A common expression is “Art imitates Life”. It is not the finished product, but the process of making a painting that is like life. It starts with an inspiration to go in a specific direction. Then one has to gather the supplies and tools to pursue the goal. Along the way, certain choices are questioned; perhaps some brush strokes seem wrong and must be corrected. Sometimes whole sections must be repeated. At times it may seem that the original idea was more than one can achieve, too complicated, too far reaching. When one reaches that point they may feel like casting the goal aside. Knowing when to stop is so difficult. So many questions and feelings of doubt can creep in. You may ask yourself; will one more step bring it all together? Is this so messed up that there is no point in moving forward?
The need to salvage the work that has been started pushes one forward, but how to proceed continues to be a quandary? Then it is time to step back an assemble a framework around all the work that has been done. Getting some distance between the work and yourself can provide a different perspective – provide clarity around the next step. Feedback from a trusted friend can provide the spark that ignites the solution. The final piece can come together slowly, then suddenly, there it is, you know that you have it just right and the feeling is like completing a marathon. You have done it and it all has come together – that initial flutter of an idea flew and then softly landed, a feeling of accomplishment floods your heart!
To quote a lovely young lady who inspired me, “let faith replace Fear and pursue your dreams!” Remember it is the process that matters, not the finished product.
Art Heals!!
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Showing posts with label Miss International 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miss International 2012. Show all posts
Friday, 26 July 2013
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Mrs. International 2013 Finals
On Saturday night I witnessed the crowning of a new Mrs. Int’l while honoring the remarkable year of service by Mrs. International 2012, Sarah Bazey. With the husbands decked out in suits and tuxedos it was a truly glamorous event. Talented co-hosts, who also doubled as entertainment, created a glamorous and entertaining evening. I even got to sit up in the box suite!!
My favorite portion of the competition is the presentation of the individual platforms. The variety of platforms and the personal stories connected with each contestant was both impressive and moving. With my interest in at-risk and abused children I was pleased to learn that our new Mrs. International supports and advocates for children who need safe homes through CASA. All of the contestants should be very proud of their accomplishments because it takes a tremendous amount of work, dedication, and confidence to get onto that big bright stage.
Following the crowing was the Coronation after party. This is a time for all the contestants to let down their hair, enjoy a party atmosphere and finally eat some carbs. I joined in on these festivities thankful that I was not under the pressure of performing this year.
I really enjoyed begin able to meet the contestants personally and hear about their experience during the week of competition. I was quite surprised by the number of contestants who told me that they had enjoyed reading my blog. Of course, I had hoped that someone was reading but blogging is a one-sided event with limited feedback. Being able to hear that my words had touched another women’s heart was an unexpected blessing. A very humble thanks you to all who have followed me throughout the year. I am speechless and in awed by your support and praise for my accomplishments.
It was very emotional watching Sarah Bazey crown her successor. For those of you who don’t know, Sarah and I met while competing at the Minnesota State pageant. of course, the second she opened her mouth I knew she was someone special who had a profound story to tell. I have always been inspired by her motivation to keep going when it seems like the world is caving in on you. Her confidence, elegant, poise and charm is like no one else I have every met.
She is so generous; she invited me to New York City with her and literally showed me around the city, Sarah style. We went to Broadway, the New York Burn Center Hospital, ate New York style Pizza, and were accommodated by Harvard. It was a week I will never forget and I am so thankful to have gotten to spend not only my state title with her but to continue our reign together at nationals as well. I love you Sarah and I hope our relationship can continue long into the future.
All my love,
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
After the Crown
Although I am feeling a large range and mix of emotions about giving up my crown, I am excited about my plans after the crown. Sometimes, I think people see titleholders as these perfect “celebrity” like people who live glamorous and stress free lives. For me, that is certainly not the case. But I must admit, this past year, as Miss International was pretty fantastic thanks to the support of my family and sponsors.
I was able to leave my part time job as a Mental Health worker at Catholic Charities caring for 18 mentally ill adults during the grave yard shift from 11pm to 7am every weekend, as well as put school on hold for a semester to focus all my efforts on my travels and appearances. Not every titleholder has the ability and support to do that and it is certainly not required, so I consider myself very blessed. But before the crown I was an average college girl trudging around campus in sweatpants and a messy bun, eating Ramen Noodles and Easy Mac.
Transitioning from this fabulous year back to “normal life” will be challenging I am sure. In order to save money this year I moved home from school and in with my parents. Which has its advantages, and disadvantages for a 24-year-old young woman looking for independence. I love the free laundry and healthy cooking though!
