Merry Christmas from the Ward Family

Merry Christmas from Janice, Tony and Cameron. I played Flute in Church last night for the Candlelight Service at 11pm. My son, Cameron was an Acolyte for the service as well. It is so nice to be with our church family on Christmas Eve. This time of year is tough, as I really miss my mom and dad; but I am so thankful for having had them in my life and I am so thankful for Tony and Cameron and all of my wonderful friends! I am blessed. I see my mom and dad in my son's face, so I know that they are always with me and will live on through our memories and love.
On a lighter note, I am SO excited that there is movie about Alvin and the Chipmunks! When I was a little girl, it wasn't officially Christmas until I played my Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas record! I grew up in a home of wonderful music of old - Standards, Big Band, Classical Music, etc....so my exposure was to music of the past, the true greats! But Alvin was a chance for me to be a real kid and listen to silly music...I just loved it! But I was bit odd, as I also loved Cher and Vicki Lawrence (boy I am old!). I drive my husband and son crazy with my taste in music, as I still love the Standards, Jazz, Blues, Classical and the Oldies - what can I say, the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree, and my dad was a "Rat Pack" smooth crooner type from the 40's and 50's and he passed that love on to me! My mom was more of the classical influence, as she sang and played the piano. It was a nice eclectic mix that I cherish. I thank my husband for introducing alternative music to me - I may not enjoy it as much, but I love all music as it is the universal language that brings us all together.
Have a Merry Holiday Season. God Bless!

Catching up!

Sorry it has been SO long since my last entry! I have been busy with everyday life. My son, Cameron was sick, then I was sick. Now we are Holiday busy! I love this time of year, but I miss the years when Cameron was young and Christmas was such a joyous wonder and I could see Xmas through his eyes. This time of year is tough for me. I miss my mom and dad. Somehow, Christmas is different when you grow up and REALLY different when your parents are gone. I lost them so suddenly and I wasn't ready to say goodbye. I wonder how young children deal with the loss of a parent. I was an adult with a young child and I had a tough time. I can only imagine the difficulties facing a young adult or child after losing a parent. I just found out about a local organization, Walk with Sally that helps children cope with the loss or with the sickness of a parent with cancer. I know how tough it is and how much you need others at a time like that. I hope that I can help the organization as a volunteer/mentor for a child. I know it helps me too. You never completely heal. I look forward to just listening, taking a kid to shop or fish or bowl or just watch a movie.
Anyway, NEW subject! I just signed with a Talent Manager, and she has been so great. The life of an actor is a weird one - just imagine constant interviewing as your job! And being a different person each time. It's fun and frustrating at the same time, that's what auditioning is like. You spend most of your time studying and auditioning. When you do book a job, it feels just like winning a pageant and having that crown placed on your head! Truly! I have had some great opportunities as of late, so fingers crossed. My goal is to have more of those moments. 2008 is MY YEAR!!!

National American Miss Pageant

I was asked to judge the National American Miss Pageant this past Thanksgiving weekend. I was able to judge and meet hundreds of talented young ladies at this year's pageant! So many community-minded young leaders. It is amazing to see such knowledge and wisdom at such a young age. I was able to spend some time with a friend, Tammy Caison, the reigning Ms. American Dream. We had a blast; I only wish we could have had more time at Disney, AND I wish we had remembered to take our camera to Disney. We didn't have much free time, as they kept us busy judging all the wonderful categories.
Look for my Scorecard article on National American Miss on Turn for the Judges soon! I am a featured writer for TFTJ, so keep posted for updates on www.TFTJ.com

LUNGevity's LA Lung Walk 2007

My son, Cameron and I walked for Lung Cancer Awareness at the LUNGevity Lung Walk in Manhattan Beach, CA today. We joined "Team 4 1/2 Lungs", CA Lung Cancer Alliance Co-Chair Mike Stevens and the other CA advocates fighting lung cancer! I was honored to be part of such a passionate and determined group of people fighting for their life and the lives of others. Each of the 3 main members combined have only 4 1/2 lungs - hence the name - and they are each fighting to live (they never smoked, in case you are wondering!). WE were lucky enough to be able to tell our story to the media, so look for the link to the article soon. I am pictured here with my son, Cameron; Mike and me; Team 4 1/2 Lungs! The more events like this, the better the awareness and funding.

