Run Away Queen

July 22, 2009 - Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight 5K
I was asked to sing the National Anthem at the Lifetime Fitness Torchlight 5k, a portion of the proceeds benefits Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. I was excited to be a part of this event, and kick off the run!

Now I work out, but I have not gone running in quite some time, (I pulled my hamstring in the spring and have been resting it) although I am always up for the challenge! Oh then I was asked if I could run in my crown and sash….


The traffic getting to the race was crazy and it took my mom and me quite some time to find a parking spot to meet up with the two guys, Bryon and Marzol who were in charge. When we did hook up they took great care of me, getting my race number, t-shirt and walked me to the starting line of the race.

I had thought this all out, I was going to sing the National Anthem, then take a few minutes to take the crown off and get ready to run. Once the HUGE crowd had started to die out (there were over 5,000 people running) I would jump in and begin to run. Well of course things did not go according to plan...

Before I sang the National Anthem I met Staci (as in Moon and Staci of KS95!!!) She attempted to run away with my crown, that is the second time in the past month someone has tried to steal the crown! I really need security.


As soon as I was done singing the National Anthem, the race began! After taking a few running photos with the crown on I quickly took my crown and sash off and handed them to my mom, and then I started to run.
About 2 minutes into my run I realized that I did not grab a hair binder, I still had my warm up on, and I had no cell phone!!!! I definitely had the windblown hair look going for me, and there were a lot of shouts out from the crowd that I had the best race hair. As for the warm up jacket, let’s just say I burned twice as many calories than the other runners.


Now the cell phone part…. Not good. I finished the race in… drum roll please….. TWENTY TWO MINUTES AND THIRTY TWO SECONDS. I was hoping for less than thirty, I guess I underestimated my ability! Once I finished they told all the runners to keep walking to leave room for everyone. At this point I had no idea how I was going to meet up with my mom, who was driving from the start of the race to the end.

After about 10 minutes of recovering from my run, I had no idea where I was. I learned back when I was 5 years old on what to do when you are lost. I found the information booth! I asked to use a cell phone and called my mom. Of course as soon as I made the call a band started to play in the background. As I yelled into the phone that I was at the corner of Power and Merriman, I only hoped that my mom knew what I was saying. After another 10 minutes and still no mom, I did the second thing I was taught at age 5, find a police officer. Unfortunately this police officer did not have a cell phone on him. As I was wandering around I was approached by a family that recognized me from the start of the race when I sang the National Anthem. As they took pictures of me with their cell phone, I asked if I was able to borrow it to call my mom. After about 5 attempts I finally got a hold of her and we decided to meet back at the finish line.


Please enjoy the first ever: Miss Minnesota’s MOM Blog:

So here it is the Mom blog, the real story of what it takes to be the chaperone of Miss Minnesota.

First I have learned while driving with Miss Minnesota, she doesn’t give the MapQuest directions fast enough. I hear “Oh you were supposed to go left!” After I have gone right, this is not good when you are in downtown rush hour traffic.

Rule number 1. The job of a chaperone is to remain calm no matter what happens.

This is sometimes hard to do when the person you are suppose to chaperone decides to take off running in a crowd of 5,000 runners and you have no way of contacting her.

Rule number 2. Have MapQuest directions, a map and a GPS in your car for unexpected road construction and closed off roads.

After packing up the crown, sash and camera I headed back to the parking garage to drive to the end of the race. Simple right! Just follow the direction we printed out from Map Quest to the end of the race. I put the address into the GPS and as I pull out of the parking garage I wait for the satellite signal to give me directions. Waiting, waiting, waiting, car behind me beeping and wants me to move so I turn in the direction I came. OOPs that has now become the parade route and is closed.

After several turns and directions given by GPS and Police I think I am going the right way when I hear the GPS telling me to turn on 2nd street, well this street is closed for construction. Then it tells me to turn around as if I miss the street, so I continue to see if it comes up with another route. I start to feel as if the GPS is now mocking me saying recalculating, recalculating, over and over. I am starting to sense an angry tone to the sound of the voice as I keep checking direction trying to find the end of the race.

After 30 minutes trying to find my way using the GPS I stopped and looked at the race map and tried to find this the old fashion way by asking someone! Directed to go over the bridge to Harriett Island I could now see the runners in the distant and just decided to find a place to park and walk over to the finish line.

