It was just a matter of time til we crossed paths.

Through my career as a reporter, I have been able to meet hundreds of people who are well-known to us all. Some for better reasons than others. Never, have I been one to ask for an autograph (unless for someone else) or a photo. Even the pictures I have with U.S. Presidents and Vice-Presidents were taken by others. It just isn't my thing. Rarely, that is.
Until this morning when I was on my way home with my son from preschool. Crossing the four-way stop intersection was a familiar soul to me. Although we'd never met, I knew it was a matter of time as we both live in the same small area. Mike Leonard? Know him? No? Well, for years I have watched his stories on the Today Show even though I have yet to work for an NBC station.
He is a captivating story teller of everyday people. He finds the humor in humanity and the beauty in heartbreak.
He recently authored a book, "The Ride of Our Lives." I highly recommend it! I found myself laughing out loud late night while uncomfortably pregnant so hard, I'd wake my husband. That's hard to do! I'm talking tears from laughing so hard. To simplify the contents: he journals a trip across country he took with some of his family-including his aging parents...all crammed into a couple of RVs. If you've ever taken on a family road trip...you know what can happen, but it was still bittersweet as well. So anyway! I spotted him walking and I just had to roll down my window. He smiled and all I could say was a stuttered, "...I love your book. I even sent it down to my parents in Arkansas, so you are really making the rounds." He genuinely thanked me and asked for my name. And I was THIS close to asking him and his family to dinner. Next time.

A Belated Update....

Back in September I was so lucky to have my husband send me off to Arizona for an overnight. It was a chance to cheer on a friend and get a good night sleep! Lisa Niewolny is Mrs. Illinois America and , to me, the ultimate queen. She is so many wonderful things wrapped up in one person. She and her family recently took on the building of an orphan home in Africa that should be completed next spring. For Lisa, this trip to nationals was a goal a long time in the making and so I had to be there to cheer her on along with her family. She made the top 12 and looked outstanding. Here are some of the pictures from our seats in the back. I finally had them developed and uploaded and found many were too dark ect. So hre is what I was left with. Congrats Lisa on a job well done!

Focus...Focus...

For the longest time I have wanted to be a child advocate. It requires a long term commitment and so I waited until we were finished having babies and I felt I had life settled-somewhat. I decided to be a CASA for Lake County. As CASA's, we act as the extra set of eyes and ears for the Juvenile Court Judges. We handle individual cases in juvenile court which involve victims of child abuse and neglect. As we all know, the court systems and the caseworkers are simply overloaded. With such a time crunch, details or real life can get lost in the paperwork. CASAs are unbiased and are able to spend much more time with a child. We are able to talk with teachers, therapists, doctors,family ect about how the child is doing and what may be in their best interest. As a judge said to us this week, they only get a snapshot sometimes of a child's needs and we are able to serve them by giving the clear picture and make recommendations based on those findings. It was a wonderful six week training that made me want to be part of the organization even more and the others in our classes are outstanding! I cannot say enough about everyone involved, be it CASA, the Judges, attorneys and caseworkers. Believe me when I tell you how much they all care and work to keep the child the focus. This is when we were sworn in by the Judges Lessman and Judge Waites. Top notch ladies!

Do me a favor.

This is a wonderful video from CARE called Girl Effect. CARE is an organization that reaches out to millions of women and girls around the world in an effort to empower us all. This is done through education and health care. In turn, we females are better able to support ourselves and our families through economic and social opportunities. www.CARE.org I would post the video through You Tube here, but I am a computer novice STILL and only know how to post the address for the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIvmE4_KMNw

Too young

Here I am talking about beauty pageants and weight. My trials of baby fat and steroids and then I check my email. Tonight I learned I lost a friend of mine. Bob Rainey passed today after a three year battle with colon cancer. He was only 46. Only 46. He still had plans for a family and all that life owed him.

Bob and I became friends back when we both worked in Nashville. His former agent had become my agent. The two reunited and Bob was hired at WCCO. There he has been a sports anchor and covered his beloved Vikings. Dare I mention the Bears to him?

Bob was the kind of guy you would want to set up with your friends. He was THAT kind of great. And for three years he has taken on his battle very quietly. I thought he was managing it well, or so I was told. But now I know otherwise. It breaks my heart. There is nothing more to say, except, well I don't know. Tonight I haven't the right words because there are none. To Bob, I love you and will miss you.

Mrs. International

This was known to be perhaps one of the toughest years in terms of competition for any Mrs. system. There were former national title holders and others who had come close. There were fresh faces that had done amazing work with their platforms. Basically, it was the who's who and yet it could be anyone's game. I was thrilled to have several people there who I can call friend. Deanna Linz, Lori Donaudy, and Laine Berry were all part of the US class of 2007. They have become friends who will always have your back. They are strong leaders willing to stick their necks out there to make things better for other women. They are like sisters to me. Shannon Devine (Mrs. US 06) is one of the first queens I had ever gotten to know and is such an example of grace and humor at the same time. Janice McQueen Ward has been such a great person to learn from and it was amazing seeing her on stage. All of these ladies were incredible. I was thrilled to see Lori and Shannon make the top ten. Deanna was 2nd runner-up and Laine was crowned the new Mrs. International! It is an intense job with high expectations that she will take to new levels. Kudos to you all!
1)Deanna, Shannon, Lori and Janice.Pretty ladies.
2)Lori in her Strapless gown. Stunning!
3)Deanna and her Husband Andy. Gorgeous!
4)Laine Berry, Mrs. International and the top ten

This Just in...the new Mrs. Illinois America Is....

LISA NIEWOLNY!!!! These ladies all looked awesome and are making married women proud with their accomplishments. I am so proud of Lisa as she will continue the long tradition of representing our state and will be an incredible Mrs. Illinois. She has a strong faith and lives with her heart. The work she and her family does in Africa is changing lives there. Did I mention she has a book out to help girls with positive self-esteem? Lisa will have about six weeks before nationals and she is primed and ready to go if I don't say so myself. I must admit, being the big Mama I am right now, it was so motivating to see how fit all these women are. Man, I will have hundreds of miles to run before I can get anywhere near a swimsuit!
1)Lisa in her state costume
2)Lisa with her daughter Kennedy
3)Lisa with court
4)Lisa in evening gown
5)Jennifer Jordan Cruz-1st runner up
6)Randa allen-3rd Runner-up
7)Anji Meidel-2nd runner-up
8)Randa again