After the Big 3....the path ahead

It's been awhile since I've been on my blog! So much has happened since too.

I competed in Las Vegas as Mrs. Virginia, roomed with both Wisconsin and Utah, made lifelong friends with both of them (Tiffany and Lauren). I crowned my successor Andrea who just concluded a reign equal to my own in terms of working her title, my daughter the same year as mine won Miss Virginia Collegiate America 2015 so we traveled together most of the year enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the chance to go to Disney. She has since graduated VCU and is heading to dental school in her quest to head into oral surgery.

I produced 4 state pageants and took my girls to Nationals, two placed top 15 and one won the Overall Evening Gown award making a great debut for my first year directing in a large franchise. Sadly the franchise was sold and the scoring and requirements changed from the many years I had competed (50% interview) and due to that, became unprofitable so I will be focusing on Atlantic Shores instead. I've gone on to have won Mrs NC Pickle Festival in 2015 and am now the 2016 Mrs. World Elite Woman (40 and up) queen. I still represent my Pink Queens For Life Ambassador Lifetime Title with pride and will be going into my 6th year in October helping run the Miss-ter Fall-BRAzaar fundraiser pageant.

I had a close call with a return of the breast cancer, finding out after 5 biopsies that I have atypical hyperplasia instead and just have to maintain a much closer monitoring of my health than I had been doing before. Just the diagnostic process was grueling enough and I lost a job and a few friends over it but my life is a lot lighter without the dead weight. I teach Primary (sunday school) to the 6 & 7 year olds in my church and am embarking on what will be a very big project, a writing career.

I have been published off and on for years under another name in a totally different genre of writing but after much pushing and encouragement from my husband and close friends who have all read my works, plus my followers of fan fiction, I have decided to finish my goal of getting my first full book published. Not myself either but with a publishing house. I began formal work on the first of three books earlier this week and expect to turn out a completed project before fall, one that will be equally fascinating and intriguing to the industry insider and the curious alike. Won't take you three guesses to figure out what the book will be about but I've had parts of it written in various areas for over four years now and have decided to finally put it together.

G-Grandpa Oliver Chitwood 

My grandmother published her first book at 90, my great grandfather Oliver Perry Chitwood was a prolific history & textbook author, PhD and lived to be nearly 100. Grandma Libby is now 101 and still talking about her second book LOL!

So writing is clearly in my genes and now begins the journey to becoming a published author. This quote captures a lot of "why now." Which can only be answered with, "why NOT now?"

I went for years not finishing anything. Because, of course, when you finish something you can be judged.– Erica Jong

Las Vegas, here I come! (In 8 months that is...)

Persistence pays off...

I am thrilled to update my blog to announce I am the new Mrs. Virginia United States for 2014! After MULTIPLE top 5,and top 3 placements  and even a tie for the win, I am finally wearing the crown that will take me to Las Vegas for nationals next July.


As it happened, the former director was not able to put on a pageant for 2014.  Ironically, I got the call from the National Director right *after* I had decided I would not be re-competing in any more Mrs state pageants  after placing top 5 and also 1st runner up during two attempts at the Virginia International crown. I also won the Overall Community Service Award but I had actually given up on competing since I had come so close so many times...I was so NOT expecting this opportunity! Needless to say when I was asked to represent Virginia this year, I said "absolutely" and so I am getting back into the ring to prepare for Nationals and make an incredible reign out of the next 8 or 9 months I have until my successor is crowned


The very first appearance I attended was my daughter's Miss Prince William (MAO) pageant! It was fantastic to watch her on the stage as she begins her *own* journey to become Miss Virginia! I'll post some photos soon from that evening, below is a photo of me after Interview with my compatriots competing at a different system's prelim just a few weeks before I became Mrs Virginia US :)

My goals are:

1) Make Top 10, then top 5. I have big shoes to fill as last year's winner was 4th runner up
2) Promote my platforms of animal rescue and breast cancer awareness
3) Represent Virginia with honor both at nationals and at appearances throughout the state

Join me as I begin my journey to prepare for the 2014 Mrs United States Pageant!

What One Life Can Do....

As one of the board members for Rikki's Refuge in Orange, VA, I get a lot of opportunities to speak to others about Rikki's and all the wonderful things they do to help save lives, promote spay-neuter (or Speuter as we call them!) clinics at prices pet owners can afford, bring about awareness and support to the many rescues they interact with and just in general help animals of 22 species in any way they can. One of the questions I get a lot when people meet me at appearances is "how did you first hear about Rikki's?" or "what got you involved in animal rescue?"

