to Universal this weekend, and then getting ready to go attend some local pageants here & there. Hope to see you around!

Tiara Dreams,
Brigitte

An Open Letter To 2009

2009-12-31T16:50:00.000-08:00

Dear 2009,

Well it's your last day with us and I have to say that it's been an interesting year. We have had our good times and bad, our ups and downs, we have found love and lost our hearts, found our inner strength, and the courage to go were other fear to tread. We have dealt with the heartbreak of losing loved ones, the joy of new experiences, and the thrill of changing history!

While I morn your passing, I look forward to a new year - a fresh chapter, ready for the experiences to unfold! With another pageant to compete in, I know 2010 will be challenging me to be the best that I can be! And so many plans for Queen For A Day (www.qfad.org) as well as for my pageant consulting business... OH! the victory of succeeding simply by applying myself ...

So ... so long first decade of the 21st century. There were some great times, and other times I'd like nothing more than to forget about. Thankfully, I met some wonderful people and have made some excellent friends while learning to more greatly appreciate older friendships. Here's to a new year, and a new decade of progress..., discovery, new experiences, and good tidings.

Tiara Dreams,

Brigitte

Miss Alaska Outstanding Teen 2009

2009-12-28T01:06:00.001-08:00

Just Checking In

2009-12-20T15:33:00.001-08:00

With Channukah now over & Christmas just a few days away, I feel very not in the holiday spirit. Not in a "Grinch" kind of way, but one where we're just done with the holidays & onto a fresh new year. I mean, was it just me, or did the whole shopping for Christmas thing start in October this year???

Watched "Julie & Julia" last night. Very cute, but I'm not sure if I'd rent it again ... One thing I will say is this: I wish for a love like that ...

Woke up this morning wanting to make spaghetti & meatballs. No idea as to why since I don't eat red meat, but there you have it ... I'll be going to the store tomorrow & then making it with garlic bread & fresh steamed broccoli. mmmmm .... Tonight I'm making roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, homemade rolls, & for dessert, raspberry tortes. I've been in a cooking mood lately ...

Waiting until January to start looking for THE dress for Miss California Plus America Pageant. It's in San Diego in March, so if you're in the area, I'll be posting the information soon & would love you to cheer not just me, but all the lovely young women on! Right now, there are just three that are registered. Myself in the Ms group & two in the Miss ... I'm not sure what they'll do if they don't get a lot of contestants ...

Well, I guess I'll close here & maybe pop in "Star Trek" tonight. I know, I"m such a geek ... :)

Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper for M.A.C. - This Week - What's Right Now - Fashion - In Style

2009-12-15T06:20:00.000-08:00

I love my MAC!!! Great colors and perfect for competitions!!!

Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper for M.A.C. - This Week - What's Right Now - Fashion - In Style

John Stamos

2009-11-19T01:00:00.001-08:00

John Stamos, most famously known as Uncle Jesse on "Full House" received a Hollywood Star on the infamous Walk in Los Angeles on Nov 16, 2009. I was fortunate enough to be downtown on another errand & was able to see a man who is not only a wonderfully talented actor, but a guenuinely nice guy too! Congratulations!

The Thrill Of Competing!

2009-11-12T12:53:00.001-08:00

So I just offically threw my "hat" in the ring for Ms California Plus America. The MPA believes that all women are beautiful, both inside and out, and deserve a chance to shine regardless of their size! They celebrate the essence of the full-figured woman.

So, I am excited to be promoting TWO platforms: Queen For A Day which works with children fighting cancers, and Organ/Tissue Donation Awareness. Both are causes I truely am passionate about!

If you wander back in my random blogs, you can see that I am the local director for QFAD here in California. And yes, I will be posting more about that later! But it will give you a general idea about how awesome the organization is! :)

Also, there are a few blogs about Organ/Tissue Donation & I even think I did one about why it is so important to me. I'll look, but if not, please keep an eye out for that blog!