In August I will start going back to Graduate school, working on my Masters at Alfred Adler a small specialty psychology Institute. I am looking forward to getting back into my art and art therapy and further developing my professional skills. I will also be job hunting as soon as my crown is handed over to a new titleholder. Job-hunting is not the most enjoyable process but I am eager to get back into the routine of having a job, and a paycheck of course. I am hoping to find a job that utilizes the skills I have gained through this year.
Because of my title, I have been asked to start volunteering as co-host of a children’s television show produced and broadcasted throughout the Minnesota Children’s Hospital. We play live games and have the kids call in and chat with us about different topics and next month I will be giving live princess lessons. It is a great way for the kids to feel connected and apart of something every week. I will be working closely with the Child Life Specialist, which is ultimately the job I want someday! Hopefully my creative skills and compassionate heart will impress them enough to hire me as their assistant, fingers crossed!
Other than getting back into school and work, I have tried to keep the next phase of my life open and free. This past year has been very structured and organized so having some free time to catch up with friends at the lake or go on a spontaneous road trip will be a welcomed way of living. I will of course continue to mentor through the Free Arts Minnesota program as well as volunteer at local Go red events, American Heart Association events, and advocating for the benefits of art and art education in my state. In the next phase of my life I see myself doing more one on one personal work instead of being in the public eye so much. Instead of speaking to an entire audience about art and creative expression, I want to personally help someone find their voice through art and use it to heal for the rest of their lives. Finishing my education will be the first step towards that new way of sharing my purpose.
“It’s not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters.”
― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?
Thanks for following!
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
I was able to leave my part time job as a Mental Health worker at Catholic Charities caring for 18 mentally ill adults during the grave yard shift from 11pm to 7am every weekend, as well as put school on hold for a semester to focus all my efforts on my travels and appearances. Not every titleholder has the ability and support to do that and it is certainly not required, so I consider myself very blessed. But before the crown I was an average college girl trudging around campus in sweatpants and a messy bun, eating Ramen Noodles and Easy Mac.
Transitioning from this fabulous year back to “normal life” will be challenging I am sure. In order to save money this year I moved home from school and in with my parents. Which has its advantages, and disadvantages for a 24-year-old young woman looking for independence. I love the free laundry and healthy cooking though!
In August I will start going back to Graduate school, working on my Masters at Alfred Adler a small specialty psychology Institute. I am looking forward to getting back into my art and art therapy and further developing my professional skills. I will also be job hunting as soon as my crown is handed over to a new titleholder. Job-hunting is not the most enjoyable process but I am eager to get back into the routine of having a job, and a paycheck of course. I am hoping to find a job that utilizes the skills I have gained through this year.
Because of my title, I have been asked to start volunteering as co-host of a children’s television show produced and broadcasted throughout the Minnesota Children’s Hospital. We play live games and have the kids call in and chat with us about different topics and next month I will be giving live princess lessons. It is a great way for the kids to feel connected and apart of something every week. I will be working closely with the Child Life Specialist, which is ultimately the job I want someday! Hopefully my creative skills and compassionate heart will impress them enough to hire me as their assistant, fingers crossed!
Other than getting back into school and work, I have tried to keep the next phase of my life open and free. This past year has been very structured and organized so having some free time to catch up with friends at the lake or go on a spontaneous road trip will be a welcomed way of living. I will of course continue to mentor through the Free Arts Minnesota program as well as volunteer at local Go red events, American Heart Association events, and advocating for the benefits of art and art education in my state. In the next phase of my life I see myself doing more one on one personal work instead of being in the public eye so much. Instead of speaking to an entire audience about art and creative expression, I want to personally help someone find their voice through art and use it to heal for the rest of their lives. Finishing my education will be the first step towards that new way of sharing my purpose.
“It’s not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters.”
― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?
Thanks for following!
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Monday, 15 July 2013
What I’ve Gained from Pageants
My mom, or as some pageant gals like to call her, Mama Wanous, is constantly being asked about my year and how it has affected me. “Was the time, money, and stress worth it?” Without hesitation, she always says, “YES! It was worth every penny, every second, every argument, every sleepless night and caffeine fueled day. I think we can all agree that pageants are great risk, great reward, and that is what makes them great. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Everyday was not easy for us and my needs this year certainly took a toll on my family but what I have gained from this pageant system is priceless.
