Just Do It

National Anthem at UK vs. Notre Dame Game :o)

*singing* I been everywhere man, I been everywhere!
I have! I will definitely say that October and November have been my busiest months yet!!! Shoot. I'm still trying to catch up with myself :o)

Of course, you can look on the Miss Kentucky Website and see all that was done last month, so I don't have to tell you all of that. As much as I have intended and promised to keep my little blog updated, I have clearly failed miserably to do so. But, there may still be hope. I have been trying to find a way to keep people updated on my whereabouts, because people have expressed that they would like to know beforehand so that they can come to events in their area. Well...I think that I will start using my blog for that purpose. Perhpas weekly? Like at the beginning of the week, I can post where I'll be and when. Your responses to this blog post are greatly appreciated because I want to know what is most effective.

Social Networking! Let's Do It!

Now of course, you can always follow me on my facebook and twitter which are updated way more frequently than the blog. I update my twitter almost daily, so following me on twitter could definitely be a solution! I know a lot of people are scared of twitter, or resent twitter for some reason or another, but hey, let me tell ya...I love twitter. It's great. If you don't know what twitter is, let me just break it down plain and simple: It's almost like a worldwide text messaging system. OR, it's like facebook updates, minus the facebook. You can follow your favorite people on twitter and see what they're doing or thinking, and people can also follow you to see your updates. Its fun! Gosh, I sound like a late night infomercial. Haha..

Anywho, I said all that to say this. If you want a better way to keep with me, twitter and facebook may be it. They get updated a lot more often than my blog. I'm surprised I haven't gotten a knock on my door from blog protective services...haha...


Miss Kentucky's a Peach?!?

EVERYWHERE I go...people ask me..."WHERE YA FROM???" It's a Kentucky thing...people like to know where you're from, helps them identify with ya. And they don't go by cities, they go by counties. I'm learning everyday. Everywhere I go people are so nice...so nice. However, I can't help but wonder what's really going through people's heads when they find out I was not born and raised here. The conversations usually go a little something like this:
Person: Well Miss Kentucky, where ya from???
Me: I live in Lexington.
Person: Fayette County huh...Oh yeah?  Is that where you're from???
Me: Originally from Columbus, Georgia...I've been living in Kentucky for about 5 years now.
Person: Oh.

AAAAWWWKWAAARRD....yes. Very.
I am Miss Kentucky, and I am very proud to be Miss Kentucky. Very proud. I hate to feel discounted because I was not born and raised in here. And I don't want to have to deny or hide my upbringing in Georgia. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I came to Kentucky as an adolescent, with a lot of growing and learning to do in life. Throughout my years here in Kentucky, I have grown into a confident and driven young woman who still doesn't have all the answers, but has a lot more answers, wisdom and maturity than she did 5 years ago. I'm not just a part of Kentucky, Kentucky is a part of me.


I was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia. I came to Kentucky for my college education. Decided I liked it so much, I would stay. Decided I liked it so much, I wanted to represent Kentucky at the Miss America Pageant.
Now, to set the record straight, I have never competed in Georgia. I did not decide I wanted to compete until two years ago. I sat in the basement of Seabury Residence Hall at Berea College with my best friend and watched the Miss America 2009 Pageant. I looked at her and said, "You know what? I really feel like I could do that." She looked at me and said, "Just do it." So I did just that...I just did it. No if, ands or buts about it. Well, the little "but" I did have...I lost it somewhere between the gym and lifestyle & fitness. Anywho...it has been...wow. I mean...hello? Two years ago I decided to throw myself into something I had never done before. Honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into, and now...two years later...I am heading to Vegas in 39 days to "JUST DO IT." I am just beside myself...surreal is not even the word. And the journey to get there...I just cannot believe this. One year I'm sitting on the couch eating brownies with my best friend dreaming, the next year I am in Vegas watching my predecessor compete live and materializing what I sought to "JUST DO" the year before, and this year...I am heading to Vegas, making that dream my own reality...walking my toasted almond buns across the Miss America Stage at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

I have been watching my 2009 Miss America DVD like its the first time everytime. That year holds a lot of sentimental value for me. It was the year I made a decision that has forever changed my life. Thank you 2009. Hello  2011.

