"Werk" shop

I had a great time at workshop this past weekend.  Besides getting to meet the girls I didn't already know, I got to spend some QT with my teen Joelle and really got to know her better.  Fun fact: Joelle and I are both children of servicemen :-)

We also got to work with the fabulous Kent Parham, choreographer extraordinaire and Justin Popovics, nutritionist, pageant trainer and the fiercest diva you will ever meet.  We got to model in swimsuit, work on our walks, perform our talents and get valuable feedback on all of the above.

Here are some shots from the weekend:

 Joelle and Myself, Day 1, making a pit-stop for diner food.  

Us upstate girls love a good, greasy spoon.

 Day 2, taking a break at workshop to pose for Shelb.

 Posing for our class picture, are you getting excited yet?  One of these 24 women will be competing for the title of Miss America!!

After that exciting whirlwind of a weekend I came home and relaxed for about an hour before going back to work. THEN, got an amazing phone call that informed me of an impending job offer.  I had interviewed with a company called Local Edge because a former Miss TI, Kristina Blackford, works there and suggested it to me.  It had been so long since I interviewed that I was starting to think I must have not gotten the position but I finally got a call!  I am so very excited to be starting what I call a "big girl" job in a few weeks.

Today though, I will be heading back to Watertown for the Armed Forces Parade tomorrow morning.  I am very excited, not only because I haven't been in a parade in 7 years but also because I am honored to celebrate this special day with the men and women who dedicate their lives to our country.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

God Bless,

Lonna

Come Sail Away...

I had the most AMAZING trip to Watertown this past Thursday.  About a month ago, my director was approached by the Clayton Antique Boat Museum because they needed a new spokesperson.  They thought, who better to represent the antique speed boat "Miss Thousand Islands II" than Miss Thousand Islands herself?  Good thinking. 

I met up with Mike Folsom and the crew at the museum on Thursday afternoon.  We were afraid that the weather was about to take a turn for the worst but it ended up being more gorgeous than we could have imagined.  Here are some quick Iphone shots of how the day went:

I know, tough life.  I had a ridiculous amount of fun and I even got to keep those awesome genuine Zebrawood sunglasses thanks to Nautique Optix.

As if all of this wasn't cool enough, one of the shots from the shoot will be on a billboard in the Watertown area!!  Oh, and I will be on posters sold at the museum!! =)

As soon as the official shot for the posters/billboards are released, y'all will be the first to know!! EEEEE!  Excited!

Until next time,

Lonna

A Touch of Grace

Almost immediately after winning Miss TI, I met an amazing woman by the name of Kathy Lettiere.  Kathy owns a gown shop in Watertown, NY called A Touch of Grace specializing in prom, pageantry, bridal.  She sells gifts and accessories as well.  Kathy immediately treated me like I was her own daughter.  I was draped in some of the most gorgeous gowns I had only seen in magazines and online.  For example:

 

Coming from a blue collar family, I have had to work very hard for everything I have.  Choosing pageantry as a hobby didn't make it easy on my parents but they gave me everything they could and hey, it's the girl not the gown right?  

Still, it was hard not to fantasize about frocks from Tony Bowls, Jovani, Sherri Hill, etc.  Wearing a gown by one of these famous designers was quickly becoming a dead dream to me.  This is my last year of a ten year pageant career, there aren't enough pennies left for me to pinch.

I was grateful when I heard that A Touch of Grace would help outfit me in a gorgeous gown and give me a discount, but I almost cried when I heard that Kathy was willing to do more for me.  I will be the first Miss Thousand Islands to have my entire evening gown sponsored for her.  I am convinced that God sends people into our lives for a reason, Kathy is truly an angel.  She gives so much back to the community and I am beyond grateful for this amazing gift that she has provided me.  I can only hope that someday I can return the favor.

Thank you Kathy for being amazing, I look forward to a lifelong friendship.  It warms my heart to know that someday you will be the one fitting me with a gorgeous white gown. =)  Thank you for your devotion to the Miss Thousand Islands organization and the Watertown area.

I can't wait for the world to see what we have come up with for Miss New York!!

Spring is in the Air!

Hey everyone, are you as excited about 80 degree weather as I am?  I live on Lake Erie so when it's bad weather it is REALLY bad weather but when it is good it is oooooh so good.  For example..

This is where I live, that is myself with Jesse Ladoue, Miss NY International.  I know, tough life.

Anywho,  I am still processing for a job with the Department of Homeland Security.  I was hoping it would be an easier process seeing as I used to work for them in the past.  Oh well, good things come to those who wait right?

