| |
2008 Ms Plus
America
Kimberly Parmenter
Q&A With The New
Ms Plus America!
| MPA |
What made
you enter MPA? |
| Kimberly |
I directed and emceed a regional
scholarship pageant last June, within several days I received an
anonymous phone call from a lovely woman who directed me to the
MPA website. She had been in the audience at the pageant I was
hosting and thought I would enjoy and do well with MPA. She did
not want to hurt my feelings
by suggesting I was plus size so she never identified herself. I
would love to be able to thank her again !
After researching MPA I realized I had a
few unanswered hopes and dreams of my own! I prayed about
entering and asked the Lord to open doors for me if it was meant
to be. Within two days he had provided for my every need!
I knew it was meant for me to participate, it was EMPOWERING and
TERRIFYING when I hit send after filling out the MPA
application! But the real excitement began the moment I
opened up my congratulation and acceptance letters from Melissa
and the Miss Plus America Organization ! |
| MPA |
How did
you feel as you were traveling to the pageant? |
| Kimberly |
Oddly enough very calm and ready. I had
prepared for months and I was more than current on all events
and happenings. I really felt confident that I had done
everything I could possibly do to prepare myself for this
competition. I had packed weeks earlier and double checked my
list several times so I was totally prepared for what the week
would bring ! |
| MPA |
What was
your favorite part of the orientation? |
| Kimberly |
The
parties ! I loved getting to know everyone, And I got the
honor of driving the soul train at the Pajama Party! I
wish those of you reading this could have seen me with my
hoola hoop for a steering wheel driving a soul train full of
plus size, fantastic, beautiful divas who did a U-Turn (aka
bootie pop ) just for me! I laughed so hard my ribs are still
hurting!
|
| MPA |
Tell us
about the new friends you made. |
|
Kimberly |
OMG... I LOVE ALL MY NEW SISTERS ! We
all got along so well. After participating on the delegate forum
for almost a year I felt like I was meeting up with old friends
instead of making new ones. Truthfully speaking I did not
encounter a single ugly remark or have to deal with a nasty
attitude at all ! All the women kept it real, their integrity
really shined ! Everyone was very gracious and kind! |
| MPA |
What was
the toughest part of the competition? |
| Kimberly |
Group
B prelims. I was a little rushed and everything was happening
so fast that it was difficult processing it all ! I could feel
my lip quivering when I walked out on stage in both evening
gown and cocktail pant suit !
I felt nervous which was a new and wild feeling for me,
normally I am totally in control of any stage situation but
this was my first pageant and the nerves tried to rear their
ugly heads ! It was just like what you see on TV for USA
or America, very quick and very professional !
|
| MPA |
What was
the most difficult question to answer in interview? |
| Kimberly |
None
of my questions were designed to be difficult or trip me up.
But interview was not a cake walk either. The questions
were sincere and well thought out . This panel of judges
really had an interest in getting to
know me, not only as a contestant but also a person.
|
| MPA |
How did
you feel during the opening number? |
| Kimberly |
Very
sexy ! The opening number dresses were very good for
everyone's body build and flattered all of us ! I just want to
tell Silhouettes thank you again. The music was awesome and
mesmerizing !
BUT...my feet were numb at this point and I was in pain. I
only messed up a couple of times and they were not big mess
ups. Of course I did throw my hands up at the end with the
first row of dancers (sorry Deidra ) and promptly had to do it
again with the 4th row when I was supposed to do it anyhow LOL
!
|
| MPA |
What was
the mood back-stage? |
| Kimberly |
Supportive! Yet it was a mix of moods,
you know what they say... The thrill of victory (top 5) and the
agony of defeat! Although you hurt for some of your sisters and
you just want to grab them up and love on them, there is no
time. I thought any one of the delegates were worthy of being
top 5 .I do not know how the judges ever picked! I do want to
say thank you to all the delegates who came back stage to help
me when I needed it, your kindness will never be forgotten!
