A compliment followed by a suggestion...

Since moving back to Maine after 8 years, I'd really started adjusting to our new life.  A new town, new home, and new career as a stay at home mom.  Having survived 2010, a year filled with unforeseen challenges, hardship and change, it felt great to finally be settling in.  After leaving a highly demanding, but fulfilling career in business management to raise my beautiful baby daughter, I was now spending my days attending play dates, and reconnecting with family and friends.  I felt peace and satisfaction. I also felt I finally had the stability I needed to venture outside my comfort zone and begin something new.  That is why, when a stranger paid me a generous compliment, followed by suggesting I enter something as prestigious as the Mrs. Maine competition, I really started thinking.  My first thoughts, of course, "Me?  LOL. Me?? I'm flattered, but ME???"  After pondering the idea for a week or so, I started to think, "Wait a minute...why NOT me?"  At the very least it would be an amazing experience and a chance to meet and connect with a wonderful group of women who may share my interests.  It could also open doors to becoming fully involved in my community and help me give back to the state which framed me.  I decided to stop thinking and jump!  I researched the organization and loved what I found.  Now, here I am, an official Mrs. Maine America candidate representing my present town of Cumberland.  I'm honored and excited to begin this journey.