November, much like October, was a “rock star” month. Fall is a busy time for Miss Texas! So this month, instead of writing out every single thing that happened, I wanted to focus on a few very special things that happened.

November 1 – Retired Marine Corp Battalion Ball, Dennison

November 2 – Feeder 500 Club Reception at Glass Cactus Club, Gaylord Texan

November  3 – Cattleman Feeder’s Association Convention, Gaylord Texan

November 4 – Armstrong Elementary, Conroe and San Jacinto School, Conroe

November 7 – Anderson Elementary, Plano

November 8 – Dallas 30th Reunion, Southfork Ranch

November 9 – Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Midland
I grew up in a small Lutheran Church in Centerville, Texas, so this church was not a far cry from what molded me as a youngster. The congregation was lovely and the speech I gave was truly one-of-a-kind. I talked about “keeping the faith in the spotlight” and afterwards we had an open forum. Angela David and I were promptly invited to have a fajita dinner with the youth group, (and we got into more fun trouble that we should have!). Then there was a dessert reception…at a completely different home! Each trip to West Texas has been more than memorable, and the people so warm and hospitable. We are always grateful for some R&R.

November 10 – Van Horn ISD assemblies
Van Horn, Texas is about a 2.5 hour drive west of Midland…basically in the middle of the sand dunes and tumbleweeds of West Texas. This was the first time Miss Texas had come to speak to the Elementary and High School students. What a treat they were! The kindergarteners even presented us with a ballet folklorico dance upon arrival. We hope Miss Texas gets to make the trip to Van Horn for years to come.

November 12 – Mental Management and Old Castle Inc. Dinner speaking engagement

November 13 – Carver Elementary School, Greenville
Regina Casaday, who is on the Miss Texas traveling companion staff, is the principal at Carver. The school is located in a tough part of town, and the children are often faced with trials that most adults couldn’t handle.

This day I gave six different multicultural and language inclusion programs for grades K-5 in the library. It was especially fun for me because I got use resources, like books and a globe, and was able to speak more personally with the students.

As the day drew to a close and we were exiting the school front doors, I heard someone call “Miss Texas!” from behind me. I turned around and found a teacher with her student holding a piece of paper. I walked over to say hello and the student, a first grader, outstretched his hand. On a piece of manila paper he had written, “Dear Mrs. Teaxsa – I wan’t To lerne How to speak spenesh.” My eyes instantly filled with tears…THIS is what the job of Miss Texas is all about.

November 14 – Sponsor Spa Day with LaSalle Community and Eduardo Espina Charitable Fundraiser, College Station

November 15 – Reading Bee Championship; Score a Goal in the Classroom at TCU, Fort Worth

November 17 – Image Renu

November 18 - Travel to Stephenville to stay with Modesta

November 19 – Wellington ISD assemblies

November 20 – Teague ISD assemblies and Grand Marshall Christmas in Crockett Parade, Crockett

November 21 – French/America Chamber of Commerce Beaujoulais Wine Festival, 25th Anniversary, Market Center, Dallas
Like Zest Fest in Fort Worth, the French/American Chamber of Commerce Wine Festival is an event I will definitely be attending after my year of service is up. There are food and drink galore with the oh-so-chiche sense of style that the French possess, entertainment and a fashion show. And the palpable air of French language certainly coaxed my tongue…before I knew it I was back in French class! The event is fabulous, the people friendly – I would advise anyone to spend a lovely evening at this celebration next year.

November 22 – ReMax Fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network, Arlington and Autograph session at Ashlin’s, Grapevine

November 25 – Mental Management

November 26 – Keynote Speaker at Dallas Aggie Roundtable

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

November 29 – Holiday in the Village with Premiere Photography, Colleyville