Angela Miller you are what true queens are made of and Joy thank
you so much! There were many of you, so thank you, thank you! |
| MPA |
What was it like knowing that
Zoo Productions was filming you? |
| Kimberly |
The
Zoo crew really did not phase me at all, I was able to tune
them out when I really needed to focus and participate when I
decided to get involved. I really bonded with Sergio and
Amy and I felt comfortable telling them to go away several
times! They respected my wishes and did just that! I enjoyed
the people affiliated with Zoo TV and tried to keep it real
with them. I apologized to Sergio when I was signing my
contracts for telling him to leave me alone at The Viva La
Diva party, But I was hungry, really hungry and I did not want
him filming what I was putting on my plate. The food was
fabulous and I wanted to enjoy every morsel! I did not want
that part captured and immortalized on film forever ! He said
he was totally ok with it and respected me telling him to
leave my daughter and me alone !
|
| MPA |
What was the first thing that went through
your mind when you heard your name called? |
| Kimberly |
I had
the blessing of having my name called twice, once for top
15 ... I was thrilled and knew I had earned another chance at
the title I so desperately wanted. But it was the second
time that really choked me up. This was for the big one....
I was
standing on stage holding Deontrae Sherrard hands looking into
that beautiful, beautiful face. I knew it would be nothing
short of a miracle if they called my name! Deontrae is a
class act in every sense of the word and those of you who know
her will attest to that. I was afraid to step forward thinking
Debbie had called my name out wrong. And then it all just
became a blur. I somewhat remember feeling proud, thankful,
then huge excitement and of course a deep seeded sense of
accomplishment. I was so giddy I tried to send my new crown
flying halfway across stage but my girlfriend and Queen Diva
Sabrina saved my crown and the moment! I became very
grateful! I thanked the judges with a visual sign and began
thanking and praising Jesus!
I may not be smarter than a 5th grader but I am smart enough
to realize I am nothing without him. I COULD NOT HAVE
DONE THIS WITHOUT THE LORD ORDERING MY EVERY FOOTSTEP !
|
| MPA |
Describe
your crowning moment. |
|
Kimberly |
Glorious, overwhelming and humbling
because the Ms division was stellar. Literally it could have
been any one of us... we rocked that stage! |
| MPA |
What went through
your mind when you heard that you may have a chance to play for
$ ONE MILLION on “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader”? |
|
Kimberly |
HOT
DANG ! COOL BEANS ! SWEEEEET ! There are not words to describe
the feeling so I let out a very loud tropical bird call ! That
seemed to suffice momentarily ! : ) Then total shock ! Wow I
may end up being a millionaire! Thank you Jesus ! |
| MPA |
What
plans do you have for your year's reign? |
|
Kimberly |
It
will not be my plans it will be the Lords. Anything that is
needed of me I will try my best to do! hope to
receive state grants to take my Literacy platform with a
special emphasis on'' Promoting a Passion for Reading in
Preschoolers' to new heights !
As I have said before I believe in tackling tomorrows tough
literacy problems, one toddler at a time today!
Preventative medicine goes a long way! Did you know that
so tightly linked are early literacy test scores and being a
useful, productive member of today's society, that some states
use these scores to project the amount of future prison
construction needed for their states ? I don't like the idea
of gambling with a Child's future and I would like to
permanently lock in place a program that instills excellent
early learned literacy skills for our children.
Children going to
Kindergarten who have never been exposed to reading or have no
age appropriate reading material in their homes, statistics
show are three to four times more likely to drop out of school
.Thus giving them no hope of a prosperous, productive future!
We can all help change those statistics by simply reading to
our children!
And
of course I would love to represent MPA at Miss America again
in Vegas, that was super exposure for MPA ! We should all meet
there for a reunion of sorts!
|
| MPA |
How do
you plan to promote your platform? |
|
Kimberly |
My
Platform is already in place and running well so at this point
just maintaining and spreading the word. I will also
organize several more community wide book drives that help
place age appropriate reading material in the homes of our
underprivileged preschoolers. I am hoping to meet with
Governor Bill Richardson and discuss state funding for taking
'Promoting a Passion for Reading in Preschoolers' state wide.
New
Mexico's adult literacy levels are devastatingly grim .If I
could just get a few moments of his time I know I would be
able to persuade him to delve deeper into helping me with my
platform ! ' I can be quite
persuasive.'
