I stood in the storm. When the wind did not blow my way—and it certainly has not; I adjusted my sails.
-Elizabeth Edwards
“Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming…”, was the idiom that rapidly raced through my mind as I stood at the doorway of my hotel room in my pajamas before the hotel manager; whose lips appeared to move in slow motion as he spoke. My eyes followed the movement of his lips as each syllable escaped from them and charged at me faster than bullets shot from a pistol. “You have 15 minutes to vacate the premises or else the police will be called!!!”, he belligerently stated. Before I could mutter a word, he was out of sight.
As the airplane ascended into the heavens, I inclined in my seat, closed my eyes, and exhaled. I gradually drifted into a trance. My thoughts were as scrambled as a jigsaw puzzle. I frantically tried to make sense of all the unexpected, unfortunate events that unfolded. I wondered WHY… My moment of solitude was interrupted by an announcement. “Ladies and gentleman we shall arrive to New York on schedule”, said the pilot. Those eleven words appeared to have healing powers of some sort; they instantly relieved all the mental, physical and emotional anxiety I experienced throughout the duration of my stay in Los Angeles, California.
Prior to the mortifying and utterly embarrassing ejection from the hotel, my team and I were informed the fashion show wasn’t going to be held at the Playboy Mansion nor would there be any celebrity participation as previously publicized. In fact, the fashion show would take place at the North Hollywood Performing Arts Theater and the models would be selected from agencies in the area. We were in Los Angeles, California on false pretences. Indeed, the unforeseen news was extremely disappointing and distressing, however, it did not amount to the tremendous humiliation my team and I experienced out on the curb, with our luggage, in the pouring rain for over 4 long gruesome hours once we shamefully departed from the hotel. In complete shock and disbelief, it was difficult for the 4 of us to come to terms with the fact that we were victims of a scam. The producer of the event my publicist confided in robbed us blind! All the money, time and dedication devoted to the event went to no avail. I was D.E.V.A.S.T.A.T.E.D!!!
Once my team and I managed to find a vacant hotel room, due to the fact it was All Star Weekend, we collectively and meticulously calculated our next move. With the worst behind us, we decided to remain in Los Angeles, California and make the best out of our unfortunate situation. We couldn’t change our present faith; however, we were in control of our destiny. We were distraught, yet UNIFIED!
As my team slept one night, I awakened in the early hours of the morning and cried tears of sorrow. Thoughts that I had failed them consumed me. Although they assured me that I hadn’t, I couldn’t help but feel as if I had. As a result of those feelings, my heart was broken. At times my sobs became unbearable. Determined to appear strong for my team, I hid my sorrow; I slowly and silently tiptoed around the room to prevent anyone from awaking. I exited the room and took a long walk in the area. I didn’t return until I managed to regain my composure.
The morning of the fashion show, as I prepared the gowns, my team stepped out to purchase some needed materials. Upon their return, they greeted me with flowers and a card. Completely surprised, I abruptly stopped what I was doing, sniffed the flowers, and then read the card out loud as my team stood around me. It read:
Vaughn,
Into every life, a little rain must fall. So think of US as your umbrella!
Love,
Jayo, Tawana & Sabrina
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. I was overwhelmed with joy. At that very moment I embraced my blessing. The unity I felt amongst the 4 of us was incredible. Without a doubt, this experience has bought us closer to each other. Together we weathered the storm and found the silver lining in our dark cloud.
In spite of it all, the fashion show was a success! Although it wasn’t at the Playboy Mansion and there weren’t any celebrities in attendance, I was there with my team—I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!
I believe you must count all your blessings. I’ve learned how to identify the blessings in disguise. If YOU fail to do so, you may fail to notice your TRUE success!
Vaughn Jereaux Adams,
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CLICK HERE – visit our website to view our entire collection – www.vaughnjereaux.com
On January 12, 2011, I posted a blog entry titled, “Red Carpet in Brooklyn.” It highlighted the fitting party I hosted at my home on January 8, 2011. I granted RevengeFashionMagazine.com exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the fitting party and I was interviewed by Shakyra LaShae from season 2 of the VH1 series “You’re CUT OFF.” As promised, it gives me great pleasure to share the interview with all of YOU!
BELIEVE is designer's Vaughn Jereaux Adams’ personal Online Weekly Journal that updates his followers, friends and fans on the inspirations, truths, triumphs, soul-searching, love, and passion that one must invest in their dream to find both financial and spiritual success. The Blog is an honest reflection of the designer’s life and the many changes on the road ahead. It’s meant as an inspiration to all in pursuit of a dream. Vaughn hopes just one sentence or word might inspire people to BELIEVE in something –especially a dream.