As a 12 year breast cancer survivor, my Passion for Pink is pretty obviously traced to not only a personal journey of survivorship but a family history with one, but my love for the animals came long before I realized my own life would need a voice one day in the future.

They were also nice enough to mention my Mrs Central Virginia title at the end, which was cool, though you notice the REAL queen is the Siamese princess featured in the photo! This story was just published in the Orange County (VA) magazine and I think wonderfully answers the question about the difference one life can make. Read it and see if you agree!

Click on the story to enlarge it for reading...it's a newspaper size so I had to scan it in halves! 

And this is Candy Cane in color...who sleeps in the sink. On the right she is 

"helping" me with a friend's baby crazy quilt which is almost done! 

National Capital Cat Show with Rikki's Refuge

Those who know me know I volunteer with several organizations, one of which is Rikki's Refuge. I serve on the Board of Directors with them and do my best to try to help with fundraising, publicity, writing articles, and just in general being a big fan of all the work they do to help rescue animals who wouldn't be placed otherwise, ones considered "throw-aways" by someone they had come to rely on.

Yes, there's a kitty under all that tulle & hair! She was SO patient

One of the more fun experiences I get to sometimes share in working with Rikki's is attending the annual National Capitol Cat Show up in Manassas, VA. Now the traffic is horrible coming and going in NOVA (I remember a really bad summer spent up in Seven Corners when it was faster to walk to the mall than drive...) but this show is a unique event. Breeders from all over the country come to show their purebred kitties and competitions are even held for kitties who are housecats or otherwise not your "normal" show kitty.

Here I am with one of the show cats who was modeling for us her extensive wardrobe. She really was a VERY patient and loving little girl

There is line after line of adorable scenes set where owners present their kitties show-girl style in faux treehouses or Parisian themed bedrooms...you name it!

While there I got the opportunity to not only help with raising over $1,000 in sales and donations but got the chance to share the story of Opie, our current spokeskitty, with many children who stopped to come and pet him. Opie was born without back feet. He's differently abled...but he doesn't know it!

I wish I had taken some more photos but as I worked the event the entire time, I only got to sneak away once to meet one of the breeders who runs a blog about her Cornish Rex, who is pictured above. You can visit  http://furrydancecats.blogspot.com/  to learn more about her amazing cats. While some people complain about breeders, there really ARE very responsible groups out there and they enthusiastically support the shelters as well because one does not take away from the other if the breeders are responsible. It is just as important to preserve the wonderful different bloodlines of Maine Coons, Tonkanese, Egyptian Maus and many others as it is to save our feral and stray friends.

Here I got to speak with a little girl about what makes Opie special...

There are also rescues which specialize in what's called "breed rescue," so if you really have your heart set on a blue eyed Siamese or a Forest cat, there are groups who will go to great lengths to match up these kitties rescued from shelters with a breed enthusiast. Also, breeders contribute a LOT of money to Winn Feline Foundation and other organizations which are working to develop vaccinations and cures against FIP, feline leukemia, thyroid and kidney disease, which are the top killers of our feline friends. Without their support a lot of research would dry up. While it was more of a casual event for me (the floors are a little sketch...hence, the sneakers and jeans!), I was honored to be able to help Rikki's make a lot of sales and donations and excited to speak with the children who came up to me to ask me about my crown. MY numbers however paled in comparison with Opie's...HE was the real star of the show! But that's ok...I can't compete with that little ball of cuteness :) All in all it was a great weekend for our group, and I'm looking forward to next year

Here's where Teri was so kind as to mention me in her blog. Hey Coco, I see you eyeing my crown...LOL! 

Dinwiddie County Fair / Susan G Komen & Massey Cancer Center Booth

With Karen before we began...it was SO hot...wowza

Last night I got to work my first event with Susan G. Komen out in the community. I worked at a vendor information booth alongside my new friend Karen Gregory, who is the Community Health education Coordinator for the VCU Massey Cancer Center. She knew a LOT of information that i learned from her, not just about breast cancer but about cancer in general, and some of the ways that Massey and other organizations who partner with Susan G. Komen (ones like the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, who I also support) are reaching people who otherwise might not get to see a doctor in the more rural areas.

This fair was a good example of that, despite the lower attendance being a weeknight for the fair, we still spoke to 2 or 3 dozen different individuals about the programs available after inviting them to "spin the wheel for prizes" (Burt's Bees lipgloss ladies!). It was a great way to break the ice and I got the chance to speak to several caregivers as well as another fellow survivor and many younger ladies who didn't even know what some of the signs to watch for were. I really have to say that a low stress, fun approach like this definitely allows some people to feel comfortable enough to ask questions. And that's what it's really all about..

