Well it has been 17 years in the making. Today was the final critique in a journey I started in what now seems a lifetime ago. I have been haunted by the failure to achieve completion at DAAP in the Fashion Design program since 1994. Today, I presented my final design for review, and am a posting of this blog and a math final away from successfully completing my Bachelors Degree-at last, long last. As I reflect on the theme of my final design...Picking up the Pieces... I am blessed to have had taken the path which was laid out for me. I never expected to be on stage at 41 years old defending a design while my 12 year old daughter sat and watched in the audience. I never expected to have her look so stunning in my designs that she actually takes my breath away. I honestly never figured I would have the courage or wherewith all to pick up the pieces and REvisit, Redesign and REclaim the confidence that I destroyed by giving up the first time around. I have been embarrassed and ashamed for 17 years for not finishing. I honestly never thought the pieces would fall into place. I have been reviewing my work over the years, old and new and see pieces of me that are strong and have endured...as my knitwear unravels...so has the shame. I am proud of my work, but more than that I am grateful that I had the opportunity to shred the shame and let my idea shine on stage, even if it was just in front of a dozen or so strangers.... I did it. I didn't wig out or cower in fear. I know God has a plan, even one for me, and believe that this is the beginning of his plan to re purpose me.