I
believe the squeaky wheel gets the oil...So I will be
relentless until the new 'Ms Plus America 2008 ' has commanded
a private audience with our states head hauncho!
|
| MPA |
What
advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the Miss Plus
America pageant? |
|
Kimberly |
Fairytales and dreams do come true... And they begin right
here with MPA and you! Take a chance and maybe, just
maybe, myself or one of the other Miss Plus America
Queens will be crowning you at the 2009 Miss Plus America
Pageant!
You will make memories and friendships that will last a
lifetime! If I can do this at 46 years of age you can
do it also! It was the best week of my life, it
impacted me in a way that mere words can't express!
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT ALL POSITIVE, PLUS SIZE WOMEN SHOULD
EXPERIENCE!
|
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July Diary Entry
It amazes me that the month
of July has already come and gone! I woke up Sunday July 6th
still on cloud nine, Laying in bed at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas!
Oh my goodness I almost had to pinch myself...being crowned the new
Ms Plus America 2008 last night was not a dream. There was all the
regalia on the Armoire, my crown, banner and scepter. The prize bag
and contracts still scattered at the foot of the bed were more proof
I was not dreaming. My smile so huge, it felt like it was cracking
my face and then my husband gave me a reality check! He informed me
in all the excitement of last nights' festivities none of us had
eaten since lunch Saturday.
Over lunch at Pappasitas (a
long time Dallas favorite of mine) He urged me to be thinking about
appearances, My Daughter Kristian who had flown in from Las Vegas to
do my hair and make-up put her two cents in, offering some great
ideas for appearances also. I knew by their enthusiasm this year was
going to be great. I could not have done the pageant without
them and it was amazing knowing they wished to continue helping and
supporting me throughout my reign. My husband Jay has now been
lovingly dubbed the Pageant Police ! ( he's a stickler for
details ) My daughter Kristian is a former Little Miss Of America
and has held numerous National Pageant Titles, was proud of me! Even
though our roles were now reversed, she the coach and make up
artist, me the contestant... it made me feel great being able to
return the joy I had shared with her when she was crowned a National
winner so many times before in the past. One of my greatest thrills
at MPA 2008 was having my daughter and husband there to share it
with.
Returning to the Fairmont
later in the evening was humbling. The bellman, concierge and
parking attendants who all knew me by name now, were extending
congratulations, Ms Parmenter we heard you won last night ! Wow talk
about feeling like royalty, the staff at the Fairmont was amazing!
I loved the Fairmont and it's employees. They were making me feel
like Royalty long before I was crowned Ms Plus America 2008!
We stayed an few extra days in Dallas after the pageant relaxing and
shopping, I just had to spend the cash I had won with my Ms Plus
America 2008 Prize Package. I bought some great new outfits which I
will be packing for MPA next year LOL!
The excitement did not stop
once we arrived home in the first two weeks after the pageant I did
numerous radio, television and newspaper articles. It seems one
interview sparked another and so on. Friends and clients were
cutting out articles and bringing them to me. Congratulation cards
came in the mail and beautiful floral arrangements were sent for
almost two weeks. I was amazed at the support and heartfelt
congratulations my community extended me. I run a large
youth scholarship pageant system here in New Mexico, my young ladies
were ecstatic for me. My contestants think it is so cool their
director is now a National Queen !
What probably surprised me the most were the
amount of e-mails I received from fellow Miss Plus America delegates
who had competed with me at MPA 2008. Knowing the new friends I made
at the pageant love and support me means so much. I did online
interviews for Venus Diva Magazine and Plus Model Magazine and I am
excited thinking they will be featuring the 2008 MPA Royalty at some
point this year.
The package for "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" arrived within
days of coming home from Dallas. Some of those questions were so
tough...I really felt like I needed to go back to school! I
was not chosen to make an appearance on the show, although I have to
admit it was disappointing not being chosen I thanked God for the
opportunity anyhow! I am excited for both MPA and Lacreshia that an
opportunity was presented to showcase the pageant and one of it's
Queens! MPA will profit greatly from the television exposure
and I am so thankful for that. But the life of an MPA queen is
not always perfect and I would be untruthful if I pretended
everything came up roses this month, so I will share with you in my
diary something that did not exactly go my way.