I have also been crazy busy working the past month or so.  Paying off my school loans for six years of college is going to be quite delightful so I am now working 3 jobs.  I waitress at two local places and I also work at The Tanning Bed which is actually great because I get to tan for free, no sponsor needed. ;-)

Some exciting news: my evening gown came in!!!  Did you hear me scream?  I am so excited to wear it on stage.  I won't tell you what it looks like but I will tell you that A) It is very classy.  A much different feel than my earthy look last year.  I feel like a lady and SO beautiful.  As soon as it zipped up it just felt like my gown, and now it is!  B) Me and my teen will be wearing the same color.  Oh how sweet, I just heard a collective "awwww."  C) It is so gorgeous and has TONS of re-wear value.  You may be asking yourself, "But Lonna, this is your last year, where will you wear an evening gown again?"  Lucky for me I am dating a Marine so every year I get to wear an evening gown to the Marine Corps Ball in November.  I am VERY psyched for this year's ensemble. 

Speaking of competition wear, I had the pleasure of shopping for the rest of my talent costume with the beautiful Kristina Blackford (Ferris) yesterday.  Being all "grown up" most of my friends have moved from the area and accepted jobs elsewhere, leaving me all alone in Western NY.  I feel so blessed to have gotten to know Kristina better.  I met Kristina the day I won Miss Buffalo, a day I met many people.  I had no idea at that time how sweet, hilarious, and beautiful inside and out that she was.  I am excited to say that we truly hit it off and have SO much in common.  To top is off, my talent costume is almost complete, just searching for the perfect shoe now, a journey I will always be on.

Speaking of talent,  I am stoked to perform at workshop.  I am hoping everyone enjoys hearing me as much as I enjoy singing this particular song.  I ended up going with a choice that Shelby found almost the day after I took the Miss TI title.  Similar to my attitude last year, it took me awhile to fully be sold on it but once I fell for the song, it really became a part of me.  Again, I can't waste any surprises but this song is very me and the style in which it will be performed is sooooo fun and unique.  Y'all are going to love it. :-D

In other news, I have been presented with a very cool opportunity in the Watertown area.  Until I know dates and details, I will leave you with a cliffhanger on this one as well.  What I will tell you is that this particular opportunity will really help promote the pageant which is very important to me.  I realize that although Shelby, Sue, Gary and many others treat me like Kate Middleton, I really am just a strand in the tapestry of this amazing organization.  Years from now I hope that I will be remembered as Miss Thousand Islands 2013, but more importantly I hope that my actions will help grow our local to be even more amazing than it already is.

One last bit of news to share with you is that I am traveling next week.  I LOVE plane rides and I am very excited to go visit my boyfriend Aaron in Quantico, VA next Thursday.  I also get to see my friend Shoshana (his friend's wife) which is awesome.  Not many girls understand what it is like to be with a Marine so it is nice to spend time with someone who does.  Stoked for a weekend off with good friends...and Nascar.  I am not even getting into that but part of my outfit for next weekend involves a Realtree (camo) cowboy hat.

Oh one last thing, if you run into my favorite Marine Officer, tell him Happy Birthday. =)

 

That is Aaron and I after my first MAO pageant.  I am lucky to have someone who puts up with me the way he does.  I love you babe, Happy Birthday!

And to the rest of you, I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that you get some sun! 

Making time

Where do I start on what an incredible weekend I had?  First off,  have I told you my friend Mallory Hagan is Miss America right?  Yeah, I probably did mention that a couple times.  Well anyway, a tradition in the Miss America Organization is to have a big homecoming party/weekend/extravaganza in the home-state of the lucky lady who wins the title each year.

My journey to homecoming started on Friday in Binghamton, NY.  I met three members of my Miss TI family and we started our drive down to Staten Island.  Along the way, we chatted about current events, BQ's, glitter and even squeezed in a mock interview.  After we got to the hotel, we freshened up and met up with more Miss TI family for a lovely dinner at Max's Es-ca

 After a great dinner we headed back to the hotel and up to the gorgeous venue "Above" located in right in the Hilton Garden Inn we were staying at.  We then hit the BQ jackpot and ran into not only ten Miss America State titleholders but Miss America herself!!

 Miss Virginia and Myself, not only is she a major sweetheart, she is also from the city my daddy lives in and also knows how to work the camera better than I do.

 Miss Wyoming and I, much better picture.  She a sweet girl.

 Miss South Carolina, she's only 7 feet tall.

Mallory, otherwise known as Miss America

 Oh yeah, I also met Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap.  

Quite possibly my favorite Miss A ever!  So talented AND hilarious!

It was truly great getting to talk to Mallory in a more intimate setting, as a friend and not a fan.  I had no idea that night how crazy the rest of her weekend would be.

The next day the "family" and I took a nice trip to the a mall in New Jersey and picked up some essentials we needed to look our best for the "Here She Is" event that night.

I'd say we did a pretty good job ;-)  Shelby and I

Before the event, we picked up some swag from Pink and Pepper

Thanks P&P!!  Love my bag, tank top, sunglasses and keychain.  I use them all!

After the show, we attended an amazing after party.  Unfortunately I don't have too many pictures from the event due to me feeling awful from such a long day.  I will not torture you with the ones I do have.  Not a pretty sight. 

