The divorce was a fact; however, the war didn’t end there. Unofficially I was informed that the new director was evaluating other companies.
The summer 1997 edition was the crown on my work and became a collector’s item!
Notwithstanding ending on a high note, the airline decided to terminate our relationship and the possibilities to discuss two more seasons were exhausted. As they say: “life happens.”
I thought of producing a magazine similar to Trade Wind, excluding airline related information.
We picked the name COLORS and used it without any research or registration. How naïve we were! No one objected we used COLORS, so we continued.
Once we had a name, I needed a logo, but not just any logo. I wanted something that stood out! Hence, I approached a Dutch designer. What could I expect from a cool Dutch man? He walked up to me holding the dummy, with the logo visible at a distance. WOW! That was it! Ben, -the cool Dutch man- exceeded my expectations by far!
Another year had now passed and a new one was about to begin. At age forty-one, two years after the divorce, I made up the balance sheet of my life. I was unmarried, a mother, blessed with two precious children, and I enjoyed the support of the best parents and grandparents in the world.
I had also courageously started my own business, Liberty Publishing, under which I produced one issue of Trade Wind that became a collectors’ item.
Within the space of one year, four formidable editions of COLORS magazine were produced, published, and distributed, which made COLORS the best read and most popular publication on the island back then.
Members of the small business association, ADECK had chosen me unanimously as a board member.
My main residence was temporarily owned by the bank, but one day would be fully mine.
The beach house Bella-Frans, a property I fully owned, provided passive income.
Blessed and highly favored by God with organizing skills and talents, the honor and privilege were mine to organize two concerts and produce one semi-live CD recording of daddy.
I experienced a number of failures. At the same time I gained wisdom and knowledge from adversity at life’s university. My life was mentally and spiritually enriched, and humbled with countless blessings. I learned that one can rise above every misery if one has the will to do so.
As I relate these stories in writing this book, I’m amazed at the amount of risks I took back then. Sometimes naïve, yet ambitious, confident, and passionate. There is no adventure in living a life without risk! Not every decision requires endless, exhausting deliberations trying to avoid mistakes. Sometimes you have to go through hell to create your own paradise.
From “Go Ahead, You’re Home” – The Caribbean Dream with Grit & Guts
A true and poignant story of forgiveness, hope and love. Mountain-moving faith with a burning desire determined to succeed.