Saturday, July 21, 2012

Tonight is the finals of Mrs. International 2012!

This time last year, I was sitting in the amazingly talented and unbelievably kind Cari Baker's makeup chair putting on the final touches for the Mrs. International 2011 Pageant.  I have ALL good memories from my week in Chicago last year.  I will always appreciate the opportunity to be in the presence of the 52 other impressive and inspirational contestants and the opportunity to be, and put forward, the best me I could achieve.  My goal was Top 12.  To finish as the third runner-up and also receive the fitness and evening gown awards gave me such a feeling of overwhelming appreciation and pride.  I worked as hard as I could and crossed all my "t"s and dotted all my "i"s.  I left with no regrets, and I will eternally be a fan of this amazing pageant system.  Good luck to the Class of 2012!  May you leave Chicago inspired to continue to be the good you want to see in the world and feeling as wonderful about yourself and your experience as I did :)

Mary-Marsha Riley
Mrs. Tennessee International 2011



      

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Newly Discovered Memphis Treasure

Yesterday, at the invitation of my friend and client, Brittany Fitzpatrick, who is also Miss Shelby County International 2011 and the Communications Director for the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis, I spoke to the employees of the Ronald McDonald House about the benefits of and the best ways to live a healthy and active lifestyle.  After my speech, Brittany treated me to a tour of their wonderful facility.  While on the tour, I was reminded that although we hear about so many bad things happening in Memphis, there are so many absolutely amazing organizations working tirelessly every day to improve our city and world.  The services and kindness provided by the RMH to the families of children suffering from illness are extraordinary and life altering.

I will forever be a supporter of this wonderful organization and will encourage others to do the same.  For those of you who do not know, the RMH provides all the resident families with food, toiletries, paper products, and laundry detergent free of charge.  Of course, all of these products are provided by donations from the public.  If you are looking for a place to donate or a cause to champion, I encourage you to learn more about your local Ronald McDonald House.