Pageantry

My family and I were in the very front row tonight to watch my niece in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. It was just the preliminary part and tomorrow they announce the top 15 candidates.  But it was four long hours of smoke machines, thumping music, long sequined gowns and bathing suits.  You can check out my niece and all the contestants here:  Miss Minnesota. (My niece is Kathryn Howe)

How was it you may ask? Being a rock n roll rebel, a knitter, and in general hating all things middle of the road?

It was weird!  I was proud of my niece for pursuing what is important to her so I battled my own prejudices to just be happy for her.  The girls in the pageant were not the beauty pageant types you see in movies.  At least, not a lot of them.  Their achievements were monumental.  They announced each contestant's accomplishments as they paraded in their gown/bathing suit.  One chick had sold $3 million worth of real estate in the last 9 months and had recorded 5 albums at Paisley Park and there was some other thing too which was just so overwhelming that I can't remember it. 

Loads of the girls had started charity organizations or volunteered at orphanages, hospitals, nursing homes or ..........I dunno.  ...Maybe they single handedly saved the planet? 

Whoops!  Reverted back to cynicism for a moment there.  Let me don my nice person character again.............okay. she's back.

So many of the girls were terribly nervous and were practically trembling as they did their walk in the spotlight.  I felt so awful for some of them.  Others seemed quite used to it and were loving it.  I thought I would've hated the whole thing but I didn't.  I just felt the hopes in that room and wished they could all attain their goals.  Some of the chicks are going places.  One girl had listed her desire to be President of the USA as one of her ambitions!  Hey, that's cool. 

Well, it's late and I'm totally knackered.  Sitting in a pageant is like totally exhausting dude.  All that applause applause applause.  It really takes it out of you.  We have to go back there tomorrow for the finals.  If only I could bring my knitting!!!!!!!!!!!

Comments

[melissa]

have been meaning to send you a quick note to say congrats on SnB Nation. the Bam sweater looks great!

[Lara]

OMG! Miss Andover USA has the hugest teeth EVER! Good luck to your niece!! That's a pretty picture of her on the pageant site! (and good luck to YOU...may you survive tomorrow night with minimal trauma...)