I have learned over the years to lay feelings aside and keep moving,when we feel "spent". When my mind is over stimulated it gets worn out. It was one of those days. Every designer has those "ah ha"moments, satisfied and full as the room is bursting with promise. We forget about the tired feet and aching backs when we see the space transformed.
That particular late July night the air was softly echoing thru the large buildings in the financial district close to our London flat .We were just approaching Goldman Sachs when something caught my eye. Designer's are good at always being on the hunt. We never miss the unexpected that will perhaps be our next purchase. I glanced and turned to cross the street. This is a twist for an American looking left instead of right, a necessary challenge as the cabbies twirl by to pick up traders. Was it a baby pram approaching us?
My grandmother glands were starting to rise. It had been nearly 6 weeks since the thought of my little boys had whirled through my brain. Our new grandson was soon to arrive in August.
This "Mimi" was running across the dark street to greet the young couple.
"Is this your precious baby I shouted?
"Yes," came the response from the petite girl. "May I see your darling?"
She was so excited to remove the blanket covering. My adrenalin was pumping wanting to have a closer look. I leaped backwards on the curb just as she brought out an albino constrictor. She then said, "do you want to hold her?"
At this time the strange juices were jumping as I leaped back 3 more feet. "No, that's okay I don't need to hold her tonight".
I asked Rich and Judy to continue the conversation. This was definitely one "ah ha moment" for this designer.The terrific part of my career always has an element of surprise...usually for the client when they walk into their "new space" for the first time in months. Love the words, "you have done magic",wow! This was not the "wow" I expected!
As I looked on and was listening from afar, the true nature of this encounter of a "too close" kind happened. Her heart was cramped in fear of the future because of a distorted view about her present. This is so typical of a room re design. We are trapped in the confusion of dark surroundings. We know change is necessary but we do not know where to begin.
It became obvious that she needed a mother's love and the awareness that there was a God who loved. The snake was now quietly contained and covered in a silver cage. Now my creative eye was looking for entry into her tattered heart. I approached her and so gently touched her cheek to move her locks from her sculpted lashes. Tender words came from within as I whispered to her that her life was special. I was able to share the Good News of why Jesus came. He is the supreme Designer. The greatest treasure in my life is the knowledge that God so loved me and this chaotic world that He came to fix it! Broken people like rooms in need of a lift need someone to listen to where they envision their "look" to go.
This night she allowed entrance into her private space. Shame slithered away. Her cage was now unlocked and she was free.
They were part of a circus act and this became a magical moment for this precious lady. Like Cinderella, she was changed into a wonderful princess as she met her prince for the first time.
We danced across the street,our feet were light as feathers.I was twirling with my King! Jesus had filled not only her's but my dance card.
This storybook continued as her friend opened up to the the Kingdom of love too. They met us at a wonderful church in Mayfair the following Sunday.
All I can say is"wow". It was like my elated client's on their recent October arrival home saying,"thank you so much"! Their dull and darkened home is fresh as spring.
It is in those moments that weary thoughts leave and all the unsure feelings of "how will I fix it" vanish.It is complete. This last client we just installed illustrates the story.(see the photos) Everything was put back in order. We transformed a dull muddy brown home into a delightful dancing crisp white space with color splashes of peonies. It sprang to life like our new friends"Twink" and "D"...
Thank you Jesus for loving me so I can LOVE.You are MAGIC!