I'm going to be setting up some fundraising events for my run for the title to help cover costs, so please keep an eye out for those ... and if you feel like donating, I'm not one to say no! (hahaha)

Well, I guess I will close here & start using my contacts to see about getting some new headshots & photos taken! One must always be ready to have an autograph session with her most current photos!!!

Tiara Dreams!
B

Is It Really November Already?!?!

2009-11-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness - where has the year gone???

Let's see, tonight is the Miss Chugiak/Eagle River Pageant in Alaska - obvi I'm not there, but I wish the girls the best of luck! And then I have three girls competing in the Miss Division for Alaska USA on the 21st!!! Good luck to Michelle, Paola, & Sarah - anyone of them can take the crown! :)

I'm volunteering for the Day of The Child Project on the 22nd. http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp599780.jsp I'm very excited to get back into volunteering the way I used to. It's my first actual volunteering event without a crown in three years!!! How strange is that going to be?

And then I turn around & am judging the National Pageant for National American Miss from the 24th-30th! Thanksgiving in Disneyland ... it'll be interesting! I don't know if I'm judging Teen or Miss yet, but either way, I am excited to see a new queen crowned! :)

I am also talking to several hospitals about bringing Queen For A Day into their children wings. But I think that if they do say yes, it will be after the holidays before we can get in! :(

I promised photos from Alaska, and I'll be getting those into a photo album & posted just as soon as I figure out how to on this thing!!! LOL

Tiara Dreams my friends!
B

(Video) Sexy Twins Win Pageant! Tracy Turnure (PHOTO)

2009-10-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

(Video) Sexy Twins Win Pageant! Tracy Turnure (PHOTO)

Miss Anchorage & Miss Anchorage Outstanding Teen 2010

2009-10-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Abby Hancock, Miss Anchorage 2010

Hannah Rockwell, Miss Anchorage Outstanding Teen 2010

Today's Message

2009-10-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

Friendship is born at that moment

when one person says to another, '

What!

You too?

I thought I was the only one

~C.S. Lewis quotes~

Bottom Boutique Fashion Show

2009-09-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Photos will be posted on my facebook & myspace tonight, but I wanted to let you know that if you haven't been to Bottoms Boutique you are seriously missing out!

Amoung the models was Miss Alaska USA contestant, Paola Terry, who was stunning! Also in the crowd was former Miss Alaska America 2008 & Miss Alaska USA 2004, Cari Leyva. She is just an awesome person & I was glad to hear she's finishing up school & graduating in May!!!

I'll make sure that once the photos are downloaded onto my laptop, I post them here. Alaska has some hotties!!!

Having A Blonde Moment

2009-09-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

I've stopped twittering long enough to realize I've severely neglected my blog, and for that I do apologize. But seriously, if you aren't on twitter, climb out of your cave and join us crazy people! And by crazy, I mean John Mayer, who bought his own breath-a-lyzer to take to Vegas and test out while he got drunk! Genius!

I'm still in Alaska for the rest of this month & decided to extend it for two more weeks to see Jessica Chuckran and Veronica Temple crown the NEW Miss Anchorage titleholders! I need to go back to California just after that, which I am looking forward too, but I will be missing my girl Sarah Temple (Veronica's sister) vying for Miss Alaska USA on the 17th! I know she'll rock it & already have my spare room set up for when she visits as our Miss Alaska USA! :)

For those who have been wondering what I'm doing back in Alaska ... I came up to help out my sister by freely doing her PR & Marketing for her tanning salon (www.aksunsolution.com) & Day Spa (still working on web page). I've been running around working & being paid in purses, shoes & shinies ... so it's all good!!! :)

And the other day I ran into my girl, Stephany Jeffers (Miss Alaska 2008). She's getting ready to move to Washington with several visits to Cali, so you know we'll be causing trouble when she visits!

I'll probably sit down & throw some pictures on here of some of my crazy friends & our adventures ...

So until the next blog, www.twitter.com/alaskaqueen where I will be dutifully updating you on my findings, my eatings, my whinings, and my workings. See ya!

