Ladies and Gentlemen, Drum Roll Please!

Hello, All! I hope this finds you in a cool place on this sweltering, 21st day of July!


I have something I'd like to share with you, but first (and more importantly), I'd like to wish the Miss LA Momma, Onna Gallagher, a very Happy Forty-Some-Number-I'm-Not-at-Liberty-to-Revealeth Birthday!!!!  I'm so lucky and delighted to be your daughter :) You're the prettiest, most gracious, loving, selfless, supportive, and fun-loving gal I know... And you have an amazing knack for finding little treasures on junky racks at Ross and T.J. Maxx, which I frequently benefit from!  Hoping this next year is your best one yet, Nonnie! Happy, happy birthday!

And now for the big announcement: 


I'm excited to reveal my official Miss Louisiana crown shot and Miss America head shot for the first time — I had the pleasure of shooting with THE Steven Palowsky, Miss Louisiana's official photographer,  who soared high above my greatest expectations and kept me laughing for the all-together 12 hours we shot!  Also, I must acknowledge his wonderful (and might I add very patient!) girlfriend, Cristina, who was the mastermind behind some very complicated photography stuff I can't really explain!  A multitude of thanks, Steven & Cristina!  We really had too many pictures to choose from and, of course, they put the world's most analytical girl (i.e. — Your's Truly) in charge of the final picks, but without further adieu...

Again, thank you to Steven and Cristina, and also Darris Waren, Dewana Little, Lynn Copeland, and my sweet Mom, the Birthday Girl, for being instrumental in all of this!

Did a Little Dance, Felt a lot 'o Love, Got Crowned Alright!

204 local contestants from around Louisiana narrowed down to:

35 remarkable young women.................... 

10 talented semi-finalists.......... 

 5 articulate contestants..... 

 4 impressive candidates.... 

 3 respectable contenders... 

 2 deserving ladies..  

1 blessed representative  

For the rest of my life, I'll attribute much significance and meaning to the day of Saturday, June 25, 2011:  A moment four years in the making, a wonderful celebration, a sweet victory, & the pinnacle of many years of {literally} blood, sweat, tears, and too much hairspray.  This day revised my future and was one for the record books.

It is with immense pride and gratification that I write this post to you, my supporters followers, as the newly crowned Miss Louisiana 2011.  Where to even begin?  I've been on an amazing journey the past four years — one that's had a handful of "low's" and an abundance of "high's"...  

Chapter One in my journey could've been suitably entitled, "Humble Beginnings."  The year was 2007 and, as a sophomore in college, I decided to enter the Miss University of Louisiana at Monroe pageant after watching the awe-inspiring Katherine Putnam win the previous year.  


Four facial burns (from a peel-gone-awry), some animal defecation on my talent costume (from laying it atop my car), and one gown from J-Mart (in case you were wondering, yes, that's a full downgrade from K-Mart...) later and I was a pageant girl!!!  I knew then that it would be an interesting ride...


But little did I know the experiences I'd have were sure to be the most rewarding, enjoyable, and humbling ones of my nearly twenty-three-year-old life.  The relationships I've found through the Miss Louisiana Organization are invaluable... fellow contestants, directors, families of contestants, Miss LA board members, and avid pageant enthusiasts — all of which make up a singular family that I cherish and am so proud to be a part of. 


If you think about it, many notable things occur in four-year cycles.  We attend high school for four years...  College lasts four years (well, at least for some of us it does!)...  A leap year occurs every four years to synch the calendar year with the solar year... Here in America, the presidential election falls every four years... The Olympic games run in four-year increments, giving athletes ample time to train and prove their dedication...  As it would turn out, my fourth year at Miss Louisiana proved to be the perfect timing, God's perfect timing.  Whoever said third time was the charm?


I believe when someone is given an incredible platform such as the title of Miss Louisiana, it's a divine appointment.  I've been placed in this position and given this voice to utilize it for a higher purpose.  From the time I was a girl until present, I have tried to make responsible decisions, live a virtuous life, and strived to maintain sterling character.  By no means have I been perfect at it; however, I knew someday these decisions would amount to something bigger than myself and that God would use me in ways I never thought possible.  It is my hope for the next year that I am given ample opportunity to impact lives and leave a positive impression on every individual I meet (and I will certainly need as many prayers as you can offer!) 


Immediately after being crowned Miss Louisiana, we hit the ground running with a media tour, workouts with my trainer, Rico Boyer, speaking at different events, getting the royal treatment from Dr. Hopkins Dermatology and my new hair dresser, Jana Norton, moving into the Miss Louisiana apartment, taking the official head and crown shots with the ever-amazing Steven Palowski, and making lots of decisions for Miss America (Still in shock that I'm going to THE Miss America Pageant!  *Insert wide-eyed, open-mouthed look of disbelief!) 


