6 Weeks Out

We're now weeks away from the crowning of our next Miss Arkansas! Here's a quick update on what has been happening in my preparations recently. It's been a busy few weeks. I said in my last post that I would give you the run down on our Miss Arkansas Contestant Meeting weekend, so here it is...

We'll begin with the always fantastic, Tony Bowls' Photoshoot! I don't have any photos to share from the actual shoot as I wouldn't want to give anything away, but I can tell you that Tony Bowls and all of the volunteers ensured yet again that we contestants felt like royalty. And heres why:
Once we arrive, we're whisked away to have our make-up and hair done. A gorgeous Tony Bowls' gown is then chosen for us with shoes and accessories to match. Finally, the real fun begins when we got to work with Jason McMaster's and his team of photography geniuses. All the while, you can hear the team "ooo" and "ahh" over your photos which keeps the energy going and makes you feel very special. I can't say thank you enough to these wonderful people for what a perfect time they make this out to be for us contestants. Of course, my Saturday didn't end here. I quickly gathered my things after the shoot and drove back to Jonesboro as my very dear cousin, Bret Sanders, graduated from high school. She'll be attending Ouachita Baptist University in the fall and I can't wait to see the amazing things soon to come in her life!

Back in Little Rock Sunday morning we got started early with the Miss Arkansas Contestant Meeting Luncheon and Lottery. With a pretty decent lottery draw, I am thrilled to be returning to Group B this year. My official contestant number is B27 and I have the privilege of competing in this group with both old friends and new faces that I can't wait to get to know better!

Group B

I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I have the best pageant family. The Northeast Arkansas Pageant Association has been up and running for 31 years now and their record of phenomenal young women who come through the program never ceases to amaze me! Just check out the number of girls who will be present on the Miss Arkansas stage this summer who were at one time members of this family. From left: Ashley Walthall, Miss Lights of the Delta 2011; Mason Magouryk, Miss Northeast Arkansas, 2012; Me, Miss Northeast Arkansas 2011 and Miss Lights of the Delta 2012; Jenn Ulloa, Miss Northeast Arkansas 2013; our reigning Miss Arkansas, Sloane Roberts, Miss Lights of the Delta OT 2007; Maggie Benton, Miss Lights of the Delta 2013; Daley Johnston, Miss Lights of the Delta OT 2009; and Mackenzie Moore, Miss Lights of the Delta OT 2008. 

Don't worry, all of the fun didn't end after Sunday. Bright and early Monday morning I drove one contestant to Arkansas Children's Hospital (as she was in a different group than me) and then made my way over to the Miss Arkansas Golf Tournament. 

Just showing off our Children's Miracle Network Hospital shirts

We enjoyed a fun filled morning of photos and golfing before my group made our way over to Arkansas Children's Hospital for a tour after lunch. Thanks to the hard work of some wonderful people all 45 contestants were able to walk through a comprehensive tour of the hospital and we even had time to make "Happy Birthday" and "Congratulations" posters for the kids. From someone who has seen what hospital care for children is like in the Third World, let me just say that we are blessed with such a wonderful facility complete with life-saving technology, the Angel One helicopters, well-educated doctors who make the difference for so many families every single day. 

After our tour, we returned to the Pleasant Valley Country Club just in time to see Miss Arkansas, Sloane Roberts, fly over the golf course in a helicopter. She went up to release 1500 golf balls over the eighteenth hole. Each ball contained a number and a few lucky participants went home with extra price money thanks to a very creative idea by the Miss Arkansas Golf Tournament planning committee. All-in-all, it was a very exciting (even slightly exhausting) weekend. It served to make me even more excited about the upcoming competition in July!

Lastly, I just want to say a huge thank you to the Jonesboro Visual and Performing Arts Magnet school, the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Rodely, and the mother of one of my Miss Arkansas Diamond State Princesses, Liane Neshat, for allowing me to come and encourage the 5th and 6th grade classes to work hard, to be involved in serving other, and to dream big dreams! My favorite part of these school visits comes at the end when the students get a little time to ask me questions. Interestingly enough my first question was from a young 5th grader who wanted to know if he could make a living playing the violin since I was playing the flute for the Miss Arkansas Pageant. As I was driving home that day, I passed a house in my neighborhood with a young man sitting outside with his family practicing his violin. Turns out: we're neighbors! One of the best parts of wearing the crown is the people I get to meet! 

That's all for now. I'm headed to the Miss Missouri Pageant this weekend so check back soon for updates from that exciting trip!

Thanks for reading! And comment below with what you think of the redesign!