I recently celebrated a birthday. I'm 24 years old now. It's so interesting to me, the older I get, the more I realize how young I am. I'm only 24. I have done a lot more and a lot less then I thought I would have  at this age. I also look a lot different then I thought. Zack Morris, Kelly Kapouski and Lisa Turtle led me wrong! I look much younger than I thought I would. In fact, at one of the schools the kids asked me how old I was, and when I told them 23, they said "well you must wear a lot of make up Miss Kentucky because you look 16!!!" Haha...I love it. Anywho...I am just 24 years young...and I have a lot of living to do. I am happy with what I have accomplished thusfar in life and look forward whatever the years ahead hold in store. Also, thank you everyone for my facebook birthday wishes...I received over 300...I would reply to them all individually, but...I received over 300.

Sweet Potato Pie Anyone???

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was just swell! If your tummy is swole, I'll take that as a yes :o)
My Thanksgiving was great!  I actually made a couple of sweet potato pies and homemade whipped topping with the assistance of my special helper. They were THE BOMB! I went to see my Ky Grandma, Ms. Deloris, and took a pie to her. I ate dinner out in Winchester...it was yuuuummmmy!!! Yumma in my tumma!
I ended the day/night on East Short street at Central Christian Church, where the Catholic Action Center and volunteers served a delicious dinner to many who otherwise may not have had a "Thanksgiving Dinner." It was just like being home for me. So many smiling and thankful faces. That was my "Happy Thanksgiving." Now it is time for Christmahannakwanzikah!!!

If you haven't seen already, I am the covergirl of December's Kentucky Monthly Magazine! Yay!!! There is a  very nice 3 page spread and article on me, and I just love it. I have to say, I believe this article/interview has captured me completely. I love it, it is a wonderful portrayal of Djuan Keila Trent. Because..."I'm just Djuan Keila Trent."

I broke my camera last month so I had to take a lot of pictures with my phone. Enjoy!




Sleepless in Lexington
After getting a little less than 3 hrs of sleep
in her cardboard home for the night...
Miss Kentucky awakes!



National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
Kick-Off at the Capital
boy..that is a mouth full!

This is why I love visiting high schools!
Haha...just kidding.
But thanks for the birthday kisses boys!

Caught me red-handed!!!

hello my bluegrass princess mama!

Lexington Homeless Connection
Getting my blood sugar tested!

UK vs. Notre Dame Game!



The finishing touch to my Christmas Tree!



AlwaysLove,

DjuanKeilaTrent

Broken Promise!

I apologize...on my last blog, I promised that I would update it later that week, and I failed to do so. So...I apologize...please forgive me :o)

This job has taught me the importance of gratitude. Not to say that gratitude held no value to me prior to this year, BUT...sometimes, I don't think we realize how much we take for granted. How much we have readily available to us, but to others may be a luxury. A car. A house. Clothes. Shoes. Socks. Food. Friends. Education. Family. Self confidence. Computer. Television. Peace of mind. Glasses. Toothbrush.  Love. Mentors. Mail. Deoderant. Soap. Faith.

Over these past few weeks, I have a had a lot of ups, a lot of downs, seen the ins and outs of society and the way it operates, had some eye opening experiences, insightful conversations...altogether beautiful. This is all truly breathtaking. I wish I could step outside of myself and just watch my interactions with others, and truly capture the essence of the WHOLE PICTURE. I can only imagine! I really have to just, take a step back and take it all in.

I am so thankful for this experience and every single thing I've been able to gain from it. One of the most memorable experiences I have had thus far has been with an autistic student at a school I recently visited.
He came up to me, eyelashes wet, eyes red and puffy...I could tell he had been crying.
His teacher told me, "This is [Little Johnny], and he is autistic. He just about had a fit because he thought he wouldn't get to talk to you, he has something very important he says he wants to tell you."
I replied, "Hi [Little Johnny], I see you've been crying. I'm sorry I didn't get to call you to talk, but I sure would love to hear what you have to say now."
'Little Johnny' said to me:
"Miss Kentucky, you are beautiful. And I know I love you. You are so beautiful and you sing like an angel. I know I love you. You are the best Miss Kentucky. I want you to know. And Miss Kentucky...you are the voice in my head. You are! I hear you, and you are the voice in my head."
I paused...I was taken...I did not know what to say to Little Johnny who had so eagerly poured his heart out to me... I said, "Me? I'm the voice in your head? Well...what kinds of things do you hear? Do I say good and positive things?"
Little Johnny simply said, "Yes. And I love you, and I want you to have this silly band to remember me by."

Who am I?!? Who am I that this beautiful child would say these things to me with such sincerity??? Who am I? I am just Djuan Keila Trent. I have this neat sash and shiny crown. I have these wonderful opportunities before me....I have been chosen to touch the lives of many, and I just feel...I feel so blessed to do it. I am so blessed.