Walking around seeing all the runners I realize there was no way I would find (Brooke) Miss Minnesota. So I was just about to walk back to my car when I got the first phone call from her. I could not hear very well because there was a Band playing and all I heard was that she was by a tent and a street named How and Merriam. So I did what I taught my children, I went to a Police Officer and asked where was How and Merriam? He had a map and said there are no streets that started with H (How) but that Merriam Street was on the corner. So I waited by the corner as hundreds of runners went by. I tried calling back the number that Miss Minnesota called from, no answer. OK, so back to rule number 1, stay calm. What else did she say, a tent, ok so there was a tent by the finish line I will go back there and look for her? Now it was starting to get dark and I was getting a little worried, those thoughts start to come into your head as a parent that you have lost your child and panic was starting to set in, when I got the second phone call from her.



This time I could hear her, we had a plan to meet at the finish line, where the red and blue balloon arch was. Relief! As I stood next to the arch waiting, the race organizers start to deflate the balloon arch, but when I looked up I heard a familiar voice it was Brooke, Miss Minnesota.

She was excited about her race time and wondering where I had been all this time. I just smiled and said I was here waiting for you.

Rule number 3. Never let your Queen out of your sight without a chaperone.



Next Appearance: Miss Frazee Pageant. I think my Dad is going to accompany me on this one!

Always,
Brooke

Giant Ear of Corn

July 15, 2009-- Gillette Children’s Hospital
Every Wednesday morning I volunteer at Gillette’s, this morning we made crowns. There were stickers and jewels for the kids to use. Things are always interesting when glue is involved in a craft project!

Festag Days
I was asked to appear at Festag Days in Minnesota Lake. I was so excited about this appearance because Vicki Kueppers, a former Miss Minnesota, was going to be my chaperone! We had a 3-hour drive ahead of us. Vicki and I can talk about anything, the first hour we talked about what we had been up to since the Miss Minnesota Pageant, then we moved to paperwork for Miss America, and then some fun ideas for my CD project.



Before we knew it we were 20 minutes away, and this giant ear of corn pulled in front of us. And when I say giant, I mean GIANT! It had to be heading to the festival where we were going. What I learned is that a truck carrying a giant ear of corn has to drive quite slowly. The 20 minutes turned into 40 minutes.

Thankfully we arrived on time, and I was able to visit with the committee before the Queen’s Tea. There were about 15 other festival queens at the tea along with the reigning Miss Festag Royalty and the candidates vying for the title. As I was chatting with them I told them about the Giant Ear of Corn I followed here and how fun it would be to ride on it in the parade.



After the Tea we headed over to the parade, my driver Ken has driven the past five Miss Minnesota’s in his red convertible. Right before we were about to start a truck drove by with a bunch of high school students. As they were passing one yelled out “Hey, I know you! You’re Miss Minnesota!” It came from a familiar face, and then it all clicked. When I was Miss Twin Cities I volunteered at the Mapleton’s Relay for Life which is just one town over form Minnesota Lake.



This familiar voice I heard was Niko, who was my “body guard” at the Relay for Life. He was excited and surprised that I won Miss Minnesota so we had to get a photo!

For a small town of 700, this parade brought in thousands. As we drove in the parade I was able to see the festival and all the rides. Half way through the parade we came to the announcers. As my car approached I could hear them telling the crowd that I was the newly crowned Miss Minnesota, and where I was from. The announcer then said: Brooke’s mission while at the Festag festival is to ride on the giant ear of corn! Now Vicki and I found this quite hysterical and I wondered why no one else was laughing. I later found out that while I was number 40 in the parade, the corn was number 100… which meant no one had seen the giant ear of corn yet! The crowd must have thought I was crazy!

After the parade the coronation of the Festag Royalty took place on a stage outside in the middle of the festival. I could not believe how many people were there, it looked like a mini state fair!



I sang for the crowd, and shared with them about the CD I am recording for Children’s Miracle Network. Since it was past 9 o’clock, the bugs were everywhere. My main goal during my song was to not have a bug fly in my mouth. While I achieved that, it did not prevent them from flying everywhere else. During the middle of the song I would have 4 or 5 bugs on my forehead. There is no gesture in the world that you can make “wiping bugs off your forehead” look natural while singing a song.

Congratulations to the new Miss Festag Royalty! Also thank you to the committee for welcoming me to their festival. I had a wonderful time.

I am so thankful to Vicki Kueppers who came along with me during the Miss Festag appearance. I am sure that riding in the car with me in the parade brought back many memories of her time as Miss Minnesota. She was so helpful and I could not have done it without her. Vicki took her job as chaperone very seriously even when she had to call and inform the committee that we might be late due to a large piece of corn! It is incredible that the Miss America Organization can introduce such amazing people into your life. Vicki Kueppers is one of those people.

