Miss Muscatine 2014!

Introducing Miss Muscatine 2014,  Serica Rowley!  Serica will be keeping everyone up to date on her blog during her journey to Miss Iowa and beyond.

An end to a magical year... Thank you Muscatine!

Although my year as Miss Muscatine 2013 has come to an end, I continue to be reminded of all the joy and love that Muscatine has brought into my life.  I have been beyond blessed to serve this community.  Thank you ALL for accepting me and allowing me to be apart of Muscatine... it has been an amazing year!

I would like to thank a few of my sponsors and supporters, for it would not have been possible without you.  Thank you Francesca and Sam for feeding me after my training and rehearsals with Bruce.  Your family (and food) is wonderful.  Thank you to the Clarion for making my constant visits to Muscatine possible; it became my home away from home.  To Mayor Hopkins:  Thank you for taking me under your wing and allowing me to join you for Muscatine Day at the Capital.  Your kindness and acceptance will never be forgotten.  To Representative Lofgren and your beautiful wife:  Thank you for your never ending support and opportunities.  I was incredibly humbled to be introduced to the House of Representatives, Speaker of the House and the Majority leader.  I was also humbled to be invited to Mckinley Elementary to see hundreds of children and sign their bags, binders, books and strangely, arms and faces.  I apologize to the parents! You two have provided me with many opportunities to serve this community and I am beyond grateful. To Tony and Jamie at the radio station:  Thank you for ALWAYS allowing me to share my journey to Miss Iowa, stories of my reign and most importantly my platform.  Hearing my PSA on the radio bringing awareness of eating disorders is extremely humbling and something I will never be able to thank you enough for.  Wendy: Thank you for introducing me to the community and being a bright light in my life.  I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to your middle school Wiz cast and share the importance of loving and accepting yourself.

To my Miss Muscatine directors, Ashely and Kindra and the Muscatine board. What would I have done without you? Thank you for the constant pep talks and prepping me for Miss Iowa, one of the best weeks of my life.  Your constant love and encouragement means the world to me.  From prep work to wardrobe, you know my heart and closet inside and out. I love you ladies beyond words!  To the Miss Iowa Directors, Leslie and Amy:  Thank you for allowing me to experience such a beautiful and inspiring week with 12 other ladies.  It was a week I will never forget.  I am forever grateful for the Miss America Organization for not only the scholarship it provided me with, but also the opportunity it gave me to have a voice on what is so dear to my heart.

The Miss America organization has allowed me to reach many individuals across the state.  I never knew a crown could be so powerful.  There was only one downside I found while wearing my crown:  Nearly every appearance I made from when I was crowned in January to around April, I would go to get in or out of my car and my crown would go flying across the parking lot. It took a little adjusting, but it was well worth it.  

Little did I know, becoming Miss Muscatine was placed in my heart four years ago in March.  As I laid in a hospital bed after being hospitalized for an eating disorder, I was left with little dignity, a humbled heart and a yearning desire to be healed not only on the outside, but within.  I remember dropping to my knees in an isolated room, far from home and praying.  Honestly praying.  Praying for change.  I was not sure how I would be able to dance and perform again, but I prayed to be able to do so.  I prayed to be able to make a difference.  To be an inspiration to little girls again.  Becoming Miss Muscatine, however, was not how I envisioned it.  But that is the beautiful thing about God’s plans for our lives.  He made it better than I ever could have imagined.  For the first time in 3 years, I danced on stage and won the title of Miss Muscatine.  For an entire year I was able to spread awareness on eating disorders through my platform Indulging in Hope.  Being able to advocate for all those affected by an eating disorder not only allowed me to help others, but it also was a source of continuous healing to me.  That I was no longer bound by chains nor defined by this illness.  Helping others free themselves from this life threatening illness was more than I could have ever asked for or prayed for.  Being Miss Muscatine has taught me that I am stronger than I think I am and have more to share than I know.