Thought For Today

2009-07-27T00:49:00.001-07:00

If we don't believe

in freedom of expression

for people we despise,

we don't believe in it

at all.

~Noam Chomsky~

Thought For Today

2009-07-20T03:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I continue,

even today,

always liking myself.

But what I learned to do many years ago

was to forgive myself.

It is very important for every human being

to forgive herself or himself

because if you live,

you will make mistakes

- it is inevitable.

But once you do

and you see the mistake,

then you forgive yourself

and say,

'well, if I'd known better I'd have done better,'

that's all.

So you say to people who you think you may

have injured,

'I'm sorry,'

and then you say to yourself,

'I'm sorry.'

If we all hold on to the mistake,

we can't see our own glory

in the mirror

because we have the mistake between our faces

and the mirror;

we can't see what we're capable of being.

You can ask forgiveness of others,

but in the end

the real forgiveness

is in one's own self.

I think that young men

and women

are so caught by the way they see themselves.

Now mind you.

When a larger society sees them as unattractive,

as threats,

as too black

or too white

or too poor

or too fat

or too thin

or too sexual

or too asexual,

that's rough.

But you can overcome that.

The real difficulty is to overcome

how you think about yourself.

If we don't have that we never grow,

we never learn,

and sure as hell

we should never teach.”

~Maya Angelou~

Queen For A Day Builds Confidence In Cancer Patients

2009-07-20T03:16:00.002-07:00

Queen for a Day (QFAD) is a non-profit organization designed to raise the self-esteem and self-confidence of girls coping with cancer. QFAD events, called "tea parties," are held at local hospitals and counseling centers where girls diagnosed with cancer are invited to participate in a day of beauty. Volunteers provide refreshments, crafts, jewelry making, manicures, makeovers and lots of love. Each girl benefits from the royal treatment, where they are dressed up in a queen's robe, pink feather boa and rhinestone tiara. The tiaras have been worn and donated by real beauty queens from around the country. The girls get to keep the tiaras.

Recent addition to the program is our Heroes. It brings in firefighters and police officers to participate with boys diagnosed with cancer. Their parties are given simultaneously with the girls.

Established in 2000 by former Miss Teen USA All American Jenna Edwards, QFAD now operates internationally in 19 cities, including a chapter in South Africa. As of May 2009, we are proud to have opened a local chapter serving the Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For information about Queen for a Day, volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Brigitte Wilinski, director of the Los Angeles and Orange Counties chapter at 310.871.0223 or LosAngeles.OrangeCounty@qfad.org.

Also, if you are outside these areas, we would be more than happy to arrange a QFAD/Heroes party. Please contact me for further information.

Brigitte's Birthday Wish

2009-07-20T03:13:00.002-07:00

In just a few days (12 to be exact) it will be my birthday. Instead of presents and parties, I am asking my friends to make a donation to Queen For A Day. Here is the link:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/birthdays/105857?m=e0bc6388

No Excusees!

2009-07-20T03:08:00.002-07:00

I have been utterly horrible at keeping up with my posts. I try to remember, but when I do, I have nothing to say! It's the worst, to say the least!

However, I am hoping to be able to report on stuff soon. I have Queen For A Day stuff in the works, plus I am hoping to have several appearances once schools start back up in September! Checking with the local communities in regards to parades & events to appear at. Look for updates & photos soon!

In the meantime ... my favorite spot lately! :)

Sociology Report Help!

2009-06-24T13:58:00.002-07:00

I am taking an Intro to Sociology course this summer. Our final paper is due at the end of the class (in just four weeks) and I need help! I have to choose a topic that will allow me to relate it to a social problem of some kind that we will have covered in class. I choose pageantry in realations to the social interaction and groups within. I'm also thinking about looking at the stigma that negative press and preconcieved notions have placed upon the pageant world. Problem is this: I can only use internet data - I'm not sure why only that, but that's the case!

What I am asking for is any sites - positive or negative - to use. I'm also looking at information I can use of actual pageant websites (coaching, news, states, locals, etc) to help.

