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!!

The Wanderer

This Christmas break has been so crazy and hectic!  Sorry I haven't been able to keep you all updated with every single detail via my blog, hopefully you are following my facebook, my twitter and my instagram (thegirlwhocaughtfire) though!  If you do, you are more than likely aware that I have been traveling quite a bit.

Before hitting the road for the long haul, I took a tiny road trip down to Rochester to hang out with the amazing Miss New York, Mallory Hagan.  We had some much needed girl time as well as a sleepover.  The next day, we visited two different schools as well as Strong Memorial Hospital for a competitive game of Bingo with some pretty cool kids.  Strong is a local Children's Miracle Network hospital in the upstate area and they really were great.  Not only was the hospital staff great, the kids were awesome and I really had a wonderful time getting to know Mallory better.

It was difficult to really get one-on-one time during Miss NY week this past June, so I was hesitant so see what a full 24 hours with a this BQ would be like.  I am pleased to tell you that I am pretty sure I have a new lifelong friend.  Not only did she drive by herself from the city to Rochester, she then did five appearances in one day, three the next day and still found time for girl talk.  I really enjoyed Mallory before but now have a whole new respect for her.  She is able to all of her duties and more while still finding time for her friends and family, and never forgetting where she came from.  I am confident that she will do awesome next weekend at Miss America!  If you think so too, please get in your last second votes for America's choice!!  It is super easy, you don't have to give any personal info and you are literally only 3 clicks away from helping her after you click this link > Miss America Voting.

So after my visit to Rochester, I came home and finished my second-to-last graduate level course!  Whoa, what?  I have about one more month before I am done with school, (hopefully forever).  As if things couldn't get any better, my Marine came home to visit me!

My boyfriend Aaron and I took a trip up to Watertown to visit my Miss Thousand Islands family.  I had such a good time at our Christmas gift wrapping fundraiser and hanging out with my "little" Joelle!

After my trip to Watertown, I went down to Ithaca, NY to spend Christmas eve with my boyfriend's family.  I love going to Ithaca, it is small but incredibly gorgeous with cute shops and great food.  I had a great time with Aaron's family and felt relaxed, which barely ever happens.  Christmas eve, we made the hike back to my home to spend the night and Christmas morning with my family.  It was nice to have my family of six, who are usually running around like crazy, in one place.  My mom always unnecessarily spoils me every Christmas, but this year insisted that it would be a "light" year.  I don't blame her, the economy is awful, everyone is hurting, especially myself, being an unemployed graduate student.  She had told me and my sister in advance that we would be receiving Taylor Swift tickets for Christmas (only because she knew we would impatiently go and buy the tickets on our own if she didn't).  I had felt extremely guilty because she told me that the whole concert had sold out and she had to buy the lowest end tickets available on a third party website for triple the price.  So boy was I surprised to open my last gift that read that my ticket was NOT the "lowest end" at all but included:

One Incredible Top Price Reserved Floor Ticket in the First Twenty (20) Rows*
One Autographed Copy of ‘Red’ – Taylor Swift’s Fourth Studio Album
One Entry Into the Official Preshow VIP Party, Which Includes:

• Separate Preshow VIP Lounge – Let’s Have a Blast Before the Show!
• Food & Drinks Galore – Expect All of Your Favorite Foods and Drinks**
• Don’t Forget the Sweets – A Fantasy World of Sweet Creations Awaits You
• Preshow Prizes & Giveaways – Includes Memorabilia & Limited Edition Items (Subject to Availability)
• On-site VIP Paparazzi to Capture the Preshow Action & Moments
• Access to Secure On-Line VIP Site Where You Can Download Preshow Images for Free
• Preshow Party Music Playing Your Favorite Taylor Swift Hits and More
• Dedicated On-Site VIP Preshow Host

Exclusive On-Site VIP Perks

• VIP Priority Check-In*** (Where Available)
• Separate VIP Entrance*** (Where Available) o VIP Customer Service Hotline

One Premium Taylor Swift VIP Gift Bag

• Created Exclusively for Taylor Swift VIP Package Purchasers
• Gift Bag Also Contains One Commemorative VIP Laminate & Matching Lanyard

 
UM CHEAYHHH!  This was my face, and my tears ^  VIP pre-show party?!?  Ahh!! Taylor goes to those!!  Mom, you rule!!

After I finished crying my tears of joy, I packed up and hit the road with my boyfriend and my dog.  We headed to Virginia where my daddy lives because he will be taking care of the pup for awhile while I finish up school.  It was great seeing my dad again, it has been awhile so It was nice to let loose and do what we do best...

Shoot at inanimate objects. =)  Now I know most of you know I am country and love shooting but I have to admit that this was my first time with a pistol.  I did alright but I should probably keep practicing if I am going to make it through a police academy.

After visiting my daddy's for Christmas, we went back toward Quantico, VA.  I got to tour Aaron's Marine Corps base and see the National Marine Corps Museum which was breathtaking.  For New Year's, our friends all split and amazing hotel suite near Washington, D.C.  We got to dress fancy! :-)

There was even a fun dance-y place that the owner was from Buffalo!!  Awesome flag.

 

The next day we toured Washington and saw, the Capital, the Washington Monument, and a few of the Smithsonian museums.  One of the museums even had my favorite prop from my favorite movie; Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz! 