Most importantly I would like to thank my family and friends for their love, support and encouragement.  Kelly:  Thank you for being one of the brightest lights in my life and for helping me on my journey to Miss Muscatine and on to Miss Iowa.  You have not only been an amazing coach, but have become one of my best friends.  I love you!  Don: You have taught me the importance of being “open and outward” and have instilled in me a drive to become a better title holder, and more importantly a better woman, every day. Thank you! Bruce and Susie: I remember the first day we sat down before we started training and you told me there were going to be days I hated you... I said there is no way and that I have a high pain tolerance and not to worry.  Little did I know you were completely right.  I remember running up and down your stairs, training for endurance and screaming that you were right, but refusing to say those words.  If anything, I loved you MORE for believing in me and making me fight for what I wanted.  I will NEVER be able to repay you for everything you have done for me... for giving me the tools to prove to myself that I am capable of more than I could ever imagine.  I love you both! oh and thank you for all the coffee! To my brothers, dad and Marsha:  Thank you for encouraging me and supporting me before, during and after Miss Iowa.  I will never forget running into my brother, Mike’s, arms after Miss Iowa.  The comfort and love of family is irreplaceable.  Mom:  my best friend... my rock.  I feel as though thank you is an understatement.  You have been there every step of the way and encouraging me even when it seemed impossible.  The day I said I was going to compete in a pageant, you asked me what WE needed to do and how to sign up.  I knew right then that it would be more than possible with you by my side.  Thank you for standing by me and reinforcing my faith, even when it seemed impossible. Above all else, I give thanks and praise to God.  Thank you for answering my prayers and ALWAYS providing me with light to shine on to others.  For carrying me when I am too weak and tired to walk alone.  For always giving me another day... I am beyond blessed! I love you!!

To the new Miss Muscatine, Miss Pearl City and Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen: Be fearless.  Allow yourself to be brave and share what makes you uniquely you. Do not hold back.  Utilize every minute you have to make the changes you wish to see.  Not everyday will be easy.  This job is hard; But rewarding. Know that you are enough and you have a wonderful team behind you (including myself) that will guide you every step of the way.  And when you find yourself standing in the storm and the wind not blowing your way... adjust your sails and remember where you came from and your destination.

There are always days where we wish we could have done more, or better or even less and rested.  But we shouldn’t fear those days because we are assured they are in our favor. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future”.  

God Bless!

Isabella

Miss Iowa Week!

Happy June!! 

I cannot believe Miss Iowa week is here already.  All the preparation and hard work has certainly paid off.  Regardless of the outcome, I am so proud of how far I have come since being crowned Miss Muscatine.  What a TRUE blessings.  The people who have come into my life have become some of my best friends and second family.  Yesterday I was on the Muscatine Radio station (both AM and FM), where I was able to inform Muscatine on all the events leading up to Miss Iowa week and what to expect.  I cannot thank the Muscatine Community enough for all their love and support.  Vintage Sound Radio even gave me a t-shirt to rock during the week!! I also was able to create a relationship with such a special little girl named Riley.  She is a cancer survivor and one of the most beautiful little girls inside and out.  We had so much fun making a “Princess to-do” list and a “Princess’s never...” list.  One of my favorite that she said was “a Princess ALWAYS uses her manners”.  How precious! What a wonderful reminder of how delicate life is and what the Miss America Organization is all about.  Watching her face light up talking about being a Princess was priceless.  I love my job! Tonight is my last rehearsal for my talent.  I feel so blessed to be where I am today.  For those of you who do not know, I was hospitalized three years ago in March for one month due to an eating disorder.  Lying in a hospital bed, I prayed for God to restore my health and ability to dance.  Little did I know I would be dancing on the Miss Iowa stage at the Adler Theater only three years later.  God is so unpredictable, but oh so gracious.  I happen to love His sense of humor, even when it hurts.  I am reminded to praise and glorify Him on my weakest days, for they only make me stronger.  With that being said, I am beyond prepared for God’s plan for my life, whatever it may be.  I cannot wait for this week and opportunity to spread His love, light and HOPE.  I will do my best to keep updating throughout the week! 

Blessings,

Isabella

Happy May!!!

Hi everyone!

