Perhaps this is an appropriate time to tell the story of the conception and birth of Transformations, my dream-come-true business. I started hearing and reading about real estate staging and interior redesign over the course of several years.  I loved my job and after 11 years in design, my client list included influencial people from all over North Florida and beyond. My future seemed secure but I was intrigued with the fact that staging was flourishing in other cities. Why not Jacksonville?

In the fall of ‘03, as I contemplated the prospect of leaving my safe, predictable job, I got a strange call from my younger brother Johnny. He asked my opinion about his idea for a major career change. Johnny, by the way, bears a striking resemblance to George Bush. After 20 years in HIS safe, predictable job, helping run the family business in Orlando, he wanted to try his hand at being a George Bush impersonator.

My first reaction was, “You have got to be kidding. You have four children still at home. You have a good job with great insurance.” At that point, we didn’t even think George would be reelected.

Johnny didn’t know that I also was at a crossroad in my life. So we asked God to confirm what he/we should do. I honestly didn’t expect to hear an answer, but guess what…

The very next day, while taking a walk on the cartpath of our neighborhood golf club, something bizarre happened. As I approached the 17th tee, I threw up my hands and said, “God, talk to me.” About a minute later, I noticed something I had never seen before on the ladies tee on the opposite side of the fairway. I walked over and there before my very eyes was a large stone with these words engraved on it…”Don’t lay up, go for it.” (For those of you who don’t play golf , that means don’t take the easy, safe shot.) I found out later that it was a memorial to a deceased lady golfer who was known for saying those words at this more challenging water-hazard hole. At that moment, I felt like I was sprinkled all over with fairy dust.

That SAME day, while driving in from the outskirts of Orlando (home of the Magic Kingdom), Johnny experienced his own message from above…An American bald eagle landed on the road directly in front of his car. (It is uncharacteristic for an eagle to be on the ground.) If you’re looking for a presidential sign from God, what could be more direct than an eagle?

[1] To make a long story somewhat short, Johnny launched out in a big way. He’s been incredibly successful, makes $10,000. to $15,000. a gig and performs all over the country and abroad. He’s appeared on numerous talk shows; he’s met Barbara Walters, Sean Hannity, Diane Sawyer, everyone important in state and national government.(Jeb calls him “Bro”.) He’s been hired by the William Morris Talent Agency, the largest in the world. He performed at the Gospel Music Awards recently in Nashville. The list goes on and on. (click on the image to enlarge it)  Check out his website…  [2] www.georgebushimpersonator.com  

Several months later, I started Transformations in Jacksonville. It has been an exciting and glorious adventure, more than I ever could have imagined. The escalating demand for staging and redesign has prompted me to focus more on promoting the benefits of staging and redesign and training other visionary people in this field. The school is attracting attention all over the country thanks to great coverage by the Florida Times-Union. (Click on “Press Room” on the website…  [3] www.transform-us.com… to read the latest articles).

Every endeavor begins with a thought or a wish. It’s like a seed that must be planted in fertile ground. Well, here we are, in this atmosphere of fairy dust and eagles wings, listening to a Cinderella story of Presidential proportions. So, for those of you who feel there’s an unfinished chapter in your lifestory, looming on the not-too-distant horizon, for those of you with dreams on the back burner… listen for the voice of God, plant those seeds and “Don’t lay up, go for it.”      

Happy Holidays from me and my husband, Chips…my biggest fan. My wish for all of you in 2007 is to open your heart to believe for impossible things.             

Becky (*.*)

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