Here are some of the highlights:

 My best friends, Lindsey, Kelsea, and Brooke the night I became Miss Louisiana : ) These ladies have been there through it all and offered so much encouragement and love along the way.  Couldn't have done it without them!

Alexandra Cranford, KNOE-TV8's morning anchor

The first to try on the crown:  Kyle Myers, KNOE's morning meteorologist

I think he's got the crowning face down pat!

Being interviewed at KEDM

Getting miked up!

The uber-amazing Farrah Reyna, KNOE's evening anchor 

With my KNOE fam!  Clay, Emily, David, & Chris

Waiting to be interviewed by KTVE's Rick Adams

At the desk with Rick

Careful, Captain!!!

the lovely Kristen Blair, Miss Texas 2009

Dr. Larkin Page, official Miss TX fitness coach

Grabbing lunch in Dallas with two very special ladies:  Ashley and Jennifer Lenz, the designers of my red evening gown!  Love these girls!

One of the many perks of being Miss LA 2011 — iPad 2!!!

Emergency pit stop at the closest Mississippi hair salon... Jana, where are you when I need you?!

Leroy, our strong and fearless protector... and the man who gives us a front row parking spot!

With Gracey... Such a cutie patootie!

The incredible Taryn Foshee, Miss MS 2006 and former judge of mine, emceed the pageant.  I remember watching her in Miss America when I was a freshman in college and just falling in love with her! So honored to know this woman...

Behind the scenes at the Steven Palowsky shoot with Lynn Copeland's precious grand-baby : )

Assuming an incognito look...

With a special group of ladies at "It's All About Me" Junior League workshop for 10-14 yr. olds.

We talked about how to "Love the Skin You're In" and it was great getting to know each of them!!!

 

Show me your serious face...

Senator Francis Thompson and Senator Neil Riser

 Rep. Noble Ellington & Rep. Kay Kellogg Katz

 Senator Mike Walsworth

Mayor Mayo and friends

Judging by the number of appearances I've had in just 3 and 1/2 weeks, my year of service promises to be busy and exciting one but no matter how hectic it gets, it is my mission to make the crown count.  I aim to serve our state, the people of Louisiana, and all of you — my friends, family, fans, and encouragers — with dignity and grace, leaving a legacy as the greatest Miss Louisiana this state has yet to see.  If there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to contact me at hopeanderson@yahoo.com.  In the meantime, I sincerely hope you'll follow along as I embark on this newfound adventure! 






With endless gratitude,


Hope Anderson, Miss Louisiana 2011

"Spin for CMN"--A Children's Miracle Network fundraiser

My fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network, "Spin for CMN," is this Friday at the Monroe Athletic Club and you are officially invited!  Here's a clip from my visit to KNOE this morning, where I talked about the upcoming event.

The Miss America Organization and Children's Miracle Network are partnered, and as a Miss Louisiana contestant, I help raise funds and awareness for this wonderful non-profit that has already raised over $4 billion dollars this year, which helps to ease the burden from sick/injured children and their families. It's an honor and privilege to be associated with such an incredible cause, and over the past 3 and 1/2 years, I've met the most inspirational kids who've had a profound impact on my life.  


Justin Jarreau was Louisiana's Miracle Child in 2008 (the year I first won a prelim) and he was the special guest at my first fundraiser, "I Dance for Hope for the Kids of CMN."  We met and spent an afternoon together before the event, where I heard all about his story, "From Tragedy to Triumph."  Justin was in a tragic car accident that left him without a part of his brain and, as a result, doctors predicted he would never regain motor skills.  


With lots of fervent prayer, a loving family, and treatments from a CMN hospital, this resilient boy went from not being able to walk, speak, or function independently at all, to running, uttering "I love you's" to his mom, and living a life that every child--especially this one--deserves.  Justin defied every doctor's original prognosis and beat all the odds... Truly a triumph, and one his mother said never would have been possible without his treatments--none of which cost the Jarreau's a dime--at a CMN hospital. 


This Friday, I hope to raise as much money as possible for kids like Justin who need a hope, a prayer, and a triumph.  If you're around the Monroe area and free from 8:00 a.m. to noon, come join us and ride in honor of a Louisiana child and contribute to the miracles happening around our state.  If you aren't able to come, but still want to contribute, you can visit: 

 https://missamericaforkids.org/m.aspxi=4773+7116C96AD 

Your generous donations are appreciated and will benefit so many deserving kids in need of quality care and attention from premiere hospitals--Thank you!

It's Crunch Time

Four weeks from this past Monday, I check in to the Miss Louisiana dorms and the exciting week will begin!  This means that for the next month, I've got to give 150% percent to preparing for Miss LA. It's crunch time!!!!


Speaking of crunch, who doesn't like a good crunchy, salty chip?  You can dip it, dunk it, crumble it, throw it in soup, or nibble on 'em straight from the bag... I don't know about you, but I can't just eat a plain 'ole sandwich without some kind of crunchy side.  So, what's a girl to do when it's crunch time but she can't have her crunch? Two words:  kale chips.


