Ciao Bella!

Happy Easter! I have so much to update you on. Before my Easter break from Mount de Sales, I was very busy preparing for the Project Redesign Fashion Show. The 'Hollywood Fashion Flashback' is going to be a FABULOUS event and features models displaying styles from the 40's to today. Half of the proceeds from the fashion show will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network! We had a blast doing a photoshoot with the teen models and even had a sighting of Audrey Hepburn....Can't wait for you to see the photos! Check out www.projectredesign.net for more information as the event approaches.

Last week, I was honored to play the harp at the Boumi Temple in White Marsh for an evening bridal show. I always enjoy playing the harp, but it's even better when you get to sample free crab cakes, filet mignon, and scallops. Oh my! My favorite new friends that I met were Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis impersonators. I love 'the crooner' and just melted when he sang 'Everybody loves somebody sometimes' to me. Check out some pictures on my facebook page.

Then the next morning I left for ITALIA! I flew into Rome for Good Friday services and then traveled to Florence for a spring break vacation. I could spend hours talking about my trip, but I'll review a few highlights: the David by Michelangelo, climbing the Duomo overlooking the city of Florence, eating gelato on the Spanish steps, celebrating Easter with the Pope, and buying Italian shoes! By far the most incredible experience was my day trip to Cinque Terre. I think I've now seen the most beautiful place in the world. Cinque Terre, or five towns, is located on the Mediterranean Sea with Italian villas overlooking the water. I hiked through three of the towns and was awestruck. You can get a glimpse of this sheer beauty from my pictures! I now will tell everyone that they must see Cinque Terre at some point in their life.

Once I returned to America, I was ready to prepare for Miss Maryland! Only two and a half months left!! Saturday night, I attended the Charm City Fashion Show at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Brooke Poklemba, Miss Maryland 2009, was modeling in the show and I loved seeing her walk the runway. She modeled fashions from Whimsy boutique in Federal Hill and Boulevard Boutique. So great to see some hot fashions on a runway overlooking the Inner Harbor. I was promised a spot in the show next year, so you are all invited.

Now for today, I attended the Miss Eastern Shore pageant in Salisbury. What a beautiful day to go down the ocean, hon. Loved the drive! The pageant was very enjoyable and I was so proud of all of the contestants.

On to tomorrow: I have an interview at Johns Hopkins Hospital to serve as a volunteer in the Children's unit. I can't wait to begin visiting the children whose lives are being changed through the work of the Children's Miracle Network.

Final thoughts: I'm so grateful for springtime, and for all of my friends and family. God bless you in this Easter season and stay tuned for my exciting travels.

Love,
Rachel