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Louise interviews Ashley for TAOC.
Louise: Ashley, you won “Miss Talent” (Miss Talent, America?) a spectacular
achievement! We understand that you are currently recording a demo. track with
……
Ashley: At the Miss America 2009 pageant I was the first Miss Vermont to ever
win a talent preliminary competition. Since returning from Miss America I have
been working on a country music demo. I am excited to get tracks recorded and
start the process of sending it to recording companies.
Louise: What song do you sing in the shower?
Ashley: Anyway, Martina McBride.
Louise: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go next
weekend?
Ashley: I would travel to Italy. Italy is on the top of my list!
Louise: What is the worst job you have ever had to do?
Ashley: I worked for three summers in my father's small town hardware store. I
say it tops the list of worst jobs because the boys would not let me go outside
and load lumber like I wanted. They told me to stay inside and cash out the
contractors.
Louise: You’re gorgeous. Looks that we can only dream of! So tell me,
is there any physical characteristic of yours that you would like to alter?
Ashley: There are a lot of physical characteristics of mine I would like to be
smaller, bigger, etc. That being said, plastic surgery is not for me. I do not
judge women who choose that path. Whatever it takes to be happy!
Louise: Tell us of a chance event, or meeting, that has had a big impact on
your life?
Ashley: In early September of 2007 I moved to Sydney for a short 4 month
internship. My first night out I walked into Establishment and locked eyes with
a gorgeous man. It is a year and a half later, he is the love of my life and
will someday be my husband and father of my children.
Louise: A fashion trend you have followed, or adopt?
Ashley: In January I was the first Miss America contestant to "go green". I had
a local Vermont designer create an eco-friendly evening gown for competition. It
was made out of hemp and organic silk with re-purposed vintage lace and beads.
Going Green, is a fashion trend I am proud to adopt.
Louise: Your greatest physiological strength or virtue?
Ashley: hmmm...I am a State Championship Cross-country runner and nordic skier,
so I have to say my stamina.
Louise:
When did you last cry, and why?
Ashley: I cried yesterday after my last appearance. We were raising money for
the Vermont Children's Hospital and the stories of small children with cancers
and disabilities got to me.
Louise: The naughtiest thing you did as a child?
Ashley: I had to ask my mom and dad for help answering this one. They reminded
me that I was a bit wild as a child. I threw temper tantrums for apparently
little reason. My mother adds that my behaviour as a child is bizarre to reflect
on because I am so "perfect" now. HAHA! Such a wonderful woman she is.
Louise: Have you ever laughed at an inappropriate time?
Ashley: Sometimes I laugh in church. Sometimes things are just too funny to not
break into a laughing fit. One day a lady in my congregation started shouting
out "praise Jesus". My church is not the kind of church where people shout out.
The moment was hysterical to me and I began laughing so hard I was crying. I
just couldn't stop. I am laughing now just thinking about it.
Louise: Do you believe in miracles?
Ashley: I certainly do believe in miracles. A small town girl from rural Vermont
just won talent at Miss America. If that is not a miracle, I don't know what a
miracle is. :)
Louise: What is your favourite phrase or saying?
Ashley: "Everything happens for a reason." So many times in my life I have
wondered why things have not worked out. Inevitable some point down the road I
find out there was a reason. There is a grand plan. As soon as I realized that I
don't have much control over that plan other than to do my best a be a good
person, life got a lot more care free.
Louise: Where, besides your hometown of Lyndonville, would you like to live?
Ashley: Redondo Beach, California.
Louise: What for you is the most difficult thing in life to accept?
Ashley: When really bad things happen to really good people.
Louise: Use one word to describe yourself.
Ashley: Impossible? Go on, try. Determined.
Louise: For which two qualities could an employer highly recommend you?
Ashley: Dependability and confidence.
Louise: If you could question a world leader, who would it be and what would
you ask?
Ashley: I would love to sit down with the late Benazir Bhutto and ask her how
other Arab nations can follow in her country's footsteps in electing women to
high public office.
Louise: Do you remember your first friend and do you know what became of him
or her?
Ashley: I met me first friend on my first day of kindergarten (age 5). Her name
is Jill and she is my best friend to this day. Jill is an ivy university
graduate pursuing a career in bio-ecological research.
Louise: You have had over (too many too count!) appearances as Miss Vermont
and too many to
count leading up to the title. Help us social misfits here and tell us: If you
feel self-conscious at a social or business function, how do you overcome it?
Ashley: It is easy to be intimidated by others. Especially as a young person, it
is easy to think that maybe I am in some way inferior. Whenever I feel
uncomfortable I try to remember two things. 1. I try to listen more than speak.
2. I remind myself that I have the right to be there and share my experiences.
Never forget, others in the room may just be intimidated by YOU!
Louise: What is the best part of being Miss Vermont?
Ashley: The best part of being Miss Vermont is visiting elementary schools,
meeting with students and inspiring them to reach for the stars. |