What's this kale I speak of?  Well, it's a leafy green that's chock full of antioxidants, rich in lutein, calcium, iron, & vitamins A, C, and K, plus it's calorically low (one cup is 37 cals.)!  Oh, and kale has seven times more beta-carotene (i.e. prevents cancer, protects you from free radicals--can you say wrinkles?--and supports healthy eyes, clear skin, and stronger immune system!) than broccoli.  Is there anything this superfood can't do?  

Baked Kale Chips:


1 bunch kale
1 tbsp olive oil 
sprinkle o' sea salt


Preheat oven to 300°.  Wash kale, lay flat to dry, and then remove tough center stem by cutting or tearing large chunks off.  

I used my Misto--a genius little gadget--to lightly spray the kale, but you can lightly toss with olive oil in a bowl. 

 Spread kale in single layer on large baking sheet (covered mine in parchment paper for simple cleanup) and bake for 20 minutes until crisp.  Allow kale chips to cool on a baking rack.  Time to crunch. 

    On a different note, at 6:00 a.m. this morning I was on KNOE-TV8 talking about "Spin for CMN," my upcoming fundraiser for this Children's Miracle Network.  Video and details to come later in the day! 


    

Tioga's Got Talent

Yesterday, the day was off to a very early (but great) start.  Here's the play-by-play:


4:50 a.m.:  Alarm sounds, waking Sleeping Snooty from a good dream.  She rolls out of her high-rise bed, plants both feet on the ground and shuffles over to the armoire for, you guessed it, workout clothes. It's BodyPump time in t-minus 40 minutes!


5:00 a.m.: Clothes on, washing face, reminding myself that Starbucks medium roast is waiting on me in the lobby of the MAC


5:10 a.m.:  Almost ready to leave--lacing up the sneaks, catch one last glance of myself in the mirror and, alas, my pants are on inside out.  It's still dark, people...  At least I have an excuse this time...once, I went a whole day with my yoga pants on backwards.   Never having been an issue, I spent the whole day tugging them up in the back, noticed a Nike check on my right cheek, and thought, "Hey, that's kinda unusual...but I like it." Moment of realization:  Pulling them back up in the bathroom and reading the inner-front band--"Nike Dri-Fit made in Thailand." Oye Vey.


5:30-6:25 a.m.:  Rock it out in class : )


7:15 a.m.:  Hit the road for Pineville, LA to emcee Tioga Elementary's Talent Show!


8:45 a.m.:  Pull into the parking lot and, upon checking in, I'm greeted with smiling faces and first-rate hugs!


9:00 a.m.:  The fun begins...

Ahh, talent shows... I used to be quite the enthusiast.  As a young girl, any chance to perform on-stage was met with three words:  Sign. Me. Up. I hold fond memories from elementary school talent shows in 97', 98', and 99'--my 4th, 5th, & 6th grade years at Jack Hayes.  For my fourth grade debut, I sang "Every Heart Beat Belongs to You," by Amy Grant.  After the intro, I popped up from behind a colossal cardboard heart (made by none other than Onna Gallagher) that had "Hope" written across it in flashing lights and a 3400 font.  Evidently, no one sent my mother the memo that it was but a humble production... not a Broadway production.  Good 'ole Nonnie has always gone above and beyond!


The next year, I wanted to step it up a bit and do something less old-fashioned, more current.  My 5th grade mind decided on a selection that was sure to be a crowd pleaser.  I approached Mom with the brilliant idea and this is how it went:


MOM:  Have you given any thought to what you might sing in the talent show, baby?  I think "Part of Your World" would be beautiful on your voice and you could have a treasure chest with your "collection" of treasures on top to use for props...


HOPE:  *moaning & groaning*  Mom, I don't want to sing a Disney song! I wanna do something popular... like the other kids do...


MOM:  Okay, like what?


HOPE:  ...Well... like..."Scrub"


MOM:  What's "Scrub"?


HOPE:  ........You know... that song, "I don't want no scrub, a scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me..."


MOM:  .......................Hope, we may do a lot of things around here, but scrubbin' ain't one of them...

*end of discussion*

What song did I sing, you ask?  If you guessed "Part of Your World," you'd be correct.  And where did I place in the talent show?  First...  Yep, Nonnie knew what she was talking about.  Turns out "I've got gadgets and gizmos a plenty" was much more engaging than a song with too many double negatives to count.  To this day, we still don't scrub... 

This was my second trip to Tioga Elementary and the students were as sweet as ever, attentive, and, yes, really talented! I was so impressed by the variety of talents these Kindergarden through 6th graders had--everything from magic tricks to singing while playing guitar, dancing, and acrobats--I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and hope they'll have me back soon!

   

Giving a wave with the whole group.

The world is as many times new as there are children in our lives.              ~Robert Brault, http://www.robertbrault.com/