Thus Far on the Road to Miss Arkansas 2013

Later today I will be leaving for Little Rock, AR. It's a very eventful weekend starting tomorrow with the Miss Arkansas Tony Bowls Photoshoot! I'll be keeping you updated via Twitter and Facebook all weekend so be sure and follow me. After coming back to Jonesboro for a couple of hours to watch my cousin graduate high school from my alma mater, it will be back to Little Rock for the Miss Arkansas Contestant Meeting, Golf Tournament, and tour of Arkansas Children's Hospital. See?! I told you it would be eventful!

So before jumping in this weekend after turning in paperwork as an official contestant for the title of Miss Arkansas 2013, I thought you might like to see what I've been up to as Miss River Delta 2013 so far! Fair warning, I plan to post lots of pictures!!!

First we'll start with some stage competition preparation. The Lifestyle and Fitness competition, better known as "Swimsuit," is very important to me. After struggling with my weight on a Ugandan diet of carbs and little protein, I made it my goal to put my body back to its healthy self. Luckily I found the perfect trainer to help me accomplish those goals. I can happily say that today I'm right on track with my goals to get back into a healthier lifestyle. I've even started running! (Huge, just trust me.) Thank you so much Robert Stafford at Stafford Training Systems! And who says the gym can't be fun? At S.T.S. we know how to work and play hard.

Why don't we catch up on a little philanthropy? As most of you reading this blog are already aware, the Miss America Organization partners with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals to raise funds for 170 Children's Hospitals across the U.S. Every year it is an honor to team up with my pageant sisters and help to fund this life-giving cause. Thank you to McAlister's & Local Culture in Jonesboro, AR for allowing us to raise funds through your business!

If you'd like to make a donation to CMNH and help me get to Miss Arkansas, then click the link to the right of this post! I appreciate your support!

And last, but certainly not least, I'll share with you the goings on of last weekend. Thursday evening began with mock interviews after I got off work and drove into Blytheville, AR. Friday is where the real fun was had! See for your self:

These are a few of the students I got to speak to about their transition to middle school next year as the 5th and 6th graders move from Blytheville Intermediate School to Middle School. We talked about the problem of bullying, how to get involved in school and the community, and I encouraged them to dream big dreams! It's always a joy to share with others the reasons it is important to serve others, but what these precious ones don't know is that their attentiveness and questions served to make my difficult weekend a little brighter after the loss of my uncle. I just love these smiles!!!

Most popular question of the day: "Does your crown have real diamonds?" 

Don't worry, the weekend didn't stop there. Saturday morning, my sister queens and I got up to join the Blytheville Fishing Derby. This was the last time for this annual event and we sure made the most of it! Check out my blue ribbon! (note: no fishing took place on my part which is probably for the best) ;)

I always enjoy spending time with Marrietta Jerome, the best director and friend a girl could ask for!

We concluded the weekend with Mayfest in Downtown Blytheville. We walked and talked with the different booth workers, marched in the opening ceremony, and sang to passers-by (Top photo). All in all, our pageant feet were good and sore by the end of the day, but spending time with the great people of Northeast Arkansas definitely makes the aches a little easier to bare. My final photo is just me spending a little time with Africa! I know, right?! What are the odds? She had heard me speak at B.I.S. the day before and was quick to tell me she shared a name with one of my favorite places in the whole world!

That's all for now, but don't worry, my camera and journal are going with me to Little Rock this weekend! More to come soon...

Until then...

Blessings to you and yours,

Somer

Miss River Delta 2013

I've thought quite a bit about what I wanted to say to introduce myself as the first ever Miss River Delta. For sure, I'm not new to this world of glamour, false eyelashes, and beautiful gowns. With this title, I am entering into my fourth year in the Miss Arkansas Organization. Still, there is something very fresh and very new about my final opportunity for the job of my dreams.

Since being crowned, I have been contacted by many people who after expressing their congratulations were quick to relay their shock at hearing I was returning to the state stage. Most people assumed I was finished because I had aged out of the system, a few figured I had just moved on, and the others, well they had heard it directly from me that I had decided not to continue competing. Yes it's true. I spent the majority of this year having convinced myself that I was not going to try again. I told myself comforting things like "you had a great run," "you ended on a good note," and "there just must be something else that God has in store for you." With this mindset, I set out to discover just what God's big plan must be.