So now I am back at my daddy's house in Chesapeake,VA, just a stone-throw away from where I was born a Navy brat.  I have had an awesome time spending time with my boyfriend, family and making new friends on my journey.  Now I am filling out boatloads of paperwork (getting a police job with Federal government is not easy), and sorting out all the school work I have to do when I get back.  I have five weeks left of graduate school so I am going to be a very busy, stressed, and bored girl for the next month or so.  I will try to keep you all updated on my life, although I can't promise that it will be extremely interesting!  I will find time to take a break and watch ABC next Saturday though.  I hope you all had a relaxed, happy and blessed Holiday break!  I will be flying into Buffalo tomorrow after yet another long drive back to DC.  

Until next time,

Lonna

It's Almost Christmas!

Since I've talked to you last I have been crazy busy, but what else is new?  I recently tag-teamed an awesome event at the University of Buffalo with my good friend Katelynn Smith otherwise known as Miss Empire Rose 2012.  The event was a Dance Marathon affiliated with Children's Miracle Network (the National platform of the Miss America Org).

There were so many people, many more than we had anticipated which was wonderful.  The event raised thousands of dollars for Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo.  One thing that was really great about the event was how colorful it was.  The basketball court was filled with happy students in every color of the rainbow.  At the beginning of the event it was explained to everyone that each color represented a child who was in attendance that was either fighting pediatric cancer or who had recently finished treatment.  I was touched at what a great idea that was.  It really connected the students to an individual child and their story and there was so much hope and great energy in the building.  I was a bit confused though when I didn't see a child with a blue shirt like the ones Katelynn and I were wearing.  Then at the end of the presentation we were told that the blue shirt represented the children who were too sick to be there that night.  I was honored and also saddened by this realization until I met a girl named Stella.

Stella, or "Stella Swift" as many like to call her, is a little girl who is bravely fighting leukemia.  She has a lot of ups and downs and I was grateful that she was feeling well enough that night to grace me and everyone else with her presence.  She was also feeling well enough to bounce around with her best friend in the bounce house, (each girl adorned with matching sequined hats.)  Stella has one of the best personalities I have ever been lucky enough to witness.  She was team "red" in honor of her favorite artist Taylor Swift's new album.  Now if you know anything about me, you would know that I immediately wanted to steal her and run away and sing Taylor songs all day.  Instead, we danced the night away and tweeted Ms. Swift and talked.  I learned that she uses music as therapy and that her dream is to record with Taylor herself.  We had lots in common regardless of our age difference. 

Overall the night was a huge success and it was great seeing the kids running around happy, carefree and feeling like the little celebrities that they are.  This was the first time that UB has hosted this event and I really hope they have it again.  Below is the photo that we tweeted Taylor of Stella, myself, her best friend and her little brother Nigel (what a cute name!)  Also, please click on the link that says Stella's name and "Like" her facebook page and pass it along, it really means the world to her!

 

In other news, I recently received a tentative job offer from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and I am extremely excited!  I was pretty down when I realized that I wasn't going to be receiving a call for a different police job I had worked so hard on but I realize now that bigger things are in store for me.  I was reminded recently by a good friend of mine named Shelby that "God does everything for a reason" and boy was she right.  It will inevitably be a very long background process but I will keep you all posted.

I am also very excited to visit Watertown in a couple weeks!  I will be gift-wrapping as a fundraiser with my Teen Maggie Ackerman and my Star Princess Veronica Neff at the Ritz Day Spa and Salon.  The Ritz is the official Salon and Spa of the Miss Thousand Islands Pageant and they keep me looking great from head to toe with their skincare, haircare and luxurious make up.  There will be two separate dates, December 15th and 22nd from 10:30am to 1:30pm.  Please stop by for some glamorous Christmas cheer and let us make your Holiday a little easier by wrapping your gifts!

Three more things on my agenda, the first is to tell you about my friend Aili Makuch.  Aili is a 16 year old girl who is a family friend and is also battling pediatric cancer, multiple forms of it.  Her and her family are struggling with this fight physically, emotionally and financially.  Hoping to ease some of their burden, a benefit basketball game and benefit dinner has been organized.  When I was asked to take part in this event I was a bit hesitant because my ball game isn't all it used to be.  Then I was told that they wanted me to sing the National anthem and had no intention of allowing me to touch a basketball, so I said I was in.  The event is this Saturday evening and I can't wait!  It will be a great event filled with good times, laughs, great people and great food.  For more info please visit the event page on facebook and if you would like to donate money or any kind of goods to Aili or her family please email me at MissTI2013@gmail.com

Second to last item on my list is me pleading with you to spend 30 seconds a day and vote for my amazingly talented friend Mallory Hytes Hagan, Miss New York 2012 as America's Choice 2013!  By winning America's Choice Mallory will have a secured spot in the top 15 (as if she wouldn't anyway!) I am so proud of the hard work she has done for this organization in the past year and am proud to call her my dear friend.  She has been competing in this organization for ten years and has done more than earn her stripes.  She is educated, funny, down-to-earth, talented and never forgets where she came from.  This June she made me feel comfortable in an extremely intimidating environment.  I am so grateful to have met her and I know she will make us proud.  Please help her in her journey to Miss America 2013 by voting once a day (it is VERY easy) by clicking this link: Vote Mal!! Love you Mal!  I will be having so many heart palpitations on January 12th you have no idea.

Last on my list but most certainly not least, I have received my official autograph cards as an early xmas gift from my Miss TI family!  I am so excited to give them out so if you have an event you would like me to attend please email me at MissTI2013@gmail.com, you can also send me your address and I will mail you or a loved one an autograph for free!  I am more than willing to send cards to service members at home and overseas as well!  Below is a sneak peak of what my cards look like, with wonderful photography by Priscilla James.

 

Until next time, 

Peace, Love and Deer Jerky ;-)

Lonna