July 16, 2009- Recording Studio
Another recording session for the Children’s Miracle Network CD with Darren, I spent about 3 hours singing. As a singer I had no idea that performing live, and recording were two completely different things. I am very grateful to have Darren, who has been very good at coaching me, and bringing out the best in my vocal abilities.

July 17, 2009- Miss Morris and Miss Midwest Pageant
Luggage travels 350 Miles.

My mom and I were up at 6:30 AM to head to Morris, Minnesota for the day. The Miss Morris/Miss Midwest committee had a packed day for me!

*Just a little side note here that the pink luggage has been cleaned from its trip to Boston and is taking this trip to Morris. My Mom cleaned the luggage with a stiff brush and this bar of soap that she uses for tough stains that my grandmother, who grew up in Ireland used on her clothes. I think we have had this bar of soap for 5 years now (a little goes a long way) and my Mom keeps it in a plastic my little pony cup in the laundry room. It did the job because the luggage looks like new.


At the brunch I gave a speech to the contestants, their families and the Little Princesses and Princes who were there to be crowned. I was able to tell them the amazing benefits of the Miss America Program and applauded them for entering this program. Whether you walk away with the crown or not you gain so much more from this pageant. The scholarship opportunities and the girls you meet will create lasting friendships. I enjoyed catching up with Angie and Quinn the current royalty. Angie was my roommate, and Quinn was my workout buddy during the week at Miss Minnesota.

Since I was in Morris for the day, the committee asked if I would sing the National Anthem at the horse show down at the fair grounds. I love any opportunity to sing, and I was hoping they might let me ride a horse during the event.

One of the things that I love about small towns is the way they give directions. In Eagan, we have to provide street names and house numbers. In Morris landmarks such as Pizza Hut or Dairy Queen are all the directions given. Thankfully my mom and I are quick learners because we found the horse show by following a horse trailer.

I was greeted by Jean who was in charge of the horse show, and also on the Miss Morris Committee. I took pictures with the volunteers, and then a few of the riders. One boy told me that he had 11 horses! Then he asked if I wanted one! I was quite tempted to take one horse and ride back to the pageant on it. Although I am not sure how my Dad would feel if I brought a horse home from this weekend. I already have a puppy and two cats that I need to take care of!



One of the riders was a young girl named Savannah. She had this awesome riding outfit with rhinestones and she was even wearing a crown! Her horse’s name was Sweetie, and I was able to talk with her for a bit before her competition. Later that evening I found out that she had a secret identity! Keep reading to find out ☺

Back to Sonia (the Miss Morris director) house for a home cooked meal. The committee hosted a dinner for the royalty and judges. Thank you to Sonia and everyone for the excellent food, my mom and I enjoyed not having to go to subway again.

I was so excited for the pageant; I sang the National Anthem and had a little back stage time before swim suit. Quinn had called me earlier in the week to tell me the details about what I would be asked to do at the pageant. She paused for a long time and said “Brooke, they want us to do swimsuit” Now I am thinking she means they want us to come out in our swimsuits and walk around! Thank goodness she just meant they wanted us to emcee swimsuit…

After the pageant while I was signing autographs, I was approached by royalty from a town nearby. They wanted to take a photo, and then I realized that their little princess was Savannah who I had met earlier at the horse show. This time she was wearing a beautiful gown, sash, and her crown. I could not believe that she was holding out on me when I saw her before!



Congratulations to the new Miss Morris Sarah Saugstad, and the new Miss Midwest Emily Wyman!

Did I mention that I have been Miss Minnesota for almost a month! Time is just flying by! It will soon be January and the Miss America pageant!

Always, Brooke

Miss Minnesota luggage travels over 3450 miles this weekend.

July 10, 2009
Right before Miss Minnesota week my Mom purchased a bubble gum pink set of luggage for me. I managed to keep it clean the whole week at Miss Minnesota, but this weekend it really took a beating. First stop the Miss Northwest pageant!

It was fun to get some father-daughter time as I took the role of his secretary for the day as we drove to Detroit Lakes for the Miss Northwest Pageant. As he made conference calls during the car ride, I was catching up on my thank you cards, and reviewing my paperwork.

I was excited to see Lacey Erickson, the current Miss Northwest! We stood next to one another backstage before the opening number, and she always knew how to make me laugh. As soon as I arrived I met the 7 girls who were competing as they finished up their interviews. As you know I am collecting snow globes from each local pageant that I attend, and my dad went off on a scavenger hunt to find one. I had to laugh when he came back with a magnet instead, it’s the thought that counts! It was fun to see the girls from Miss Minnesota week again, and catch up with Lacey and Mackenzie in our dressing room.