Charity Fashion Show

On Friday, I modeled for the Covina Assembly of God's Annual Charity Fashion Show, "Razzle Dazzle". It was amazing! Over 500 people attended. We modeled clothing from Cache and Carlisle. I'm pictured with the rep from Carlisle and some of the helpers from the church. In the second picture, I'm with the event's coordinator, Lucienda.

Free to Breathe Lung Cancer Walk

Yesterday, November 11th, I attended the Free to Breathe Lung Cancer Walk in Encino, CA. I had to be up and ready at 6am!!! so not much in the way of makeup, and I think I have on 3 layers of clothing! It was cold. I was one of the Speakers, speaking on behalf of Advocates in the USA. I shared the story of losing my mom and how awareness and treatments have changed over the past 11 years. Kathy Joosten of Deserate Housewives is a Lung Cancer Survivor and also spoke and shared her story.
I am on the planning committee for the Free to Breathe Walks, which is one of the fundraisers coordinated through National Lung Cancer Partnership. I am working to establish more throughout the country, but is takes time! If you are interested in getting an event in your state, please send a comment! Anything that can be done to raise awareness helps raise funding!
I am pictured with the Kathy Joosten in the 2 photo and in the last photo, this is the Planning Commitee, including Regina Vidaver, Executive Director and Kenda Schwarz, Director of Marketing and Outreach.

Nintendo Commercial

I have been very lucky in the last few weeks, I have booked a Jewelry Commercial, an Infomercial, a Furniture Commercial and this Nintendo Promo! Here are a few photos from today, so look for the Promo to show on channels nationwide. I am also going to be a contestant on the Gameshow "Temptation" next November 14th at 2pm PST (check your local listing for times). This was fun today because I was able to play Wii Tennis all day long with my TV family! Fun!

My friends!

This is my dearest friend, Cinamon Loyd. We met back in college, when we both worked at JCPenny! We modeled in a few mall fashion shows together, and she and I share the "pageant bug"! Cinamon was Mrs. NC America and I am trying to get her to enter in another pageant! Maybe in the next few years, I hope!
Cinamon is my true "sister". I just don't know what I would do without her. We take time away from our busy mommy lives on occasion and go out to a pageant or dinner. In the 1st picture, we are in Los Angeles having dinner with our handsome husbands (and acting silly). The 2nd photo is in New York City, were we saw Sweet Charity and Chicago. Fun!!!
The 3rd photo is my PR boss and friend, Carol Moore. We met back in 1999 when I was Mrs. United States and she has been a great inspiration to me. She is a woman so involved with her family and community. She handles PR and Advertising, Hosting and is a Theatre Critic - she does it all! I am so glad to know her and look forward to each and every time I travel to Indiana to work!

My Tony, Mr. United States 1999 and Mr. Indiana International 2008!!!

Here is a recent photo of my great guy, Tony, Mr. Indiana International 2008! He is my best friend and soul mate. He has always supported me as an actor, advocate and pageant queen! He is my biggest fan and I am his.

Pageant Cast and more...

I was a guest of Tim and Pageant Cast today, November 6th! I know I had a lot to talk about (I just don't always know when to stop talking when I am excited about something!), and I devoted the talk to Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Having volunteered with many organizations, including ACS, Susan G. Komen, and AHA, it is great to work with an organization that is really focused on Lung Cancer. I am touched each day when I meet people that are struggling to survive cancer. I am amazed at their strength and positivity. I don't always stop and think about it. It's tough. I know it has been 11 years since I lost my mom and 9 since I lost my dad, but it still seems like yesterday. My heart is so full with love for these organizations and people; I cherish the opportunity to learn from their experiences.

A friend of mine sent me a book recently," Cure for the Common Life...Living in your Sweet Spot". I just started reading it, but it talks about the unique gifts we each bring to society. If I could wish for anything on this day and everyday is that each of us can live in our sweet spot! Be Unique!! Be yourself!

Rolling Premiere

As an actress, I spend so much of my time auditioning, marketing and filming, that it is great when I have a chance to go to an event. This is the Premiere for the movie "Rolling". I had a co-starring role, and the film is showing at Film Festivals throughout the World. My friend, Renita White was able to attend with me. Renita and I met while filming a commercial/infomercial for Reclaim. I am looking forward to the day I finally have the chance to walk the bigger Red Carpet.

