Giving Birth

Today, I gave birth to a book. I swear that’s what it feels like. I’m sure anyone who has actually given birth to a human being will take umbrage with this statement but that is beside the point. This is the only kind of birth I will ever give so I’m calling it that! I carried it; labored over it; cried, smiled, worried, loved, hated, and everything in between…for the last nine months. So I’d say that’s comparable; what say you?

OK, so I finished a book. It blows my mind that this little pipe dream of an idea now sits in front of me as a physical thing that I can touch, look at, keep forever, and feel proud of (see, it IS like a kid!!). At this moment, I love it so much that I actually like to just stare at it, flip through the pages, and reminisce. I think it’s beautiful and I really, really love it. I love that I created it. OK, I’ll shut up about that. It’s probably just as annoying as people talking incessantly about how wonderful their kids are. I think I’m beginning to understand this thing.

Here’s the real reason I’m so happy with this book: because I had to fight so damn hard to make it happen. I feel triumph. I feel so completely glad that I didn’t give up, even when others discouraged me. Fortunately, I was born a fighter, and I haven’t lost that. Fighting is worth it, at times. Win or lose…without the fight, what is the point?

This little soldier is now home from the battle and ready to move forward. Because I’ve stuck to my guns, followed my passion, and not given up, I’ve been recognized. I’ve been asked to be a guest speaker at a Marylhurst University class this summer on architecture theory/criticism, and possibly a design studio class in the fall. I’ve been invited as an advisor and student representative to the “Mission Task Force” meeting, to develop a new mission statement for my university’s design program. They want my input on ethics, because that is my focus. WOW. Who knew this would happen!

This all leads me to the point…you know, the moral of the story…cause this is where I always go: FOLLOW PASSION. DON’T GIVE UP. I believe when we follow our true passions, very good things happen. How can they not?