If you have any websites I can use to do research, please email me at btwilinski@gmail.com. I'm going to also ask the instructor today if email correspondence can also be considered as internet research & if he says yes, I'll be contacting some of you for information & reactions.

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!

5 Questions You Will Be Asked During Interviews

2009-06-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Last night while talking with Bill Alverson, a very insightful pageant coach who has served on the Miss New York board, and who has coached many titleholders to success, our conversation turned to the top questions that will be asked during interview.

Here are pageant coach, Bill Alverson’s top 5 subjects/questions to be prepared for when going into interview. These questions are listed by the subjects of which you need to be knowledgeable and the possible questions regarding these subjects:

Top 5 Questions You Will Be Asked During Interview

1.Economy – Should GM be part of the government bailout? How has the economy affected your lifestyle?
2.Gay Rights – Do you think that same sex marriage should be legitimized in all states? Do you believe that marriage is between a man and a woman?
3.Obama – Do you think that Obama is fulfilling his promises while he was campaigning?
4.War in Iraq – What are your thoughts on the increase in troops in Afghanistan? What are your thoughts on the new president elected in Iran?
5.Carrie Prejean – Do you think Prejean should have lost her crown? Do you think that Carrie Prejean lost the crown because of her answer surrounding gay marriage?
These subjects are hot topics and they will come up during your 2009 pageant interviews. Be prepared and ask yourself the tough questions before the judges do.

To contact Bill Alverson for pageant coaching email: wbajr@alaweb.com or follow him on facebook (prepwithbill) to receive insider tips.

Colour My Day Happy

2009-06-12T13:08:00.001-07:00

I've been so busy, I can't even think straight. I wanted to share though, how awesome kids are. I have spent every single morning with 20-30 four and five year olds. At first, it was crazy and hectic but by the second day, it was fun and by day four, I was sad to part with them.

A small, dimpled little hand reaching up to stroke your hair for comfort is amazing. Making eye contact and for no reason, other than being alive, a smile so bright it makes you involuntarily smile.

Granted, kids can be...challenging but thankfully four year olds are easily distracted and redirected to happier things. Although, I've had my fill of Simon Says and don't plan on spinning in circles while hopping on one foot anymore this week.

Today's Message

2009-05-18T08:37:00.001-07:00

These children of Al-Tawilah left their house to

say to us 'hello' when we arrived.

In all the crossed villages it is the same scene

of the children who come to our meeting.

We are always astonished by clothing that they carry.

They do not obey any fashion.

The three children photographed here have us

particularly surprised by their vestimentary behaviour.

If the two children of right-hand side have the air in

good health, that of left appeared very pale to us

and weak in spite of its smile.

Donate Your Tiara's!

2009-05-11T08:44:00.003-07:00

For Immediate Realease

May 11, 2009 - Bridgette Wilinski, Ms. California Classic Beauty, is collecting tiara's for use in the Queen for a Day program within the Los Angeles and Orange Counties. She is currently trying to organize a few dates in local hospitals that treat pediatric cancer patients. The events are held at local hospitals, homes and counseling centers where children diagnosed with cancer are invited to participate in a day of fun. One day to not be sick and just be a kid. We do this through personal visits and group parties where we offer makeovers, crafts, manicures, games, temporary tattoos and entertainers. Girls receive boas and tiaras donated by beauty queens, boys receive fireman hats, and a badge. All children receive a keepsake photo and gift.

Queen for a Day is a non-profit organization established in 2000 by Jenna Edwards of Clinton, Mississippi. The program was designed to raise the self-esteem and self-confidence of girls coping with cancer.

Tea parties are held at local cancer hospitals throughout the year where girls diagnosed with cancer are invited to participate in a day of beauty. From manicures and make-overs, to overall beauty sessions, each girl receives her very own tiara and is treated like royalty by the organization's group volunteers. Tiaras are donated by pageant participants and given to each girl to make their day complete- they could be wearing a tiara previously owned by a Miss America, Miss USA or even Miss Universe!

