Miss Maryland Orientation

Hey Hey!
We are under the 2 month mark! Miss Maryland is so close! Very busy again this week. With grad classes almost over, I've been spending a lot of time writing papers and preparing for presentations. In the midst of all of this, I had a little visit with the staff at the Johns Hopkins Children's Hospital and met the governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley. I got a hot tip that he would be appearing at one of my favorite Catonsville restaurants: Chef Paulino's. Chef P is a great sponsor for the Project Redesign Fashion Show and I slipped over there after work. Had a chance to meet the Governor after his speech and talk to him about the Miss Maryland competition. He was very happy to meet me and of course we got a quick picture! Check out facebook tomorrow to see it.

Friday evening, I had so much fun at a Gala fundraiser for the Gabriel Network. I was cordially invited by Andy Harris' wife. Andy Harris is running for a Congressional seat in the November election. Their daughter will be a student at Mount de Sales next year and it was wonderful to spend time with their family. Between all of the swing dancing, I got to meet a few other local politicians and business owners. They offered to pick me up on their way to the 'Get Motivated' conference on Tuesday at the 1st Mariner Arena...Sarah Palin and Michael Phelps will be there! We'll see if I can fit it in my schedule. :)

Of course, Saturday was Miss Maryland Orientation!!!! So much fun!!!! I had a great time meeting all of the contestants for both the Miss and Teen titles. We had lunch at Burger King and I had a blast meeting lots of little kids, maybe future Miss Maryland princesses?!? After lunch, we finished up our orientation with a dress fitting with Red Carpet. Great seeing Trish again from the shop. She will also be lending us some gowns for the Project Redesign Fashion Show on Saturday. Can't wait to go pick them out tomorrow!!

Anyone feel like it was kind of hot today?!? I sure did. I played the harp at a bridal show at Mountain Branch Golf Course in the sweltering heat. PHEW! It certainly was beautiful though and everyone loved my music. Met lots of future brides and business owners. Great day ending with a trunk show in Bethesda. Loved seeing Robin from La Casa Hermosa and talking fashion! My favorite topic :)

Lastly, THE FASHION SHOW IS ON SATURDAY!!!!! PLEASE COME! It's going to be amazing and the girls are so excited. Lots of titleholders will be in attendance and it will truly be a great representation of what the Miss Maryland program is all about. Project Redesign teaches young girls that they are truly beautiful from the inside out and the fashion show gives them a chance to display that new-found confidence. Come cheer for them! There will be lots of vendors, good food, entertainment, and excitement. Dress to impress! E-mail me to reserve tickets in advance for $8. Half of the proceeds go to the Children's Miracle Network.

See you soon!

Rachel
harkinsharp@hotmail.com