Approached

Well last week Imani Design was approached, through one of our online sales venues, to provide a product line sheet to an online magazine based out of NY. This was indeed encouraging as we were sought out vs. seeking opportunity. The only small (okay GINORMOUS) challenge was we had just returned from Africa and I was befriended by a not so welcome flu bug of some sort. 

Being the main designer for Imani - (not to mention my co-designer Maddy is living in Africa right now) - this left a bit of a void in "hit the road running" action. Well no worries - I figured - we had a bit of time to get the ball rolling again. Oh.... did I mention upon our return my head was spinning with fresh ideas and designs for our tribal designs, yet I was trapped unable to move, bound by lack of energy? 

Well - in the mental fog of this illness I was harboring I received a follow up email from the fashion editor... it went something like this. " Deadline is this Thursday night as our board will be reviewing it Friday morning to decide what we will be purchasing". She was most apologetic for the quick deadline. You see.... she had been completely occupied  as she was wrapped up in NYFW. ( I'll give you a moment  to google that if you need to.)........................................waiting.....................................................

YES! New York Fashion Week. What? Just coming back from Africa to New York Fashion Week? Has my fever taken me to a state of ...OUT of my mind? No... this is reality. This is our world. From one extreme to another all happening simultaneously. Somehow I am not shocked, or terrified. I simply do what I can, with what I have and trust God will do what He wants done. I will just try to do my part in it. 

Somehow through the course of the last 5 days I was able to pump out some designs, hopefully a few of those inspired. The line sheet was completed on time...right down to the wire. In the midst of this I was able to function as a teacher to my kids (I homeschool), managed to somewhat have dinners on the table along with a halfway clean kitchen when my husband arrived home. All in all this was a challenge I feel I can grade with an A+. I kept balance in my home when I would typically have gone into a complete frenzy trying to please people...well the people I wanted to impress in the moment. Those that I could hear the loudest applause from... which would have come in the sound of a jewelry order. I feel as if I am finally arriving to a place where I can be a blessing to others and a blessing to my family at the same time. This has not been an easy lesson for me to learn, but boy does it feel great to be in this moment. 

I should find out soon if they want to purchase any of my designs. I don't believe I will be discouraged if they don't - I am certain I will be very encouraged if they do. In all honesty I am just really blessed they asked. It has truly helped me to identify that God makes things happen. We can plan away, exhausting ourselves in an effort to accomplish our own desires -or- we can simply sit back and enjoy the ride letting God take the lead. 

I for one am ready for the ride!