If you are able to donate your tiara please contact Ms. Wilinski at LosAngeles.OrangeCounty@qfad.org as soon as possible so that we can give these children a day they deserve!

# # #

Thought For The Day

2009-04-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

K Larkin Memorial Alumni Scholarship

2009-04-19T16:03:00.002-07:00

Have you ever wondered how you could give back to the Miss Alaska program? Or maybe you've wanted to help, but can't find the time? This is your chance to join us in our annual K Larkin Memorial Alumni Scholarship Fund. We are inviting all past contestants, titleholders, volunteers, parents, friends, fans, and anyone who loves to give!!

Last year, with the help of so many generous donors, we were able to raise more than $650 in preliminary award scholarships. This year the K Larkin Memorial Alumni Scholarship Fund is determined to double that amount!! We look forward to this continued tradition and the opportunity to honor such an incredible woman that K Larkin was! Some of you may have never had the pleasure to get to know K, but remember that this is still an opportunity to support this organization and what it does for so many young women today.

In this year's program book you will see a page similar to last year's only we will list all 2008 contributors as well as the new 2009 contributors. Please join us again in raising funds to benefit our new contestants this year. If you are new, we welcome you to the "club" and hope you will partner with us for the years to come.

Last year contributors each gave $50 towards the fund. We know that in our tough economic times it may be hard to include this donation on your list. Please give what you can.

Mail checks payable to Miss Alaska Scholarship Foundation and place in memo line "K Larkin Scholarship" to:
Miss Alaska Scholarship Foundation
PO BOX 221062
Anchorage AK 99502

Thank you for your generous giving to such a wonderful fund!!! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email~

The Susan Boyle Phenomenon

2009-04-17T14:56:00.002-07:00

The Susan Boyle phenomenon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY) is what educators call a “teachable moment.”

Just look at the reaction of the audience of the British television program as Boyle steps on stage. Boyle’s is a face that you wouldn’t notice twice walking down the street, a newspaper said, certainly not one to raise expectations.

But when she opened her mouth to sing jaws drop en masse.

Remember the adage about not judging a book by its cover?

Well, the audience in the auditorium (and no doubt also the viewers at home) prejudged Boyle based on her appearance. And appeared stunned by the quality of what they heard.

“It wasn’t singer Susan Boyle who was ugly on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ so much as our reaction to her” was the headline above a piece by Tanya Gold in the British newspaper the Guardian.

“Is Susan Boyle ugly? Or are we?” Gold wrote at the start of her commentary. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/apr/16/britains-got-talent-susan-boyle

Call it a “preach able moment,” as well, one for clergy to consider as they address their congregants this weekend.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed 45 years ago of a day when his children would “live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

We tell our children not to look down upon those of different races and faiths, those coping with mental disabilities or physical infirmities, those standing homeless on the side of the road.

We want our children to view everyone as a valued member of society.

But we don’t do that ourselves, do we?

Not all the time, not as often as we know we should.

That’s the great lesson of Susan Boyle and the reaction to her singing.

I wonder whether the judges, audience and viewers stopped to think about how they had prejudged Boyle.

Were they embarrassed?

Will it change the way they act in the future?

Writing in the Guardian, Tanya Gold was doubtful.

“Susan will probably win Britain’s Got Talent. She will be the little mutter that could sing, served up for the British public every Saturday night. Look! It’s “ugly”! It sings! And I know that we think that this will make us better people. But Susan Boyle will be the freakish exception that makes the rule. By raising this Susan up, we will forgive ourselves for grinding every other Susan into the dust. It will be a very partial and poisoned redemption. Because Britain’s Got Malice. Sing, Susan, sing - to an ugly crowd that doesn’t deserve you,” Gold concluded.

One commentator I heard wondered aloud whether the response would have been the same had that voice come from a prettier face.

Of course not; it probably would have been the equivalent of “that’s nice,” rather than the “Oh, my . . . “ reaction to Boyle.

There’s a lesson in the Susan Boyle phenomenon not just for our children, but for all of us, about judging books by their covers.

