26th Annual Elks Lodge Holiday Dinner

Dec. 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!  After having our traditional Christmas morning cinnamon rolls and opening gifts at the house my family and I headed to Laramie, WY for the 26th Annual Elks Lodge Holiday Dinner.  Along with Crystal, Miss WY Galaxy 2010, I greeted people in the community taking part in the dinner.  The entire event is free to the public and donations are accepted.  There was also a raffle for a quilt with all proceeds benefitting children in need.  Here are some pictures of Crystal and I talking to people and in front of the quilt being raffled (with my son and daughter and Crystal's nieces.)  Here is an article from the Laramie Boomerang newspaper with information on the event.  http://www.laramieboomerang.com/articles/2010/12/24/news/doc4d1436d7dae2d211173192.txt

Interview In the Wyoming Tribune Eagle Newspaper

Dec. 19, 2010

On January 7, 2011 I will be a Celebrity Waiter for a fundraiser supporting Safehouse Services, a local non-profit that is a safe place for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to go.  The Wyoming Tribune Eagle Newspaper featured this upcoming event and interviewed a few of the celebrities participating including me.  Here are a few pics of the article but I am seeing if I can get the write-up emailed to me in a word doc so you can read the whole thing. 

Signing Autographs at Maurices

Dec. 18, 2010

Maurices in Frontier Mall (Cheyenne) was gracious enough to host a special "meet and greet," where I signed pictures and talked to people about the Essence system and my platform.  I had information available for anyone interested in the pageant as well as my pageant pictures and having a bowl of candy on the table never hurts either!  Several little girls wanted to try on my crown and I was happy to let them.  Special thanks to my husband for adding the lights to my poster....ya can never have too much bling.

  

Illinois/Missouri State Essence Pageant Conference Call

Dec. 12, 2010

It was my pleasure to be in on the Illinois/Missouri State Essence Pageant Conference Call this evening.  If any other state directors would like for me to participate on a conference call just email me!  Also, for any of the contestants.....ANY of you, I am here for you.  Email me if you'd like to ask me anything about my experience or otherwise.  (((HUGS))) to all of the Essence ladies that are preparing for their state pageant and/or the National Essence pageant.  Email: msessencequeen@yahoo.com

Check out this great Essence Pageant Highlight Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5DrrCnjMh4

2nd Annual Merry Mutt Fair with the Black Dog Animal Rescue

Dec. 11, 2010

Today I was part of the 2nd Annual Merry Mutt Fair put on by the Black Dog Animal Rescue.  The family-friendly event is a celebration of the pets in our lives. It included pet pictures with Santa, pet service & product related vendors, music, door prizes, and adoptable pets.  There was so much to take in- even a "kiss a pit-bull" booth and a hot dog eatting contest for the pooches that came.  Some talented face painters were on hand as well which my daughter loved and she had some beautiful holly painted on her face.  I drew names from a bucket for the door prizes.  I am also pictured with my own dog, Blue.  He is a Catahoula Leopard dog.  We love him so much.  He was adopted by our family just a few months ago. 
Here is a little info. on Black Dog Animal Rescue-   

Black Dog Animal Rescue (BDAR), Cheyenne’s only No-Kill animal shelter. We are a small organization run solely on a volunteer basis and funded entirely through donations. BDAR came into existence because of a strongly held belief by its founders. Namely, that no animals should be euthanized in shelters because of population restrictions or because of the length of time it may take to find a permanent home. That said the following mission statement has emerged as a summary of the present and future goals of BDAR. Please Note: "Black Dog" is only part of our name - being a black dog is not a requirement to be rescued.  http://www.bdar.org/

With Santa and Mrs. Claus

Dec. 11, 2010

Here I am with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza.  They were curious about my title so I explained what it was to them and about the Essence Pageant.  I even told them about my platform and weightloss.  This Santa told me that after being diagnosed with diabetes, he then lost 85 lbs himself!  Way to go, Santa!!  I didn't even need to tell him what I wanted for Christmas because I am blessed beyond measure and have everything I have ever wanted.

Supporting Habitat for Humanity and The Salvation Army

Dec. 9

It was a pleasure spending lunch with members of the 153rd Air Wing at a special fundraiser. Texas Roadhouse hosted a free lunch of salad, pulled pork sandwiches and beans.  Contributions were by donation only and all funds raised today will benefit Habitat For Humanity and The Salvation Army. 

Speaking in Sundance, WY

Dec. 3, 2010

I spoke at the Community Chili dinner fundraiser/auction and Festival of Trees in Sundance, WY.  All proceeds benefit the local EMS.  I talked about my platform, "Show Time! Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal," and about the National Essence Pageant. 

Meeting Bryan Ragsdale

Dec. 3, 2010

While in Sundance, WY I met Bryan Ragsdale.  Bryan is an amazingly talented singer/songwriter.  He is currently on tour promoting his new cd (which I bought and had him autograph....it is incredible!) He penned the song, "Cowboy Christmas Tree," the Official song of The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree 2010.  He has an impressive bio! http://www.bryanragsdale.com/ Bryan is a genuinely kind and giving person, it was an honor to give his introduction before he performed in Sundance.  Can you tell I am a fan?!

Sundance, WY Christmas Parade

Dec. 3, 2010

I traveled to Sundance, WY (10 hrs. round trip!) to help kick-off the holiday season by being in their annual Lighted Christmas Parade.  I even had my own truck!  Thanks to some wonderful Sundance ladies, my truck was decked out in lights and Ms. Essence signs.  It was great!  A few princesses joined me in the truck and we waved to the people of Sundance in 18 degree weather.  http://www.sundancewyoming.com/

  

Speaking at MOPS

Dec. 1, 2010

I had a wonderful morning being the guest speaker at the Cheyenne Hills MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers.)  Visit http://www.mops.org/ for more information on this great organization.  For about an hour I had the floor all to myself.  I talked about my platform: Show Time!  Life Is Not A Dress Rehearsal, my weightloss, healthy eatting, fashion, makeup and of course the Essence Pageant and being Ms. Essence.  There were 40 to 50 women at today's MOPS meeting.  It was a pleasure being there and getting to know many of the ladies afterward.  I signed a few queen autograph photos too!  Thank you to the Cheyenne Hills MOPS for your warm hospitality and asking me to be your speaker for today!