I  DO receive feedback weekly from persons reading the column, but last week’s content resonated with many persons, judged from the response. I even had some lengthy conversations with a few persons discussing the grieving process, living with purpose, what will our DASH reflect and even learning to die.

Some of the discussions were on the phone and some were at the Golf Academy while sipping on some good wine in great company. I even visited Julian’s for another evening of Jazz. My friend Phillipa wanted to experience the fabulous jazz evening I was bragging about with Herbie Marshall and Mr. Carrington. It was her turn to sing along and I can assure you she is a much better singer than I am, but I think anyone would be, lol.

Thank you for the feedback and meaningful discussions which added value to another awesome month with new experiences.  My first business shower was priceless and I would love to share some of the priceless moments with you. It is a blessing to be part of a caring and loving family. Love will always be the basic connection with family and an essential element for a  good foundation in relationships. “In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.” –Friedrich Nietzsche

We do get together as a family sometimes, so it was not strange when I called my cousin Clemencio to inform her that we will gather at my home and I need a favour. She needs to come up with a concept for the décor.  She is multitalented and possesses gifts and talents for a few persons. She has a passion for décor and has always been head of the decorating committee for family functions, including weddings. Even her co-workers and friends seek her advice from her because her talent was noticed. Her passion as a creative is evident in her work from acting on stage, or to assisting with wardrobe for the cast of “Nothing to Laugh About,” or assisting me to maintain my signature braids.
We possess an intense passion for something people notice because passion is the energy that keeps us filled with meaning, happiness, excitement, and great anticipation. Passion is a powerful source in accomplishing anything you set your mind to.

Her excitement showed as she walked around the yard to get inspired by her concept. She was oblivious to the real reason why she was there, which was to decorate for her business shower. Maria Benchop is one of her mentors and it was her idea for the business shower, so she called to ask if we could plan it together and I did not have to think about it, because of who it was for. I was intrigued because it is my first business shower and I love to experience new things. She is giving and always willing to assist everyone, so someone like that will always receive from others. Maria, my cousin Phera and myself planned this because of an event that had my cousin Clem crying when she realised on the day what it was. She talks about one day creating a décor service and the name will be Avis Lorraine Decor in memory of her mom, who is deceased. Imagine buying things needed for the event and not realising they were your gifts?  Many great business ideas pass through our minds every day, but they make them a reality; it takes resources. We create a list of things she needed that will be necessary to contribute to a start-up business. The entrepreneurial journey can be challenging, but when you have a few good people who believe in your vision it is a huge help. When she came through the gate and saw not just family, but close friends, she thought it was about her birthday and when it was announced what it was she cried even more. She looked at her business card and got emotional seeing her mother’s name on the card.

She even suggested fun things for the family to do, including Karaoke, which was also part of our plans because she loves to sing.
It was double happiness because her birthday was two days later. We decided it would be great to have a cake also to celebrate her birthday and I was elated about this new addition. The cake was delicious and probably had too many slices. Why did I suggest that she should return the next day for the cake? I certainly have more pounds (which I need to lose before my birthday) now than before that function. Many priceless moments were shared and memorable moments were created in a great ambience. I enjoyed the tea area, but the bar was my favourite because it made me feel as if I were on an exotic island vacation. We all had a blast!

She was so grateful and appreciative for this support that pushes her closer to achieving one of her many goals. She was emotional while thanking everyone for planning (behind her back) something that will certainly contribute to realising one of her dreams. She will be offering unique décor options for small or big functions. She will also be assisting people who may want to host a business shower, because it makes a difference to someone’s entrepreneurial journey. This is her email address  clemmygoddette@gmail.com and you can look out for the launch of Avis Lorraine Decor as we continue to celebrate this because journey called Life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.