Friday, December 14, 2012

Happy Holidays: The Book of McCausland

Chapter 8: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL........   Now I probably love Christmas more than most people, and yes, it's my favorite time of the year! But it seems with each passing year the busier I get each holiday season.
Michelle McCausland, MGM 2012
Client after client keeps calling me to do all of their holiday decorations. So for about a month, I do nothing but go from house to house to house, etc. – leaving very little time for myself. My home is always the last to get decorated. Here it is, the 14 day of Dec 2012, and I’m having a party on the 16th.  Is my house done? NO – it’s not!  And I’m off to a client’s home this afternoon to decorate hers – only then can I do my own. It’s a good thing that I love Christmas!

Now Miss Gay Missouri is only four months away – can you believe it?!! On Sunday, Feb 17th is Miss Gay St. Louis…and yes, there will be more prelims in the next few months, I just need to get them all finalized.

There are still several pageants yet to come for you to get your "Golden Ticket" to MGM 2013!  I will post much more frequently on the happenings of MGM as soon as Santa comes down the chimney and my holiday world is over.  ( Girls - I'm TIRED and if I make one more bow I think my hands will fall off!) BUT - come January 2, it’s full speed ahead to MGM 2013! You never know, this crown could be yours! Please have a wonderful Christmas, and an "awesome" New Year - and start getting your MGM packages together. AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.

Miss Gay Missouri 2013
Michelle McCausland 



December 2012: MGMA Board Letter

From the MGMA Alumni:

Happy Holidays everyone! Well, it’s hard to believe we are at the end of another year. They say that the older you get time flies faster and faster and I am starting to believe that. Miss Gay Missouri 2013 is a little over four months away and we will be crowning a new MGMA. But let’s first get to Christmas, I love this holiday so much – all the decorations, the lights, the music and of course, the Christmas stories. 

One of my favorite Christmas stories was written by Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863), who wrote the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” also called “A Visit from St. Nicholas" in 1822. It is now the tradition in many American families to read the poem every Christmas Eve. The poem has redefined our image of Christmas and Santa Claus. Prior to the creation of the story, St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, had never been associated with a sleigh or reindeer!

Clement Moore was a reticent man and it is believed that a family friend, Miss H. Butler, sent a copy of the poem to the New York Sentinel who published “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. The condition of publication was that the author would remain anonymous. The first publication date was Dec. 23, 1823 and it was an immediate success. It was not until 1844 that Clement Clarke Moore claimed ownership when the work was included in a book of his poetry. This is how the original story was written.

  Twas the Night Before Christmas
Make it Snow!

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
with the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
and he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
and the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
and away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Happy Holidays from MGMA
This holiday season, take a moment to give thanks for all the people and things that you have in your life.  We at MGMA give thanks for all of you. Your continued support as promoters, dancers, dressers, sponsors, audience members, friends and family and all you have given to our contestants and our pageant does not go unnoticed or appreciated. This last year could not have been the success that it was without all of you.

We still have four prelims left before MGMA 2013 on April 11-13 in St. Louis Mo.:


MISS HEART OF MISSOURI: Feb. 2, 2013
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce: atheenavoce@mchsi.com 

MISS GAY ST. LOUIS: Feb. 17, 2013

Hamburger Mary’s St. Louis (3037 Olive StL MO) 9 p.m.  
For info contact Jade Sincliar: jade@missjadesinclair.com

MISS GAY KANSAS CITY (closed) TBA
 
MISS CITY OF FOUNTAINS (open) TBA

Don't let these pageants pass you by - get your golden ticket to compete and you could be our next Miss Gay Missouri America 2013 and join this amazing family of sisters. Well, like Santa, it has come to that part of this letter where I must say, "Happy Christmas to all, and  to all, a GOOD NIGHT!"

Merry Christmas and have a safe and Happy New Year!!

 Emilio Olvera/Lexsus Chaney, MGMA 2000,
The Miss Gay Missouri, America Board of Directors

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Nov./Dec. 2012: The Book of McCausland

Chapter 7: Well another month has come and gone and Miss Gay Missouri 2013 is just over four months away. This past month has been a busy one for me with three—count ‘em—three preliminaries back-to-back and six wonderful contestants on their way to MGMA 2013 in St Louis, April 11, 12, and 13.  

