Page 84

When I was in my senior year at college, majoring in Interior Design, there was a nationwide furniture design contest sponsored by the luggage company Samsonite. I designed a child’s bed and was gobsmacked to win Honorable mention – which was 4th place, but who’s counting? I won $75 and although I have no idea what I bought with my prize money, the money was secondary. I was acknowledged for my talent and that was truly a Mastercard moment.

Months after winning, I was told that the magazine Redbook, which has since ceased printing, would be featuring some of the winner’s furniture. Although I didn’t think Honorable Mention would make the cut, I was excited to hunt down the magazine.

I remember the moment clearly. I went to the local supermarket and picked up the new Redbook. On the cover it stated, Three beds to build.

I turned to page 84 and there it was. The bed I designed in a 2-page spread. I literally screamed with joy and a woman passing by stopped and asked if I was okay. With tears of joy running down my face, I just shook my head and grabbed every Redbook on the stand – about a dozen. At $.60 each it was a bargain.

PS. I just checked eBay and that exact Redbook is listed at $21.94. In retrospect I guess I should have bought more!