One of the articles that was done on me in the Clovis News Journal
called "Crowning Moment "
really ended up being controversial. I was so excited for the
article to be printed. For years our paper has featured next to
nothing in the way of pageant stories. I was very honored when they
called me requesting an interview on my big win with Miss Plus
America. I felt the interview went extremely well taking upwards of
almost forty minutes. I felt so positive about the interview. But
when the article broke I was less than happy with the outcome. Due
to size constraints on the article the lovely reporter who
interviewed me only used bits and pieces of the answers and info I
had given her! I felt it made me sound vain and unintelligent.
The article had a place for comments and recommendations. At first
the comments were very kind and supportive, then several fat haters
got on and made the rudest comments imaginable !
The ability to comment on the subject and me turned into a
firestorm and for two weeks was one of the most highly viewed
articles for this large paper. People were urging me to get on and
retaliate on some of the offensive comments. My first instinct was
to let the bloggers have it... how dare they try to ruin my moment
with their hateful, prejudice remarks. But the Lord led me to hold
my tongue and I am glad I did...Later it was written that I handled
the situation like a true lady by choosing to say nothing and not
let these few people get under my skin! The editor finally
removed the ability to comment on the article. Those who supported
me and what I had achieved had blasted the hateful bloggers without
mercy. It became an ongoing war and I am very thankful for
those who fought the battle for me. I did not need to do a
single thing, complete strangers "and many of them " fought for my
honor! Who I am, what I stand for and represent will speak
louder than any argument I could ever wage against those who can't
accept anything less than the images they allow our media and
Hollywood to impose on them. I am not afraid to be different. I am
who I am. I will be the best person I can be everyday for the rest
of my life regardless of my size, shape, age or form !
Besides multiple interviews I made several
appearances this month and had a lot of fun doing it !
My favorite appearance was a VIP tour at Norman Petty Recording
Studios Where I myself got to mix and mingle with a few famous
people and great folks. I was honored to meet Dennis Swanberg
"Americas Minister of Encouragement!
www.wikipedia.org/wikidennis_swanberg
I was also privileged to meet Michelle
Rodriguez of the musical group Phoenix Rythym and Horns! She is an
incredibly beautiful talented woman who I did my best to direct to
Texas Plus America and Nannette.
I loved telling people about MPA and my platform. One young girl in
particular was enamored with me and my crown. She asked me if she
could sit in a chair and hold it....she informed me with a big smile
after several moments of conversation that she, one day would also
be a queen ! I quickly informed her that in God's eyes she already
was ! The sparkle in her eyes told me she believed it ! She was a
plus size little girl who walked out the door after
pictures beaming, holding an autograph and the phone number of Ms
Plus America 2008! She Knows she can call anytime should she face
a " PLUS SIZE PROBLEM ". I will be there with a " Positively
Plus Answer "!
Just a thought for the coming month... " For we are God's own
handiwork (his workmanship ) recreated in Christ Jesus, that we may
do those good works which which God predestined for us, (taking
paths which he prepared ahead of time) that we should walk in them.
(living the good life which he prearranged and made ready for us to
live )
Ephesians 2:10
Dream it. Live it. Become it !
Love,
Kimberly Parmenter
Ms Plus America
August Diary Entry
August for lack of better
words was simply a whirlwind month! I am still receiving
congratulations and people stop me to ask if I am the Queen that was
in the Newspapers last month. I proudly answer yes...I am Ms
Plus America 2008. My Platform is Literacy with a special
focus on Promoting A Passion For Reading In Preschoolers.
I have started organizing
another book drive. This book drive will take place starting in
October and will be held in conjunction with Premiere Pageants New
Mexico State Scholarship Competition. I have enlisted the help of
community, friends, family and pageant royalty along with the 2008
contestants to make this book drive an even bigger success than last
years drive! We will be collecting and placing appropriate aged
reading material in the homes of our cities less fortunate families.
Statistics have shown that children who do not excel in reading
usually come from families who had very few or no books in their
homes before these children started school. The books will not be
distributed until this December at a local mission Christmas party ,
But for the drive to be a success I thought I would get the ball
rolling now.
