Eventually my stint at the southern printing mill ended (see PART ONE), and survival issues loomed once more. Funny (not ha-ha) how the fear component of mind is always waiting for the other shoe to drop, even though faith plus experience have shown repeatedly that rescue always arrives - frequently not a moment too soon.
On my last scheduled trip, I was honored to be asked to address a convention of The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. So temporarily my thoughts were side tracked by preparing my talk.
AND DECIDING WHAT TO WEAR!
SO, WHEN AN AQUA SHANTUNG SUIT AND MATCHING STRAW HAT BECKONED FROM A FIFTH AVENUE BOUTIQUE, I SAID “YES, YOU ARE PERFECT!”; THOUGH IT BROKE THE BANK THE OUTFIT GAVE ME THE CONFIDENCE I NEEDED AS A NOVICE AT PUBLIC SPEAKING.
Finishing up a final printing assignment at around four AM, before going home the next day, I overheard a heated discussion between the night colorist Tom, whose job it was to match color standards for an important design, and his customer George, both at the end of their frazzled nerves.
Tom was trying to meet production timelines while inexperienced George insisted on using a mixture of red and blue for a particular flower and was frustrated because it turned a ghastly purple.
The clock was ticking so I asked if I could help. I requested that Tom substitute green for the red, then push the OK button full speed ahead without even taking the time to show George the result.
That design with the turquoise roses was such a hit that my next client was George’s company.
My new association continued profitably until the next business slump. Once again that
"ole debil" Survival raised its scary head.
By then I considered myself an old pro at this scenario. As I went to sleep I replaced thoughts of doom and disaster with gratitude that my children were safe and healthy – that I still had two hands and a fully functioning creative mind.
The next morning at 7:30, George called from Birmingham, AL, where a sales meeting had just concluded. My marching orders were to be at the NY office at 11 o'clock. A decision had been reached to plow ahead with a new print line!
After hearing all the plans and receiving instructions, I asked for an advance in order to purchase art supplies.
I didn’t bother to mention that the advance would also buy some food.
ONCE AGAIN THE END RESULT JUSTIFIED MY FAITH...
OR
WAS IT THAT MY FAITH PRODUCED THE END RESULT?
AS FOR GEORGE AND ME, IT WAS FUN WHILE IT LASTED!
Comments (1)
Irene,
I'm loving your blog, dying to know what happened with George, and can see a book in progress, not quite ready for publication, unless there is more.
Really, thoroughly enjoyed it and will pass your blog address onto Marilyn.
Stay in touch.
Best,Cindy