I have gained skills I never would have gotten from a formal education or even a job. I was personally motivated in a way I had never been before. My drive to succeed gave me control and reason and purpose everyday. My new insight to see myself as a person who could use their past experiences to recreate a new purpose driven life was something you just can’t teach someone, they have to find it on their won. I used to be shy, quiet and reserved. Now, I am confident in myself, my ideas, my thoughts, my conversations, and my ability to carry on a conversation about anything with anyone! I feel a sense of self worth that I never had before. Before the crown I saw myself as an average, maybe even below average kind of girl. It is incredible what you can become when you see your life through God’s vision.
After winning Miss Minnesota International I was bombarded with love from this enormous group of past titleholders and contestants. Right then and there I gained a family I never had. As an only child with a handful of cousin’s spread around the country, sometimes you feel like you are all alone. Now, I truly have sisters all over my state and after Miss International; I have sisters all over the world! I don’t mean I gained supporters just because I won a sparkly hat; I gained these women’s love because we shared a common passion to serve others selflessly. I also learned small things like how to speak to and communicate with people of any race or background, how to shake a hand confidently, how to take control of a boardroom full of business men, how to ask for what I want, how to smile through quivering cheeks, how to be charming and how to be gracious, how to travel, how to improvise, and how to laugh it off when things didn’t go as planned. The list could continue for pages… the point is parents; I have gained more life skills from this experience than I could have gained anywhere!
I have grown from an awkward young girl looking for direction to a confident, powerful, driven mature woman with future plans. It may seem like a normal way of maturing but I can say with no doubts that I would not be who I am today without this pageant. I am sure I would still be on the same path I as headed before the pageant, one with little direction, thought, reason, or purpose. I was alive but I wasn’t living. I know it was God and Him alone that brought me to the International system, because He knew nothing else would spark my passion like a system focused on volunteering and serving a personal platform. I am so indescribably grateful for everyone who has crossed my path this year.
I know God was been directing my steps towards you and every conversation, encounter and smile was His plan. Trust in His plan, you were made by God for God. The best tool and advice I can give to contestants is, trust in him. Give all the stress and worry to him. You have to accept that his plan may not lead you to the crown, but He will lead you to your purpose, and isn’t that kind of the same thing? You don’t need sparkles on your head to do great things; you just need Him on your side.
The most valuable thing I have gained his year is stronger faith and confident faith. Inspired by the openness of Jurnee Carr and her faith I found a new strength in myself through Him. I felt a wave of calmness come over me on stage during finals night because I trusted in his plan for me, with or without the crown, and I was content with His decision. This calm strength has followed me through my year and has only gotten stronger. I know this is where I was meant to be and I am so sad to see it end but I am thrilled to get to know the new contestants and of course, our new queen! Good luck ladies and leading up to the week of competition remember and reflect on how far you have come and everything you have gained from this wonderful, sparkly, adventure.
“God intentionally allows you to go through painful experiences to equip you for ministry to others.”
― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?
All my love,
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
I have gained skills I never would have gotten from a formal education or even a job. I was personally motivated in a way I had never been before. My drive to succeed gave me control and reason and purpose everyday. My new insight to see myself as a person who could use their past experiences to recreate a new purpose driven life was something you just can’t teach someone, they have to find it on their won. I used to be shy, quiet and reserved. Now, I am confident in myself, my ideas, my thoughts, my conversations, and my ability to carry on a conversation about anything with anyone! I feel a sense of self worth that I never had before. Before the crown I saw myself as an average, maybe even below average kind of girl. It is incredible what you can become when you see your life through God’s vision.
After winning Miss Minnesota International I was bombarded with love from this enormous group of past titleholders and contestants. Right then and there I gained a family I never had. As an only child with a handful of cousin’s spread around the country, sometimes you feel like you are all alone. Now, I truly have sisters all over my state and after Miss International; I have sisters all over the world! I don’t mean I gained supporters just because I won a sparkly hat; I gained these women’s love because we shared a common passion to serve others selflessly. I also learned small things like how to speak to and communicate with people of any race or background, how to shake a hand confidently, how to take control of a boardroom full of business men, how to ask for what I want, how to smile through quivering cheeks, how to be charming and how to be gracious, how to travel, how to improvise, and how to laugh it off when things didn’t go as planned. The list could continue for pages… the point is parents; I have gained more life skills from this experience than I could have gained anywhere!
I have grown from an awkward young girl looking for direction to a confident, powerful, driven mature woman with future plans. It may seem like a normal way of maturing but I can say with no doubts that I would not be who I am today without this pageant. I am sure I would still be on the same path I as headed before the pageant, one with little direction, thought, reason, or purpose. I was alive but I wasn’t living. I know it was God and Him alone that brought me to the International system, because He knew nothing else would spark my passion like a system focused on volunteering and serving a personal platform. I am so indescribably grateful for everyone who has crossed my path this year.