After a long trip back home, I spent exactly one hour in my house before heading out to Fredonia to judge a local singing competition at Applebee's.

I had tons of fun AND remembered my autograph pad!  Judging might become a weekly event for me, which would be awesome.  I will keep you updated on that.

All and all I had a long, fun, eventful and tiring weekend.  When I got home, I will be honest with you, I really just wanted to sleep.  But when I was asked last minute to judge, I remembered the wise words of Mallory Hagan, ones that have stuck with me, "you make time."  Mallory was referring to time with friends but really it applies to everything that matters to you.  Sometimes life is hard and overwhelming and you feel that there are just not enough hours in the day.  When you start feeling that way, make time.  Make time for things that matter to you, coffee with a friend, homework, a charity, a blog, the gym and YOURSELF.

Some things never change.  I am happy that Mallory hasn't, below is a picture from December and one from this past Friday.  More importantly, I am ecstatic that she still makes time for little ol' me. =)

Stay classy,

Lonna

A Fun Weekend

I had such a great time this weekend, getting to make three appearances in three days!

My first stop was Saturday morning in Tonawanda.  Remember I told you about my crazy-cool friend Stella who is battling Leukemia?  At 9 years old she is also a little philanthropist and hosted her second blood drive at the Red Cross in her hometown.  I had a great time talking Taylor (Swift) with her and just gossiping.  It is nice to keep her mind off of being sick, if only for a little while.

I am not a huge fan of blood or needles but I found it in myself to donate...

Hey, if Stella can do it so can I right?

Then immediately after the blood drive I hit the road and was on my way to Corning, NY for the Miss Upstate and Miss Finger Lakes pageant.  I had so much fun seeing old friends and watching two new girls be welcomed into the sisterhood.  Congratulations to Miss Upstate Alexandria Curtis, and Miss Finger Lakes Camille Sims!

Me and my Miss NY 2013 Roommate, Katelynn Smith, Miss Fulton County 2013

Myself, Miss NY's Outstanding Teen Shannon Ryan and my Miss TI Teen Joelle Leek

Monday morning I was able to see my girl Stella one more time.  The first time I met Stella was at the UB Dance marathon this fall.  The event raised over $7,000 for our local Children's Miracle Network hospital.  Here is a cute photo from the event that I just found on their facebook page:

So the reason I met up with Stella again on Monday was to spread the word about the event while simultaneously making as many cards for kids at Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo as possible.  We made over 50 get well cards for kids who were in the hospital and also got students interested in volunteering.

 Hard at work making cards, I even brought my little brother and his friend along to help.

Stella and I <3

This weekend has been great, now it is time to hit the books!  Thank you to my Miss TI family, my Miss New York family, the University of Buffalo and everyone else who is and will be a part of my journey.  You are all amazing.

Peace, Love and Glitter

Lonna

My Friends Are Awesome

So much has happened since the beginning of 2013.  On January 12th, my beautiful, talented and hilarious friend won Miss America 2013.  Um, what?  I was hanging out with her exactly one month before she competed and I asked her how she felt about it.  Not just how she was feeling but what in the world she would do if she actually won.  Her response was this: "Do I think I could do the job and do it well?  Absolutely.  Do I think I can win?  I have no clue.  All I know is that one month from now, I might be walking into a press conference as Miss America.  That would be amazing, but if I don't and I come home and continue serving as Miss New York that is completely fine too."  Ladies and gents, this is the attitude of a winner, and I am so over-joyed that that was recognized this year.  I hope Miss America continues choosing "real" girls who make the title attainable.  Love you lots and lots Mallory, can't wait to see you in March!!

After Mallory won, we needed a new Miss New York.  I was ecstatic to find out that Shannon Oliver would be taking the title.  Shannon is another amazing young woman I met last spring at Miss NY.  She is insanely talented, driven and beautiful inside and out.  Shannon had a rough year in 2012 and my heart hurt for her and still does but I knew God had plans for her, and here she is now, your new Miss New York.

One week ago, crowns were given to the new Miss Staten Island Amanda Lee Alicea and Miss Richmond County Alyssa Depaolis.  I am so excited to meet two more Miss NY sisters this spring!  Then last night, another awesome sister of mine, Katelynn Smith, won Miss Fulton County 2013.  Now, I am not only excited for her because she gets to compete at Miss NY again, but she gets to compete with me!! =) Eeee!  Even better?  We promised each other that if we both won new titles we would be roomies for competition week.  So pumped.

AND I have myself a new Miss Thousand Islands Outstanding Teen, Miss Joelle Leek!!  Congrats Joelle!  I can't wait to spend lots of time with you this year and cheer you on at state. =)

I am too excited to see all of these journeys begin.  I know these ladies will make the best of their titles and make the Empire State proud.  On that note, good luck to all the ladies competing for Miss NYC today and GO RAVENS!!