Mary Lou with Ellensburg Rodeo Queen
2007
2007
| The question, I am asked the most is “Mary Lou, Why do you sew?” “Your legally blind?” I have to admit having severe Macular-Degeneration.in both eyes does present quite a challenge. Life continues to provide me with plenty of opportunities, in learning to take alternate routes. Yes. I have to admit sewing is quite difficult, when I can’t see my own hands clearly, and I have to hold every thing up within a few inches of my face. To me it’s about finding way’s to overcome and move forward “ANYWAYS”. I have too much to do and can’t be crippled by this. I do make plenty of mistakes but I keep trying and with years of practice I am developing into a designer. I didn’t tart out. to be a rodeo queen/western wear designer. I sewed out of necessity for my family. My passion is horse’s, my family to this day still is involved in the Thoroughbred Race horse industry. My husband and I settled in Eastern Washington to raise our three children. Living in a rural landscape, we were soon wrapped up in a life style of competing with our horses in 4H, Jr. Rodeo, High School Equestrian Team. When my children started showing and competing, I started making their arena costumes. I wasn’t in the position to purchase expensive show clothes, so we made do. My children have always been my inspiration, and they are why I do what I do. When they would outgrow something I would sell it, so this business evolved a little at time over many years. It was just what I did, so they would look good and have confidence about themselves when they were competing. I now make western wear clothes for girls all over the USA, specializing in one of a kind rodeo queen clothes. Both of my daughters have won several crowns. Most of my sewing has orbited around them and from there it spread out to others. Being legally blind, I have been assisted by the Department of Services for the Blind in several vocational re-hab programs. They first assisted me when I wanted to home-school my children, and I did through he 8th grade. Then, they provided me educational training, to become a Certified Equine Massage Therapist. You, see horses are still my passion I developed an equine rehab facility where lame, injured horses can come and recover. I administer Micro Current stimulation, massage, fascial release. I now assist horses of all types from mammoth mules to barrel-race horses. DSB also assisted me in my rodeo-queen design business by helping me acquire an embroidery machine. This is one of the main methods I use to embellish my clothing line. And now, I am going back to school to get my human massage license. I still enjoy riding horses. I have had to overcome a lot of fear to get back in the saddle. Fear is such a crippling force. If I can help young girls, face their fears and walk right past it, by embracing courage. I then feel like I have contributed something of worth. I face fear everyday in many different forms. But God has helped me to keep standing and press on. I figure if I can do it, ANY-ONE can. My life in2009 was spared, when I was diagnosed with cancer. So, now with a second chance, I intend to live life, like the Martina McBride song ANYWAY. So take a chance and don’t let fear hold you back. Got for that crown, and better yet receive that heavenly crown. Here are the lyrics to Anyway. I feel this song deep in my heart, it says all that I want to say: Anyway ------Martina McBride You can spend your whole life building Something from nothin' One storm can come and blow it all away Build it anyway You can chase a dream That seems so out of reach And you know it might not ever come your way Dream it anyway God is great But sometimes life ain't good And when I pray It doesn't always turn out like I think it should But I do it anyway I do it anyway This world's gone crazy It's hard to believe That tomorrow will be better than today Believe it anyway You can love someone with all your heart For all the right reasons In a moment they can choose to walk away Love 'em anyway God is great But sometimes life ain't good And when I pray It doesn't always turn out like I think it should But I do it anyway Yea - I do it anyway You can pour your soul out singing A song you believe in That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang Sing it anyway Yea, sing it anyway Yeah, yeah! I sing I dream I love anyway |