American Heart Association Heart Walk

As of today's date, the International Pageant team is in 2nd place out of the top 100 teams for over all funds raised, and for overall funds raised by an individual for the entire Heart Walk, I am in 1st place!  My fund raising efforts are in honor of  my husband's and my family members who have passed away or are survivors of heart disease.  Billy lost his dad due to a massive heart attack, and my daddy, mother and brother are survivors.  Five years ago, I under went tests and was placed on heart medication.  I am happy to report that due to answered prayers, a change in my diet and more exercise, I no longer have to take any heart medication, and just one month ago, I was given another clean bill of health from my heart doctor.  Thank goodness for the American Heart Association and all the wonderful employees and volunteers who are helping advance the detection and treatment of heart disease.

Upcoming event........

This September, I will be traveling to Kaluga, Russia with the Hearts of Love International team to volunteer at our orphanage there.  Three years ago, I spent 16 days in Israel which was an experience I will long cherish.  I am looking forward to meeting the wonderful children of Russia and learning about a new place.

Hearts of Love

The month of May has been a busy one!  I traveled to the Minirth Ranch twice this month to life coach.  I met separately with several clients and listened as they shared with me their life events, struggles and wishes.  I hope something showed or told to them during their stay at the ranch will strengthen and guide them toward bright tomorrows!  It is a blessing and a privilege to be of service to our clients and to be part of the Hearts of Love life coaching program. 

Sweet Home Alabama

April was a fun month because it included a trip to The Competitive Image in Dothan, Alabama.  Talk about a pageant contestant's dream store, The Competitive Image is it!  Anything and everything a contestant needs, from photos, to makeup, to clothes, to jewelry, can be found in this fine store.  Not only is the store beautiful, the staff is top notch.  Joey helped me pick out the clothes I needed based on what styles and colors compliment me.  Clay is a makeup and hair artist, and his ability to put me at ease helped me relax and be myself while he took my pictures.  He is a magnificent photographer.  Terri takes care of all the details and is a joy to work with.  While there, I had the honor of meeting Mary Richardson, our national director, and Sherri Hill, fashion designer and clothier of entertainment stars and pageant queens.  Meeting them was just plain wonderful!

Heart Walk Survivors Reception

The month of March 2012 was highlighted by the Heart Walk Survivors Reception held at the Governor's Mansion.  As the survivors and their guests arrived, I assisted them signing in and inquired if each one might be interested in leading a team for the upcoming Heart Walk.  After the welcoming events were complete, several survivors had their unique stories presented, including a young woman who is a heart transplant receipient.  Since three members of my family have heart disease, the powerful testmonies of the heart disease survivors struck home for me.  Thanks to the American Heart Association, there will continue to be research and advancement in helping treat and possibly cure heart disease.

Veterans Hospitals visits

February 2012 was an enlightening month for me.  I visited two veterans hospitals and enjoyed meeting and visiting with our service men and women.  What an honor to be given the opportunity to listen to the veterans and their spouses talk of being in service for our country and what is going on in their lives today.  When I realize the sacrifices they have made, I am humbled and thankful.

Women's education research........

During my senior year at Henderson State University, upon the recommendation of my professor, I was given the opportunity to write a history research paper for which I would receive three credit hours.  By far, it was one of the most difficult and rewarding undertakings of my college career.  The hours spent in libraries, court houses, museums, personal interviews and sitting at a computer consumed my time and left me wondering if my paper would actually come to exist.  By the end of the first semester of my senior year, my paper, "Spring Hill Female Academy:  Aristocracy, Education, and Culture in Southwest Arkansas, 1836-1845", was complete.  My work chronicled the rise and fall of an all women's college complete with history of the township of Spring Hill and its sometimes colorful residents and happenings.  I received an "A" for my writing efforts, and the university published the paper.  Over the years, I have presented the paper orally as a guest speaker for various groups.