I know...it looks funny, right? But I was actually sharing my story of how I first discovered my tumor myself with a caregiver who has had quadruple bypass surgery himself! It reminded me that not only do we need to support our survivors and the recently diagnosed, but earnestly recognize & thank those who look after us, support us and care for us as well...often times while having to face their own medical challenges too!

Passionately Pink Part Deux....

If he's man enough to wear the crown to help fight cancer, aren't you? 

Tomorrow I will get to volunteer and work my very first event as an official Susan G. Komen Educator, something which means a LOT to me as I've been volunteering off and on for several years with the Race for the Cure and many other yearly events in Virginia and North Carolina as well.

I also help out with the annual "Fall Bra-Zaar", this will be our 3rd one and one of our biggest fundraisers is the Mr. Brazaar pageant. Believe it or not, my husband posed to be their inaugural "Miss-ter", in a crown and banner no less...but on a motorcycle. As you can tell, he's pretty manly so this really was as much support as any gal could hope for!

What's so special is this fundraiser honors Denys Musselman who passed away of Triple Negative breast cancer. Her life helps others in this wonderful event.
you can find it on Facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/415104278594187/                It will be held October 5th

Now that's devotion ladies! Doesn't he look awesome helping us out for a good cause? ;) 

Working with these events led me to be invited to join a training program & seminar for Susan G. Komen Educators. These women go out into the community at different events such as fairs, women's shows, galas, luncheons...you name it....and not only have the fun of awarding out prizes at table games but more importantly, help women find literature and connection to the programs that can help them most. Whether that's finding a low-cost screening option, getting a referral for financial assistance, or just learning more about what we do (and still don't) know about breast cancer, it's a wonderful opportunity to reach out to others like myself who might not have known who to ask or maybe didn't really think about being pro-active about their health and following up on their own breast care. 

Some of us were survivors, I would say about half, and the rest were from the medical community and a few were relatives of survivors. Every single one had a personal link however connecting them to the cause which made for not a dry eye in the room as we went around to learn about our new sisters in volunteer work. One lady who spoke was a 60+ year old survivor TWICE OVER...which gives even me hope should mine return that I too, could beat it as she did. There were several survivors younger than myself and I remember 12 years ago feeling it was only me that was that young and scared. But more and more women are having the courage to reach out and give support to others through that journey and that's nothing short of inspiring as we work towards a world where our daughters (and our sons, for they too can get it....did you know approximately 35-40 men a YEAR are diagnosed just in Virginia??) can wake up to a day where they won't have to have an annual walk for the cure because it's already THERE. 

Out and About!

Well in honor of my 42nd birthday today, I got an evening to actually sit down and post again~something I've been waiting to do for awhile now!

As Mrs. Central Virginia International, I've been invited to a lot of different events which have been SO much fun to volunteer at. It's hard to say which one has been the best but I would probably have to go with judging the WV Roadkill Festival Pageant!

I know, right? I had NO idea either this was a real competition but not only is this a very honored title in Marlinton, WV where this event is held, but the Roadkill Festival itself draws tens of THOUSANDS of attendees annually! I was very impressed with the amount of contestants we had, from Little Miss on up (I judged the pre-teen and older group, my daughter Alanna who is Miss Relay For Life judged both events since the pageant was split up into differing segments) to Miss Roadkill Festival herself, a beautiful and vivacious blond gal named Allie who stunned us from the get-go with her proficiency in interview and solid knowledge of her community and the festivals and history that go with it. One little girl even taught us a recipe with groundhog and ramps!

It was a fantastic event and we were treated like royalty and got the chance to see a part of the world we hadn't been to before but that I love all the more for having been able to experience 3 days with the people and the pageant itself. Director Shana Smith really did a terrific job with great prizes and making all the contestants a queen in their own right when they stepped on the stage on finals night.

Here on the left is Miss WV Roadkill Festival 2014 Allie Katarina Cole along with my daughter Alanna ;) Good luck Allie during your year!

Of course there have been a lot of other opportunities, not including my most recent one to become a Susan G. Komen Educator (that will be on an upcoming post!), that I was fortunate enough to be invited to as well as honored to be a part of. Here was one in Salisbury, Maryland where I served as a judge for the America's Brilliant Miss pageant as well as an earlier preliminary pageant that morning. Pictured with my daughter and I is Kimberly Sumner Williams, one of the new queens for ABM. One of the outgoing queens, Gigi Giganto (she is my Mini-Me #2 as I call her! I love this girl!) joined us for the photo which I thought came out fantastic given we all got the "memo" on what colors to wear!