I know God was been directing my steps towards you and every conversation, encounter and smile was His plan. Trust in His plan, you were made by God for God. The best tool and advice I can give to contestants is, trust in him. Give all the stress and worry to him. You have to accept that his plan may not lead you to the crown, but He will lead you to your purpose, and isn’t that kind of the same thing? You don’t need sparkles on your head to do great things; you just need Him on your side.
The most valuable thing I have gained his year is stronger faith and confident faith. Inspired by the openness of Jurnee Carr and her faith I found a new strength in myself through Him. I felt a wave of calmness come over me on stage during finals night because I trusted in his plan for me, with or without the crown, and I was content with His decision. This calm strength has followed me through my year and has only gotten stronger. I know this is where I was meant to be and I am so sad to see it end but I am thrilled to get to know the new contestants and of course, our new queen! Good luck ladies and leading up to the week of competition remember and reflect on how far you have come and everything you have gained from this wonderful, sparkly, adventure.
“God intentionally allows you to go through painful experiences to equip you for ministry to others.”
― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?
All my love,
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Staying Organized at Nationals
For those of you who know me closely, you know I am not always the most organized person. With the help of Mama Wanous, I always create a spreadsheet for long pageant weeks so I know what to grab between appearances. Below are examples of my 2012 and 2013 wardrobe spreadsheets. Now that I have done this a few times I don’t have to be quite as detailed but last year at nationals I had many columns for shoes, jewelry, and needed items like autograph cards or snacks if I was on the go during a meal time. Doing this just makes transitioning between events easy and quick. Sometimes you may only have 15 minutes to eat lunch, change clothes and be back in the lobby ready for head count. For these moments, you will thank me for this spreadsheet technique.
But the spreadsheet is not the only organizational tool that will help you stay calm. First, bring a garment rack with you to nationals! The closets are tiny and you will safe yourself a big headache by bringing an extra place to hang dresses. I also suggest organizing your wardrobe by day. You can make your spreadsheet more detailed than mine and separate each event by day. For example, I would take one large garment bag and label it “Monday”. Inside I would put the clothes I need for that day. Last year on Monday I needed an arrival outfit, unpacking outfit, going to family dinner dress, and my orientation dress. I put all these items in the bag and zipped it up. Then did the same thing for each day of the week. I had my accessories in a clear jewelry bag with multiple zip pockets that I hung on my garment rack next to my garment bags so I could easy check my spreadsheet and find the coordinating jewelry. I had all my shoes laid out around the perimeter of the room so I didn’t have to dig through a big clumsy bag. Doing these small simple things will save you time and stress in a big way. So, sit down with our official handbook schedule and figure out every single thing you will be doing on each day during competition week and start making a plan. I suggest bringing a handful of extra dresses just in case our agenda changes or you have an unexpected outing.
Other tips:
- Bring a plastic tablecloth to hang in your shower if you plan on spray tanning in your room.
- Bring a natural sleep aid to help quiet your mind after long days. Get as much sleep as possible!
- Bring small snacks you can throw in your bag and eat throughout rehearsals and outings.
- Bring a Tide to-go stick!
- Bring a lint roller.
- Always keep eyelash glue in your purse.
- Drink tons of water!
- Take a natural diuretic three days before finals night to get your skin toned and firm for stage.
- Take lots of pictures. You will want to remember this week forever.
- Smile and have fun!!
CHICAGO 2012
CHICAGO 2013
Other clothes to bring for out and about/back-ups:
Cocktails:
Feather pink
Blue sequins
Black sequin swirl
Purple sequins
Sundresses:
Bright Flowery
Thailand white
Thailand blue
But the spreadsheet is not the only organizational tool that will help you stay calm. First, bring a garment rack with you to nationals! The closets are tiny and you will safe yourself a big headache by bringing an extra place to hang dresses. I also suggest organizing your wardrobe by day. You can make your spreadsheet more detailed than mine and separate each event by day. For example, I would take one large garment bag and label it “Monday”. Inside I would put the clothes I need for that day. Last year on Monday I needed an arrival outfit, unpacking outfit, going to family dinner dress, and my orientation dress. I put all these items in the bag and zipped it up. Then did the same thing for each day of the week. I had my accessories in a clear jewelry bag with multiple zip pockets that I hung on my garment rack next to my garment bags so I could easy check my spreadsheet and find the coordinating jewelry. I had all my shoes laid out around the perimeter of the room so I didn’t have to dig through a big clumsy bag. Doing these small simple things will save you time and stress in a big way. So, sit down with our official handbook schedule and figure out every single thing you will be doing on each day during competition week and start making a plan. I suggest bringing a handful of extra dresses just in case our agenda changes or you have an unexpected outing.