Hey Leslie!

 I also went to my FIRST EVER college football game!!! It was madness!!! haha... living in Big Blue country is no joke I tell you! I was able to go to the UK vs. UofL football game, and had a good time! But seriously, I was so blown away by the extreme measures a lot of people took to show support for their team. Let me just say...Wildcats don't play...Cards don't either...but Wildcats fans really don't. Haha... It was all fun for me tho!

I have been doing some work with my platform, in case you all were wondering :o) Homelessness Prevention and Awareness: A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out. On September 15, in Louisville, Project Homeless Connect and Stand Down took place at Old Male High School, under the Salvation Army Banner. The event serves as a "one stop shop" for many needs of the homeless population. Some of the services included: vision screening, flu shots, state ids, social services, and some specially set up services for veterans. I had such a wonderful time there getting to know people and just listening to their stories. You'd be surprised how appreciative people are just to have a listening ear.

There will be another Stand Down in Lexington this month (October), come on down and help if you'd like!

Here's a video from Louisville's Stand Down, I'm in it :o)



And here are some pictures of all the excitement of September!!! And if there are any typos, my bad...I didn't proof read :o/



National Anthem at Kentucky Motor Speedway



Quest Community Church, Fame Contest

Little Mr. Kentucky, haha

Roots and Heritage Festival

Madison County Proclamation

Lexington Rescue Mission Banquet

VA POW/MIA Program

Getting EnergyFit with Joshie!

Red, White, and Blue Days

Go Team Yellow!!!

Signed my first forehead :o)

World Equestrian Games, coolest bus driver ever!

Ladies Night at the World Equestrian Games :o)

FEAT on the Street! Autism Awareness Event

Capacity Inc. Fashion Show

More pics on Facebook!!! Later :o)

AlwaysLove,

DjuanKeilaTrent

Nothing Fancy, Like Ketchup

 Over the course of the past few weeks...I have struggled. And struggled. And struggled a little more. And finally come to a realization and a place of comfortability.      I struggled with actually being Miss Kentucky.I love myself as a person. I am in love with being Miss Kentucky. I struggled with finding the proper balance in being myself and being Miss Kentucky. And I, for the life of me, could not understand why...why was I struggling with something I was so sure I could attain, because I knew that I had what it took to accomplish that goal...the goal of being Miss Kentucky. I knew that this  would be my year, because I had come to a place in which I was so comfortable with myself, in my own skin, and I had the heart to take on the job.

Sooo...WHY WAS I STRUGGLING?!? I struggled because I allowed myself to be lost in translation. I began worrying that people were expecting me to be some other kind of Miss Kentucky other than the Miss Kentucky that I am. I attained the crown by being myself...showing myself, and everyone around me...who I am. Crown or no crown. Who you see when I am wearing the crown, is who you see when I'm wearing my favorite nike sweats with the hole in the left thigh, and my glasses. I am Djuan Keila Trent. Whether I am wearing the crown or not...I am who I am. I are who I be. I be who I is. Djuan Keila Trent.

In the midst of all of the unneccessary confusion I was experiencing...

three quotes came to mind:

"The most successful girl in the world, is the girl who can be herself."

"Titles do not define me, they simply preceed me."

"Who are you? You're Djuan Keila Trent."

The last quote comes from my mother, Lafondra Venita Gaudette. Almost everyday leading up to Miss Kentucky this year, she asked me that. It may seem silly to some, but...it really kept me grounded. It was a good reminder, to never forget who I am. I can only be me.That's why there is only one me...that's why I'm Djuan n Only...haha...but really. I am fearfully and wonderfully made like no other. And that my friends, is all :o)

I have been blessed enough to have a couple of experiences over the past few weeks that have served as confirmation for me that I am in the right place in my life, doing the right thing, at the right time.

Thank you everyone so much for all of the love and support you have shown me. It means more to me than you can know. And I mean that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

...more to come later this week. i promise :o)

AlwaysLove,

DjuanKeilaTrent

“A dream is a wish your heart makes when you’re fast asleep…”

Do you believe this??? I do! Well, for the most part…excluding that scary dream that I keep having of going to Miss America and opening my luggage to find that all I’ve packed is 12 boxes of Velveta Shells and Cheese, and a purple sequin tutu. Yes…it is a rather odd dream. I’m pretty sure that is not a wish my heart is making, just some mumbo-jumbo my mind configures in my deepest realms of sleep. Haha…okay.

