Hello, Maryland! Allow me to introduce to you your Finalist for Maryland in the National American Miss Pageant! Madison was so fun to shoot with, and the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons was the perfect backdrop to reflect the beauty of both Madison and Maryland. There’s a special place in my heart for teenagers and especially when it comes to teenage girls. These are the years when life is starting to unfold and it’s the time of finding your voice and learning how to express feelings…it’s a time we start to find our own taste in music, clothes, when we start playing with make up and realizing that the world our parents has shown us, is a lot bigger than we thought. It’s also the time when we form relationships and opinions…opinions about others…but, I would say, most importantly…opinions about ourselves and it’s interesting how easily we allow others to have control over that part of our thoughts. Those middle school/early high school years are sometimes ones that are met with more questions than certainties, and more insecurity than surety….and that’s why this age is so dear to my heart. These are the critical years and I find that adults tend to forget those years the easiest. We forget that we were there in the same state of mind just trying to figure it all out. We need to remember and we need to pour into them. Positive words, encouragement, an occasional hug, quality time, random notes or texts….these are valuable and help to build that secure foundation. You may not see it right away, but you can’t see a seed when it’s planted in fertile soil, or the roots that form underground…but they’re there and it will be made evident by the stems, leaves, and fruit that the plant/tree produces. This works. Pouring into our children works.

I’m excited to see what the future holds for this National American Miss Finalist! We wish her the best and pray this opportunity is one met with excitement and new opportunity! You’re already a winner in our book, Mads 😉

Enjoy!

We’re looking forward to following your success, Madison! Soak up every minute…

Love,
Cat xx