DARLA

Since my last post, amazing things have been happening with DARLA, Developing Arts Resources and Literature for Adoptees. This is a program I have dreamed about starting for over five years and now I can see that it is going to happen thanks to a lot of people who have a passion for arts and children just as I do. The DARLA program will be specifically for foster kids and children waiting for placement in an adoptive home. Artists and studios across the state will provide their arts services free of charge or at a reduced rate to these children while they are in foster care. This will be a great opportunity for the children to use the arts to build on their own interests in dance, music, theatre or visual arts while at the same time building their self esteem.
There are over 5000 foster children in South Carolina who have been through many different situations of abuse, neglect, or challenges within their own families. We all know how the arts can empower and help us find who we truly are on the inside. While as an art teacher I believe that we all need the arts in our lives, I know these children need it even more as they try to get their life together. So, with that said let me just tell you that the conversations I have had with our state's arts leaders through e-mails and now the conversations I am having with our state's DSS offices are truly exciting. DARLA is becoming a reality and I just know that the children and teachers who participate in this program will truly be blessed from it. Thanks to all of you who are helping make this dream a reality!

Update and Thank You's to Sponsors

This week I had a great time meeting with a few folks from the Newberry area about sponsorships for the Mrs. America pageant. I met with my friend Rev. John Derrick, a classmate from my days at Newberry back in the 80's who is now serving as our new alumni director. He took the time to introduce me to Mr. Chuck Wendt and the great staff in his publications office. What a great group of people! Thank you so much for their generous sponsorship at Newberry College! I am looking forward to an interview with WIS Radio on Monday, August 4 during their weekly Newberry College radio broadcast. And can I just tell you that the campus is amazing! It is obvious that a lot of dedicated people are working hard to make sure that Newberry is recognized for their fantastic curricular and athletic programs.

Another big thank you to Mr. Joe Trainor at Stokes-Trainor Car Dealership in Newberry for his sponsorship. He met with me during a very busy time in his day and still took the time to talk about the giant fish I asked about on his office wall. There was quite an interesting story behind that fish. It is obvious that he has helped so many local and national organizations through his generous donations and time. We are all very blessed to have this group in Newberry County!

The Newberry Opera House was host to the state pageant again this year. Deborah Smith, the director of the Newberry Opera House is an amazing person who is always so organized and such a huge supporter of the arts. Thank you to Deborah for her kind sponsorship and for her kind words of support!

This week coming up will be another busy one as I continue to prepare for the travel out to Tucson. I will be working on my costume and delegate gifts. I need 50 gifts, one for each of the other delegates and also two dignitary gifts. I will also continue to look for sponsorships. I am so appreciative to everyone for their encouragement and outpouring of support. It really means a lot to me and my family!

Upcoming events...

Rotary Club Speaking Engagement on Wednesday in Batesburg-Leesville

Little Mountain Reunion Parade on Saturday

My Mom's Family Reunion on Sunday at St. Phillips Lutheran Church in Newberry

Until next time.

Nutrition and Exercise

Over the last few months I have had a lot of questions about my workout routine. I started working out in January of 2008 at Back in Shape Gym, but did not change my eating habits (which at the time were not great). I have learned that while working out and exercise are very important to a healthy lifestyle, so is eating correctly. And I mean really EATING. Most of us are so busy and on the go that we either eat junk food or skip the meal. Women especially feel that the less we eat, the thinner we can be. But it is a fact that eating poorly,(in other words less calories with no exercise) will only starve our bodies, making it think we literally need to hold on to fat. If you are seriously considering a new eating routine, please eat AND exercise! In February I changed my eating patterns totally, beginning to eat higher protein with 5-6 smaller meals per day rather than my usual one big meal and a few snacks here and there.

My workouts included three days of strength training and weight lifting with cardio three days per week. I also did treadmill or elliptical every day for at least 20 minutes. Once I attained my goal I now just eat what I need to feed my body and keep it strong and healthy while working out 5 days per week.

My tip...have a goal! See the visual. Mine was just knowing I had to wear that swimsuit in front of judges during the state pageant, but your goal could be a family reunion, class reunion or maybe you're going on a special trip? Whatever your goal is, just remember to be consistent!

Thanks to my personal trainers Dr. Ed Bull and Jamie Ingram from BACK IN SHAPE GYM! Without their help and dedication I would still be struggling to figure it all out. Now, I feel better than ever and no matter what happens at nationals, I still get to keep my figure and better eating habits. That is a change in my lifestyle that I will have forever!

Interviews and Photo Shoots

This state has a great group of writers and photographers! I had a great photo shoot with Jonathan Carter prior to the pageant and one of his head shot photos won me a photogenic award during the pageant. (Thanks Jonathan!) But since the win I have had the opportunity to meet so many talented writers and photographers along the way who have taken the time to make me feel special.

On Friday I had a great time during an interview with Mr. Rush Workman from Dutch Fork Chronicle. His office, located on Main Street in Prosperity, had charm and character and some items of interest like clocks that gave the times in other places of the world including Los Angeles and Tokyo. There were also some great pieces of art, even an alligator sculpture that was quite eye catching. But what stood out most was Mr. Workman's honest and fun approach to the interview which I found really refreshing! During my time there I also met with Mr. Josh Thompson, who took some great shots, all very different and fun. Josh used some unusual lighting effects during the photo shoot. It was obvious to me that these two fellows worked well together.

I just have to think about all of the people out there who run papers, create photos, give us something visual to look at each week as we turn the pages over coffee or juice. These are artists in their own right. Thanks to all of the media and press who help make our days a little more interesting and a lot more informative. And to the Dutch Fork Chronicle, thanks for the afternoon and conversation. The article is to run in the next issue.

Thank you for all of your support...

Getting ready for this upcoming national pageant is so much fun, but certainly requires a lot of preparation. I just want to thank all of you who have contacted me through this site, cards and letters, e-mails and phone calls. It is an honor to represent a state that has such wonderful people. I am working hard to get ready for the event, but knowing that with all of your love and support and prayers I will truly make it. No matter what happens in Tucson, Arizona I have all of you as special friends. Thank you so much for your continued support. Please continue to pray for me and our family as we embark on this fabulous adventure!

Getting ready for nationals...

Today I handled all of the airline info. I will be flying out of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Sunday, August 24 around 5:00 in the afternoon. I will have a short stay in Charlotte and switch planes for the final flight into Tucson. I will be arriving that night around 9:15. So...if any of you would like to see me off that afternoon, I would love to see you at the airport! My family will be flying out on Friday, August 30 so they can be there for preliminaries which begin the next day.

The final pageant with top 12 will be on Tuesday, September 2. I am going to miss seeing everyone during Labor Day, but I will have lots to keep me busy.

Friday you are all invited to the Peach Festival Parade. I will be making an appearance in the parade and after will have lunch with many of the dignitaries. I am so excited about that opportunity to talk with them about my platform, arts advocacy and also funding for DSS and other agencies that support foster care in SC. I look forward to all of these opportunities. I see them as a wonderful way to speak out on these issues!

Until next time...