"Kiss that flounder, then FLING 'EM!" And that my friends, was the opening of the North Carolina Seafood Festival held the first weekend in October along the beautiful seashore of Morehead City. While most everyone there doubted my skills at flounder flinging, I did amaze the crowd (and even myself, that's our secret ... ok?) as I sunk two of the three flounder into the pot! Once the flounder flinging was over, I was able to meet many wonderful people that live in the area. I would like to say, "Thank you for having me at the festival. It was lots of fun ... and Morehead City is a great place to see!"

Next, was my moment of stardom as Miss South Carolina, Kelly Sloan, and I met Chuck Howard at Auto bell to film a commercial promoting Autobell's sponsorship of the Carolina's Carousel Parade. Remember to watch the parade on Thanksgiving Day. You will see lots of our state's high school bands, government officials, local celebrities, and of course all those lovely young ladies that competed for the prestigious title of Carolina's Carousel Queen.

This year marked the 40th anniversary of the ever famous Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. I was so lucky to be able to read this book to many of the USO children. They were all so precious. My beautiful Carolina Princess, Alex Franks, along with Sir Purr from the Carolina Panthers helped me serve the Hungry Caterpillar cake to all the children.

Set and ready for the Anson Homecoming Parade ... everything was going great! My dad was there to drive me ... the people were so welcoming...and then, the unbelievable happened! There were voices shouting, "Kill those Spartans! Kill those Spartans!" I shuttered ... it suddenly dawned on me I was smiling and waving to all these people that wanted to trample my high school team! I HAD to deal with this properly...so I did the only thing I could possibly do ... I waved, I smiled, and I waved some more ... AND I kept my secret to myself ... I can't help it, I'm just a Spartan at heart.

The next morning I was up and off to Greensboro. There I was greeted by a lady that always makes me feel special, Amanda Roberts. She introduced me to Mr. Garrett Herbert. Ladies, this is one gentleman with lots and lots of beautiful jewelry. You may want to add his name to your list of people to meet, because his creations can make your outfits sparkle!

On Sunday I emceed the "Save Our Sisters" hair and fashion show. While all the models had their hair styled and make up perfected, I felt very special because Kevin Driver was right there to make sure I had the couture look as well. Thank you Kevin for making sure I had the right "look." This day was also a treat because of two very special ladies, Nicole Jenks and Kim Jordan (who just happened to be my dresser at Miss North Carolina).

Monday was exciting! I spent most of the day anticipating the opportunity to share my platform with the Charlotte City Council. Mayor Pat McCory and all the Council members were so kind and they embraced me with open hearts. They even gave a special "hello" to my parents! This was truly an honor I'll cherish forever.

Another highlight of the week was spending the night with Katy Locklear and her family. We had so much fun...I went to dinner with Katy and company. We had great food, lots of laughs, and of course we talked & talked & talked. Later, we all played Monopoly with no dice---and, yes, it can be done! Thank you to the Locklear family ... can't wait to see you all again soon.

Saturday was a return to one of my favorite cities, Mt. Holly. This city and its people will always be near and very dear to my heart. Thanks to Carol Featherstone, my family and I were invited to attend the Annual Mt. Holly Masquerade Ball. All the proceeds were to benefit the community. It was a beautiful evening and I was truly treated like a queen. By the way, note to Michelle McMurrary ... I'm still freezing!

A huge "thank you" to Joe O'Brien for providing me the opportunity to fly to Washington, D.C to attend the International Bone and Joint Decade. Here, I learned how to better promote my message concerning scoliosis as I paired it with the broader scope of the National Scoliosis Foundation. This conference also enabled me to meet three other members of the Angel Brigade who had also had scoliosis surgery. We compared not only our stories, but our scars as well. At the conclusion of the conference I was able to go to the Capital and meet with our state's representatives to present my message concerning scoliosis. Thank you, Joe for this amazing learning experience.

Back in Raleigh, I was able to assist with the Junior League of Raleigh's Fashion Show. You won't believe who I met here!!! Not only did I meet the new SHAM-WOW man, I was allowed to assist in an amazing clean-up demonstration! It really does work!

Next stop, Tabor City for the Yam Festival. Thanks to Stephanie Todd, I got a wonderful night's sleep and she made certain I was right where I needed to be. The Festival was great - I even got to help the auctioneer auction bushels of sweet potatoes! That was fun!

After auctioning yams, I anxiously rushed to Goldsboro to attend the Miss Goldsboro pageant. Bridget Mooring got us everywhere right on time. Jay Sauls and committee provided the audience with a wonderful show. As always, Molly Deans sang beautifully as she prepared to pass the Goldsboro title on to another lovely and talented lady, Ashlee Perkinson. Congratulations to both of you.

The next week proved to be action packed and very inspirational. First, I emceed the Campbell University Talent show. Thank you all for raising money to benefit the National Scoliosis Foundation. Then I joined a very special friend, Leah Hutchens for dinner. We were thrilled when Beth Knox was able to meet us at the restaurant.
As soon as I had dinner, I dashed to Ft. Bragg. I spent a full day experiencing military life. First, I tried on paratrooper gear that honestly weighed more than me! Next, I viewed North Carolina from the cockpit of a C-130! Now that was unbelievable! I watched the paratroopers prepare to jump and later had dinner with my military buddy and heard his perspective of war and military lifestyle.
The next morning I had yet another amazing opportunity. Visiting with soldiers at the military hospital was an experience I'll always remember. These men and women had all put themselves aside for the safety and well-being of others. To talk with them and hear their stories was so touching. I walked out of there in a daze. This is an experience I wish everyone in our great state could have shared. These men and women that serve our country are truly outstanding and inspirational - they should all be revered as America's finest citizens.

After leaving the hospital, I had lunch with several military wives. This enabled me to see yet another side of military life. These women too, put themselves aside for others. It is truly astonishing just how much these women sacrifice.

Moving to a lighter side - attending Disney on Ice with the children that had a deployed parent was heart-warming. These young children were so excited to see this show. During the special time to meet and greet Mickey & Minnie Mouse (with only the children who had lost a parent in the war), I chatted with a particular little guy that was preparing his Halloween costume. Thinking that after seeing Mickey & Minnie, he might want to be a Disney character, I asked him what he was going to be for Halloween. He affirmatively placed his little hands on his hips and responded ... "a paratrooper ... duh." I know he didn't realize how his cute display of personality coupled with his answer stopped this 24 year old in her tracks ... but what a truly remarkable little guy! His dad was a hero ... not only to him ... but to all of America.

This experience at Ft. Bragg had certainly prepared me for my next stop ... speaking to the Veterans at Atlantic Beach. Here I was able to learn even more from our past war heroes. Our military is certainly to be honored and respected.

On to the Jackson Women's Club fashion show. Here I met a lovely lady whose daughter had had scoliosis surgery several years prior to me. It was interesting to compare just how much the surgery had changed over the years. These wonderful ladies allowed me to share my story of scoliosis and pageants with them. Thank you for this opportunity.

What an awesome month! October was filled with people that touched my life for a moment in time, but they touched my heart for a lifetime. A special thank you to everyone involved in making this month one that I'll always treasure. With each visit and each conversation, the words of Mrs. Shearon echoed in my mind and in my heart ... always be kind and gentle. As I reflect on this month, and as I travelled from the mountains to the coast ... I was constantly reminded of just how kind and gentle North Carolinians are. Thank you to this wonderful state that has opened its arms to me ... I am truly grateful to be able to represent this wonderful state and all its kind and gentle people.