By the way, if you want to hear more of Susan Boyle, check out her 1999 rendition of “Cry Me a River” at http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2009/04/16/exclusive-susan-boyle-s-first-ever-song-release-revealed-listen-to-it-here-86908-21283564/

Queen For A Day - UPDATE

2009-04-07T12:48:00.002-07:00

I spoke with Jenna yesterday & it's official! I'm the Director of Queen For A Day in both the Los Angeles & Orange County Chapters! I will have a Co-Director, maybe, and I'm just so excited!

I am waiting for the official paperwork to sign, and then I'm off! I have so many ideas that I want to do & make a positive experience for all involved.

So now I'm going to start getting my volunteers together, start getting donations, getting paperwork started, etc ...

If anyone in the Los Angeles & Orange Counties would like to volunteer or donate, please contact me at btwilinski@gmail.com with your name & number!

Going Home

2009-04-05T15:35:00.002-07:00

This is just to let everyone know I will be going home hopefully Wednesday until the 18th to attend a funeral of a family friend who died in an avalanche & also the State Meeting for Miss Alaska. I'm flying standby at the moment ...

Queen For A Day - California Chapter

2009-03-26T19:57:00.004-07:00

I just applied to be the Director of the Queen For A Day in California. Don't know what it is?

Queen For A Day was founded by Jenna Edwards (Miss Florida 2004). QFAD hosts parties at hospitals with pediatric oncology/cancer units or out-patient clinics. When Queen for a Day comes to the hospital, we give the patients a reason to be a kid again. We host tea parties for girls to be pampered with makeovers, manicures, and their very own coronation ceremony. Each patient receives a real tiara donated by beauty queens across the nation! When a child smiles in the mirror after her makeover and laughs, she has defeated her illness. The Queen for a Day crown symbolizes victory as she is a champion over her illness.

For the boys, we encourage the qualities of bravery and courage through the Heroes program based on firefighters and police officers. We invite local heroes to attend the event to tell heroic stories and develop a friendship with the patients. Patients receive firefighter hats, badges, and other hero-themed gifts. Heroes is a recent addition to the Queen for a Day program, but has proved popular among patients, hospitals, and communities across the nation.

Hopefully I get accepted to the position and can promote this wonderful program in the Southern California area! And if any local title holders (current or former) would liketo participate, please e-mail me at btwilinski@gmail.com.

I'm Addicted

2009-03-24T19:50:00.002-07:00

I've gotten addicted to twitter. Have you heard of it?

www.twitter.com/alaskaqueen

So now I'm part of the twitter generation along with facebook, myspace, & all the emails I have for different things. Funny thing is that with all the different ways to reach out, we still only have a select few we actually talk to!

It's Been A While

2009-03-11T14:00:00.002-07:00

I know, I haven't been updating this!!! I feel like a slacker because I have had so much to share & because I didn't write it down, I can't remember the order!!! I PROMISE to update more frequently! I will be in Alaska this weekend to visit some friends & I will make sure I have photos to share! Until then ...

A Day of New Hope

2009-01-21T14:46:00.001-08:00

Just really briefly - I still have to get things packed to go back home ...

For those who watched the inauguration yesterday: what did you think?

Inauguration of Barak Obama

2009-01-19T14:03:00.002-08:00

Well, I'm sitting in my hotel room in Washinton DC. I'm here for the inauguration of the 44th President, Barak Obama. The entire Capital has been abuzz since I got here Friday - so many celebrations going on. It is totally awesome! I left my camera at home, but I did get a disposal one & hopefully will get some great pictures!!!

I would of loved to been at Miss America this weekend with everyone, but this was an opprotunity I couldn't pass up! I'm here not as a title holder, but as a delegate with the French Consulate. I'm one of the many translators over here - so it's a good thing I speak five languages! (and now Iwant to burst out singing the song from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - "I Speak Six Languages")

I wish all the young women vying for Miss America 2009 the best of luck (Go Alaska & California!) as I will be flying home as you are introducing yourselves to all of America.

