When I was 16, I competed in the Omak Stampede royalty pageant. I
won the Princess crown. This was the beginning of the best year of
my whole high school experience. For a young country girl who had
never been any- where or done any- thing this was the most
awesome year of my youth. I will forever be thankful to all the people
in Omak that helped me throughout that year, especially the loving
support of Bunny Detro. I know if it wasn’t for her, I would never have
even wore the crown.    

In 1993 the former royalty were invited back for a reunion. I had just
got back in the States after living in Alaska for 12 years. It meant
more to me in my 30’s to participate and do a “sensible” arena run
than it ever meant as a teenager.

I currently live in Soap Lake Washington with my husband and two  
girls.  I operate an equine rehabilitation facility., specializing in
massage and micro current therapy.  I am legally blind due to
maculardegeneration. The department of services for th eblind
helped mw with my education.


You may wonder how I sew? I suppose it is a miracle,  a sacrifice for
sure.  I learn and grow with every garment I sew.  Nothing I make ever
is perfect but that I suppose is to remind me that apart from God I can
do nothing any ways.  

In October of 03 my daughter Catrina won the title to Jr. Miss Rodeo
Wa 04 and my life took a turn back into rodeo. I had been gone from
that world for a long time and things had changed. I learned real
quick to study and get current with the fad’s and fashions. Because
they sure were not doing things, the way we did back in the 70’s and
80’s.

My other daughter Ruby, has also participated in several pageants
and has won the crown for Jr. Miss Rodeo Washington in 2006 as
well.   So, with two girls “queening” it was a necessity that I sew their
clothes.  

I specialize in one of a kind design’s that speak of each girls
originality and own special personality. It brings me great pleasure to
know my girls feel good about them-selves and walk up on stage
confidant in what they are wearing or feel comfortable yet stylish in
horsemanship.

I think of the Dolly Parton song "Coat of many colors" and how she
was proud to wear what her momma had sewn with love. I do this out
of love for my girls and some day when they are all through with this
"Queening", I will maybe find time to go back and ride my horse.   


I want to encourage the young girls to persevere and learn those life
skills that will enable them to be awesome assets and ambassadors
to our communities.

“Queening” is not easy and takes a lot of hard work. It isn’t all glory
and we need to see more young ladies growing into servants and
walking forward with dignity, integrity and a humble heart shunning
the pride and it’s “all about me” attitudes. Character really does count
or else there is no point and it just becomes an ugly vain shell.  OK
enough of my preaching.

I have never regretted my experience in rodeo, though looking back I
am embarrassed and regret some foolish teenage choices that can’t
be undone. Nevertheless that is life and we hopefully learn by our
mistakes. I know I have experienced God’s grace in my life and it’s
restoring power.

Happy Trails.

Mary Lou Langley
Mary Lou with Ellensburg Rodeo Queen
2007
Mary Lou with her two greatest
inspirations:  Catrina and Ruby Langley
2008