I was born in Washington during the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. The iconic Seattle Space Needle and I share the same birthday! My Husband Mike and I live on a small farm in Western Washington.  We also enjoy living in our condominium on the 44^th floor of a high rise in Honolulu! Truly the “Country Mouse & City Mouse” lifestyle!

My first pageant was the Daffodil Princess Pageant at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, WA. Contestants were nominated by the student body. When I was announced as a contestant, I thought it was a joke! I was so shy and awkward I did not think I would ever get nominated! The theme was “Magic Moments”. My English teacher mentored me in writing my speech. My Mother and I found a red polyester gown from JC Penny’s. My sister cut and styled my hair. I even learned a magic trick to perform on stage.  I was ready! I was delighted to place as first runner-up. Just competing gave me a huge boost of self confidence that changed my life.

When I was 22 and my daughter was 2, I enrolled in night school at Academy 3 Modelling Agency in Seattle. Pageants were recommended as a great way to showcase your modeling skills and network. So, I entered the Mrs. Washington America Pageant. But, before I could compete that year, I developed trouble walking gracefully. Since I had been a ballet dancer and teacher, I just thought It was some nerve damage. I withdrew from the pageant feeling that I would compete the following year after completing some physical therapy. The weakness in my legs never healed. I was later diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis! I spent ten years with a brace on my right leg and braces on each arm. During that time, I used a cane, walker, and for six years a wheelchair.

Then an inspiration came to me. I had everything I needed. I could make a difference. I just had to be bold. I felt the overwhelming need to volunteer at a mission hospital in Zambia. I thought I had gone a little crazy, but a few months later my daughter Adrianne was pushing me in my wheelchair through the airport. She helped me stand up and I was off. Alone and without my wheelchair! I held babies dying from AIDS while teaching sewing lessons at a mission hospital. I was able to go back the following year to a mission farm and teach sewing lessons to women so they could have a reputable income. My health improved! I truly believe that the way to heal yourself is to help others. This is represented in my motto “Service Above Self”.

With improved health I became strong enough to walk without the brace on my leg. It took hours of therapy and many tears of frustration. The goal was to simply walk without assistance for 20 minutes. After that was accomplished, I purchased a basic pair of high heals and asked my Physical Therapist to teach me to walk in heals. He explained he usually tries to get women out of high heels…I told him my Mrs. Washington Pageant story. I had unfinished business. I just wanted to walk on that stage one time. He was honored to help!

I competed at the Mrs. Washington America Pageant in 2004. I did not place, but had so much fun, I was hooked! Competed again in 2005, still no crown but lots of fun and friends. In 2006 I won Mrs. Washington America, Mrs. Congeniality, and Married Woman of The Year. It had been 22 years since the first time I entered!

At the Mrs. America Pageant 2007 I was able to tell my story to the judges. I explained to them “I honestly feel it will not matter who wins the crown. When I finally get to walk on that stage in those high heels, you and I will both know I won.” I was thrilled to place in the Top Ten! I may not have the most graceful walk, but I have the most grateful walk.

I have remained active with my Mrs. Washington America Pageant Sisters. I have spoken at workshops, judged the pageants, and even taught classes on walking gracefully!

I am President of The Rotary Club of Duvall for the second year. Under my leadership our club was named “Rotary Club of the Year” for District 5030. I have been a member since 2005 – even talked my husband into joining the club five years ago! My husband and I host an International Grant Project “Two Nations One Heart”. This grant will bring water filters to over 2000 homes in some of the worst neighborhoods in Tijuana and Mexicali Mexico. Our future plans are to host “Days for Girls” feminine hygiene events, neighborhood clean-up days, and school playgrounds. We have visited these neighborhoods numerous times to do needs assessments and meet with our partner NGO Tu Mas Yo (You Plus Me).  Due to Covid -19 restrictions, our work has been delayed. We will be back to work in Mexico as soon as allowed.

During our last visit to Tijuana, several of the groups we met with in the neighborhoods were so happy and surprised we came back. I said “of course we came back, we promised to help you”. Then they explained that the Tijuana had been designated the most dangerous city in the world. We are in the worst neighborhoods in the most dangerous city! I had one slightly close call, but a group of children surrounded me and walked me back to the car.

As I enter my 60’s I encounter too many women who have lost their joy. Their ship has sailed into “Sag Harbor” and they find it pointless to even try to be stylish. I ask “when was the last time you bought a lipstick? Mascara?” I believe we are Women of A Beautiful Age. We have been called “women of a certain age” but what are we supposed to be certain about? Many of us are not really certain what we should do at this stage of life.  Ladies need to know that now is the time in their lives to love who they have become. You have worked hard to get here! I began a social media campaign to encourage women to feel amazing about themselves. You can find Womenofabeautifulage.com, Facebook and Instagram.

I have led fun Ladies Tea Parties at Senior Homes where women in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s learn about their best fashion colors and make-up. I have spoken at Rotary Clubs and Sorority Luncheons sharing my ten low cost/high impact tips for aging beautifully. (Or handsomely for my gentlemen guests!) I get excited sharing my message with women of all ages – sometimes men will ask me to please contact their wives!

The first step to finding your happiness? Stand every morning like the Warrior Princess you are, look in the mirror and declare “I AM AMAZING”!

I am excited for a beautiful future with my Husband, Mike. Together may we share all the happiness ahead. We both believe life should be fun! We love travel and adventure. It is wonderful to keep in touch with worldwide friends. I will follow my dream of encouraging Women of A Beautiful Age anywhere in the world, in person and through Social Media!