Contribution – Noun, a writing for a publication.

Really, everything is an effect of contribution. One can’t truly walk the path of life without, at an early age, stepping on a bit of what’s to later become the masonry of one’s own life.

My first contact with writing was positive, and at a very early age. As a grade school student, I was comfortable with using language, and of that comfort developed a great sense of creativity. It was an enjoyment putting words on paper, expressing ideas and forming situations.

With a love for writing and extensive reading, as a fourth grader, I had written several short stories–positive they warranted publication–and one short play.

Positive reinforcement I received along the way–praise from a loving and encouraging family, as well as outstanding grade school teachers–has positively shaped my outcome.

I was perpetually surrounded by, and encouraged to be a people who thought–versus one who only accepted. This continuous exposure to the unique and intellectual stimulated my reading perception and writing abilities.

HIBERNATION

The creative mind then fell to a period of hibernation during junior and senior high. A wider range of interests was opened and none of my talents or abilities were given serious attention.

In 1982, I tapped back into my creative mind–enrolling at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising). I was to pick up a career in the industry. I love fashion.

Meanwhile, I took my liberties at freelancing–trifle write ups-to-be on local happenings and soft sell articles to underground publications.

At the end of two years, I emerged as a merchandising major with an AA; not quite the raving intellectual I would have liked to be. However, I put lots of time into ruminating behind the lime lights.

Immediately, I was working my way into Nordstrom’s buyer-training path. Before long, I was purchasing ready-to-wear for all 4 San Diego stores.

TRAVEL

Travel opportunities unique to buying and my insurmountable love of personal growth— led me to meet a tremendous number of industry people. I held contacts at each corner of the market. I found myself keeping lists of names and numbers to call on each buying trip.

Especially pleased was I, to be asked by the Italian editor of Vogue, Jemma DiVetta, for an interview. We met, in Rome, and she interviewed my opinions on an international buying mart. As the interview ended, we exchanged addresses, in the event of a certain interest we had in common.

Oddly enough, it came as a surprise, when a month later, I received a call from Jemma. She was asking if I could recommend anyone out of FIDM for a possible job, fashion editing at her magazine. Realizing an old interest, I suggested myself, and got the job.

Working with Italian Vogue for two years, I did behind the scenes interviewing. And I contributed up front critiques on designer shows.

COMING HOME

Bringing in the 1990’s also brought a longing for me. I had a longing for “home” and Southern California. Yes, I retreated to my homeland. Alas, there was no opening on any major newspaper for a silly fashion journalist. So I had to edit and re-edit, write and rewrite, daily news bulletins for San Diego City Schools–a job my dad got me– for nearly seven months.

During the last week of a hot summer, I was granted a temporary position on the L.A. Times editorial staff. Once again, I felt encouraged and held a sense of fulfillment. The personal satisfaction and enjoyment I get from my job each day, makes all those early struggles acceptable.

~ This autobiographical account of my future written by me in October 1983.