MAKING A DIFFERENCE

A BEACH FILLED WITH STARFISH

A woman was walking on a beach filled with starfish.

As she walked, she would stoop down, pick one up at random, and throw it back into the ocean. A man came upon her and asked why she was bothering with throwing some back when there were so many - how could it possibly make a difference?

She picked up another starfish, threw it back into the ocean, and said, "It made a difference to that one."
Author unknown

House Passes Landmark Climate Change Bill

The House of Representatives passed legislation to slash industrial pollution that is blamed for global warming.

Contestants - Tuoi Tre Tao Cao event

Christine Lynn (Mrs. Bellevue), Amy Schroeder (Mrs. Port Orchard), Julie Rzechula (Mrs. Camano Island) and Angee Kopelowitz (Mrs. Island County) enjoy their evening at the Tuoi Tre Tao Cao event. Christine coordinated the event which raised funds for the non-profit organization. Tuoi Tre Tao Cao recognizes the achievements of young Vietnamese students and supports them in their pursuit of personal and professional success.

Thank you to Jessica

I was treated to a fabulous massage by my first runner-up Jessica Riggs, Mrs. Snohomish County, at Healing Kneads Massage. I have never had a professional massage before, but I am hooked. It was such a relaxing experience and she even worked out all those knots from my neck.

Recycling in Washington

I found this great website that identifies places which take specific items that can be recycled. You can use it to find the closest place to take anything from household hazardous waste to electronics. Check it out and see what you could or should be recycling.

Washington State Department of Ecology Recycling

Photoshoot with Beyond Photography

My family met up with Laura Hunter, Beyond Photography, for our lifestyle photoshoot. We had tons of fun and got some great photos. They will be posted as soon as I get them.

Detlef Schrempf Celebrity Gala and Auction

My sister Lori and I enjoying the evening.

Miss Washington USA - Tara Turnure

John Curley in action as the auctioneer.

Additional photos coming soon

The Detlef Schrempf Gala and Auction benefits Rise n' Shine and Northwest Children's charities.

4th Annual Eastside Community Church Tea Party/Fashion Show

Jamicka and her husband representing the bride and groom.

Jamicka and I

I spent Sunday afternoon with the lovely Jamicka Jones, Mrs. Fife and Mrs. Congeniality 2009, and her family at the Eastside Community Church Tea Party and Fashion Show. Jamicka and I collected signatures to support MENC, the National Association for Music Education, and modeled our evening gowns on the catwalk. Jamicka and her husband represented the bride and groom in an African wedding. The entertainment also included African music, dancing and fabulous fashions. I had a wonderful time and was happy to be able to spend some time with Jamicka and her family.

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Fashion and Climate Change

How Climate Change Will Affect What We Wear

Going Green With Fashion

Go Go Green Couture: Eco-friendly Fashions for Your Closet

Design for a Living World

Motorcycles for Max

Today I traded my crown in for a motorcycle helmet and joined my husband, Mitch Fotes, and other motorcyclists in a pledge ride benefitting The Max Foundation. The ride ended at Lake Sammamish State Park and the Tastin' n Racin' festival.

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Motorcycles and Climate Change:

Man Builds World's First Fully Solar-Powered Motorcycle

Two BMW riders plan a carbon-neutral motorcycle adventure

Motorcycles Finally Go Green
Seven Electric Motorcycles You Must See

Hobby - Jewelry Design

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I have been designing jewelry since 2001 after taking a class in chainware at a local bead store. My work has been included in several jewelry design books, the latest being Beading with World Beads by Ray Hemachandra published by Lark Books. The official release date for the book was yesterday June 2nd. My Golden Dunes Bracelet was included in this book.

Hobby - Seattle International Film Festival premere of "The Whole Truth"

One of my hobbies is working as an extra for movies and shows which are filmed locally. In October 2008, I was picked to play a "Chic Diner" for the movie "The Whole Truth". Working on a film set is always an exciting experience. It is like stepping into a whole different world. The scene was filmed in a resturant in Ballard and included Eric Roberts and Elizabeth Rohm.
It is always suspenseful to watch the finished product because you never know if your scene will be included in the movie or be left on the cutting room floor. Happily, my scene was in the movie and I got to see myself on the big screen.

The Seattle International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the United States. This year they are presenting 268 features and 124 shorts from 62 countries with 31 World Premieres, 45 North American Premieres, and 13 US premieres.