I have been so anxious to fill you all in on what has been happening the last few weeks!  I think the best part about this job is that I am able to go be at a school one day and then the next day discussing legislation with Congressman.  To some, that may sound crazy, but I absolutely LOVE it! My week started of great by being invited to speak at Waukee High School where 60 students gathered to hear my journey and walk through my eating disorder.  Each time I feel myself getting more and more comfortable with sharing the valley’s I have been in, knowing I am possibly helping someone through their journey.  The students were very interested in how media skewed images and why that was so prominent.  It was fun to share with them my view from being in the industry for 3 years when I lived in Los Angeles, California.  By the end, I think they realized just how distorted a majority of those images were.  I love when they ask questions... I know they are listening and hopefully learning from my mistakes.  That weekend was Miss Iowa orientation!! What an extraordinary experience! Everyone was so kind and welcoming, especially the interview judges.  They all made me feel right at home and truly seemed to take interest in my platform.  That is one of the best feelings that I can hardly describe... To have even the slightest opportunity to tell someone my story and the that there is an opportunity to come out of that valley with the help of God is surreal.  I was able to meet the other contestants who were absolutely STUNNING.  I can’t wait for Miss Iowa week!! I’m so excited to get to know all the girls and work on our stage production with Ken Kenny.  I think performing is one of my favorite things to do! The lovely Mariah Cary also blessed us with her presence which was so great to get her view on this whole process.  She gave me two pieces of advice: Don’t over pack and don’t over think.  I LOVE IT!  It is so true.  My favorite part was getting to spend time with my board and watching it all come together.  Overall it was a WONDERFUL weekend! Bring on Miss Iowa week!!!  The following Tuesday I was apart of the Trinity Muscatine Health Fair which was an honor.  I was able to meet so many different people and it was so interesting to see their reaction to my story.  Being able to connect with a stranger in a way that not many people can understand is truly a gift from God.  Especially when you walk away feeling joyful and blessed.  At the health fair, I was also able to spend time with the Muscatine Radio crew!! I love how every opportunity they have, they allow me to talk about my platform on the air.  Just incase you were not able to hear, I shared that I had indeed put on 10 pounds since Miss Muscatine.  What a testimony that the scale DOES NOT MATTER.  My clothes still fit and I can now do more pushups and leap higher then ever before! I am in the best shape of my life! THANK YOU to my trainer BRUCE BROWN!!! After the fair, I went over the Channel 9 and shot a one on one talk show segment with Bob.  It will be aired this weekend at noon, 5pm and 11pm.  I was able to discuss my journey to Miss Iowa and of course, my platform Indulging in Hope!  To top off the week, I had the honor of meeting with Congressman Latham after he introduced a new piece of legislation called the School Modernization Act.  It is a bill geared towards modernizing kitchens in schools across Iowa to fight childhood obesity.  After the presentation, I was able to speak with Congressman Latham about Indulging in Hope and the FREED Act.  After listening to how passionate he was about children’s health, I knew we would make a great team.  We took pictures and I ALMOST got him to wear my crown and sash.  That would have been a picture for the WhiteHouse! Maybe next time :-)  I hope you are all having a great weekend!  I am sitting next to the fire after doing my final alterations for my Miss Iowa gown and selecting the sarong I will be using during swimwear.  EEEEEK! Only 34 days until the new Miss Iowa is crowned!! Prayers please! 

Blessings,

Isabella

April showers brings... LOTS of opportunities :-)

Good afternoon! My goodness we are less than 2 months away from Miss Iowa, EEEEEK! I am so excited!!  So much has happened since New York not only in Muscatine, but also across the State!  The first weekend in April I was in a fundraising event for Child Serve called the Bubble Ball.  It took place in Des Moines, and was a WONDERFUL experience! I met so many kind people and got to strut my stuff on the runway.  I was a lion’s tamer... in heels.  It was certainly an event to be at! Not only was it entertaining, but it was for such a beautiful cause.  I was fortunate enough to meet a family that was directly effected and benefits from Child Serve.  This is what makes my job so wonderful.  The following week I had my official Miss Muscatine photo shoot.  Ben Shirk Photography is amazing.  He was such a joy to work with!  We attempted to get a few shots of me on a piano, however I happen to be afraid of heights... yes, I am aware that pianos are not very high off the ground, but I was still terrified! We eventually made our way back down to the ground. AMEN! The thing I loved most about Ben was that he was willing to be creative and take chances with my photos.  My favorite photo is of me praying... in my Miss Iowa gown! Absolutely stunning. THANK YOU BEN!!! Pictures to come :-) This week I made my way to Pella to speak to their Rotary Club concerning eating disorders.  They were all very kind and welcoming!  This was my first time speaking to an audience that was not filled with students or those openly struggling with an eating disorder.  What an extraordinary gift that I was able to have an opportunity to bring awareness to this community.  Not only was I able to share my platform, Indulging in Hope, I was also able to inform them of the Miss America Organization and what it stands for.  I explained to them the four points of the crown and that we are the largest provider of scholarships to young women in the world.  I had many of the members come talk to me after asking me questions and thanking me for sharing my inspiring story.  Knowing I was able to share God’s hope and light is an indescribable feeling.  Did I mention I love my job?  To top off my week, I then had a fundraiser at Francesca Vitale’s in Muscatine where I raised $250 for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals! It was quite a sight to see me cooking in the kitchen and delivering a tray full of water glasses! I can’t believe I didn’t drop anything!!! I am so grateful for Francesca, Sam, and all of their wonderful staff who made it possible.  Also, for all those who came out to support me and the cause.  I am truly blessed.  Next week I speak at schools in Des Moines AND Muscatine.  Let’s not forget about Miss Iowa Orientation next weekend! Woohoo! More to come... Happy Thursday everyone! 
Blessings,
Isabella

Happy Spring!

Happy Sunday!!

