The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers. - Everett Mámor

Today has just been a great day, and being a non-blogger at heart it surprises me that I felt the urge to say something. But this is important. Having the opportunity to spend a few good hours at the piano always inspires me in a different way, and today it brought me back to Miss Washington week. I was having a conversation with a friend over the weekend about how the Miss Washington Organization is funded and how the program works. He was completely surprised and taken aback to learn that everything that happens within our organization is through the effort and dedication of volunteers. From the Executive Directors of our local and state programs, to the chaperones, to the backstage hands, every single person who is a part of our organization does it out of the goodness of their heart and truly cares about and believes in what the Miss America Organization accomplishes for young women.

Reminiscing about my experience, I remember coming to the ‘food room’ at least three times a day and being greeted by a smiling face, and a table full of goodies. Volunteers procured the donation of the food, transported the food, prepared the food, and even cleaned up after us when we ran out to our next commitment. Everywhere we went, whether it was into the city for an appearance or down the stairs to the rehearsal rooms, we were accompanied by our wonderful chaperones. These are women who literally left their lives for an entire week to stay with us 24 hours a day, keeping us safe and happy. Backstage during the nights of competition, there was always a caring set of hands to zip, button, spray, blow, double check (bizarre, I know) and overall just assist each contestant in any way that we might need.

The beautiful production of our show, the thousands of dollars that were awarded in scholarships, the facilitation of brunches, receptions, and ceremonies, all were possible for the 16 contestants and our families because there are so many caring people involved in our program and I just wanted to take a moment to say WOW, we sure are lucky here in Washington state. What an honor it is to be a part of this program, and to be a part of the legacy of scholarship and service that these volunteers have fueled and supported for so many years.

So, from the bottom of my heart – Thank you, to the Miss Washington Organization volunteers. And just for fun.. here are some pictures from Miss Washington week!

“God and angels don’t get paid, even though theirs is some of the most important work around. Ditto for volunteers.” – Cherishe Archer

All 16 contesants after our visit with the kids at Children's Hospital of Seattle

Having fun in rehearsals

Out on the boat - and yes, we were taken by volunteers!

more fun in rehearsals

I stole the capitans hat on the boat... we had so much fun!

Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't. - Richard Bach

Before I start ranting about our incredible trip to Florida, I have to back track to the weeks before we left for Orlando. I left off at our homecoming celebration, which was the 27th of July, and here we are already halfway through with August!

The 29th was our official Miss Washington photo shoot in Seattle. I cannot begin to describe how much fun we had. Between Peggy trying cut my year as Miss Washington short by stabbing me in the throat with a backcomb, Mike, the photographer offering ice cream sandwiches at every possible opportunity and conversing with his photo equipment, and me spraying myself directly in the eyes with hairspray, there was never a dull moment. Believe it or not, amongst all the excitement, Mike worked his magic and captured some wonderful photos, including the official headshot that will go in the Miss America magazine!

This is not the program book photo, but you can find it on www.missamerica.org!

Thursday the 31st we ventured to Seattle to meet with Peter and Pam of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound. I am thrilled about our meeting and everything that the future holds for Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Miss Washington Organization combined, but because I don’t want to spoil any future surprises, I’ll leave it at that for now!

Tuesday the 5th I was invited to Item House in Tacoma, Washington. I have never seen so many gorgeous and unique coats in my life! They have generously donated a handmade evening coat to keep me warm and stylishly dressed as I make my winter appearances this year. Thank you Nancy Bartkus from Item House for your kindness!

Later in the week I had another opportunity to visit with my friends at Brotherton Cadillac in Renton. It was so good to see friendly faces and be welcomed once again with open arms. The Miss Washington Organization is blessed to be a part of this incredible partnership!
Friday the 8th was more eventful than I would have liked. It began wonderfully. I had an appearance at the Grand Opening of the Puyallup City Hall. It was refreshing to see how the opening of a beautiful new building could bring so many people together in one place to celebrate the rich history and accomplishments of this city.

