Southern California Rose of Tralee

 Bree's Blog

 March 2010

As of tomorrow, Saturday March 13th, at 11 PM, I will officially be a Former Southern California Rose.

I know it sounds completely cliché, but the phrase "Time flies when you're having fun" is the first thing that comes to mind.

The last year went by quicker than any other in my 27 years. It has been filled with every emotion imaginable: some ups and some downs, some highs and some lows, but mostly, instances, memories, and people that I will both remember and cherish for all the days of my life.

Being the Southern California Rose of Tralee has been the greatest honor that has ever been handed to me, and while I was ecstatic and elated to accept it with open arms, I did not accept such a title without understanding what it meant.

2009 was the 5th time I was a Southern California Rose contestant. I had been asked many times if I could change anything would I change it so I was chosen on my first, second or even third time being a part of the program. My answer has always been the same: that is the last thing I would change.

I will be handing over my crown with an understanding of what our Rose Program is really about; an understanding I would not have in the same way had I not been a part of this program for so long. It is about the aspects of life that are of the utmost importance: family, friends, community, culture, and the love of all those things both separately and combined.

I understand what the Rose of Tralee has meant to not just the former Southern California Roses that came before me, but all of the Roses that have graced Tralee over the last 50 years.

I was lucky enough to be the Southern California Rose at the International Festival's 50th Anniversary. I was absolutely blown away when I was told that 42 of the previous 50 International Roses had come to the festival, and literally hundreds of other former Roses had also come back to celebrate. Arriving in Tralee and being amongst these women was the most humbling situation I have ever experienced, but it was an experience I felt I thrived in and it is an experience I will never, nor would I want, to forget.

I gained a knowledge over the years of what the Rose of Tralee means to me, and now I have the privilege to know what it meant to so many other women all over the world for the last 50 years. It is like a sorority in that there is that feeling of sisterhood with any fellow Rose, past, present or future.

Being the Rose of Tralee meant so much to me and my family both here at home and in my second home back in Ireland. I grew up with the Irish culture such a strong influence in my life, to where I didn't know the difference. To discover such a strong and grounded Irish community where I live and to make that community my friends and family is more than I can ever hope for.

I thank Southern California for allowing me to represent the community we have and that we all love so much. I hope I did you all proud and I hope I represented our community to the best of my ability.

The Southern California Rose of Tralee and the International Rose of Tralee has been one wild ride that has taken me so many places, bestowed upon me so many experiences and memories, enriched my life, instilled pride in my family, and given me friends I am positive I will have forever.

I thank my family for being there and for being my backbone and support system.

I thank my friends for cheering me on and being my biggest fans.

I thank the Southern California Rose of Tralee Committee for carrying on such an amazing tradition.

I thank the Irish Fair Foundation for backing our Center.

Most importantly, I thank Southern California for allowing me to represent our Irish community.

I can't wait to see who is chosen as the 2010 Southern California Rose of Tralee. To all of the girls, I see a Rose in each and every one of you, and I know you will directly be a part of what makes the Irish community in Southern California thrive.

As for your 2009 Southern California Rose....it has been my greatest pleasure.  I hope I made you proud and I hope that I was able to get across the gratitude I feel I could never truly and accurately describe.

Love...for the last time as your 2009 Southern California Rose of Tralee,

Bree

December 2009

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

It’s that time of year when we reflect on what means the most to us and partake in the joy and merriment of the holidays!

I hope you all had awonderful Thanksgiving full of fun, family, friends and food!

Every Thanksgiving, my family and I sit down for dinner and each say one thing we are thankful for.

I didn’t even have to think of what I would say:

I am thankful for the experience I had in Tralee and the fact that I have the memories and friendships to carry with me for the rest of my life and thankful that I was able to represent Southern California.

As we went around the table, my family said they were thankful that I had the experience as well! I felt so loved and it really added to the already awesome experience I have had so far.

Now Christmas is upon us as well as the dawn of a New Year. I can’t help but think what I’m sure everyone else is thinking… where has the year gone? This has been such an amazing year for me and I can’t see what 2010 brings!

I’ll be in Chicago for Christmas visiting Dad…. And freezing in the process! However, there really is nothing like a White Christmas. Some family from Ireland will also be there to celebrate with us.

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year.

May your Holidays be filled with love, happiness, fun, and of course a bit of luck of the Irish!

Happy Holidays!

Love,

Bree

Past Blogs

April 2009

May 2009

June 2009

July/August 2009

September 2009 - Part I

September 2009 - Part II

September 2009 - Part III