The past couple of weeks have been very princess filled for me! To start, I did Chic-Fil-A Fairy Tale Evenings at all of the Lexington and Richmond locations. I believe it was just as entertaining for me as it was for the little girls (and boys) who came and participated! There was a station set up for the girls to get their nails polished, princess makeovers, pictures, prince charming, princess cow and knight cow! It was a big fairy tale party! The little girls came all dressed up in their princess outfits, it was just precious. I even got to sit on the Chic-Fil-A throne :o) I heard “PRINCESS TIANA!!!” several times! Most of the little girls thought I was Princess Tiana (from the Princess and the Frog) and were in awe of my “real crown”. I enjoyed being able to make every little girl feel like the most special girl in the room. I too felt like the most special girl in the room UNTIL…they saw the cows! Apparently the cows were so much cooler than me! But, I can’t lie, I kind of wished I was in that cow suit. What better wayto fulfill my childhood dream? There were little boys too. They were just too cute and super shy! Well, most of them...not my transforming friend pictured below :o)

 

11 days of deep fried bliss!

You guessed it! The Kentucky State Fair!!! Kicked off eeeearly Thursday (Aug. 30th) morning, with the Commodities Breakfast at 6:45 am...oh joy :o) I met a lot of people that morning, ate the best sausage I've EVER had in my life, and every bit of styling I had attempted to do to my hair that morning was overcome and defeated by the cloud of fog which so conveniently found its way to the fair grounds. HOWEVER, one cloud of fog doesn't stop the show now does it??? Nope! After the breakfast I still made my way around the fair, seeing ALL I could see. This was my first state fair ever! So it was quite an exciting venture.

I learned a lot about the origin and history of the state fair, and I must say, it is such a beautiful thing to see something blossom the way the Kentucky State Fair has. What started out as a venue for agricultural, stock, and cattle competitions and markets, has become something that the whole family and even those not deeply involved in agriculture can enjoy! There's food, games, rides, health fair, trade show, cooking show, cattle showings, produce competitions...LOTS GOING ON!!! I am learning new things everyday. One day I was walking through an aisle of corn. I noticed some of the corn had ribbons on it, and some didn't. Now...I have NEVER in my life heard of award winning corn. How do you judge that??? I have no clue! My only question is..."Is it edible and yummy?" and if the answer is yes, then *ding*ding*ding* we have a winner! haha...but really, my point in saying that is this: We all have a passion in life. Whether it be farming, singing, or eating, we all love to do something. I am proud of that award winning corn for the simple fact that someone has invested their time and energy in it. That corn is award winning because it has something that the other ears don't. Now while I don't know what that is, corn competitors and judges do, and just because I don't know what it is, doesn't make it any less important. Love what ya do and do what ya love!

Ham never looked so good! That's right...I'm talking about that $1.6 milllion ham.

I'm pretty sure that running that  16 lb ham back and forth in my 5 inch heels made up for aaaalll of the workouts I have NOT done since July 17, 2010, haha...but really, it was a workout. I always knew I would have that much money in my hands one day, but I never knew it would be this soon! The Kentucky Farm Bureau's 47th Annual Country Ham Breakfast auctioned off a 16.05 lb country ham for $1.6 miilion. The bidders will get to choose what charities will benefit from the money that was bid on the ham. I know from the outside looking in, it may seem silly to bid $1.6 million on a ham, BUT...that is not the point. You see, in my opinion, it is not really the ham that is being bid on, it is the charity. The money that the bidder puts towards the ham goes directly to the charity of their choice...how beautiful is that?

In the midst of going back and forth to Chic-Fil-A Princess Nights, and the State Fair, I was able to make it out to beautiful Western Kentucky by way of Kutawwa (Lake Barkley)! Went out there for the Lake Barkley BBQ Festival and had myself a good ole time :o) One thing I can definitely say about my year so far is that I am falling more and more in love with Kentucky everyday. There are some truly beautiful souls here in the bluegrass, and I feel so blessed to be able to spend a year meeting many of them! Needless to say, I had a grand time out at Lake Barkley!