First up was Miss Spirit of St. Louis on October 28 at Attitudes nightclub in the StL.  The winner was Adria Andrews and the first alternate was Nadia Louis. I must say all the contestants were absolutely lovely that night. 
Miss Spirit of St. Louis
On November 3, we had the Miss City of Columbia pageant with four wonderful contestants. The winner was Jennicka Funn Fierz and the First Alternate was Monique LaRoux . A special shout out to Marty (owner of The SoCo Club) – you have a wonderful new bar and the food was delicious. I wish you much success and can’t wait to see what you do with the new place.  
Miss City of Columbia
After very little sleep, I was up at 7 am and heading to Springfield for the Miss Gay Springfield pageant on November 4. This pageant is the oldest prelim to MGM and was held at the Howard Johnson’s Ballroom (formerly the Clarion) and showcased six fabulous contestants. Capturing the crown was Katriana DuPree with Victoria Kennedy as First Alternate.
Miss Gay Springfield
Special thanks to Daniel Flier (aka Vanessa Vincent), Michael Klataske (aka Jade Sinclair) and Emilio Olvera (aka Lexsus Chaney) – all Board members and former MGM’s. I had a wonderful time with the three of you all weekend. These three gentlemen are so wonderful to work with, they know their stuff and I tell you they are always ready to help a girl out. The MGMA Alumni Board really runs a tight ship when it comes to this pageant and anyone should feel honored to be part of this team. 

Now – with all that said, eight contestants are on their way to MGMA 2013 and we have only four preliminaries left: Miss Heart of Missouri, Feb 2 at SoCo in Columbia (an open state preliminary); Miss Gay St. Louis, Feb. 17 at Hamburger Mary’s in StL and Miss Gay Kansas City and Miss City of Fountains (an open state preliminary) – both TBA. So don’t waste any time on getting your ticket to MGMA 2013. It will be here before you know it!  

In conclusion, I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving and you didn’t eat too much. Remember, you still have two more holidays ahead of you. As you prepare for the Christmas and New Year holiday, be careful out there and most of all – stay healthy.  

Look for my Christmas newsletter on the December 15. Yes, I know it’s early but Christmas is the 25th and I have to get it out sooner so I can "shop till I drop". A drag queen’s work is never ever done. 

Miss Gay Missouri 2013
Michelle McCausland 

December 2012: MGMA Board Letter

Dear Contestants,
We hope that  everyone  had a  nice  Thanksgiving. We  are so  thankful  for  our  current  MGMA 2012, Michelle McCausland… She is  doing  a great job entertainment-wise – we knew  she  had  that covered.  But  administration-wise,  she is  also proving to be a dynamo and handles the business-side  of  MGMA along with the  performance  aspect  of  being  MGMA.  

We'd like to congratulate Michelle on her competition at Miss Gay America. While  she didn't place in top  10  at nationals, our MGMA received a much-deserved standing  ovation  for her talent. Again, this should  come as  no  surprise to any of us. The  gal  can entertain the troops! Thank You for doing a great job, Michelle...

We are  equally thankful for  our  MGMA Alumni - a spectacular array of  formers who, heading  into our 40th year, cannot wait to crown the  next  member of our diverse  family. Although we are each different in many ways,  we all share the  same  dream which is to make  MGMA the  best that Missouri has to offer.

So far we have eight wonderful contestants:

MISS METROPOLITAN - TRIXIE LARUE
1ST RUNNER UP - GINGER NICOLE
MISS SPIRIT OF SAINT LOUIS  - ADRIA ANDREWS
1ST RUNNER UP - NADIA LOUIS
MISS CITY OF  COLUMBIA - JENNICKA FUNN FIERZ
1ST RUNNER UP - MONIQUE LAROUX
MISS GAY SPRINGFIELD - KATRIANA DUPREE
1ST RUNNER UP - VICTORIA KENNEDY

None of these contestants  are playing around. Having attended  every prelim thus  far, I can attest that each qualified contestant is working on strong packages. Indeed, they are all  at the  top of the  game that we call drag!  

So ladies,  please  bring it - and let the  games  begin! Compete in good  spirit, but know  you are  coming to MGMA to win. One thing  that our  current  MGMA says to all contestants – and  she is  correct, is:

“Your friends  are  going to tell you they love  you and  what you’re doing. Why? Because they love you. Ask people  you respect who will give you an honest opinion. That’ss  how you get  good  feedback about  what you need to change in your  package  to be the winner!”
Our  next  pageant(s)  are:

MISS HEART OF MISSOURI: Feb. 2, 2013
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce:
atheenavoce@mchsi.com 

MISS GAY ST. LOUIS: Feb. 17, 2013
Hamburger Mary’s St. Louis (3037 Olive StL MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Jade Sincliar:
jade@missjadesinclair.com 

The remainder of our prelims will soon be scheduled. Watch for  details  coming  soon. Don't miss  being  a  part of  MGMA’s  40th  anniversary celebration or lose out on the  chance to be  crowned  "THE 40TH MGMA". What a night it will be…

Again, “Showgirls: 40 and Still Fabulous” will be held April 11-13 at Metropolitan Community Church in St. Louis. The space is spectacular and we are thrilled  to support MCC as they, in turn, are thrilled support us on this, our historic night.

