Happy Monday Louisiana!

I have been waiting to post about my meeting with the mayor until I received more of the pictures from the meeting. I officially have copies now thanks to Amanda Crane of the Bossier Press. I can finally update you all about the visit.

I had the opportunity to meet Mayor Lorenz Walker of Bossier City prior to engaging in the Miss Louisiana State Meeting. Myself, Megan Miller, Ginger Douglas, and Scarlett Britt all gathered in his office. He shared lots of information about the city of Bossier, the cyber innovation center, goals for he upcoming year, projects in progress at this time, and about his duties as mayor. We each gave a brief description of ourselves, our goals and ambitions, our titles, and where we attend school. Overall it was a wonderful time to gather and learn about the city as well as further network with the mayor. He was so kind to give us each a "coin" that represents himself and Bossier City. 

I had such an wonderful time! He had such a great personality and was very approachable. I look forward to possibly working with him more in the near future and I have an entirely new appreciation for Bossier City, Louisiana!

Yours truly, 

Miss Louisiana Jazzland

Picures attached

Left to right: Ginger Douglas, Shannon Byrd (me), Megan Miller, Mayor Walker

Mayor Lorenz Walker and I

Listening to his vast knowledge of Bossier City

Left to right: Ginger Douglas, Scarlett Britt, Mayor Walker, Megan Miller, Shannon Byrd (me)

Receiving our coins from the mayor

Post State Meeting

I am so excited to announce that I successfully made it to state meeting and all of my paperwork is turned in to the Miss Louisiana Organization! How exciting?! All of the paperwork, pictures, money, and ads are turned in and I can officially lift that weight off of my shoulders.

The weekend was jam packed with meetings, business, and even a little bit of fun for the contestants. Each contestant introduced themselves and announced their current title during Friday nights gathering and then the business began. Luckily the "Miss" contestants were able to sneak out a little early and embark on our overnight adventure. The hours that we put towards our "adventure" are going towards the process of winning the Duke of Edinburgh award. Last year I received the bronze medal and this year I am working towards the silver. The slumber party was extremely fun and we were able to bond and paint canvases representing our title. The Miss Louisiana Organization is so good to all of its girls!

Saturday morning began early and spared no time for play. We immediately went through obligations, rules, expectations, and drawing contestant numbers. That part of the meeting is always very serious and makes me extremely nervous. These are the thoughts that run through my head...

"Should I pick a high number...or a low number...or in between...how can I make the judges remember me...should I be in the blues group...or the jazz group...I am singer so I dont want to be lined up next to a singer...who should I compete next to...who do I want to perform before...who do I want to perform after...?"

So basically it is intense and before you know it, they call out your name and you need to decide right then where you want to placed in the lineup. I am pleased to announce that I am at peace with my decision and I am NUMBER FIVE in the lineup thirty six amazing women and a part of the JAZZ group! I cannot wait for June.

I am so happy that I was able to meet the new contestants and reunite with the returning contestants. All of the women I met could gracefully represent the state. It is always such a blessing to add members into this sisterhood. I cannot wait until we reunite again soon!

With joy and happiness,
Miss Louisiana Jazzland

Pictures attached

The canvas I painted

Carley McCord and I at the commercial shoot

Ann Harmon, Amy Dousay, Ginger Douglas, Megan Miller, and Scarlett Britt

Megan Miller, Lauren Vizza, and I at State Meeting. Best friends finally reunited!

Lauren Vizza, Jaden Leach, Carley McCord, Megan Miller, and I 

Miss Louisiana girls at the commercial shoot

Tri Sigma's: Dorie Chelette Berry, Carley McCord, and I

Miss Louisiana girls and their painings

Mallory Cox and I 

The end of State Meeting with all of the contestants

Lauren and I finally got to catch up

My best friends Megan Miller

Northwestern Demons! Fork 'em!

State Meeting is only a few days away! Paperwork has been keeping me very busy and up until all hours of the night, but I cannot wait to see all of the contestants and get started on the road to Miss Louisiana. Ad sales were much harder this year due to the economy, my busy schedule, and the fact that I won a late title. However, it is all working out and I know the trials are only going to make it all worth it in the end. The moment my feet hit the Miss Louisiana stage, all of the struggles leading up to the pageant seem to disappear and I am truly on "Cloud 9."

Hope everyone had an amazing Easter and I will report back after State Meeting with updates and pictures!