I left Peggy in Puyallup to head home and pack since we would depart that night for Orlando. Long story short, I ordered a stacked pizza from one of my favorite places, and was in such a hurry to get inside and eat it that I smashed my hand (the one not holding the pizza) in the car door. Ouch. Needless to say, it hurt and after a panicked trip to the doctor we learned that nothing was broken (Thank you Lord!) but that I would have to wear a splint on my trip to sunny Florida.

Moving on to brighter things.. Florida! After two of the most terrifying flights of my life, Peggy and I arrived safe and sound in gorgeous Orlando a few days before all the festivities would begin. We shared a room with Sally Lynch, Director of Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen, and I couldn’t have asked for better roommates! The three of us over packed (and that is an understatement) which was made evident by the constant state of our room.

Peggy and Sally are a little camera shy. I vowed to break them of that fear by the end of the week.

In our days off we did some very valuable shopping and explored Orlando to our best abilities while arguing with Andrew - the navigation system, and pulling numerous U-turns in our jazzy minivan. We spent an incredible day visiting with Carry and David from Regalia’s specialty dress store in Orlando. What a wonderful and worthwhile trip. I made two great friends, and…… we are completely finished shopping for my entire competition wardrobe! What a relief. Although I won’t disclose any details, I will say that I found the pieces that I was dreaming of, and couldn’t be happier. Thank you so much Carry and David for your kindness and for a great time! I can’t wait to see you both again.

First and foremost, I must say congratulations and thank you to Tori Knight, Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen. We are blessed in our state to be represented by a young woman of such maturity, spirit, and determination. Tori, you looked so beautiful up there and your performances were stunning! I admire you with all of my heart and I am so looking forward to all of the experiences we are going to share this year! We truly have found ‘America’s Next Top Role Model’ in our Outstanding Teen!


I also was lucky enough to spend time with Miss Washington's princess, Kennedy. What a delightful young lady, I cannot wait to see you again!

Kennedy and I would like to claim to be Tori's biggest fans!
Each day, we went to a preliminary pageant competition to watch Tori compete which was followed by a visitation gathering. Some might assume that after leaving visitations at midnight we would try to get our rest since we had to wake up at the break of dawn for meetings, but those of us who are enjoying life don’t exactly function that way. Throughout the week we became very cozy with the Denny’s across the street, and on a typical night you’d find us there laughing and causing trouble until the early morning hours. Thank goodness for 24 hour Denny’s!

I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet almost all of the 51 contestants who I will be competing at Miss America this year, and more importantly the women who will be my roommates for almost a month as we film the reality show in LA! It was relieving to know that we all are so different but have many things in common that will make our experience together an incredible one. I am really looking forward to heading to LA to film now, because I am excited to be reunited with my new friends! The Miss America Organization had a very busy but exciting schedule for us for the week. We had the opportunity to appear on a morning show, film promotional videos for Disney, spend a day at Disney World and at Sea World, attend a fundraiser, attend a 50’s theme dinner and dance party, and meet with the producers of the reality show in addition to a number of meetings and workshops.

While watching the whale show we made some friends from Scotland!
Washington gals at the 50's Sock Hop! We won the best dressed group award!
My friend Danijela, Miss Oregon
We just got soaked on Splash Mountain at Disney World
With Galen, Miss Deleware

With Ellen, Miss Tennesse

Again, I want to end with a book recommendation. We had the privilege of listening to motivation speaker, Brendon Burchard at one of our workshops. Peggy was kind enough to get me an autographed copy of his book, Life’s Golden Ticket. I read it on the way home, and I could not have asked for a more refreshing or valuable read. It was the perfect way to end a week of contemplation and reflection on what I’ve done and what the future holds. I love this book because it allows for you to interpret the stories in any way that you’d like, so each reader can take something completely different but equally valuable from it depending on where they are in their life.

Special update from Orlando!!!

Wow! What an adventure this trip has been, and it's only just beginning. So much has happened, to describe it all would be more than I could type with one hand (explanation to come later) so I'll just say this.....

What happens in Florida, stays in Florida!!

"The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have." Norman Vincent Peale

Tuesday the 22nd I met with Rex Dudley, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington to discuss how I can best market BBBS for the next year as Miss Washington, and what our organizations can do for each other through a valuable partnership. Thank you, Rex for all of your enthusiasm. I am confident that together we are going to accomplish great things this year!