Thank you to Cindy Moore and the entire Miss Northwest Committee for putting on such a successful pageant and congratulations to the new Miss Northwest, Lexy Okeson!
Luggage 450 miles and still clean!

July 11, 2009
Up at 5 AM to get to the airport to fly to Boston, as I was checking in my pink luggage the Northwest attendant asked me if it was brand new. I smiled and said yes, and she responded, “Well it won’t look as new when we are finished with it.” I was really hoping she just kidding!

After finishing up some last minute details with my school and apartment, my mom and I had some free time before the Miss Massachusetts pageant that evening. I was able to play tour guide for a while and take my mom to the best shopping spots!

The Miss Massachusetts pageant was held in Worcester, which is about an hour outside the city. We had rented a car (a cute silver PT Cruiser!), and I was in charge of the GPS. So I brought my own GPS, and map quest directions plus the car we rented had a GPS. I really wanted to make sure we didn’t get lost!

The theatre was absolutely beautiful, and as soon as we were arrived the reigning Miss Massachusetts Alicia Zitka greeted me. We had exchanged a few emails but this was the first time I had met her in person.



I confused a lot of people during the night because of my title. Most people assumed after seeing the M that I was Miss Maine! I loved the looks on their faces when they realized that I was actually Miss Minnesota. I did not mind explaining a couple times that I go to school in Boston and was in town for the weekend.

INTERESTING FACT: I was actually born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts which is only 1 hour away from Worcester. I don’t remember much about living there but my claim to fame is that I played with Meryl Streep’s kids when she was shopping in the same store as my mom. Granted I was only 2 at the time but that is still pretty cool!

There were four other Miss America titleholders at the Miss Massachusetts Pageant. I was able to meet Miss Connecticut, Miss New Hampshire, Miss Vermont and Miss Rhode Island. I am so excited that I now know a few girls before heading to Florida in August. We had a great time getting to know one another, and taking pictures.

The Miss Massachusetts Committee puts on a great show. They have official Miss Massachusetts’s dancers, and they hold auditions for them every year! They introduced each face of the competition with a fun dance routine and I enjoyed watching them.



During the pageant they had the visiting royalty introduce themselves onstage. They saved me for last since I had traveled the farthest. I explained to the crowd why I was there and even received a few cheers when I mentioned Pittsfield, MA.

Congratulations to Amanda Kelly the new Miss Massachusetts! There was a nice reception after the pageant where I was able to meet Amanda and grab a quick photo before heading on the road again. Although something caught my attention before I was able to leave. The Miss Massachusetts Pageant had this incredible cake that was on display. It was just too pretty to eat! Of course I had to take a picture with it.


Luggage travels 3000 miles and dirty on one side from flight!

July 12, 2009
Singing the National Anthem for the Minnesota Twins has been one of my favorite Miss Minnesota appearances so far. I had fun behind the scenes with David and Glo (thank you again for letting me sing!) I hope I can come back again during the season because I have a feeling I might be a good luck charm! The Twins dominated that game!! Here is video from the Twins Game, now keep my mind my dad filmed this while standing on a chair!



That evening I was invited to sing with the Dakota Valley Summer Pops Orchestra at Caponi Art Park. I was able to thank Mr. Caponi himself for having me, and I am looking forward to attending more concerts there.

My bubble gum pink suitcase was able to survive this whirlwind of a weekend. Although I have to admit it does not look brand new any more.



Always, Brooke

Just a quick update

Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Today, I had my second visit with the Children at Dakota Woodland’s Women’s Shelter sharing my platform Music: The Building Blocks of Education. The craft for the day was Kazoo’s which we made out of toilet paper rolls. The kids were able to decorate their instrument with all different types of stickers including some in the shape of musical notes. Add a piece of wax paper, a rubber band and a few holes and they had their very own kazoo! Some of the kids I met last week returned, and brought the jingle bracelets they had made last time. After our craft we made our own band with the kazoos, drums, cymbals, shakers and a whistle. One of the other volunteers, Josh, who helping out started to sing for the kids, and then it was my turn. I asked the kids if they knew a song they could sing along, and we all decided on “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” Instead of singing we decided to rap it! I wish I had my video camera because the kids were just hysterical. Next week’s craft… I’m thinking guitars made out of milk cartons!