Miss Alaska Trunk Show

2008-12-28T01:02:00.004-08:00

**photos to come after show!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

2008-12-22T15:52:00.003-08:00

Just a really brief note of "yays!" for Shawn Stockwell, 10 ... after 3 years of being in a California hospital & having heart surgery, Shawn will be home for Christmas!

As a friend of the family I am just thrilled for them! I know this has been rough on the entire family & Shawn has been such a trooper!!!

And as a transplant recipient, I know the struggle that has gone on to this point, and the success he has achieved thus far!

To Shawn & his family: A very Merry Christmas & I will stop by before going back to California to give my love in person! :)

Miss Arctic Cirlcle

2008-12-15T17:06:00.007-08:00

These pictures are from the Miss Arctic Circle Pageant which as held in Kotzebue (Alaska) this July. The winner goes on the represent at the Miss WEIO Pageant. This contest is more than just a beauty pageant. Judging takes into consideration accomplishments, community service and knowledge of the contestant's native culture.

I worked with Lucy who was Miss Maniilaq. She didn't place, but did score top interview!!! She sent me these (finally) - she'll be going to UCLA this fall with a major in marine biology and a minor in cultural studies. This girl rocks & is also looking to do some pageants in California as well!

2009 Goal...

2008-12-07T13:55:00.002-08:00

I have a new goal! Help me to earn 1000 community service hours by September 2009. Please let me know if you have any community events that I can attend as Ms. California Classic Beauty 2009.

The wonderful thing about having a pageant queen at an event is that the crown and banner draws a lot of attention. I'm a great public speaker and would be happy to help spread the message about great community projects. Please email me at btwilinski@gmail.com.

UAA Improv Group

2008-12-03T10:13:00.002-08:00

I thought maybe if anyone in Anchorage who reads this blog might like the information about Miss Alaska, Stephany Jeffers, new project:

Come see the very first performance of UAA's new Improv group!!!!

Our Show When: Sunday, December 7th at 9pm
Where: Jerry Harper Studio
No, really where: UAA Fine Arts Building

It's after the Student Directed Scenes. And it is a suggested $1 donation to the Children's Miracle Network (or whatever change you can find in your couch or the bottom of your purse). Please come help support improv in Anchorage!

Tis The Season

2008-12-03T10:01:00.003-08:00

I am in Alaska visiting family until I leave to go to Las Vegas for Miss America & then back to California.

I am hoping to get an opprotunity to do a lot here in my home state while visiting ...

I know this weekend I will be attending an improv group that Miss Alaska, Stephany Jeffers, has started. Stephany is a fabulous and talented young lady & I can't wait to see how she did on the reality show & how well she will do at Miss America!

I am also hoping to do a photo shoot here - I recently chopped off 19 inches of hair to donate to charity (& later realized I never took photos!). I need new photos, and my friend Mitch from Propoganda Photos said he'd try to squeeze me in. But I'll also take some while running around town too - I love Alaska!

It's freezing right now tho; the temp this morning was negative 8!!! I think I've acclimated to California ... this is just too cold!!!

I'm wishing everyone a fabulous holiday season & a wonderful 2009! Please stay tuned as I update with more news & photos - my goal is to remember to be on top of it this year! :)

Tiara Dreams,
Brigitte

A Walk Down Memory Lane

2008-11-28T18:35:00.006-08:00

I was sitting at my aunts' for Thanksgiving & on the piano in the parlor was this photo (see above).

This photo was taken in 1989 at the TVSF Harvest in Fairbanks, Alaska. I am 6th in on the left in the back row. I won Miss Congeniality.

The next night, the collisium where this was held burnt down.

This festival only lasted a few more years after this.

Platform?

2008-11-21T09:35:00.003-08:00

Empowering Ethnic Women to Embrace Their Culture and Promote Self-Actualization ...

I need to make it sound less college term paperish, yet still encompass the idea. any suggestions?