Because of obligations to the State Fair, I was not able to make it down to Orlando until Thursday!!! While most of the other Miss State's had arrived on Monday and Tuesday. It's all good though! I still got to see Laura on her talent night, and she did phenomenal as always!!! Let me just tell y'all a little something about my LauraBoo... I LOVE HER. She is beautiful on the inside and out, and her inner beauty is what truly makes her glow. It is what sets her apart. And that, my friends, is the epitomy of excellence. On that final night, there was nothing she could have done any better than she did, she was absolutely fabulous. And I'll tell you what...if I have ever heard Laura play that fiddle, she played that fiddle like it was going out of style on Saturday night!!! She looked radiant in her evening gown and answered her onstage question like a star! She is just such a beautifully poised young woman, and I am so proud of her and love her ;o)

Got to meet the other Miss girls down in Orlando! That was nice. Everyone seems so nice, and I'm glad about that. I really look forward to the time we'll all get to spend together in Vegas!!! Although I was late arriving, I did make the most of my time there, and even got to stay a couple extra days! Thursday, as soon as I arrived I was rushed to the hotel to do some viral marketing recording for ABC. I had fun with it, and was myself as always. That was followed by dinner at Maggiano's, hosted by Mary Sullivan and Regalia. It was yummy! And the night concluded with the last teen preliminary competitio, in which Laura did amazing. I figured that talent would be between Laura and Alabama, who did a very spunky/sassy dance, ballet on pointe to be exact, to MJ's "The Way You Make Me Feel". The next morning we were up and at 'em pretty early at THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!!! Did some video recording, interviews, and photos and also got to ride a few rides :o) It was a good day, which was followed by a fundraiser that evening. It was a good time! While I spent a good 30% of the party resting my po' lil feet, there was dancing, socializing, laughter...it was just a good time. 

Saturday we had a meeting about production, sponsors, what Vegas will be like, what Miss America will be like, what being Miss America will be like...it was a very good and productive meeting. I would however, like to clear the air just a little. I 've had a lot of people approach me in both a serious and joking matter saying "I heard you asked Caressa about her wigs!!!" Check it out, this was the jist of the conversation :o) Caressa had already proceeded to talk about hair care, in referenc to all contestants, she was specifically speaking on highlights, weaves, and any other procedures you could have done to your hair that would eventually be time consuming in the long run. I asked her what kind of weave did she wear at Miss America. I was also curious to know about the opportunities and amount of time she had alotted for hair care, which she let me know wasn't much because unfortunately she has not had a relaxer since Miss America :o( I can completely understand. Some things you have to understand when it comes to African American hair care are:

1. You do not let just anyone and everyone touch and do your hair. You just don't; African American hair is just too fragile. And contrary to popular belief, we do not all have the same type of hair. So when we have our beauticians, we are pretty loyal to them, because they understand our hair and the specific care it needs.

2. Look, I could right a whole blog on this, which I think I will do. Yes, thanks for the idea :o) So for now, I think #1 serves as sufficient enough insight.

N E X T ! ! !

Although I was scheduled to head out on Sunday, I was able to get my flight changed and stay a couple extra days! Disney gave us park passes, so I stayed a couple extra days and got to enjoy the parks. Shout out to New Jersey and Massachusettes, my roomies ;o) We had a good time down there! I think I may be changing my career goals pretty soon, haha... I was so taken by how princess likeand animated the Disney princesses were!  I'm pretty sure they take princess classes! I watched them very closely and have been practicing...so, watch out Disney ;o)

Well folks, it seems that I have yet again managed to squeeze 2-3 weeks worth of blogging into one blog post. I did promise that I would get better and post more frequently which I will. There are often times that I want to share with you all, along with my experiences, thoughts that I often have as I go throughout the year, insightful and interesting things about me and life...I think I will start to post those things as well. Until next time...you know how it goes...PICTURE TIME!!!!

OH! And this post is dedicated to my beautiful LauraBoo. She is truly a Proverbs 31:30 woman.

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised." I think that Just about sums it up ;o)

My Lovely Laura

In between events at Lake Barkley! They caught me half passed out on the couch, haha...

Monica Hardin, Miss Kentucky 2001 and me :o)

The million dollar ham and it's lovely bidders!

IT WAS HAMMER TIME!!!

I ate LOTS of chicken that week :o)

WHO FORGOT TO PUT ON DEODARANT?!?

He's such a ladie's man...mouse...man-mouse.

Miss America Class of 2011 :o)

It's yumma!

!OJO!

What a pleasant surpise ;o) Thanks for coming Candace!

 And of course there are many many MANY more pictures on my Facebook, so be sure to check it out. Until next time, which hopefully won't be long....Be Beautiful! Be You!

Always Love,
DjuanKeilaTrent!