Miss Lakeville Pageant 2009
I met the current Miss Lakeville, Morgan Berg, at my Minnesota Queens for a Cure event in May. She joined my team and walked the 5K. I was so excited when I was invited to sing at Miss Lakeville not only to perform but also to see Morgan again! The theme for this year’s pageant was “I’ve Got the Music in Me” and the director asked if I would speak on behalf of my platform, Music: The Building Blocks of Education. Miss Lakeville had 12 contestants this year, and each girl has something different to offer. I was so happy that I was not a judge! During intermission I was able to catch up with Tricia Eisen (who competed in Miss Twin Cities) and her mom. Tricia and I both go to school in Boston, and she is doing amazing things with her music career. Keep an eye out for her album, because this girl is extremely talented. I also caught up with the newly crowned Miss Eagan Ambassadors, to ask how their first week of royalty was going! The second half of the pageant I had to watch from backstage. During this time I was able to catch up with Miss Lakeville Morgan Berg and her two princesses. Torrie, 2nd Lakeville Princess, and I played soccer together back in the day. It is crazy to see both of us wearing crowns on our heads when just a few years ago we were sporting soccer cleats and shin guards. This was my first time meeting Kaley, 1st Lakeville Princess, but we hit it off right away! As I waited backstage reviewing my lyrics the Lakeville Royalty were reviewing as well. They have to memorize their farewell speeches and deliver them center stage! Thank goodness Miss Minnesota tapes her farewell ☺

I was able to talk to the audience about my platform, and share my musical journey. I performed one of my favorite songs (I was actually considering doing this for my talent before I found “Somebody to Love”). The song is called “Gold” by Linda Eder.

*FUN FACT: Linda Eder was raised in Brainerd, Minnesota and won the title of Miss Brainerd in 1981 and was 4th runner up to Miss Minnesota.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Scipioni who was named 1st Lakeville Princess! I met Liz during the Miss Twin Cities Pageant and she will do a wonderful job representing the city of Lakeville.

After the pageant was over, they set up a table for me to sign autographs and sell my candy bars for Children’s Miracle Network. Thank you to the Miss Lakeville committee for letting me be apart of such an incredible night!



July 9, 2009
I met up with Darren at the recording studio to start finalizing the song choices for my Children’s Miracle Network CD. I am excited to say that I will have two original songs on the CD, as well as one cover song. Today was a lot of production work: figuring out what key was best for my voice, and what I wanted to do with each song. I cannot believe that we will start recording next week! My parents have been video taping the entire process and here is a little clip! Think of it as a behind the scenes of Brooke’s Children’s Miracle Network CD. Stay tuned for more information on the release date ☺



This Friday I will be attending the Miss Northwest Pageant. I am looking forward to seeing the other girls from Miss Minnesota week. Then Saturday morning my mom and I are on the first flight to Boston for the Miss Massachusetts Pageant. It will be a fast turn around since I am flying back to Minnesota early Sunday morning to make it back in time to sing at the Twins Game that afternoon. Then that evening I will be making an appearance at Dakota Valley’s Pops Concert. It is going to be a crazy busy weekend!

Always, Brooke

2 weeks in...

It has been so busy and exciting since I was crowned Miss Minnesota 2009 and I love every minute of it!

Friday - June 26, 2009
My first official appearance as Miss Minnesota! I was invited to the Super America in Maple Grove, where a fund raiser for Children’s Miracle Network was being held. I was greeted by over 20 Super America employees and many had been there since 6 AM! They had a goal of raising $50,000 over the two days, and by 11 AM they had $10,000! As soon as I arrived they put me to work! I wanted to wash windows, but no one let me so I stuck to signing autographs. During the fundraiser, Tracy was making announcements over the loud speaker. He found out that I was on American Idol, and he asked me to sing for the customers. He gave me a nice introduction and right before handing me the microphone he announces I will be doing animal noises. I joked with him, saying, “Tracy! You know that is my Miss America talent and we have to keep it a secret!” Thank you to everyone who helped raise money for Gillette’s those two days in Maple Grove.

Miss America Calling
On the way home from my appearance my cell phone rang. When I looked it was a (609) area code which is New Jersey, so I am thinking it is my Grandma or a cousin. My mom and I were in the middle of the conversation so I almost didn’t pick up! Good thing I did because it was the current MISS AMERICA, KATIE STAM!! I was in shock and I could not believe that I was actually talking to her. Katie wished me congratulations and we chatted a bit about my plans for Miss Minnesota. She will be in Florida and that will be the first time I will be able to meet her. After that phone call I think it really hit me that I am actually going to Miss America! Katie even told me to save her number, and I will admit sometimes I find myself looking through my phone contacts to see “Miss America, Katie Stam” in the midst of them.