2009 Miss Chugiak/Eagle River Pageant Winners

2008-11-19T00:43:00.002-08:00

Miss Chugiak/Eagle River: Jessica Fulton

Miss Chugiak/Eagle River Outstanding Teen: Sarah Lochner

Miss Birchwood Outstanding Teen: Krystina McClain

Miss Unity 2009

2008-11-10T00:43:00.002-08:00

The Miss Unity Pageant is a tradition on campus at the University of Maryland, College Park. It is usually a small pageant, with a great opening number! It occured over the weekend. Congratulations to Idara, who is also competing for Miss Delaware (MAO)!

Somebody's Gotta Know ...

2008-11-01T15:45:00.003-07:00

What do salmon do when they're out in the ocean?

No, it's not a joke. I really would like to know. You always hear about how salmon find the river where they were born and then swim upstream to spawn and then die... but you never hear about what they do when they're out in the ocean, maturing. Like, you never see or hear about them as either predator or prey on them Discovery Channel-like shows.

So, I'm asking you. What do salmon do when they're out in the ocean? Do you know? Or, at the very least, have you wondered?

A Day At The Office

2008-10-25T00:07:00.003-07:00

This photo was taken today - it's the last day of our fourth year students class. I was in the office reorganizing (hence jeans & a tee), when they pulled me out for a photo op. I'm going to miss this group once they become journeymen carpenters.

Self Portrait

2008-10-24T06:53:00.003-07:00

Taken this past weekend - I stayed home due to being ill ... boredom hit & I took all sorts of crazy pictures! :)

NEW TITLE (OF SORTS)

2008-10-17T14:02:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to let you know that until the end of the month I will still be Ms Alaska Classic Beauty. However, November 1st will see me holding the title of MS CALIFORNIA CLASSIC BEAUTY!

I was able to secure the title through our director, Stayc, as I am moving down there in January & while wanting to continue to hold my title as Ms Alaska, I felt it should actually be held by someone physically here! So my title is now up for grabs www.msclassicbeauty.com.

So I will be getting a new banner & then sharing it briefly with Alaska before taking it home to California & rocking it out there! :)

I'm trying to find someone here to take photos for my new title & then I'll post them once they are done. I'm so excited to have this opprotunity to represent my new home!

Learn The Facts

2008-10-16T12:14:00.004-07:00

Despite continuing efforts at public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation persist. Learn these facts to help you better understand organ, eye and tissue donation:

Fact: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.

Fact: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.

Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.

Fact: When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information, not your financial status or celebrity status.

Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.

Fact: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.

Fact: Signing a donor card and a driver's license with an "organ donor" designation may not satisfy your state's requirements to become a donor. Be certain to take the necessary steps to be a donor and ensure that your family understands your wishes.

Better Late Than Never ...

2008-10-13T12:01:00.006-07:00

A few weeks ago I was down in California visiting some family for the week when I get a call from a fellow pageant sister who is attending a charity dinner for SPCA & would I be interested in helping to give out prizes - one was a trip for two to Alaska. They thought it would be "neat" to have an Alaskan Queen give it away. Of course I said I would - any excuse to go shopping for a gown & to promote not just my beautiful state, but my platform as well!

So I get down there & realize I dont' have my camera (fellow pageant sisters from the state were at the doors) & since I wasn't planning to be there, I didn't have banner or crown. It really touched my heart that regardless of being a different state, a different program, and minus a crown/banner, these were some of the sweetest & funniest people to be around! So many people attach a neagtive spin on the whole pageant system & I think that is truely a shame! The girls I was with were mostly local title holders from the Miss Universe Organization, as well as a few of the older girls from the National Teenager System.

At any rate, it was a wonderful night & while the pictures from the girls are slowly getting to me, I did manage to get a picture with the gentleman who was the highest bidder for the Alaska tickets! He says he is going to bring his wife up during the Fur Rondezvous celebration that I was telling him about! How cool is that???

Visitors at Work

2008-09-08T13:00:00.002-07:00

Mama moose & her two babies visited our offices this morning! here they are near the trucks of the people doing some electrical work in the yard...