August flew by. I was extra
busy at the salon I manage and with my photography business. My son
who is in commercial airline pilot school passed a crucial check
ride that had us all sitting on pins and needles until his
instructor informed him he had passed. Whew I can tell you this,
prayer really works for this family! He will now soon be flying the
friendly skies, or as Shayla- Mrs. Mississippi Plus America puts it
... 'The Wild Blue Yonder'. Thanks so much for all the thoughts and
prayers from the delegates and royalty on the Miss Plus America
Delegate Forum. Seth wanted me to thank all of you !
August in New Mexico is
Fair month ! And I attended several of them as Ms Plus America 2008.
The Curry County Fair was held the second week of August and I made
several appearances during that week. My favorite by far was an
appearance and picture opportunity with the California based group
'The L.A. Party Dolls'! This is one fantastic group of
outstanding women vocalist. They rocked the fair with their
renditions of 50's Hits and Golden Oldies! The Audience loved
them! It was a very fun evening and I loved meeting with the ladies
and answering their questions about Miss Plus America. Rosanne,
Michelle and Laura really are Party Dolls and the band members were
outstanding.
The third week of August
brought more fair appearances my way, This time I traveled to the
Roosevelt County Fair. I was so excited to be able to meet with the
Legendary Fireballs ! The Fireballs are a fantastic Rock and Roll
band with top ten hits from the 50's and the 60's such as Bottle of
Wine, Torquay and of course their number one hit 'Sugar Shack '. The
group was also showcased on 'Dick Clarks American Bandstand '!
My husband was so excited that we were able to meet with
the Fireballs he accidentally cut one of the original members head
off in the photo...So the tall gentleman in the back with half a
head is none other than infamous Stan Lark...I am so sorry Stan!
In my hubbies defense Stan is very tall....OM GOSH I am mortified
this happened though! Other members include George Thomsco,
Ron Cardenas and Rick Smith for the first time on drums with the
Fireballs. The Fireballs played another great concert. I could
watch them over and over! I have another opportunity for a photo op
with them coming up in September. I will try to remake the picture
for my scrap book and the website. I can laugh now... but the drive
home was very silent after discovering my husband had shortened the
picture a tad bit.
 |
 |
I made yet another
appearance as Ms Plus America 2008 Labor Day Weekend when I emceed
and directed the 'SIZZLING SUMMER CELEBRATION PAGEANT'. Youth
pageantry constantly keeps the Parmenter household on the move. The
last weeks of this month were no exception. Young ladies from all
over Southeastern New Mexico and West Texas came and competed
for scholarships and prizes. I am featured in a few of the photos
with some of the beautiful young ladies who competed and crowned the
event. So many of these contestants and parents had actually
been praying for me when I competed at the National Miss Plus
America in July! Everyone wanted to see and hold my crown
...even my State Star Grand Supreme who has a gigantic crown thought
mine was beautiful! Pictured in the smaller group photo are
L-R : Tawny Montano, Former 2006-2007 Premiere Pageants Star Grand
Supreme $ 1000.00 Cash Winner. Kirrah Powell the reigning
2007-2008 Premiere Pageants Star Grand Supreme $ 1000.00 Cash
Winner. Jayla Mendoza former Overall Beauty Supreme/ Overall
Photogenic Winner and Kelani Falks who has held many Local, District
and State Beauty and Pro Model titles. The Larger Group photo
features the newly crowned Sizzling Summer Beauty Queens, Grand
Supremes and Royal Grand Supremes.
I have lots planned for
September. I will be writing more then!
Love,
Kimberly Parmenter
Ms Plus America 2008
September Diary Entry
September has come and
gone. I can't believe how fast this year is passing by.
September in Clovis is Music Festival Month ! And has been for the
last Twenty plus years. The Music Festival and its traditions
grow larger every year. Fans and 50's Rock and Roll Stars flooded
Clovis for four amazing days of sold out concerts, fan fairs, car
shows, a gospel sing along, tours of the Norman Petty Studios and
the Grand opening of our new 50's Rock and Roll Museum. It
was an honor to be present for all the festivities.