Saturday - June 27, 2009
The next day my family and I were up bright and early for our road trip to Brainerd, Minnesota. We decided to call it our mini vacation for the summer (our hotel had a nice water slide in it!) It takes three hours to drive to Brainerd and our car was packed. We had snacks, water, pageant gowns, suitcases, makeup, hair curlers, and a Miss Minnesota contestant sign. After I won, David gave me the contestant sign that was outside our meeting room during the week. It is my goal to get every girl to sign the poster and after this weekend I am halfway there. We arrived in Brainerd around noon, and met up with Emily Wyman, Miss Brainerd Lakes. I know it had only been a week since Miss Minnesota but I felt like I had not seen her in forever! She became one of my closest friends during the week, and I always have so much fun with her. The Brainerd Lakes committee treated me like royalty, literally. I had my own private dressing room that also had a bathroom. They made sure I felt right at home. I quickly got ready and then talked to the contestants before they headed into their interviews. I had to smile when I heard the girls talk about their interviews because two of the judges were my local directors Kathy and Judy. I even had the chance to catch up with them (I had not seen them since the brunch after Miss Minnesota) and talk about my first week as Miss Minnesota.

I had an hour break before I had to get ready for the final night so my family picked me up for dinner. They visited the Paul Bunyan amusement park that day and had some entertaining photos. I wish I had time to see the GIANT Paul who knows your name when you walk by. Maybe next time… Family, you up for another road trip? My mom bought me a snow globe from the museum which is the start of my new collection from the local pageants. Each local pageant I attend I am going to buy a snow globe from the city, I feel that a snow globe is appropriate for the state of Minnesota!

For the final pageant, over half of the girls I competed with at Miss Minnesota attended. It was so wonderful to see everyone again, and catch up since the final pageant. I love how we all got along so well during Miss Minnesota week and I know we will all keep in touch. Girls – do not forget about our pool party! Invitations coming soon :)

The Miss Brainerd Lakes Pageant had 10 girls this year, and if you have not been to their pageant, the stage is incredible. They have a runway that reminds me of the traditional Miss America pageant when it was held in Atlantic City. When it was my time to perform during the pageant Bill, one of the directors, told me to work that runway. So that I did! During the day a few of the staff members were wearing “Protect the Queen” shirts. I had commented on them every time I saw them because they were so cool! Well, while I was on stage they presented me with my very own shirt. I definitely wore it home that night. Congratulations to Lauren Johnson, the new Miss Brainerd Lakes. I look forward to getting to know you throughout the year. Thank you to Bill and Vicki, Miss Brainerd Lakes Directors, for letting me share in the fun of the Miss Brainerd Lakes Pageant.

Sunday - June 28, 2009
My Dad and I woke up early that morning to get our workout in before we had to leave for a 4 hour drive to Middle River, Minnesota. We went downstairs to ask for directions to the gym and the man at the front desk told us there was a brand new gym just down the block. This was a bit more tempting then the room at the hotel with one treadmill and one bike, and we were up for the brief walk. After about 15 minutes of walking we arrived at the gym and it was definitely brand new. So new that the gym was not even open yet! My dad and I had an extra workout that morning since we then had to walk back to the hotel. We headed out to the Miss Marshall County pageant. Having never been this far up north I now understand why people have cabins. The lakes are absolutely beautiful.

We arrived in Middle River around 1 PM, and had plenty of time to get ready for the 3 PM pageant. I had the opportunity to meet all of the girls vying for the title of Miss Marshall County as well as the committee. Before the pageant started I went onstage to do a sound check for the songs I planned to perform and we could not get my CD to work. The sound guy, Nick, tried every CD player he had and every cord he had but for some reason it would not work with his system. I was planning on just singing something acapella, when my little brother came to the rescue. The CD worked on his computer and while I was singing he held a microphone up to the computer to play my karaoke track. I had a blast during the pageant, and stayed busy. I helped ask the onstage questions, performed twice, and even sang with the town’s Men’s Chorus. Of course I did not know any of their songs, but it was fun to join them on a song that I believe was called “Bird Dog?”

