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