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