My Greatest Accomplishment, Cameron

As I mentioned in the previous post, my son just started High School, YES High School! He is the light of my life. He skateboards, plays soccer and golf, and the drums. I am so proud of him. He will be walking with me on November 18th at the LA Lung Cancer Walk in association with LUNGevity. I know that Cameron doesn't remember his grandma very well, but this helps him understand and remember her better. It's funny, when my mom and dad both passed away, my son said he saw angels and that it was going to be okay. I think he understands a lot more than most!

Mrs. America Pageant

I was able to attend Prelims of Mrs. America in Tuscon, Arizona this past September. It was great to see my sister queen, Laurett Arenz, Mrs. America 2002/Mrs. United States 1997. I just missed Andrea Preuss, but was able to visit with Andrea's mom, Pat Ballengee, the most fun person!! Love her! I was able to meet Mrs. World and Mrs. America, plus spend time with the NC Directors, Wendy and Fred Galle. I love pageant season; honestly it is more fun to support others than compete! I had a tough time picking a top 10 as there were so many great women at ALL the pageants this year!
My son Cameron started High School the day after Prelims, so I had to fly home and miss the the Finals, but what a nice, quick getaway.

Mrs. International Pageant 2007!

It was great fun supporting Mrs. California, Rebekah Negrete. I knew a few of the contestants, Rebekah, who won Mrs. International, Ashley, Mrs. New Mexico, and Robin, Mrs. Florida. It was especially great going to the pageant because I was able to share it with a dear friend, Diana Pizza and 2 new friends, Amy Gregorio (Mrs. Illinois US 07) and Lisa Niewolny (Mrs. Illinois US 06).
The first photo is me and Rebekah after preliminaries, the second photo is Suzie (2006 Queen) and me and the last from left to right is Amy, Lisa, Diana and me before Finals!

More United States photos!

Photos from Mrs. United States 2007!

I was asked to write the Scorecard of Mrs. United States 2007 for Turn For the Judges. This was a new experience for all involved, as the pageant was outside! Stephanie Hunt was crowned the 2007 Queen, and it was a great chance to catch up with my friends. This is one of my best friends, Debra Kennedy. We met back in 1998, and are just like sisters.

It's Official! Lung Cancer Awareness Month!

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month! Remember to visit www.lungcanceralliance.org for information on how to get involved!

This month will be very busy, so I am excited!

Here is a photo of my mom and dad at their wedding - my favorite picture of them! I know I can't bring either of them back, but my focus with Lung Cancer Awareness is in Survival, Not Sorrow!

"Be the change you wish to see in the world!"

Welcome to Janice's World!

This blogspot is designed to highlight my goals, dreams, passions and platform. I am an actress, mom, wife and yes a beauty pageant queen! My life is spent juggling auditions, work, volunteering and trying to keep up with my 15 year old son and his busy schedule! Whew!
I was Mrs. United States 1999 and I am the reigning Mrs. Indiana International 2008. Yep, I have been away from the world of pageant competition for along time! However I have not been away from the real reason I compete, judge, emcee, coach, and attend pageants - my wonderful friends and my platform!
I lost my mom, Margaret McQueen, to lung cancer in 1996 and I have been a tireless volunteer for lung cancer awareness ever since. I am an advocate for Lung Cancer Alliance, National Lung Cancer Partnership and LUNGevity. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, so lots of pictures and information to come! If you want to know more about me or how to help with Lung Cancer Awareness, please contact me. I need sponsors for upcoming Walk/Run-a-thons!! (Hint, hint). I am a Guest Speaker and Volunteer for National Lung Cancer Partnership's Free To Breathe Run November 11th and I am walking in LUNGevity's Lung Cancer Walk November 18th. For more info see links below!

Lung Cancer Awareness websites worth looking at:

www.NationalLungCancerPartnership.org

www.LungCancerAlliance.org

www.Lungevity.org

If you want to make Donations and/or Sponsor me for upcoming Walk/Runs, go to:

http://www.active.com/donate/freetobreathela/janicemcqueenward

http://www.lalungcancerwalk.org/

My website info:
www.janicemcqueen.com
www.mrsunitedstates.com (History section)
www.imdb.com