With the ABM queens in Salisbury, MD! 

Here we are with one of the younger contestants,
she was the sweetest child and had the best smile all day!

One of the most terrific things about making appearances is getting to share "girl time", (even though these are WORKING events!) with my daughter Alanna. She too is a hard-working queen and has made a terrific year so far of holding her Miss Relay For Life title for Virginia. She rushed and was chosen for Alpha Xi Delta sorority, and as many of you might know, interview skills come in handy not just in pageants but in life as she found out during Rush Week. Yet because of her past experiences she was able to navigate the process with confidence. Not only that, she recently placed 4th runner up for the Miss DC Collegiate America title and Mom (aka her coach) couldn't be prouder!

Above you can see us taking a...you guessed it.... 'selfie' (LOL!) at the Curly Q pageants here in Richmond, VA where I served as the hostess and emcee and Mini-Me had fun doing what she does best, judging the little ones. One thing I love about her is that she's competed a lot herself so she understands as a judge just how important a kind word and constructive tip on how a contestant can do better is the best way to help a girl prepare to win the crown next time around. How amazing at only 18 she's already learned that? Think about that the next time someone thinks "Toddlers & Tiaras" represents anything at *all* about the REAL world of pageantry! A picture is worth a thousand words and I think the one below says it all about the friendships made in the journey to the crown :)

With Amy Berry, Ms Warren County and one of my DEAREST pageant sisters! 

My Passion for Pink!

Most everyone who meets me through my volunteer work with Rikki's Refuge knows I am a huge animal lover and rescue advocate. Compassion for those weaker and more helpless than ourselves is the most supreme of human virtues in my opinion. But one thing some people who know me may *not* know is that not only is my mother a breast cancer survivor but that I, too, am a survivor of 12 years.

My story began innocently enough with me finding a lump in my right breast that just didn't seem "right".  Like many women, I ignored it for a little while. I knew it would be a hassle with insurance and doctors anyway. It wasn't until my husband (at the time my fiance') INSISTED I see a doctor about it that I learned this was a lot more serious than just a little discomfort.

With fellow queens at the Relay For Life Franklin County Walk 

My regular physician referred me to an oncologist but by that time the "lump" I had was progressing in size. I started off with an initial diagnosis of DCIS and wound up with a stage 2a sized tumor being excised from my body in May of 2001. This is where the insurance industry failed me...between the delays in testing and authorizing the surgery, I lost a lot of time waiting. I had BEGUN my quest to find out what was wrong back in January that year. Being only 29 at the time, my PPO would not pay for a needed diagnostic mammogram OR ultrasound. Even though my physician could clearly feel what I was talking about too, I wound up being put through a horribly painful biopsy and subsequent surgery that took place much later than it should have been. All because the carrier didn't want to pay for an $800 test which I wound up paying out of pocket for to confirm if my suspicions were correct. Only after I took charge of my health did I receive the referral I needed to have surgery.

This made me mad.

I began to wonder, how many other mothers of young children were facing the same fears? Challenges with the insurance process? Need for medical care they couldn't afford either? Mind you I was a divorced mother of a 2nd grader who desperately needed her mommy to raise her. I couldn't afford to be selfish and ignore the symptoms any longer when I realized it wasn't about me anymore.

Over the years since, I have worked with various events to help raise awareness and most importantly, funds as well, to change this reality. The law has changed in Virginia to allow for more coverage and hopefully steps will continue to be made to address the "Medicaid Donut Hole" which is the group of women (and men) too rich for Medicaid but too poor to afford the cost of copays (or even entire services) against what it takes to survive. Most are the "working poor" and I was once one of them. An $800 test is simply unrealistic when you make $30,000 a year with kids. Even a $250 copay is pretty much the same.

What to do? Well for one thing, I recently went to visit with legislators at the State Capitol to discuss with a group of like-minded supporters the need for more funding for these women, ESPECIALLY for diagnostic tests. When I had my test done we learned what I could feel represented only about 1/3 of what was really going on deep in my body. Too many times when a woman physically feels a tumor, it's progressed and too late to stop without multiple rounds of chemo, if at all. I was incredibly lucky.

No woman's life should be reduced just to a matter of being lucky.

