September Ends with a Bang!

Hello All!

As September draws to a close, I have to tell you about my amazing experiences last week! I had a very busy and exciting week, filled with great travels, new acquaintances, wonderful memories, and last but not least-GREAT FOOD!

The excitement began on Monday with the long awaited and much anticipated Miss America Contestant Lottery! The Miss America Pageant uses a lottery to allow each contestant to pick her competition order and contestant number. Ms. Nan and I met at the office and waited patiently for the word “ALABAMA” to appear on the computer screen. Once a contestant’s state name appears, she then has five minutes to select her position-very exciting! As luck would have it, I was the 12^th state to be pulled and chose the following competition order:

            Competition Group: Mu

            Contestant Number: 15

            Competition Order:  Monday AM- Interview

                                             Tuesday- On-Stage Question

                                             Wednesday- Swimsuit/Evening Wear

                                             Thursday- Talent

I could not have been happier about my placement!!! Also, two ladies I had the opportunity to get to know and strike up a friendship with are also in the Mu group, Miss Arizona and Miss Colorado!

On Tuesday, I took a special trip down to Dothan, my hometown. Any trip to my home brings great joy, but this was a particularly exciting trip for a photo shoot for DOTHAN MAGAZINE. The story and pictures will be featured in the Winter Edition of the magazine. I have to say thank you to David Parker and DeeDee Morris for volunteering their time to make this shoot a great success!!!

Wednesday held the monthly Miss Alabama Board Meeting, which is one of my favorite times, since I get to see the incredible people that continually amaze me with their never-ending generosity and enthusiasm for this program. These individuals work tirelessly to promote the benefits and values of the Miss Alabama Program, which have impacted so many lives!

Friday was a very busy day. It began with a wonderful celebration! I had the honor of attending a surprise birthday party for Mr. Robert Radice, General Manager at the Tutwiler Hotel. Mr. Radice’s faith in and support of this program is absolutely invaluable. The entire staff at the hotel is such a wonderful group of people and I was so excited to spend the morning with them for this special occasion. Today is actually Mr. Radice’s Birthday-so HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

After the party, Ms. Shasta and I went to lunch together at Dreamland BBQ-best BBQ in Birmingham! As a UAB student, I feel like I spend a great deal of time at Dreamland and I am so appreciative of Mr. Walter Kirkland’s support of the pageant.

Friday afternoon I got a special treat! I went to Gus Mayer for a fitting for the Annual Linly Heflin Fashion Show. I cannot wait for Wednesday, when I get to model these beautiful clothes from their fall and winter lines!

The end of September/beginning of October is a very exciting time in Birmingham and this weekend was no exception! The Magic City played host to several exciting events and I was fortunate enough to take advantage of some of them. On Friday night, I went to the Annual St. George Greek Food Festival! I wait for this gyro all year and was not disappointed. Not only to they offer wonderful food, but they offer amazing music and fellowship!

Saturday, I began my day watching the courageous UAB Blazers play a hard-fought game against the Tennessee Volunteers. While a very narrow loss was not the outcome I had been hoping for, I could not have been prouder of my Alma Mater. That evening I was thrilled to have tickets for LEGALLY BLONDE, THE MUSICAL! It was a great show, with an inspiring message!

My weekend closed with a very special occasion, a wonderful shower for the newly married Miss Alabama Field Director, Mimi Hudson Scott and her charming husband Kelly Scott! Again, I was so touched by the bond that is shared by my Miss Alabama Family. I am such a better person for knowing all of these individuals!

In closing, I would be remiss in not saying farewell to an incredible man and remarkable philanthropist. Dr. Bob Slaughter passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. Dr. Slaughter led an exemplary life and served as an inspiration to so many he knew. He was an avid supporter in the Miss Alabama Program and he will be greatly missed.

I will catch up with you all again very soon, but until then...

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” –William James

Ashley

P.S. 15 weeks until Miss America!!!!!!!!!!!!!