Hello All!
I apologize for the long hiatus from blogging! My computer fell ill and I had to get this cute netbook (mini-laptop) for the interim-until my computer recovers! It has been a very busy and VERY EXCITING month! I have traveled from Dothan to Oneonta to Ashville to Leeds to Birmingham to Jasper to Troy and beyond! I have been so blessed during my travels to meet some incredible people!
I had the honor of spending the day with Ms. Brenda Emery, Ms. Senior Alabama, the day before she left for the Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City. Ms. Emery is the epitome of beauty and grace and has served this state selflessly. I had the honor of hearing her perform “God Bless America” and I was so moved by her patriotism and amazing talent!
I also spent the day with representative from the Southern Peanut Growers Association at the Southern Women’s Show in Birmingham. As a native of Dothan, Alabama, “The Peanut Capital of the World,” this industry is very close to my heart. About one-half of all of the peanuts consumed in the United States are grown within a 100 mile radius of my hometown! I tell everyone I have peanut dust in my lungs and peanut oil in my blood! Furthermore, the Southern Peanut Growers are partners with the March of Dimes, my personal platform. Peanuts are a wonderful source of folic acid, which is vital during pregnancy to prevent birth defects! I had the honor of preparing a gourmet dish of scallops and slaw containing peanuts with renowned Chef Phillipe Robeles, executive chef for The Resort Collection in Panama City, FL.
I had SO MUCH fun with my wonderful friends at The Clothes Tree in Birmingham during a fitting with their beautiful new fall and winter lines and a photo shoot! Mrs. Deborah and Mrs. Ruth have become like family to me and I feel so blessed to have them in my life! We can’t spend the day together without cutting up and having fun! I love you ladies!
Preliminary pageants are one of my favorite parts of my travels. The 600 ladies that compete for a local title across the State of Alabama are exemplary young women who are leaders in their communities and among their peers. Every day, they live the values of the Miss America Organization-Scholarship, Success, Style, and Service. It has been an honor to get to know them, pray with them, and laugh with them these past 5 months and I am inspired by them every day! Congratulations to the new titleholders crowned in October, Miss Central Alabama-Rebecca Whitlow, Miss Troy University-Sydnii Todd, Miss Samford-Kelsey Richter, Miss Covered Bridge-Meghan Muncher, and Miss UAB-Elizabeth Wesson. Emceeing the Miss UAB Pageant was a special privilege, because of the wonderful people who put on this pageant. Kelli Thompson, the director of the Miss UAB pageant, is such a wonderful director, supporter, and friend! I was so lucky to be one of her Miss UAB’s!
I had the supreme honor of speaking to a group of tomorrow’s leaders at the Ashville High School Super Seven Banquet. During this event, 28 high school students were recognized for the exemplary academic achievement as leaders of their classes! It was so inspiring to see the good work of these Alabama Teens!
Yesterday I got an opportunity to do what I love the most, work on behalf of the March of Dimes. Dr. Stacy Jones was kind enough to host me at the University of Alabama for a discussion about UA student involvement with the March of Dimes. During our meeting, we brainstormed ways to spread the word on UA’s Campus about the mission of the March of Dimes. I was so inspired by Dr. Long’s commitment to the March of Dimes through her work with her local Stork’s Nest! It was a wonderful day in Tuscaloosa!
The month of October also held a trip to Salon Eden in Jasper during their Grand Opening. It was refreshing to see a local business put so much into a community and in turn receive so much support! I was honored to sing the National Anthem at the Wounded Warriors Annual Car Show in Birmingham. As the daughter of U.S. Army Veterans, I believe we as a society owe so much to our service men and women! Another fun trip was to Thompson Intermediate School for their Miss TIS Pageant! These contestants were so beautiful, polite, and intelligent! I know I spent the day with some future Miss Alabama’s! I also served as co-emcee for the Little Miss National Peanut Festival Pageant with Walter Hill!
Now I know that this was a very long post, but I just had to tell you all about my experiences this month! I feel so honored to serve as Miss Alabama and so humbled to represent such a wonderful place to call home! Thank you all for your prayers and support!
Until next time,
Ashley
Southern Women's Show
Miss Troy University Pageant
Miss UAB and I
Alice, one of my best friends, and I
Welcome at Little Miss NPF
Mrs. Gail and I at Little Miss NPF
Mr. Walter Hill and I
My New Friend at Salon Eden