So in addition to my passion for animal rescue, I work with Susan G. Komen volunteering at races and events as well as support the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation in their awesome work. This is my platform that led me to compete and win in the Pink Queens For Life pageant. I conclude a year of service as their Survivor Ambassador this week and the journey has taken me to meet so many other women with similar stories. Survivors in their 20's and 30's, considered "too young" to be at risk. My daughter Alanna, who I am beyond proud of, is this year's Miss Relay For Life and has volunteered at numerous events alongside me to help champion the cause for a cure. With a grandmother, great aunt and mother having had this condition, she may one day be at risk herself and we plan to test for the BRCA gene. At 18 she faces the possibility of the same fears I had to meet head on because we don't have the answers yet.

It's not a legacy I'm willing to leave her.
And that's why I'm Passionately Pink about a world without cancer.

Pink Queens For Life Survivor Ambassador 2012
It's been a wonderful honor to be your representative! 

Time For Updates!

So much has happened since my last blog post! After crowning my successor at East Coast USA, I decided to enter the Mrs. Virginia International pageant that February. I competed in Roanoke, VA where I won the Interview and Onstage Question portions of the pageant, placing 1st runner up! Below are two photos I took from the event:

Amber Wandtke, the new Mrs. Virginia International competes this week in Chicago...so as her 1st runner up, I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Either way, I know she'll do great and represent the Commonwealth well. :) Here's a link to her blog as she continues her journey: http://www.amberwandtke.com/ 

Just a few months later, I was approached by the Susan G. Komen organization to attend a taping of the new show "Total Divas" with the WWE Divas as one of the local survivors being interviewed for the series! Being a total WWE fan already (I served as a ring valet for the Iron Sheik for a match back when I was Miss Virginia Galaxy 2002...good times!), this was a truly thrilling experience! 

I was able to meet two other survivors whose stories were also compelling and I think the taping reflected us in a great light while bringing attention to the need for affordable testing and early detection, part of my Passionately Pink platform I've been working with for years. Here are some photos from the taping...the series debuts this month so keep an eye out for E! TV...the link to our interview on their website is here: https://community.wwe.com/hope/gallery/divas-meet-susan-g-komen-honorees-richmond-va-photos

Every Ending is Someone Else's New Beginning

The Queen's Final Tea with the outgoing 2012 crew...

This past weekend I traveled to Portsmouth for a bittersweet but happy moment...I went to the VA State East Coast USA finals to crown my successor as my reign is over and another young lady's about to begin. I had planned to go down for the day to help out and crown when I received a call the night before that a judge had gotten ill with the flu and asking if I wouldn't mind filling in to judge the pageant?

Of course I said yes, knowing how much hard work these ladies put into winning these events and it was a wonderful pageant. We saw gorgeous girls from as young as 5 months up to age 22...I'll admit I was a *little* disappointed that there weren't any "over 40" gals like myself this time around but the quality of the competition was fabulous nonetheless! Shows like Toddlers & Tiaras really don't do justice to the fantastic systems like ECUSA that encourage every girl to be their best and reward BOTH participation AND success onstage. I think you need both to help the contestants grow...participation awards reward the courage it takes just to even get on stage for some newer contestants, and the higher titles and crowns encourage ongoing improvement. It really is a win-win situation for those competing.

Here are a few photos, one was with Mr. Tim our emcee (The Voice of Pageants!) who had been helping me with tips to improve my performance as a pageant & event hostess and the other was a group shot where one of the moms caught me trying to get everyone organized for the group shot! Think of "cat herding" with the little ones and the bright lights and you get the picture LOL!

Congrats to all the winners this weekend and esp to Summer Fant, who I crowned as my successor for the Pro Supreme title for Virginia! I hope she has a wonderful year!

With Mr. Tim Whitmer, the "Voice of Pageants" after a long day working together!

Catching our last little lady before she runs off for the final photo! We managed to get a great group shot though :) 

2013 Breast Cancer Lobby Day at the Capitol

Yesterday I had the honor of attending the annual Breast Cancer Lobby day at the Capitol with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation as an advocate and spokesperson. What an interesting experience! We met up at 9am to discuss the pending vote on Medicaid Expansion and the Every Woman's Life initiatives and then broke off into small groups to go one-on-one with various delegates of the House and Senate to talk about the upcoming vote and our position in general. Here I am with two of my friends while we were waiting to be recognized during the House meeting:

With Dana & Lynda, from the Fall BraZaar  team

This wasn't a "glamorous" event, we had work to do. Luckily my group got the pleasure of meeting with the Speaker of the House Delegate Howell who it turns out has a wife who is also a breast cancer survivor and a very passionate supporter of programs to help women in similar situations. It was absolutely humbling to be able to share my own story about the gap in our healthcare and insurance that I faced 12 years ago and to in turn hear from my elected representative the things he's done and plans to do to help prevent just that sort of thing from happening in the future. One thing I learned is we've come a LONG way just in 10 years in caring for the newly diagnosed and reaching lower-income woman...but the other side of the coin is that death rates aren't declining nearly as fast.