I met fans from all over
the US, England, Australia, Canada. They were surprised to learn
that there is a Miss Plus America Pageant. People who came in from
other countries were so warm and receptive to me and my title. I
loved signing autographs and making pictures with many of them. I
even exchanged addresses, e-mail and phone numbers with several who
I am Now proud to call friends! Stars such as Bobby Vee and
the Vee's,Tommy Allsup, Kevin Montgomery, Sting Ray and the Killer
Vee's, ( a Ritchie Valens Tribute ) The Chiffon's, Chris Monte,
Johny Preston and a Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Elvis tribute
concert rocked Clovis for three consecutive evenings. Of course the
highlights of all the shows were when 50's Icons that put Clovis on
the map so many years ago took the stage. These are the stars along
with Norman Petty Studios who made Clovis famous for what is now
known world wide as the "Clovis Sound"! I wish you could
meet the 50's stars that I have personally come to know and love
over the last few years .A huge thank you for Kenneth and Shirley
Broad who allowed me to be present and on hand at the studio
which held multiple tours daily.
In my first picture I am
with Georgiana Hagen who was a member of the Norman Petty Trio. She
still to this day has a voice like an angel. In the next photo I am
honored to pose with Gary and Ramona Tollett, original back up
singers on the famous 50's hit That'll be the day by Buddy Holly!
Stan Lark and George Thomsco original members of the famous
Fireballs pose with me in the next shot. I have turned into a
Fireball groupie lol ! And have seen them in concert about 5 times
now! They laughed so hard at the story of how my husband
chopped Stans head off in a picture of a previous appearance with
them ! George is the one who was kind enough to arrange all my new
pictures at the Fan Fair and Car Show ! These guys are the best. And
then you will notice the large group photo of all the 50's stars, me
and some long time music festival fans Tom Kirby and Stacey Cathey.
While we were posing the News Journal, and many fans with cameras
were also making pictures. It was a great fun packed four days ! I
have come to the conclusion that there will never again be great
music like that of the 50's.
I had another appearance scheduled this month speaking at a
Christian Concert, but I was forced to cancel when I came down with
Bronchitis and a sinus infection. I was running a fever and lost my
voice. But the organizer of the event has already asked me to
do it again at a tentatively scheduled concert this spring. I am
still not at a 100% yet so keep me in your thoughts and prayers...
There is something about this time of year... I love it, but Fall
does not like me at all. This same time over the last two years I
have been sick with the exact same thing.
On a personal note, my son
Seth had to evacuate Houston when hurricane Ike blew in. It was an
unexpected but wonderful phone call asking us to pick him up in
Lubbock in two hours ! I was sooo happy to see him, it had been so
long. He is in Commercial Airline Pilot training school in Houston,
there are no breaks in the program until he finishes. The Hurricane
of course stalled all flights and classes for over a week and a
half. It was so nice to have him home! Remember the people
affected by Ike...Seth called us when he was allowed to fly back in,
he said the area is an
absolute disaster! So many people and families with nothing
left. I ask all of you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Watching the devastation Ike dealt so many, has made me realize how
fortunate and blessed I truly am. I will talk with all of you again
in October!
God Bless & Much Love,
Kimberly Parmenter
Ms Plus America 2008
October Diary Entry
October has always been a
busy and exciting month for me. For many years I have directed
Premiere Pageants Little Miss New Mexico/Texas State Scholarship
Pageant. This year was no exception. Contestants came from all
over New Mexico and Texas to compete for huge cash scholarships and
prizes. To date my pageant system has now given away close to Twenty
Eight Thousand Dollars in cash and thousands more in prizes. It is
an honor for me to direct this scholarship system. The young ladies
who participate are wonderful outstanding young ladies in their
states and communities. Together we are making a difference for many
less fortunate individuals and the needy in our communities.
The state pageant was held October 10th, 11th,
and 12th. We had many surprise visits from former Miss New
Mexico's, Tiny Miss New Mexico's and Miss Plus Americas very own
Jennifer Simpson the current 2009 Mrs. New Mexico Plus America.
It was an honor to make several appearances with Jenni at the event.
