I know that you all have not heard from me since Cleveland!!! That's crazy!!!  I was having some technical difficulties and since we hit NYC I have been one busy girl.  So here is my brief recap and a look at what is next for me.

Washington DC was great!! I really like the event that we did at the National Mall.  I was my very first time being to the National Mall though I have been to DC before.  We got to inform a lot of people with the posters that we had with the "Startling Environmental Facts"  By the time it was all over...I had to jump for joy!!!

 You all know I am known to go a lil' crazy from time to time!!! But I LOVE this shot!!

Then after DC it was back to NYC....my home town.  Needless to say I was more than anxious to get back to my tiny Park Slope, Brooklyn Studio...there really is no place like home!! I rushed back to NYC and hit the track running!!! I don't feel like I have had the chance to sit and relax since I got here!!

 Miss Earth New York and Chelsea...fellow Environmentalist!

 My Good Morning America Weekend Edition Interview!!!  It was great!!

 Just a part of the gang that gathered for a Live Earth Eve Dinner at NYC's Ultra Hip Restaurant, Tao.  It was great.  I don't think I have ever seen a Buddha that big...or a fortune Cookie that big either!!! It was great experience!!

 There was no rest for the weary.  After a  long night, McGuire and I had to get up VERY early on 7-7-07 to do a live TV interview with Channel 7 Eyewitness news.  This one was EXTRA special to me! As  native New Yorker this is MY morning news program of choice.  It meant a lot to me to be there and meet the anchors in person!!!

 Next we all met up at Port Authority to go to Live Earth.  This is what we all had been working up to!!! This was it, the Grand Finale of the Eco Trip.  It was exciting yet bittersweet.  We boarded the bus arrived, and I got to the business of enjoying the concert.

 This is me  at the base of the Live Earth Stage as John Mayer performs.  He was my favorite act of the concert....I do love him so!!

 He was REALLY into his set and feeling the music.  It was an experience to say the least.

Before I knew it the day had come to an end and I was on the bus back home.  I barely gave Lesie and Hedge a Proper Goodbye.  I don't do goodbyes.  So rather than make a big deal I simply hugged them and was on my way.  I didn't even get to give McGuire so much as a hug.  I couldn't find him at the time and I was ready to go. The Eco Trip was over and it was time for me to move on to what was next.

I have had an amazing time being Miss Earth New York.  It really opened up a lot of doors for me. I know that this title played an integral part in my being selected to do this Eco Trip...that and Favor!!!  But Miss Earth New York is not the end of the road for me.  Since the Live Earth concert I have been in Full Preparation mode for Miss Earth USA!!!

On Wednesday August 1st 2007 Amanda Helen Pennekamp the reigning Miss Earth USA 2006 will crown her successor.   I will be flying to Portland Oregon this Friday July 27th to represent my state, New York proudly!!!  I am so excited.  Through all of this buzz I did take a few days of from training to go to Florida for my family reunion.

 Myself and just a portion of the family that gathered for the VERY first Robertson Family Reunion!!!

It was really good to see all of my family again.  They were all so proud of me and excited to see me in my sash for the VERY first time.  Though they will not be accompanying me to Portland for the pageant...they wish me all the best and will be there in spirit.

So here I am with just FOUR days to go until I fly to Portland!!! I feel as though I am going to burst the walls of my tiny studio apartment with my excitement!!! It's just crazy!! Everything has fallen into place...the dress, the shoes, the hair, the talent...everything.  Thanks to my participation in the Eco Trip, I have gained VAST knowledge about the environment and how I can help.  That is what miss Earth USA is all about!  This trip has prepared me for this pageant in a way that NO Pageant Coach EVER could and I am ETERNALLY grateful for that.  Between now and the pageant I do plan on blogging daily and possibly blogging while I am at the Pageant.  I will have to see about the Internet connection while I am there.  I really want to share this experience with all of you.  You all have been with me thus far and I want you all to see me through the rest of the way!!!

Take Care!!

Marshana Dahlia

Miss Earth_____________!!!!