I don't know if you've ever attempted this. I mean, the bible is clear that God intricately designed us and has a plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite Christian quotation, "For I know the plans I have for you declare the Lord..." With this powerful scripture in mind, I believed that God was going to directly answer me with a plan, a goal, a something that would put me on that "one-single plan" He had for me. You see, 2012 was an intense year of self discovery and development for me. I spent a third of that year living in the Third world, and upon returning to the USA my life was consumed with all things pageant. By the end of last July nothing in my life looked as I had expected it to. There was a phenomenal new Miss Arkansas named Sloane Roberts. I wasn't leaving the country. I was scrambling to make ends meet with two jobs and a plan to finish my second degree. And so, I made some declarations. I put my trust in God. And I started seeking Him for that elusive plan.

My new sisters! 

....And nothing. Not a whisper. Not a nudge. Nada. Pretty much every decision I've made this year has been mine. Some of them good and some of them taught me a few tough life lessons. One of the biggest lessons learned: God gave us reason and logic for a reason. Seeking Him and desiring to live in His will isn't a recipe for easy answers and a smooth path. I think He wants us to make decisions. Indecisiveness never served anyone. And you know, throughout this season, I have grown. Stepping into the unknown unsure of God's ultimate design has required me to trust Him more than ever before.

My new teen sister!

So to reign this all in, what I want to tell you about my decision to compete in Miss River Delta 2013, is that I'm still unsure of what the future holds. But because of my intense desire to be Miss Arkansas, I'm positive that it includes preparing for that goal. God didn't tell me that this was my path, but He did tell me it was time to act and to make a decision. And I couldn't be more excited about it!

There are some wonderful people that volunteer their time throughout the year to ensure the success of the Miss Arkansas Organization. This year 45 young women from all over the state will compete for the position of the goodwill ambassador for Arkansas and I have the privilege of being one of them. I'll keep you updated on my service to local communities through this blog. I hope you'll follow along with my journey to Miss Arkansas 2013!

Dream Big

I didn't realize it until coming home and unpacking (a week later). A defining theme of my week at Miss Arkansas this year was "Dream Big." I know. That's not particularly profound. People say that all the time, but with hindsight being 20/20, I've come to appreciate this phrase in a whole new way following the events of Miss Arkansas 2012. And here's what I have to say about it...

A beautiful gift from my pageant family during competition week!

A gift from good friends during competition week! (Oh and when you press the button they scream "Dream Big!")

A gift from my mom before the pageant this year.

So if that isn't proof enough of the theme...

Preparing for competition this year looked a little different than it had in years past. It was infinitely more emotional. I truly only had about 2 months to prepare for the stage competition. I spent the majority of my year in a 3rd world country without focusing too much on the pageant. And to really drive home the point, I didn't actually want to compete in the prelim I won back at the end of last year. I know. Now you're really confused, but let me explain. When it was time for me to compete in Miss Lights of the Delta last year, I had already made the decision to go to Uganda. In my mind, that was where my future was headed. There's more to the story, but for now just know that I was sure of my calling to go to Uganda and I was unsure if Miss Arkansas still had a place in my life. But at the encouragement of my mother, who knows me better sometimes than I know myself, I competed.

Through a lot of prayer both before and during my trip, the Lord blessed me with the gift of being absolutely sure that He had a plan for my life and that plan did include the 2012 Miss Arkansas Pageant. So let's fast forward to competition week. Lots of my thoughts leading up to the week you can read on this blog. But here is a look into what the week turned out to be.

1. An opportunity for new and stronger friendships built with many of the girls.

At rehearsal with a phenomenal friend, Simone Mullinax!

2. A chance to share a little part of one of my favorite places in the whole world. I gave each contestant a paper bead necklace that was made by widows in a village in Uganda. Really wish I had a picture of Rozz with them on her head in true hippie fashion, but Brooke Ault takes a gorgeous photo, too!

3. A realization that I wasn't there for what I thought I was there for.

Announcement of our 75th Miss Arkansas, Sloane Roberts.

So back to the theme. I really think that God was trying to tell me something throughout the whole week, "Dream Big!" For me, I was dreaming of becoming Miss Arkansas. I arrived in Hot Springs with one goal in mind and that was the crown. But I realize now after coming home and sifting through the joys and the pains, the good things and the dissappointments, (not to mention all those gifts) that God wants me to dream a little bigger. Before someone takes this the wrong way, let me just say that the dream of Miss Arkansas is huge and it was an HONOR to compete with Sloane Roberts. She is a phenomenal young woman who will not just represent Arkansas well, but she will represent the other 46 of us beautifully. It is a joy for me to support Sloane in all that she does. I'm glad that her dream was realized on Saturday night.

