Buzz!

Last week's article in the Catholic Review has generated so much buzz around town I can hardly believe it!

When my reign ended I was fearful that few would want to hear from a "has been"-- a term widely used in pageantry to refer to former titleholders. If I wasn't wearing a banner or crown, would they listen?

The answer is yes.

I was invited to be the keynote speaker at a number of events around the state and am just delighted at the opportunity to reach so many youth in the coming months.

When I started No Body's Perfect in 2009, it was not my goal to eradicate the prevelance of eating disorders, but simply to increase awareness, host forums about the matter and invite those who were directly or even indirectly impacted to the discussion. Mission accomplished.

But it's important to share that my abttle is not entirely won yet. There is a choice to be made every day to be healthy; small victories are had at each meal. And because of that, the topics I share now are broader than just eating disorders and include such things as body image and decision making.

I've missed speaking and very much look forward to these events! Thank you for the well wishes and continued support.

Get a copy of the Catholic Review NOW!

I had the pleasure of meeting with an absolute legend Chris Gaul to talk pageants, faith and of course, eating disorders over lunch a few weeks ago. The product of which is one of the loveliest profiles written about me. If you are a Catholic Review subscriber, you will see a feature in the health section "Former Miss Maryland reaches out to girls with eating disorders." If you aren't, go get a copy NOW! Or... just follow this link to the article and feel free to forward along. http://www.catholicreview.org/subpages/PaperSpecSection.aspx?action=9669 Thank you for reminding me of how far I have come, the young girls I have encountered and my faith that has continued to guide me on this journey.

Photos from St Vincent de Paul Souper Supper

What a way to kick off the weekend-- volunteering at the St Vincent de Paul Society Souper Supper. I knew that both the lunch and dinner seatings for the event were sold out but wow, what a turn out. And I was thrilled to be surrounded by so many youth and educators!

Shout outs to my new friends below: Courtney L and B (both students at Seton Keough High School), Sara and Rita (teachers in Baltimore County and City), the fab Richard Williams of St Vincent de Paul for coordinating this appearance, Baltimore City Council President Jack Young and some attendees scoping out the handcrafted bowls.