Other tips:
- Bring a plastic tablecloth to hang in your shower if you plan on spray tanning in your room.
- Bring a natural sleep aid to help quiet your mind after long days. Get as much sleep as possible!
- Bring small snacks you can throw in your bag and eat throughout rehearsals and outings.
- Bring a Tide to-go stick!
- Bring a lint roller.
- Always keep eyelash glue in your purse.
- Drink tons of water!
- Take a natural diuretic three days before finals night to get your skin toned and firm for stage.
- Take lots of pictures. You will want to remember this week forever.
- Smile and have fun!!
CHICAGO 2012
Event | Outfit | Shoes | Jewels/Other | |
Sat | MRS Finals | Black Peplum (Brie) | Black Pump | Rhinestone Balls and Bracelete |
Mon | Arrival | Coral Dress | Nude | Rose Gold |
Orientation 8pm | Cream Dress - Bri's | Strappy Nude | 4 stone cream | |
Tues | Breakfast / sash | Blue BEBE Dress | Nude | Blue Cuff/gold metal dangle |
Downtown Chicago Zoo | Lace Back Dress | Bling Bootie | Clear Gem Stone Necklace | |
Boys & Girls Club | Same | |||
Dinner - Group Photo | Black gown | Stripper | Rhinestones/Spanx | |
Inspiration Talk-cocktail | Same | |||
Wed | Breakfast / sash | Purple Dress Bri's | Purple | Bri's jewels |
Rehearsal | Green Sequin dress | Nude Strap | gold earrings and bracelete cuff | |
Lunch | ||||
Rehearsal | Red Cache Dress | Red Earrings | Red Ruffles | |
Princess Ball - Crown & Sash | New Pink Princess from Glitz | Junos | Big Rhinestones | |
Dinner - | Besty Johnson - White flower | Black Pump | Forever 21 Clip on Earrings and cuff | |
Rehearsal | same | |||
Thurs | Breakfast / sash | Cream & gold foil dress | Gold Earrings | Nude Strappy |
Private Interviews | White Peplum w/Seed Beads | Nude Strap | PIN, pearl AB Niila earrings | |
Lunch | ||||
Judges | Rehearsal | Black Corronation | Nudes | Big Black rhinestones |
Teen Preliminaries | Red gown | Junos | Dangle ALDO Earrings | |
Fri | Breakfast / sash | Wht Blouse & Pleated blue skirt | Strappy Nude | Forever 21 cuff and clip on earrings |
Judges | Reheasal | Aqua beaded Dress | Junos | Aqua Brie Earrings |
Lunch | Water Color | Juno | Dark metal colored stone earrings | |
Judges | Rehearsal | Gold Sequins | Juno or Nude | Gold Cuff Gold earrings |
Miss Prelimaries | ||||
Sat | Breakfast / sash | |||
Judges | Reheasal | Cream & Gold Fun Fashion | ||
Lunch | Red Ruffle with Black Pencil | |||
Judges | Rehearsal | Pink Feather Cocktail | ||
Finals | ||||
Coronation Ball | ??? |
Event | Clothes |
Car ride | Black Titlewear warm-up set |
Mrs, Prelims Mrs. Finals | White Rhinestone top dress Purple Fringe Gown |
Orientation | Orange Dress |
Chicago Day | Purple jumpsuit |
Dinner | White Winning Gown |
Interview | White ruffle dress |
Hospital | Blue belted dress |
Autograph/pre-prelims | Red sequin back |
Miss Prelims stage | Question: Black Mermaid Awards: Pink FF Ruffle gown |
Teen prelims | Black with big shoulders |
Record speech, rehearsals | Beaded bottom white |
Pre-finals | Gold Gown |
Crowning | Question: Purple Fringe Gowns Crowning: custom red |
Other clothes to bring for out and about/back-ups:
Cocktails:
Feather pink
Blue sequins
Black sequin swirl
Purple sequins
Sundresses:
Bright Flowery
Thailand white
Thailand blue
Shoes:
Strappy nude
Old strappy nude back ups
Black gold heel
Fake Louies
Junos
8” Strippers
Strappy nude
Old strappy nude back ups
Black gold heel
Fake Louies
Junos
8” Strippers
When you are done creating your spreadsheet, print it out, clip it to a pants hanger, and hang it on the end of your garment rack for easy access and visibility.
I hope this helps!
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
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