My neighbor's grandson, Ben, dreams of becoming an architect even though he has a learning disability, dyslexia. Ben is about the same age I was when I knew I wanted to be a designer but I did not know that I was dyslexic. His ability to envision and his struggle with numbers and words reminds me of my youth. Fortunately, today we know more about learning disabilities than when I was growing up. I devised ways to compensate for my disability and my faith in my gift to design saw me through college and sitting for the NCIDQ exam. Having both dyslexia and a gift taught me to be compassionate. I believe we all have areas where we excel and areas where we struggle.
I love to share may passion to design with others to help them create what they cannot quite see for themselves. I knew how very special my gift was when a model I'd just completed was sold. I have a ritual of blessing a home. I walk through every room observing how much like the vision I had in the beginning is to the end result. The final touch on the Isle Verde Model was a package wrapped with paper with fish designs - that was in Naples, Florida; so, the paper was very elegant - a boat tied to the bow and a card wishing an imaginary mom and dad "Happy Anniversary." I met the couple who bought the model. They loved everything in it - every detail spoke to them - but when they told me it was their anniversary, I knew there was something magical in what I'd created. I do believe it is a gift and I hope Ben, and others like us, will find a way to overcome the struggles to share these gifts.
I hope you know your gifts - those things that makes you uniquely you - and that you have as much fun with them as I've had in my design career.
However, if you are decoratively challenged, I hope you'll call me.
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