To relate, my own story is that I was a divorced single mom, only 29, when a suspicious lump that I'd been wondering about began to get larger. My fiance (now husband) at the time encouraged me to go get checked out. I did but my insurance would not pay for a definitive mammogram, citing I wasn't 40 yet and the odds of it being anything other than fibrocycstic were slim. This mind you with a mother who has had a mastectomy and a great-aunt who died from breast cancer.

I put off my exam for almost 3 months, I didn't have $800 out of pocket. Finally at my fiance's insistance I put it on a credit card and sure enough, there was a tumor. Well at that point the insurance decided they might pay something after a needle biopsy confirmed findings. I had an excision 2 weeks later but by this time what started as DCIS was progressing towards Stage I. I had a tumor the size of a "golf ball" per the surgeon, one very close to my lymph nodes under my arm.

I was lucky. They caught it in time. But how many women in similar circumstances HAVE a credit card to put $800 on? Why should they have to? And more importantly, how many may have died from metastatic cancer who had they been able to afford the diagnostic screening caught it in time instead? I "did everything right" and did my self-exams and yet the system initially failed me.

That is unacceptable, to let poorer women die in America, waiting for care that could save them.

It was because of this I decided to attend this event and I have worked with various organizations to further not only awareness but research into this deadly disease. The expansion of the Medicaid Act in Virginia if delayed will cost our state $5 million dollars a DAY in lost Federal funds, something that could literally spell the difference between staying open and closing hospital doors in rural counties. Sad to say, the more remote areas like Tazewell, Rappahannock, Mecklenburg take the hit much more than even those in inner-city Richmond and the surrounding areas.

We got to speak with five delegates before being recognized on the House floor by Delegate McQuinn, also a survivor herself. Five more voices hopefully for those who don't have one right now until a cure is found. To learn more, visit this wonderful organization at www.vcbf.org 

Go Red For Women today...Feb 1st!

Today, Feb 1st is the annual National Wear Red Day for the American Heart Association. Great timing, not only for Valentine's Day (aren't we all trying to find that one red outfit to wear 2/14?) but also because winter tends to encourage being indoors and many people put on a little extra "winter weight" from the colder, longer days. Obesity and heart disease are linked and while genetic factors can't be prevented, lifestyle ones can be.

For my part, I am fortunate that a few years back I bought a small indoor treadmill at Costco for a few hundred dollars in lieu of a gym membership that year and it has paid forward many, many times over! Anytime it's too cold/wet/dark/boring/crowded to go to a gym or hit the court I have no excuse not to plop myself and my tennis shoes on the treadmill downstairs where I can watch TV while working out. Actually our basement/family room is set up in such a way if all four of us are home, ONE of us HAS to be on the treadmill to watch TV....another good way to encourage fitness, even if a little drastic! But it definitely helps, I'm 41 years old with a bodyfat % of 19 and my blood pressure is 90/65...not too bad for a mom of two college students! : )

Here's my red outfit I'm wearing today...red is not the most flattering color on me (I own about 100 pink and royal blue things though!) but it's for a good cause. Mind you this is an amateur "selfie", my daughter is a little more skilled at this talent:

I do water the plant in the window BTW...she's been alive since June, not too bad for me! It's wild how they grow in the direction of the sun no matter where you put them. Til next time...

Breast Cancer Lobby Day Feb 7th!

Excited and a little nervous, I'll be joining several other ladies at the VBCF's Lobby on the Hill day Feb 7th with my friend Jennifer Welborn (she is the reigning National Ms.) to meet with legislators and others about several issues concerning health care and breast cancer testing/fundraising etc.

If you'd like to join us there's still room for volunteers to just come out and support the group and a lunch meeting will be afterwards at Extra Billy's, this is on a Thursday. Here's the link:

www.vbcf.org 

I'll post photos as soon as I can! Should be a fun and informative event :)

Back Again!

Wow, I had no idea it's been almost 2 years since my last blog post! A LOT has happened since then. Let's see:

• Both my children are now attending college full time
• My husband was promoted to management with UPS, so I am now Household CEO (He says it's a promotion for me too....but some days the laundry says differently!) 
• I completed my CPCU graduate program (finally, after 4 years!)
• We got two new kittens in exchange for the two kids leaving for college. They don't eat as much and the TV doesn't get left on. Well, ok, most nights...