We look  forward to seeing  you at  the prelim of your choice  and at  MGMA 2013. 

Daniel Flier/Vanessa Vincent, MGMA 1982,
The Miss Gay Missouri, America Board of Directors

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Oct./Nov. 2012: The Book of McCausland

Chapter 6: Let’s start with Miss Gay America! My last time at MGA was in 1988 – my how things can change in 24 years! Congratulations to Sally Sparkles, our new MGA 2013. Sally is young, thin, pretty, talented (yes i wanted to trip her on stage). I will be very excited when she comes to the 40th-anniversary of Miss Gay Missouri, April 11-13, 2013 right here in St. Louis at MCCGSL.
Michelle McCausland Talent at MGA 2013
I had an amazing time in Columbus, Ohio – I met lots of new people and reunited with some that I have known for years. I may not have won - as we all know, only one can win - but I did get a standing ovation for talent - (yeah!). The only bad thing to happen that week was the guys doing the valet parking at the host hotel side swiped my truck on something. A girl can't keep anything nice!

Now, it’s pageant time again! This past Sunday, Oct. 28 I gave up my title as Miss Spirit of St. Louis at Attitudes nightclub at the second annual preliminary promoted by Vital VOICE (Darin Slyman, Dieta Pepsi and Colin Murphy). Two great contestants battled it out for the crown. Congratulations to Miss Spirit of St. Louis 2013, Adria Andrews and First Alternate Nadia Louis. This coming weekend Miss City of Columbia will be on Saturday, November 3 and then I'm off to Miss Gay Springfield on Sunday, November 4. A total of eight contestants will have qualified for MGM 2013 - and we're not even into the new year! 
Miss Spirit of St. Louis
MISS CITY of COLUMBIA: Nov. 3, 2012
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce:
atheenavoce@mchsi.com

MISS GAY SPRINGFIELD: Nov. 4, 2012
Howard Johnsons/The Clarion (333 Glenstone SPFLD MO) 7 p.m.
For info contact Latisa Moore:
latisa.moore@facebook.com

MISS HEART OF MISSOURI: Feb. 2, 2013
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce:
atheenavoce@mchsi.com

MISS GAY ST. LOUIS: Feb. 17, 2013
Hamburger Mary’s St. Louis (3037 Olive StL MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Jade Sincliar: jade@missjadesinclair.com

“IF YOU’RE GONNA DREAM, DREAM BIG. IT CAN HAPPEN!”
Miss Gay Missouri 2013
Michelle McCausland

November 2012: MGMA Board Letter

Dear Contestants,

I had not been back to Miss Gay America since Linda Carrero was crowned in 1999. For eight years I went to compete and placed in the top 10 six times - and five of those in the top 5. Well – I didn’t know what to expect after being gone for so long. Would they accept me? Would they even acknowledge me?  Most of my really close pageant friends had already won MGA and I felt a little nervous about seeing them. Well let me tell you, I was received with open arms! 
It was like time had never passed and this was yet the following year of MGA and I had the honor to dress the legendary Kofi. I think we were the only two out of our pageant class that hadn’t won, and she was coming back after being gone a lengthy period too. I am not going to lie, I was nervous and scared dressing a contestant because I wasn’t sure I still knew how to be a good dresser. But it was like riding a bicycle and it all came back to me. Some things you never forget how to do and after all those years being clean in a pageant was one of them. 
The former MGA’s couldn’t have been nicer. We talked, laughed and recalled the good ole pageant days when it was blood thirsty and girls would die to be MGA. Larry and Terry, the current MGA owners were so welcoming too. All in all it was a wonderful homecoming. Homecoming? Yes! That is what is was, a homecoming. I was coming home like a sister who had run away because she didn’t think she fit in. 
I guess what I’m trying to say is that MGA is like a family. No matter how much time has passed, a long lost family member is always welcomed home. No questions, no judgments. Just pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, sit on the porch swing and let’s talk about the ole days. 
Leon Braxton/Dieta Pepsi, MGMA 1991,
The Miss Gay Missouri, America Board of Directors

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Sept./Oct. 2012: The Book of McCausland

Chapter 5: Can you believe that it’s been five months already since I won MGM 2012 .... whoa!  It seems to me that my reign is going by really fast (slow down please – I waited too long for this to happen!!)  