What exactly do I mean by dreaming bigger? Well, I've been rather limited in what I've allowed my future to look like. I thought that the title and the job of Miss Arkansas was dreaming as big as I could, but now I see that I need to push that envelope a little bit. There are some things that I dreamt about while in Uganda, things I think that the Lord means for me to do. I won't pretend to know exactly what they are, but I can tell you that there is one thing that I'm almost afraid to say that I want to do because it is so big and so out there that it seems entirely impossible. Maybe I'll be brave enough to tell you more soon, but for now what you need to know is that I'm learning that I serve the one true God and that He is the God of imPossible!

He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and NOTHING will be impossible for you."  -Matthew 17:20

I listened to a podcast here a while back that said the last line of that verse could also be read "ANYTHING will be possible for you." Isn't that amazing? I mean WOW! The God of the universe says that if we have faith anything will be possible for us. In the coming weeks and months I hope to be learning more about what it means to believe for the impossible and dream bigger dreams than ever before. And the last thing I want to say to you is

Dream Big!!!!

Somer



Favorite Phase of Competition Complete

It's been an exciting week so far full of rehearsals, personal stage preparations, and, my favorite, interview competition! Yes, it isn't everyday you find someone who likes that particular phase of competition, but it has always been my favorite. To be honest, this year it is probably what I've worked the hardest to be ready for. I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to have gone into that interview room and to have been able to walk out with my head held high (and of course my nerves running wild!). I won't give away any details, but I will tell you that there is a surprise for those who watch the pageant this year regarding an interesting "look" at our private interviews.

With interview complete, tonight we will begin the first night of on-stage preliminary competition. I'm in group B and that means I will be donning my beautiful new custom Shelley Kelley evening gown from Clark's Bridal in Jonesboro and the Royal We in Conway. I can't wait to feel that rush of being on stage again. We are so blessed to have such wonderful sponsors in Shelley Kelley and Laine Berry. Our opening number dresses were donated by the Royal We this year and they are fabulous!

Some other updates from the week:

Like I said, this week has been phenomenal so far. Sunday began with the Arrival ceremony. This year's program has been my favorite of the last three years. Long time supporter, volunteer, and board member, June Felix, and her team of hard working creative volunteers were responsible for an impeccable upgrade in the way Arrival is conducted. Placed all around the auditorium were photos of all of the former Miss Arkansas titleholders. You may know that this is the 75th Anniversary of the Miss Arkansas Pageant and I can not think of a better way to honor such a rich history of our wonderful formers. Thank you, Mrs. June for all of your hard work in making this Arrival one I will always remember!

My Arrival look

During the ceremony with my two princesses and our lovely Miss Arkansas.

Before going on stage tonight I just want to mention something that was first shared with me by my pastor, Scot Loyd, in Jonesboro, and again last night from one of my Uganda teammates living in Michigan. (Special, HUGE, thanks to Simone Mullinax for allowing me to borrow her computer to chat with my team last night! I could write a whole blog series on how wonderful and selfless each of our contestants are this year.) My favorite story in the Bible is of Queen Esther. From the pulpit last Sunday, my pastor prayed for my journey at Miss Arkansas this week and he mentioned the favor that Esther found and what she was able to accomplish for God's people because of it. Last night, I was reminded by my friend that Esther was placed in the palace as queen for "such a time as this," and that this competition is not about me. There are 46 other well-deserving and beautiful young women here this week, countless volunteers, and thousands of people who will be watching. This pageant is a phenomenal opportunity. I plan to take it to heart that God has brought me here for such a time as this, and I'm resting in His perfect plan for my life. Whatever the outcome Saturday night, I am blessed beyond measure to be here this week. I'm learning and growing so much. 

"On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, in front of the king's quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand..." -Esther 5:1-2

Thank you for your prayers and support. 

Almost Here!!!

It is so hard to believe that the Miss Arkansas Pageant is just one week away! The first night of preliminary competition will begin next Wednesday at 7:00pm in Hot Springs, AR. I hope you have your tickets because you won't want to miss a single minute of this years pageant. I will be leaving this Saturday to prepare for the Arrival ceremony that will take place Sunday at 2:00pm. If you're in the Greater Hot Springs area, you should also make plans to attend that. It is open to the public and this year will take place in Horner Hall in the Convention Center. Also, if you are unable to attend the pageant, you can still watch both the preliminary competition and the final night online. Just go to www.missarkansas.org and you'll find the live streaming link on the home page.

Just a fair warning, I'll be putting out quite a few blogs over the next week. I can't promise one everyday, but I'm going to try to keep you updated as much as possible. It is such a wonderful feeling know that all of my preparations are coming to a close and the competition is about to commence. I truly feel ready! I am eager to spend my week in Hot Springs giving it all I've got to give in the hopes that I will have the opportunity to represent my home state. I have been given so much from my family and friends in Arkansas and I hope to make you all proud next week!