She was a huge help... I simply do not know what I would have done
without her at this years state pageant. The crowd went crazy
when she was introduced jumping to their feet and giving her a
standing ovation. She looked absolutely beautiful and I was proud to
have her in the midst of New Mexico's top pageant titles and former
Royalty.
I wore my crown and banner throughout the festivities and was so
pleased when the pageant began with a huge perk... a television crew
filmed bits and pieces of our opening Star events for New Mexico
television. In the pictures following you will see Jenni and me. Our
official state auditor and close personal friend Karen Foise and
myself. Our One Thousand Dollar Cash Winner and the new 2009
Premiere Pageants Star Grand Supreme Queen went to teen Jessica
Montoya. Our State Grand Supreme Queen cash winner was awarded to
tot Miriah Martinez. Our Texas State Grand Supreme queen title was
captured by eight year old Tommie J. Garcia. A great time was had
by all who attended and the pageant went flawlessly because of the
dedicated
volunteer staff, friends and family who came to lend a helping hand.
I love good clean
pageantry. By the previous statement I mean teaching a young lady
she is so much more than just another pretty face. I believe when
you teach a young lady to believe in herself...you have given her
the most important tool she will ever posses in life, that of
confidence! I am proud to be a part of that as the owner,
director and official emcee of Premiere Pageants. It is an even
greater honor to be able to present my system as Ms Plus America
2008. Funny thing... I always wanted to compete in pageants,
just never thought I would be able to make my dreams come true at
forty something years old.....Once again... thank you Miss Plus
America for giving me that avenue of opportunity! Many here
in New Mexico frequent your Website and keep asking me when our
state pageant is. Hopefully next year we can stage Miss New
Mexico Plus America here... so other New Mexico women can make their
dreams a reality. I spent the rest of October in and out of the
dermatologist office. Those of you who followed my story last year
know about the mishap with the laser surgery with my face, which
almost put an end to me competing before I ever got to Dallas. Only
five more treatments to go.... I think I am going to make it. The
progress is really looking good.
Be Blessed everyone.....and remember this November to
show "thankfulness". After all we have so much to be thankful for!
I will talk with all of you again soon.
Love,
Kimberly Parmenter
Ms Plus America 2008
P.S. Check out all the Miss Plus America Queens in Venus Diva
Magazine!
www.venusdivamag.com
Venus Diva you ROCK, Thank You!
Jenna Vaught you are a go getter. Thanks for a little spotlight Doll
Face !
November Diary Entry
Kimberly Parmenter made no
appearances during the month of November secondary to the loss of
her father and the illness of her mother.
December Diary
Entry
December and 2oo8 have come
and gone, taking with them my father, other family members and loved
ones. For those of you who do not know I have had to put many
of my appearances on hold due to the recent death of my father and
several other close acquaintances and family friends. I have also
been spending most of my time with my mother in the Roswell area who
has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing Chemo and
radiation treatments. I am very proud to be Ms Plus America but my
family right now is top priority and that will limit what I can do
while representing the Miss Plus America System. You never expect
tragedies, sickness and the loss of loved ones to impact your life
in such a way you are left reeling.
In a twenty one day period
My mother was diagnosed with cancer, My father died unexpectedly, My
ex mother in law passed while we were burying my father and I found
out I am going to be a grandmother! Talk about an emotional
roller coaster....whew I am ready to get off the ride. I was
asked to appear at several Christmas functions this year but all of
those events were being held in party type of atmospheres in
establishments where alcohol is prevalent and free flowing. It was
an honor to be asked but since we are not allowed to wear our crown
and banner in those type of settings I chose not to attend as Ms
Plus America 2008.
My main appearance
scheduled was to be my hometowns annual Christmas parade and
festivities December 6th. Of course I was in Roswell with my mother
who was very ill. I was honored to attend the Annual Rose Luna
Christmas Party. This is an annual gathering of women friends who
get together yearly to celebrate the season no matter what
challenges life has thrown at them. My friend Rose is an
inspiration to all of us in this area. She is involved in many
community events and groups. She faces life's challenges daily
with the best attitude of any woman I have ever met in my life.
She is an inspiration to me and many others in this community
especially those who face challenges on a daily basis. She is
a constant reminder that no matter what hand life deals you, you are
still able to make a difference in the lives of someone less
fortunate.