I am now in MAJOR preparation mode for Miss Gay America 2013 that is coming up in just under two weeks. I  haven’t competed in MGA since 1989 (some of you weren’t even born yet)  and I’m really excited to be going as MGM 2012. I wish my First Alternate Loreal  from Kansas City could have come with me – but health does need to come first.  I will miss her!

Who knows what will happen at MGA, we will just have to wait and see!

Miss Gay America
Now girls – coming up on Sunday, October 28, 2012 will be The 2nd Annual Miss Spirit of St. Louis pageant at Attitudes on Manchester! I’ll be stepping down as the First Miss Spirit and let me tell you that the earlier that you get your golden ticket to MGM 2013, the more time you have to prepare!  Being prepared is so essential—MGM is not like doing a show every week at the bar that you work at.  MGM is the time to be at the top of your game! Even when you enter a preliminary, come prepared – because that is where you get your ticket to state.

Miss Spirit of St. Louis
Miss Gay Springfield will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2012. This is such a storied and long running preliminary where Autumn Holiday will be giving up her crown. You could be the next in the legacy! 

Miss Gay Springfield
The dates for Miss Gay St. Louis 2013 have also been announced.  Review show is Saturday, Feb. 16th and Pageant on Sunday, Feb. 17th – both at Hamburger Mary’s St. Louis. This is another preliminary steeped in history and we can’t wait to welcome the next sister into our fold.

BTW – I am now on Twitter! You can follow me at:   M_McauslandMGM  ( I just got on - so bear with me!)

As always, if you have any questions feel free to Facebook me or email me (mykel22@aol.com) or now TWEET ME. I'm here to help you in any way I can!

GET YOUR GOLDEN MGM TICKET EARLY!!!

Miss Gay Missouri 2013
Michelle McCausland



August 2012: MGMA Board Letter

Dear Contestants,

This month I would like to talk about a couple of words that have been on my mind recently:  GROWTH and CHANGE.  In my personal and professional life I have been experiencing these topics.... 

Initially, I find I just want to dig-in my 4" stiletto’s and resist with all of my might.  After I resign myself to the knowledge that "it is the way it is" – I realize it is all very positive in every way.  I'm saying all of this because I began thinking (help us all) and started applying these words to pageantry.
   
The Miss Gay Missouri America Organization has experienced immense growth in the past few years.  We (just as you returning contestants) have polished our "packages" (keep the snickering down please) and are returning to the HISTORIC 40th Anniversary of this amazing legacy ready to impress!  We are doing 40 right!  The facility and accommodations are superb and the visual (...in your best RuPaul voice) EXTRAVAGANZA that is in the works is NOT to be missed. 
   
For the returning contestants:  One of the most amazing and exciting parts of watching Miss Gay Missouri America unfold every year is getting to see the GROWTH and CHANGE each of you make throughout your journey.  It is such an honor to be a participant in your lives and watch each of you grow into the entertainers you are.  It amazes us (the sisterhood – as well as the loyal fans of MGMA) to watch your lives progress as you GROW and CHANGE into the best candidate you can be for the job of Miss Gay Missouri America 2013.  Several preliminaries are right around the corner:

 MISS SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS: Oct 28, 2012
Attitudes Nightclub (4100 Manchester StL MO) 7 p.m.
For info contact Dieta Pepsi:
leonabraxtonjr@hotmail.com

MISS CITY of COLUMBIA: Nov. 3, 2012
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce:
atheenavoce@mchsi.com

MISS GAY SPRINGFIELD: Nov. 4, 2012
Howard Johnsons/The Clarion (333 Glenstone SPFLD MO) 7 p.m.
For info contact Latisa Moore:
latisa.moore@facebook.com

MISS HEART OF MISSOURI: Feb. 2, 2013
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce:
atheenavoce@mchsi.com

MISS GAY ST. LOUIS: Feb. 17, 2013
Hamburger Mary’s St. Louis (3037 Olive StL MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Jade Sincliar: jade@missjadesinclair.com


Others will be announced as dates are confirmed.  We are expecting even more GROWTH with the number of contestants this year, so we encourage you to qualify now!
   
In closing, I would like to leave you with this..."the whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be"  -Oprah Winfrey

40 and still fabulous!

Jeff Thompson/Atheena Voce', MGMA 2004,
The Miss Gay Missouri, America Board of Directors