I apologize for it being so lengthy since my last post, it has been a very busy month!  Not only did I find the gown of my dreams for Miss Iowa, but I also spoke at the National Eating Disorder Awareness Day event in Des Moines on March 2nd.  What a wonderful and inspiring event.  Each time I am able to tell my story of recovery, I feel myself accomplishing the plan God has for me.  Although experiencing an eating disorder was a life threatening and devastating time in my life, I would not change it for anything.  Each day I see myself grow into the special creation God has intended for me to be and I find myself helping others discover the same amazing light that sometimes is not so easy to see.  My favorite part of speaking is being able to connect with others.  Answering questions and letting them know my personal story and feelings so they can grasp that it doesn’t always have to define you nor be a downward spiral.  I think that is what made Eating Disorder Awareness Day so inspiring.  There is one young girl I was able to help that I still remain in contact with.  She had a story very similar to mine.  Being able to guide her through the first steps of admitting and accepting her eating disorder was life changing.  I could see myself in her.  She wants to fight and wants to recover.  My heart goes out to her and all the hard work she is doing to fight this deadly illness.  At the end of the day we all gathered in a circle and released balloons in memory of those who have not survived, in celebration of those recovered and in thought of those currently struggling.  What an impact that had while watching hundreds of balloons be guided by the wind in many different directions, yet all with one destination in mind... up.  My grandma always says “Chin up Izzy, chin up.”  I take that everywhere I go.  Leading up to March 2nd, I was able to spread more awareness and hope by being on News Channel 8’s morning show and also on Star 102.5 radio.  I then was able to tape a 30 second PSA that airs on the Muscatine Radio.  Having the opportunity to spread God’s love, light and hope is surreal.  I also had the pleasure of going to the Muscatine Book Fair at McKinley Elementary, a National Blue Ribbon School, where I was able to donate a children’s book by Tana Goertz titled “I’m Bigger Than This”.  Truly a touching and encouraging book!  I met the principal and signed many binders, hands, arms, books and more! Children are a true blessing to this world.  As I mentioned before, I did find the gown of the my dreams... Happy Birthday to me! (I celebrated my 24 birthday the day before I found my dress). It was not what I expected to feel like an absolute rockstar in, but the minute I put it on there was no question about if it was the right one or not.  I would sleep in it if I could! I also was able to buy all of my wardrobe for Miss Iowa week! As much as I love to shop, I am glad that is out of the way.  Now I can keep focusing on my platform and training for my talent.  Watching my dance evolve has been so exciting! I can see myself getting stronger and definitely can feel it! Doing one handed push ups is a liberating feeling.  My brother is a marathon runner and I think I might be able to keep up with him in the gym! Last week I was on B100 Radio with Red Hot and Tucker which was an absolute blast.  Not only are they funny and entertaining, they are also very humble.  That weekend I then attended a JDRF Charity Event for a little girl named Ellie.  She has type one diabetes and is probably one of the strongest little girls I know.  Her smile lights up an entire room.  I presented her with her very own sash, crown and “I’m Bigger Than This” book.  It was themed around Zumba and we danced the afternoon away!  Congratulations Ellie on being such a humble and strong girl.  You are a gift from heaven.  This next weekend I fly to New York to work with a coach on walking! Being new to pageantry, I am not afraid to say I do need a little help in the walking department.  Hopefully we will be able to get down to Atlantic City so I can see the official home of The Miss America Organization!  An absolute dream come true would be competing there for Miss America in September.  Fingers Crossed!!! I don’t know about you all, but I am ready for summer!! Enough with the snow. Happy Spring! 

Blessings,

Isabella

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday!

I am so excited about everything happening in preparation for Miss Iowa!  Not only have I had the honor of watching Miss Greater Des Moines be crowned, I have also had the opportunity to reach nearly 60 students from Waukee High School concerning eating disorders.  Indulging In Hope is making it’s way across Des Moines, and I look forward to speaking in Muscatine soon!  This last weekend I was on KCCI Channel 8’s morning show discussing Indulging In Hope and promoting National Eating Disorder Awareness Day on March 2nd.  Saturday, March 2nd I will be speaking at the event three times throughout the day.  I am so excited to spread God’s love, light and HOPE! What a blessing.  I will also be on the radio Friday, March 1st on station Star 102.5 and also on Vintage Radio on February 26th which is a Tuesday.  Aside from all these wonderful experiences, I have also been training for my talent!  I will be doing a musical show piece which is officially choreographed.  Now it is time to build some endurance :-) Another thing I am looking forward to in the next couple of weeks is finding the gown of my dreams for Miss Iowa 2013!!  I will be posting pictures soon from all the events I have had the honor of being apart of! 

“You are not ordinary. You didn’t come off an assembly line. You weren’t mass-produced. You are an original design. Nobody else in this world has your fingerprints.  You are a masterpiece!” -Joel Osteen

All my love,

Isabella Blaine

Miss Muscatine 2013