Women from all different
walks of life, some facing challenges, some not, all gathered
together for an evening of fun and fellowship. A great time was had
by all. We were all inspired by one another. We had a wonderful time
at the Annual Christmas Party. I made many new friends and I look
forward to getting together with this amazing group of ladies again.
I thank my friend Rose who is the real diva (she's wearing my crown
by the way ) for making us all realize life is easier with the love
and support of those we call friends. Facing life daily with
disabilities, these women make such an impact in this area with
everything they are able to accomplish regarding community. I know
they are such an inspiration to myself and many others.
Best wishes to all my MPA
Family for 2009. I hope it is a wonderfully prosperous and wildly
successful for all of us, filled with health, love and laughter,
peace and joy.
Much Love,
Kimberly Parmenter
Ms Plus America 2008
January Diary
Entry
Due to an acute illness in
the family, Kimberly has placed her MPA duties on hold for the month
of January.
February
Diary Entry
During the Month of
February, I had the honor of representing my Ms Plus America title
at the Sweetheart Extravaganza Pageant. This event has been held for
the last 11 years and attracts pageant contestants from New Mexico,
Texas, Colorado and even Oklahoma. I had the honor this year of
being the Mistress of Ceremonies while representing The Miss Plus
America Organization.
The event was staged at the old Lyceum Theatre located in the
historic downtown area of Clovis, New Mexico. The pageant was
nice-sized considering the economy and the competition was amazing.
In the pics you will see me with some of the newly crowned winners.
I know many of these newly crowned queens read the Miss Plus America
Royalty website diary entries, so hello everyone! The event
was a fabulous success and I was proud to be the voice for the
competition. I will talk to all of you again next
month....until then, be blessed and always be a blessing.
Kimberly Parmenter
Ms Plus America 2008
May Diary Entry
My favorite organization
and charity in this area is The Lighthouse Mission. This
organization cares for the Clovis community. The Lighthouse Mission
is a group that cares for the needy in the midst of their darkest
storms. When you support the mission you are rescuing lives on a
daily basis. In the month of May they served 3,154 meals, clothed
919 people and provided 226 nights of shelter for the less
privileged in our community. The Lighthouse also offers alcohol and
drug recovery discipleship programs.
Saturday May 23rd the mission hosted a Free Fun Day In The Park.
This event was much like a mini summer vacation for the children in
the community who would not be afforded the luxury of a family
vacation this summer. This helped these children start off their
summer in a wonderful fun filled way.
The event featured live music, soda, food, games and fellowship. The
highlight of the day was when well over 300 children were given free
admission to the city zoo which is adjacent to the Hillcrest park
where the party was held. The mission also gave away six
bicycles to the winners of the free fun day in the park. It was
estimated that just shy of 400 kids attended the event.
I have been helping the Lighthouse for the last several years. I try
to take a donation to the organization each Friday. I also help with
their Community Christmas Party By collecting toys and gifts and
helping out any way I can at the Party when the gifts and toys are
distributed. My favorite event to help with at the Lighthouse
Mission is the annual Thanksgiving day dinner. I help collect
turkeys and pies and all the trimmings and the Lighthouse cooks
create a real feast. The Thanksgiving day dinner reminds me how very
fortunate and blessed I am. It takes many individuals and
businesses to keep the Lighthouse going. I count myself as blessed
to be a part of the many who make it a priority to help those less
fortunate in our community. The Lighthouse has a very dedicated
staff who never tire of making a difference in the lives of others
who need a helping hand. Together so many make a positive impact in
our community.
You can always find a way to give of your time, talents, gifts and
resources. I remind myself daily that I am blessed to be a blessing.
The Lighthouse Mission is focused on being a positive force in the
lives of the needy and less fortunate in our community. I salute
the Lighthouse for the amazing difference they make in the lives of
others. They better our community and enrich the lives of many
deserving individuals.
I am standing next to Richard Gomez in the pictures who is the
director of the Lighthouse. The men in the pictures are a part of
the discipleship program.
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Much Love,
Kimberly Parmenter
Ms Plus America 2008
I can't wait to see you all at MPA Nationals!
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