Calm after the storm
on January 18, 2012
Melinda at the Sun International Head Office in Sandton
Hitting the ground running is not an exaggeration describing my first week as Miss South Africa, so when I finally had the chance to go home and also get into the festivity of things, it seemed like my life was playing out in slow motion in front of me. I could kick off my shoes, tell the stories, see my family, and breathe.
I only had 2 days of familiarity – my own bed and my dogs, Nikki and Sterrie before I left on holiday with my family and I had to run around doing last minute Christmas shopping as well. It was incredible sitting around the Christmas tree, singing Christmas songs and eating Christmas pudding.
In my interviews, I was often asked what I wanted for Christmas, my answer every time was that I wanted a Christmas like every other year…with my family. I have everything I could possibly want and more. I have truly experienced God’s divine favour over my life during this past year and everything has exceeded my expectations. Once again, as in the final question to me on stage, I sat and counted my blessings…it took considerably longer than usual.
Family holidays in Jeffreys Bay have become as much of a tradition as “braaivleis and rugby” is to South Africa. My mom and dad, my sister and her new fiancé, and my best friends made the whole holiday perfect and relaxing, just like the festive season should be.
Afterwards, I went to Cape Town and received such a warm welcome from family I hadn’t seen in years. I spent my time going to beautiful places, watching the most awesome sunsets from Blouberg, soaking up the sun on Llandudno and feeling like a tourist in my own country -taking pictures of e-ve-ry-thing!
I received an invitation to L’Ormarins Queens Plate at the Kenilworth Racecourse, a truly spectacular event with all adorned in blue and white. Now, being the kind of girl I am, getting a dress isn’t a simple feat…it needs to be me. It must be put together carefully and never at the last minute.
In this quest to find a dress, hat accessories and shoes…my fairy godfather came to my rescue. I spoke to Gideon, who designed my pink Haute Couture dress on the night of the Miss South Africa Pageant, he said: “don’t worry love, we’ll have a dress delivered to you by tomorrow” . I really do have a group of incredible people to support me.
I was welcomed at the event by flashing camera’s and a sea of beautiful, smiling people. It was incredible to meet Jo-Ann Straus in person, such a timeless beauty with an equally beautiful heart. Shooting up a prayer, I asked “Lord, may I look and be as gracious, in 12 years’ time”.
After a lovely event and a long but fun road trip back home, I had a reality check – this would soon be my old home and thanks to living out of my bags for so long I was welcomed back to my very wrecked and chaotic room. It wasn’t long before I received my first calls from my friends to catch up after a long time apart. There are a few things that make me feel at home in an instant…my dogs wagging tails, my own bed, and pizza’s with the girls!
As I posted on twitter, I had a BIG meeting this week…now one might expect to have a boardroom with all dressed in black suits but, I was taken to meet everyone and welcomed with big smiles and teddy bear hugs. The team at Sun International have all been incredible and I can see future bigger meetings being stress free.
For a first week at the office this has been a smooth start to the year. I have had many promises of help, we have more sponsors on board, I have finished a shoot for Glamour Magazine and have a booked cover shoot for Finesse Magazine still to come, I know it will be a very successful year.
“Work hard on the things you love because passion is the groundwork of success”.
Till next time
9 Responses to Calm after the storm
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Zanele says:
Hi melinda/ miss sa 2011. u were my favorite since day one, such an incredibly beautiful young women with so much grace and class… congratulations on u win hope u have the best of 2012 and the other years to come. would also like to wish u all the best on the miss universe and miss world pageants i know u’ll win one of them and fly the south african flag even higher….. im doing my second year in marketing and enjoying every moment. hope god guides u well in all that u do and more…. xo zanele nkosi
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George Adonis says:
WOW , What a journey!!!! And it is only a few weeks into your reighn as our Miss SA! You do not need luck as you hand out luck with your inner warmth, smile, confidence and positive attitude!
Good Heatlh is my wish to you Melinda!
George -
Cathy Stagg says:
Hi Melida,
It was lovely to meet you this evening. You are beautiful in person and the camera just loves you, impossible to take anything but a great picture of you. Thank you for posing so graciously and for the chat.
Everything of the best on your travels and your future ventures. -
Silke Knopf says:
Hello beautiful lady, thanks for the update on your reign so far, i’m looking very forward to reading more about your journey, living vicariously through your success in hope that i may one day have the honour of the Miss SA title, i definitely want to enter the pageant this year, having just won Miss SA Winelands Petite. Will be keeping a close eye on you for tips on winning
Best of luck role-model!! -
Yonela sineke says:
Hey Melinda, im truelly inspired by the kind of person you are, loving and more humain than i could ever imagine… i recieved the autograph you signed for my mother while she was in Durban last december and that was by far one of the best christmas gifts i’v recieved since i was very young, hense i would love to see myself as a beauty queen one day admist the challenges and responsibilities it comes with. I also wish you the best with all that is yet to come for you in your rein as Miss SA and keep on being an inspiration to us. <3
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Lauren Bain says:
Hi Melinda…
Watching your journey through Miss South Africa has been an inspiration to me as i am sure it has been to many young girls in our unique country you truly are an absolutely beautiful woman, with which you carry your grace and confidence well! South Africa is truly blessed to have such an amazing, young and talented woman represent their country! i often read your blog and i must say it has finally given me the courage to work towards my dream- which is to enter Miss Gauteng next year in January, i can only hope to take my dreams as far as yours have taken you!! All the best throughout 2012 and the rest of your journey!
Lauren Bain -
Wow what an overwhelming experience you having,we proud of you Melinda totally!your an inspiration to us all keep it that way stay humble never stop reaching to your highest potential and most of all enjoy every moment of it!
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Melinda Bam says:
Thank you for all the amazing comments and responses. You are what makes everything worth it, I am only here because I had the support from people who are genuine and sincere in their intentions.
Xxx
Melinda Bam
Wow it all sounds so exciting but you’ve carried yourself with such grace you are such an inspiration & I look forward to reading more about your experience:)