 Saturday night at Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen!

So it's about time for some updates! I've been feverishly preparing for next week for quite some time now, and much of my preparation culminated in an exhausting but extremely helpful week of Bootcamp courtesy of my fabulous director, Marrietta Jerome. The second week in June my pageant sisters and I all headed to Blytheville for a week of intensive state pageant preparations. We practiced all of our on-stage competition during the early morning hours before visiting with local civic organizations over lunch. This year we were invited to entertain and speak at the Lyons, Kiwanis, and Rotary Clubs of Blytheville.

 Singing to a great audience!

 One of our club visits!

 Gifts for state from our great directors!

I've taken the following information from our very own Miss Arkansas, Kristen Glover's, blog. It is some things you should be aware of for the upcoming week! Also, be sure and check out her blog. She has some great videos from former Miss Arkansas titleholders in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the pageant. You can view her blog at http://secondchanceskg.blogspot.com. 

-For those who are unable to join us, you may  view the pageant live via webcast by visiting www.missarkansas.org/live

-On Wednesday and Thursday, July 11 and 12, Junior High and High School spirit squads are invited to attend the Preliminary competition for free! Spirit squad members must wear their uniform / team gear in order to receive complimentary admission.

-On Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14, fraternity and sorority members will be able to attend the final night of Preliminary competition and the crowning night for free! Greek members are asked to wear their letters or pins in order to gain complimentary admission.  

- Judging / Auditing Seminar-- Miss Arkansas

Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.

Hot Springs Convention Center, Hall D

$10.00 fee

-Vote for your favorite contestant in the Tony Bowls/Mon Cheri People’s Choice.  Jason Masters and Tony Bowls provided a photo shoot for all Miss Arkansas contestants, which can be viewed at http://www.missarkansas.org/photoshoot2012.htm.  Each vote cast is $1.00, and the winner will be awarded a cash scholarship on Saturday.  Voting closes on Friday, July 13. 

·        -As they have done the past three years, Dillard’s in Hot Springs will sponsor a “Miss Arkansas’ Shopping Diva Award.”  Contestants are asked to encourage their friends and family to shop at Dillard’s in Hot Springs Mall during pageant week.  A log book will be located in customer service, where friends and family will log purchases under their contestant’s name.   The contestant with the most sales at the end of the week will win the $300 Dillard’s wardrobe! The new Miss Arkansas will be awarded a minimum $500 wardrobe from Dillard’s in Hot Springs.  However, the wardrobe prize could be much larger!  For every $500 spent by Miss Arkansas patrons during pageant week, Dillard’s in Hot Springs will add $100 to the wardrobe prize package.  Last year Kristen Glover, Miss Arkansas 2011, won $3,500 in merchandise! 

-Plan to purchase your flowers at the Miss Arkansas Pageant through the Miss Arkansas Executive Directors’ Association Booth!  Also, they will sponsor a Crowd Favorite Award.  Support your favorite contestant with $1.00 per vote.  All proceeds go to scholarships for next year’s Miss Arkansas contestants. 

Life in May

I have a lot to catch you up on. I'll start with the month of May, and maybe this month I'll do a little better with the updates!

I was asked by the Marked Tree Rotary Club to come and share with them stories from my trip to Uganda. Rotarians are known internationally for their community service and I was thrilled to get to speak with them about my platform and to tell them how I lived that out in Uganda this year.

The weekend before I spoke in Marked Tree, I traveled to Little Rock for the annual Miss Arkansas Contestant Meeting weekend. It was a busy three day weekend that began with our fabulous Tony Bowls' photo shoot! Here is a photo of Mason, Miss Northeast Arkansas, and myself after our hair and make-up was done.

And here is the finished product...

If you like my photo, you can go to http://www.missarkansas.org/photoshoot2012.htm and vote for my photo. The winner will receive a scholarship on the final night of Miss Arkansas, so go vote!!!

The next day all of the contestants met for our official first meeting and lottery. My title was drawn towards the end, but I still ended up with a great placement. This year I will again be in Group B which means I will begin competition with Evening Gown on Wednesday, Talent on Thursday, and Swimsuit on Friday during competition week at Miss Arkansas in July!

 Group B

 This is me with Miss Arkansas, Kristen Glover, and Abby Lindsey at the meeting.

Finally, this year in addition to working at the Annual Golf Tournament on Monday of that week, we also enjoyed the great privilege of volunteering at and touring Arkansas Children's Hospital. Arkansas Children's is a CMNH sponsored hospital, and it was truly wonderful getting to see where all of the funds we've been raising all year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals were going right here in our great state! Overall, it was an amazing weekend in May!