Watch for me on TLC!

Dear friends,

I cannot believe that in exactly two weeks I will be departing for Los Angeles to film a reality TV show! In case you haven’t heard, TLC is producing a reality show, which will feature the 52 contestants for Miss America and air in January. I cannot wait for my television debut, and I must say that this show has been on my mind a lot lately! I never thought that I would have the opportunity to do something like this. I cannot wait to tell you all about my experience—after January, of course! Until then, I’ll keep you updated on my appearances.

On August 28, I was a special guest at the 2008 Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant. I received a special tour of the grounds; rode the featured tractor, trolley, and carousel; met LOTS of kind people; and ate world-famous meatloaf. I was featured in the saloon show and even held hostage during a train robbery! Throughout the day, I also learned more about my Midwestern heritage and was reminded of why I’m proud to be an Iowan. Thank you to everyone who made my day so memorable!

I traveled to Iowa City on August 30, where I was honored to spend the afternoon at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital where Children’s Miracle Network hosted a movie party. The children and I dressed like princes and princesses and watched Disney’s Enchanted on the big screen. We also enjoyed some popcorn, of course!

The next morning I spoke to the Sunday School class at Solid Rock Baptist Church in Wapello. I had such a nice time talking with the students about character and sharing pieces of my life with them. They asked wonderful questions, and I appreciated their enthusiastic participation in our discussion. Following the church service, I was picked up and escorted to a nearby golf course by limousine—my first official limo ride as Miss Iowa! I spent the afternoon visiting with participants in the 1st Annual Johnnie B’s Classic, a golf tournament to benefit a local business that recently caught on fire. It was so encouraging to see how much the people in this small community care for each other, and I was honored to be a part of their special day. The next day was Labor Day, and I was fortunate to spend it in McCausland, the home of Miss Iowa’s Outstanding Teen, Jessica Jennings. First, I rode in the Labor Day parade with Jessica and Jr. Miss Iowa, Francesca Lubecki-Wilde. Then, we all enjoyed lunch at the Jennings home and prepared for an afternoon show. Jessica and I performed some dance routines, and we all shared our platforms and experiences with the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program. It was so much fun to put on a show with my wonderful “pageant sisters” and to have some time to just hang out together. Thank you to the Jennings family for serving as my host and for organizing such a nice day!

The Labor Day appearance kicked off my last week, and I spent the rest of it in mock interviews, dance rehearsals, and on the road to meet my dress designer for Miss America. Let me tell you, I am quite excited to be able to have a gown designed especially for me. I don’t know exactly what it will look like yet, but I am confident that it will be just right. I can’t wait to wear it on the Miss America stage!

Speaking of Miss America, tomorrow will determine my competition group and number for the pageant. At 5:00 EST, all of the contestants will log onto their computers for what seems to work a little bit like the NFL draft—the Miss America lottery. The name of each state will appear on our screens in random order, and when I see “Iowa,” I will have five minutes to call in and choose where I want to be placed in the competition lineup. Thinking about the lottery is helping the reality of Miss America to sink in a little bit more. Sometimes I still can’t believe that my dream of performing on that stage is coming true.

Yesterday I hosted a dance camp for youth at Cheryl's School of Dance. I had so much fun teaching dance again--it's been too long!--and want to thank all of the dancers who participated. I'm so glad you came.

Blessings to you this week and always—

Olivia