I tied for the win at Mrs NC United States not long after my last post, winning the Interview award as well. It was a very empowering experience to do so well amongst a field of over two dozen ladies, 6 of whom were also former state or national winners in other systems like myself. That gave me the courage to continue my journey in pageants and I have gone on to win my first Supreme title in East Coast USA (Pro at that!) here in Virginia as well as winning the Queens Of Hope pageant, Delmarva's Ambassador and probably my favorite title to date, Royal Ambassador for Pink Queens For Life.

Here's the link to the article in the news and a photo with my sister queens: http://www.thefranklinnewspost.com/article.cfm?ID=22745

My involvement with Pink Queens for Life has made me realize that with a crown, there are indeed a LOT of doors that can open for service with a title. I initially entered just for fun and also because as a breast cancer survivor myself, I thought it was really neat that they recognized that sort of contestant as a category all its own. I never really expected to WIN...that was definitely an added bonus!

If I can begin the journey to reach out to others about the importance of this cause with just a local title like this, I can only imagine what doors would open with a state or even national crown...

Since winning Pink Queens, I have focused my efforts on working with other organizations that support those suffering from cancer, whether children at Roanoke Memorial or adults dealing with the after effects of a breast cancer diagnosis. Not only is my mother a survivor as well, but one of my best friends had to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction...a mother of teenagers like myself.

In watching them and realizing what I've felt and dealt with, I have found that perhaps I can share my ups and downs with others facing this disease after diagnosis and have hope that there can be light on the other side of that dark tunnel. I've been down it and I know how it feels to be terrified you're going to leave your children behind. So my "platform", as it were, is about as personal as it can get. And I hope to share some of that with those who read my blog over the next months as I work with others to find that sunshine after the storm that so many of us need. Stay tuned!

New Adventures

Well my work with animal rescue has led to new adventures; I was chosen to compete in the Mrs. NC United States pageant in June where I will be representing my family's area of Southeastern NC. When I told my grandma she was thrilled...the Davidson paper even did a story on it which was quite fun since they had just done one on her reaching her 95th birthday! She is also a published author and still plays piano nearly every Sunday for other residents for Sunday School. She's what I aspire to be when I "grow up" someday!

Here is my photo for the Davidson paper!

Some bits and pieces today!

Some new little updates to share today. While suffering home today with strep throat, I realized there *was* a silver lining to this dark cloud...I have time to be on the internet and update my blog again finally!

First is wonderful news, the Titanic necklace sold for almost $400 on eBay! This allowed us to raise additional funds for Rikki's Refuge as well as help me start saving up for a new pageant competition wardrobe. (Not to mention that my winning bidder had a GREAT present just in time for Valentine's Day for his wife!!)

It doesn't seem like it's been a year, but here it is! I will be crowning at the Virginia East Coast pageant this weekend...the morning after I'll be attending Mrs NC America to cheer on several of my friends competing this time. I hope my successor will have the same luck in 2011 as I did last year at nationals.

Lastly, not many people know this, but many years ago, I was turned into a My Little Pony!

It's a long story, but there was an "Autumn Skye" pony released in Hasbro's G3 collection of My Little Ponies. She has my hair and eye color and even "autumn leaves" in her cutie mark just like the ones I use in my signature! My daughter, who was 8 at the time and a VERY avid MLP collector, found out about this from Hasbro and we received a box of "Autumn Skye" ponies soon after! I come in a 2 pack with "Minty" pony! My bio is as follows:

"Autumn Skye just loves playing outdoors. She can tell you about every singe tree, flower, and rock in Ponyville! This busy pony brings a breath of fresh air to everything she does! Go for a nature walk with Minty and Star Swirl.
Press pretty flowers in a book.
Have a picnic lunch at the Rainbowberry Fountain""

Well at least I am a BUSY pony! *LOL* I have 2 of these displayed in my home and yes, my mother insisted on owning the pony version of her daughter so she has one as well. It's quite a conversation starter, I can tell you.

I'm posting my photo vs the Pony...can you tell the difference? Sort of like a "BEFORE":


 



And the "AFTER"!....

eBay Auction to benefit Rikki's Refuge! (click HERE to view auction)

Auction for J. Peterman's "Heart Of The Ocean" Titanic Necklace
As part of my goal to raise funds for Rikki's Refuge, as well as to prepare for the upcoming pageant competition season, I am holding an auction to benefit Rikki's which will donate 10% of any proceeds via eBay's MissionFish program.