Carol Starcher, my local director and mentor since I first began participating in the Miss America Organization organized a Homecoming dinner celebration for me on Tuesday night. It was so nice to gather with program volunteers, sponsors and friends! I am fortunate to be a part of the Miss Whatcom County legacy. So much love and support has been invested in me and many other young women by our program’s volunteers and the Whatcom County community. Thank you Carol and to the entire Whatcom County crew for all that you do!

Wednesday morning I had a meeting over coffee with my dear friend Tina Faulkner, Fund Development Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington. I spent the rest of the day with my ‘little sister’ Deajannae. Every moment I spend with her is a joy and it was a refreshing and energizing afternoon to say the least!

Thursday the 24th was full of excitement. In the morning, I met with Jill Ogden of Angelo Mendi Salon in Tacoma for a hair appointment. Jill sponsors hair services for the reigning Miss Washington each year for the entire year! Thank you so much Jill, not only for generously offering your skills and advice, but for your friendship! What an exciting year we have ahead of us!

Thursday afternoon was an appointment that Peggy and I had been anxiously awaiting since the night I was crowned. We visited Brotherton Cadillac of Renton to pick up the car that they have generously donated for my use during my year of service and for a promotional photo shoot. The entire staff at Brotherton Cadillac is incredible. They truly are like one big family, and clearly have a passion for giving and community.

After I had the pleasure of meeting nearly everyone at Brotherton Cadillac, I was escorted outside to receive the car. Originally, Brotherton Cadillac had intended to donate a red 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The Vibe was on display at the Miss Washington pageant. However, the dream-makers at Brotherton had something else up their sleeves! Much to my surprise I was escorted to a gorgeous white Pontiac G-6 GT Convertible. Needless to say, I am in HEAVEN! Thank you, Brad, Brian, and the entire staff at Brotherton Cadillac for everything. Also, I want to give a special thank you to Bruno, for taking me for my first drive in the new car! I am honored to be a part of the Brotherton Cadillac family and I am really looking forward to every opportunity to work with you over the next year.

Brad Brotherton just handed me the keys!

Friday Peggy and I left for a weekend trip to Oregon (and yes, we drove the new car!) On our trip we did some very valuable shopping, and met with Barb Wilson for my personal Color 1 Consultation. I never would have guessed that there was so much to the art of choosing colors, patterns, and fabrics! I learned so much, and had a wonderful time with you Barb, thank you for donating your services once again to the Miss Washington Organization.

Color 1 Consultation

I know Peggy will probably kill me for this, but I just can’t help it. When we arrived at our hotel in Oregon and walked into the lobby to check in, I heard the familiar sound of Halo 3. For those of you who are not video-game savvy, Halo 3 is the best game created for the Xbox. And now I have revealed my secret – I actually love video games, but don’t mistake that for the idea that I have time to play them. This hotel was amazing enough to not only provide an Xbox 360 and Halo 3, but also provided a projector so that the game could be enlarged to cover the entire wall. It was MAGICAL! As tempting as it was, we had an early morning so I didn’t get to experience the wonder first hand.

We were back at home in Washington State on Sunday to share an indescribable day with friends, family, sponsors and supporters in my hometown, Yelm. The Homecoming Reception was held at Tahoma Valley Golf Course. With about 200 people in attendance, the afternoon was a refreshing reminder of how fortunate I am to come from a place like Yelm. Growing up in this community, I have been surrounded by positivity and people who encouraged and inspired me to continue to move forward with my goals. Thank you so much to my parents for all the effort that went into planning the homecoming, to Steve Chamberland, Doug Bloom, and Ricardo Nielsen for donating the facilities, food, and services that made this homecoming picture perfect. Oh, and did I mention that Peggy, Charlie, and I had a police escort to the homecoming? Thank you to the Yelm Police Department for stopping traffic (literally) to make our grand entrance a memorable one!

The police escorts!

I signed almost 300 autographs this afternoon!

Because I’d like to day dream myself back to the day of my homecoming, I think I will end here for now. I’ll leave you with a great book recommendation - The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale. This book was given to me by my dearest friend and truly put me in the most successful state of mind before Miss Washington. I think it can be a transformative book for any person, regardless of where you are in your life.

Happy August!