During the crowning the local director handed me the crown but she did not have any hair pins to secure it. I removed a few pins from my own and hoped both crowns would stay in place. Congratulations to Joanna Endrizzi, the new Miss Marshall County!! The pageant ended around 5 and my family and I had a seven hour drive back to the Twin Cities. I am convinced that our GPS has a sense of humor. After about two hours in the car we were all hungry for some dinner. The GPS told us that a Subway was only 5 minutes away, except when we got there… no Subway, just a residential home. We tried again after about 10 minutes and the GPS found another Subway…. Except this time it was a Barn. Finally after an hour searching for some food, we found a Subway in Perham. It was a long drive but we were finally home around 11 PM that night. With so much time in the car I worked on lists of songs and ideas of things I could do as Miss Minnesota.

Monday - June 29, 2009
The next morning I was up early to get ready for my appearance on Twin Cities Live. After my workout that morning I noticed I had a few missed calls from Barb, my Miss Minnesota Business Manager. She called to ask if I could find my Flexible Hanger that I had invented in 4th grade, because they wanted it on the show that afternoon. Barb had sent them my paperwork from the pageant to come up with questions, and they wanted to interview me on my invention. I panicked because I had no idea where it would be, but my mom, cool as a cucumber, knew exactly where my flexible hanger was.

While eating lunch there was a commercial for Twin Cities Live that showed a preview of the show for today. That is when I found out that Nick Arrojo, the hair stylist from TLC’s What Not to Wear was going to be on the show! I am a huge fan of that show, and was keeping my fingers crossed that I would meet him. My mom and I arrived on set about an hour before taping. We were taken down to the dressing room and green room to wait for my sound check. The walls all around the studio are covered with signatures from guests who have been on their shows. I even found some former Miss Minnesota signatures!

While waiting back stage I was able to meet with the other guests. Marjorie Johnson, who has been on Jay Leno and Rosie O’Donnell for her baking was going to be making her famous ABC Bread on the show. She assured me that I could have a piece because it was made with Apples, Bananas and Carrots!

Then the moment I had been waiting for…. Nick Arrojo and his hair models walked in. After his interview he came into the green room and started chatting with my mom and me. I told him that I was competing for Miss America and needed some hair advice, and he said (I quote): “Darlin’ you already have Miss America hair.” Let’s hope he is in Las Vegas tells that to the judges!!!

Before going on for my interview the host Elizabeth Ries came back to the green room to chat and I learned that she went to school in Apple Valley which is the rival school to Eastview where I graduated. We hit it off right away and the interview just flew by! I had the opportunity to watch it online and I loved the bit about the flexible hanger. I am so glad that they had me bring it on the show. They invited me to come back throughout my reign and hopefully I can come back once my Children’s Miracle Network CD is released. Now you may be asking what CD? Well continue reading…

Tuesday - June 30, 2009
Before Miss Minnesota I came up with the idea of recording a CD for Children’s Miracle Network with the proceeds going towards CMN and Gillette Children’s Hospital. I had the idea of just recording it on Garage band on my apple computer, but former Miss Minnesota Vicki Kueppers had a better idea. She hooked me up with producer, Darren Rust, of Lakeville who has a private recording studio in his home. We met the week before and discussed options for the CD and also recorded a demo to listen to. Today we came together to discuss final details about the recording process. The album will be complete by this August and will have 3 songs. One of them will be an original that I will be able to perform throughout the state. Stay tuned for more information on ordering a CD and you will be able to watch some video clips on the recording process.

Minnesota Thunder Soccer
That evening I was asked to sing the National Anthem at the Minnesota Thunder’s Soccer Game. Something you may not know about me is that I played travel soccer for 7 years and was very familiar with the Blaine Soccer Club. Never in a million years did I think I would be standing on the field of the National Sports Center in heels and a crown and sash. I even saw a few friends that I played soccer with at the game.

I sang the National Anthem before the game (perfect warm up for the Twins Game!) and they gave me a T-shirt. I have realized I am going to have quite the T-Shirt collection after my reign of Miss Minnesota is over. I already have my MN Thunder shirt and my “Protect the Queen” T-Shirt.

Wednesday - July 1, 2009
This was quite the busy day. It was my first day back at Gillette’s since being crowned Miss Minnesota. When I walked into the volunteer office they had decorated the volunteer board with pictures from the Miss Minnesota pageant. During the week we visited Gillette’s to take a tour and make cookies with the patients. I was able to see both Paula and Laurie who I worked with while I was there. They were so excited about me becoming Miss Minnesota and wanted to know every detail. Since the 4th of July was that weekend the craft for the day was red, white and blue bracelets. They were a hit and we ran out so fast! Thank goodness we have unlimited coloring pages and coloring crayons.