If you are a Titanic fan and interested, please visit my eBay auction for the authentic J. Peterman 1998 "Heart Of The Ocean" designed necklace from the movie. A VERY limited number of this Fox-authorized replica of Roses' necklace were released in 1998 and these will become rarer as the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic takes place next year in 2012. Definitely a unique conversation piece for any pageant queen to own...and it was worn by Mrs United States 1998 Michele Berck actually when she won...see picture below!



Please note 10% of the final auction proceeds will be automatically donated via eBay to benefit Rikki's Refuge of Orange, VA, a no kill rescue shelter. Listing can be found under item #230577185644 or under description J. Peterman Heart of the Ocean Titanic Necklace. Good luck!

Here is the lovely Michelle in her winning gown wearing one of these special necklaces when they were first released in 1998!

Learning and growing

Yesterday marked my first meeting in my new role on the Board of Directors for Rikki's and boy is it a learning experience! I've been on a governing board before, years ago while serving as Vice President of my local Jaycees and even as recently as year before last as President of the Chesterfield Toastmasters but this was my first hands-on encounter with all that goes into running a shelter and the administration behind the scenes.

Anytime you take 12+ people, all with differing talents and opinions, and put them together, it's true that sparks can fly. Yet more often, you find creativity flows! Not only was I surprised by the many different opinions and viewpoints on what's the most important direction for the shelter, I was more encouraged by the diversity of talent working side by side. Each of us truly has a talent which has brought us to be here with the common goal of helping the animals live their lives out in love and comfort.

One woman has learned to take apart pallets and make amazing kitty boxes for our resident felines, all for free yet the end result rivals anything you could buy in a store. She also paints beautification murals on the buildings that welcome visitors, lending a cheery air to the farm. Another director has worked hard to set up charity events and lines up donations of supplies from local pet stores and grocery markets. One has solicited local media contacts and researches newspaper advertising for us. Another director writes articles for the local paper to help bring awareness of all the shelter does, not just locally but for pets from over 5 states. I have taped commercials and help to publicize and emcee the entertainment events and when I'm not doing that, I'm clipping coupons to find low or no cost detergent, paper towels, and other odds & ends to help meet the myriad of needs that caring for so many animals can incur. 

In seeing this, each of us works in our own way to bring about a larger whole, a group effort which yields ongoing care for over 1,200 animals of 22 species and looks to the future to hopefully be able to expand and provide this for even more animals who need us. It reminds me that when we are weak in one area, many times we are powerful in others. The volunteer who isn't a "people person" is so many times the ONE person who can work miracles with our animals with whom all other efforts have failed! We so often don't realize the gifts we have...and thank goodness they are all different. No one person is good at everything---nor can they be---but together, as a family, strengths and weaknesses are put together and progress is made. It reminds me that it's OK to not be perfect at everything, but rather to just to do the best with the talents God has given us for the good of ourselves and others.

It is only by doing we can truly learn to grow.

My rescue babies...

A lot of people ask me if I personally own a rescue pet? My answer is of course! Which one?

Candy Cane's Rescue Plea..& the first time I saw her pic!

My love of animals started at a young age, my parents worked at a place called Pet-Go-Round when I was little and I loved to go with them to the store and play with the animals and work to socialize and love the puppies and kittens and yes, I did my share of cleaning too. As I grew older, I came to realize the plight of the thousands of animals that were FREE for adoption, just waiting for a forever home.

My parents went on to other, better jobs but my love for pets continued. I interned one summer with a veterinarian who had several clients who had to abandon their pets due to inability to pay for needed medical care. In the rural south, many owners just don't have the wherewithal to properly care for their four-legged friends.

I started by working with low cost spay/neuter programs, still our most powerful ally in making every pet a wanted pet. When my daughter was younger she wanted a puppy and I knew then a rescue dog was our only consideration! I firmly believe that the care of a pet is a responsibility and blessing to a child...for it is from caring for those weaker than ourselves that we learn compassion as well as to share.

Fast forward ten years later, I still have our "puppy" Allie, along with other friends brought home to become part of the family. Our kittens Candy Cane (Henry County) and General Hampton (Spaulding County) both came to us through Winging Cat Rescue, pulled from two of the highest kill shelters in Georgia. They bonded being close in age and remind me daily of just WHY we have to work to end gassing in ALL states. I thank Heavenly Father daily for the fact these two were saved from the gas chamber in Georgia. Now, in 2011, no pet has to end their life that way in Georgia and we must work to ensure other states will follow.

Take a look at these precious angels and see if you don't agree that they're worth the fight!

General Hampton's Rescue Plea & Fundraiser




Happy siblings in their Forever Home!!

 





Fattening up our new baby...she loves milk!



General Hampton's first meal in his new home!