Hi guys! I decided to do a video blog this time around so check it out! It's broken up into two videos. I am still learning how to use this stuff but they are both below. The last one got cut off cause my doorbell was ringing but I want to finish it all off my continuing my thanks to everyone for their support especially to al of my sponsors who are listed on http://www.misssanjoaquincounty.com You guys were such a big support and help! Thank you all and enjoy!

Day 1= a lot of firsts The drive here was LONG! It took me a total of about 6 and a half hours to get here. I left early enough to experience the sunrise while driving down the 5. It's starts with a bit of twilight from the east and then grows to this crazy dark pink that fades into the black night sky. Slowly the shades of color lighten as the black turns to dark blue then to a beautiful lighter shade as the eastern sky spews out its yellows and oranges that drown out the pink that was once there which eventually turns to morning. The first sunrise I have experienced in AGES and also the first road trip alone in years. The first time I have been to a real desert Arriving here took me to another world since I have never experienced THE DESERT before. There really is tons of sand here and it being Palm Springs and all, lots of palm trees too. It is sooooooo hot all day and of course pretty cold at night but not too bad. The mountains are amazing. They break through this barren desert into the sky with their orangish tint and their intimidating, rough features and I feel like I am looking at what confidence would look like if it had a picture in the dictionary. I have never stayed in a hotel by myself before so that is another first. And man it is great! I think everyone needs time alone at one point or another whether it be a vacation, a walk in the park, a day at home, or just a meal at a restaurant. It is good to get back in touch with yourself. We stay so connected with other people through many devices but not enough with ourselves Speaking of eating at a restaurant alone I just experienced that for the first time ever today too! Eating at a restaurant alone is fun! You get to listen to everyones conversation no matter how weird because you have nothing else to do. hahahaha. This guy behind me was alone at his table too and spent his entire lunch talking on the phone about his cats. LOL This place is definitely something else. I am feeling more independent than ever and I am loving it. It is good sometimes to let go of the ordinary and experience life in a whole other way. It is amazing what you will learn about yourself.

I am sure many of you are wondering why a girl like me who has never been in a pageant before or has never even thought about being in one wants to compete to be the next Miss California USA. I mean, I grew up a tomboy racing dirt bikes and made it all the way to the Loretta Lynn National Motocross Championships, most of my friends are guys, I was against wearing makeup and heals for 90% of my life, I love to explore the wilderness with only what I have on my back for days at a time, I have only had a french manicure once in my life and ripped it all off my nails the next day because with it I couldn't play guitar, I really don't mind peeing in the woods, and I would rather sleep in than get up early enough to do my hair and makeup for the day.

I used to dream about moving to California when I was growing up in Michigan, my imagination would run wild at all the possibilities for me in California. Never had my imagination thought that I would have the chance to be Miss California herself and to represent all the beauty and majesty that California truly is.

The Miss California USA Competition is more than just a pageant not only because it is the biggest beauty pageant in the entire world being the preliminary to Miss Universe but because I have the chance to represent the most amazing state I have ever been to. I would also have opportunities to raise money for the things that I believe in and have a chance to play my music in front of the entire USA and possibly the world on television!

I want to make a difference in the world rather than just settle in and be a bystander in life. As a musician, I have always used my influence to better the world around me. I recently started a new club called Musicians for a Better Planet where musicians and music fans come together to green up our planet, get the word out there, and enjoy good music.

Being Miss California would open me up to new horizons and new opportunities to set a good example for the younger generations and to inspire the older ones. It is not only about winning a beauty pageant but a chance to do good with the title that you are given. Most of all, I love California and its diversity in all aspects from the people to the many different climates it has. Representing California in the Miss USA competition would be a dream come true.

I really appreciate everyone's support and generosity. I currently have to raise a lot of money just to be in the competition itself and I am so thankful for all of the donations and sponsors that I have received so far and to my potential supporters.

Even if I don't win, it will be the experience of a lifetime and the most different thing I have ever done in my life. No matter what, my passion won't stop at this, I am always going to be looking for the next adventure and the next chance to change for the better.

Hi my dears!

As you probably know, I have been accepted into the Miss California USA Competition held in November in Palm Springs.  Each candidate for Miss California needs to raise money to help with event fees, their evening gown, swimsuit, interview attire, photographs and travel expenses so I am in need of sponsors and donations which are all tax deductible. I need all of the help that I can get and would appreciate your support and generosity!


You can either send a check by mail to Tara Tinsley PO Box 891 Tracy, CA 95378 or online by following the steps below:

1. Click on this link https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7584153

2. Enter the donation amount.

3. Either log in to Paypal if you have an account or click "continue" on bottom left to pay with credit card.

4. Make sure to print your receipt to get a possible tax deduction!

Thank you so much!!!

Tara Tinsley
Miss San Joaquin County
taratinsley@hotmail.com

I have some GREAT news!! I have been accepted into the Miss California USA 2010 competition! I am so excited. It is going to be so fun. It will be on TV but I am not sure when. I will let you know the details so you can tune in!!

Love you my dearest fans!

Tara