I laughed when I read it.

I was so flattered.

The months that followed were a bit of a roller-coaster. Admittedly, I had moments that I really wanted to withdraw from the pageant. I had never considered entering one, and my confidence at times was shaken to my core.

I so needed that.

This journey, culminating this past weekend, has allowed me to grow into someone even better than I ever thought I could be. I can't BELIEVE I got on stage in a bikini, and truly felt confident and beautiful. After 3 kids, at age 40, I felt on top of the world. If I could bottle this feeling and sell it I'd be a millionaire.

I have you to thank for this.

I believe that this pageant can do this for women everywhere. Thank you. The invitation to be a part of this changed my life.

I would be privileged to assist in the years to come. Although I would not compete again, I would be happy to help in any way that I can.

Thank you for all that you have done."

~Kristen Guay, Mrs. Jay

3rd Runner Up to Mrs. Maine America 2011

Last night marked the end to what was a most incredible journey. I am so happy and grateful to have placed 2nd Runner Up in the Mrs. Maine-America 2011 pageant. I truly walked away feeling a sense of pride knowing that I did everything I could and placed only one contestant behind Mrs. Maine-America 2011.

A few knew this little factoid, but I feel that it’s most appropriate to talk about it now that the pageant is behind me. I had visited a very gifted intuitive Sarabelle at Leapin’ Lizards back in August of 2009. She had shared a variety of aspects of my life that were either accurate, or became part of my reality at some point after my session with her. One thing that she had said that really stumped me had to do with a change in title. “Not employment related”, she stressed, “but I can see a title change.” She continued, “It will sound crazy, but just do it.” For months I wondered what this could mean. Was it a change in a property title? I didn’t see anything like that on the horizon. What could it be? After I became Mrs. Windham in July of 2010, my good friend Maggie said to me, “This is the title change!” Bien sur! It sounded crazy, but I did it. It had to have been it. And boy, am I glad I did.

In brief, this past weekend of non-stop rehearsals, further bonding with my fellow contestants, nerve-wracking waiting before heading into the interviews, laughing myself silly with one of the judges in the interview when he asked me what one word I would use to describe my husband (I said Jewish), very little sleep and the rush at the end being called out as a Final Four contestant, then Second Runner-Up, has been a memory I will never forget. Down to wearing my Nana’s earrings during the swimsuit portion, I tried to savor every moment I had on stage. I feel like I did just that with beauty, poise, confidence and grace.

I am forever indebted to the Mrs. Maine-America and Mrs. America Organizations for providing such an incredible platform for women to show courage, style, graciousness and aptitude in an otherwise chaotic and troubled world. We all have the ability to make choices in our lives and it’s up to us to make the most of the decisions we make.

I can only ask that my journey inspires you to make the most out of every opportunity presented to you. C’est tout ou rien and you’ll have no regrets."

With love,
Mrs. Maine-America 2011 2nd Runner-Up
Lisa Valentine