Dakota Woodlands Women’s Shelter
July 1st was also the first day of my music program at the Dakota Woodlands Women’s Shelter. I met with them earlier in the spring about starting a music program there during the summer months. I was so excited to get started and work with the kids. Since it is a Women’s shelter each week the number of kids will be different. This week I had four kids ranging from 3 to 6 years old. I started the program with some coloring to music, and they were so excited about all the different markers I brought! I was glad to see them get so excited because markers were not ever the best part! I had musical instruments to show them as well as a craft where they could make their own instruments.

I loved seeing the kids play in their own band, and tell me how much they love to sing. I had pipe cleaners and bells for them to make their own jingle bracelets, and take with them. After 45 minutes with the kids the room was a mess, and the sound of jingle bells was ringing through the halls. I cannot wait for next week when we make kazoos!

Miss Eagan Pageant
The beginning of July not only means that summer is going by so fast!!! But also that it is Miss Eagan time! My mom and I started the Miss Eagan Ambassador Program five years ago and have awarded over $14,000 in scholarships. This year, since I became so busy with Miss Minnesota, our assistant director Cheri Smith took over for us. This program is so important to me that I would not miss it for the world. I rushed over right after my music program at the Women’s Shelter to help with rehearsals. That evening they had interviews, I prepped the girls before they went into their interviews; I knew exactly what they were going through. The older girls (the winner will compete at Aquatennial) had to do a panel interview and a closing statement. This is very similar to the Miss America system, and I did my best to prepare them. After the interviews I was also an optional talent judge.

Thursday - July 2, 2009
Miss Eagan Final night! I arrived at the Eagan Community Center at 2 PM for the final dress rehearsal. The girls were so cooperative that we were able to run through the entire pageant twice! Then it was time to get ready for the final pageant. I was emceeing with Marni Hughes, Fox 9 Anchor; unfortunately she had to leave 30 minutes in to report the news. Thankfully Nathan Shrake, who performed at the Miss Minnesota Pageant, was able to step in and emcee with me. The pageant was highlighted on the 10 o’clock news that night where they showed clips of Marni and me emceeing. Congratulations to all the new Miss Eagan Ambassadors, and a huge thank you to the outgoing royalty for representing Eagan well. After the pageant, a table was set up for me to sign autographs and sell candy bars for Children’s Miracle Network.

Saturday - July 4, 2009
Happy 4th of July! Before Miss Minnesota I was asked to be the Grand Marshal of the Eagan 4th of July Parade as Miss Twin Cities. They were elated to hear that I was crowned Miss Minnesota and could not wait for me to be in the parade. Usually every year I drive my beetle bug convertible in the parade while carrying the Miss Eagan Royalty. This year my dad was able to drive me in his Thunderbird. It was unfortunately raining, but we came prepared with an umbrella and towels. After the Eagan parade we were off to the Apple Valley parade. I went to high school in Apple Valley so it was fun to see high school friends at the parade. I forgot that during the parade everyone knows your name, since there are huge signs on either side of your car. I had some interesting comments made to me. One little boy yelled to me that I was not a real princess, while another girl told me that she had googled me all last night. The entire day was a blast, and it was great seeing old friends.

Fireworks
The last few 4th of July’s we started a tradition of watching fireworks at the Eagan Community Center with the Gwaltney family. Each year we try to add something new. First we had chairs and snacks, the next year we did chocolate fondue, and then this year we brought a folding table for the fondue and playing cards. We spend the time sharing funny stories, (my stories were all about tanning products that I tried for the Miss Minnesota pageant and how my hands and feet were orange), eating fondue, and watching the fireworks. Then we always stay after to let all the other cars leave the parking lot before we head home. Oh, another thing we added this year… a bug light.

Monday - July 6, 2009
Today was my official Miss America photo shoot. My mom and I arrived bright and early at 9 AM, and met up with makeup artist, Leanne Barr in the parking lot. For all the times that I had been at Paula Preston’s studio, I never knew there was an elevator. Usually my mom and I carry all my clothes up the two flights of stairs, so the elevator sounded very appealing. But this was the creepiest elevator I have ever seen. It was an old fashion elevator meaning you had to lift the door yourself. Leanne lifted the door too high for her or I to reach to close it back down. My Mom who is 2 inches taller than us also couldn’t reach so we pulled out the only thing we had a hanger. My Mom pulled the door down and we were on our way up to the second floor. We all made it safely up to Paula’s studio and back down without any problems. After 6 hours of shooting I am so excited to see the photos that Paula took.

Only 208 days until Miss America!

Until next time,
Brooke