Are you in the path of hurricane Irma? How are you feeling?
I live in the Orlando area.I left Florida on Wednesday for NYC to attend NY Fashion Week with a friend who was invited to show his collection at the last minute.The storm hit Florida last night with Orlando to the right of its path. Not a good situation.First my business partner who was staying at my apartment there said the power went out.Soon after he sent me a photo of water running out of my kitchen cabinets. I live on the first floor with one apartment above me.Then he said he had to move my car because the parking lot was flooding. The water was up to his knees.Then he said his phone was down to 15%. Water was starting to come under the doors.I lost contact around 9pm.Right now he is one of 4 million people without power.I am feeling anxious. Not so much about my stuff or personal belongings but about the safety of my friends and family.My girls are both in the Jacksonville area, which is in a better place. I haven't heard from them since last night, but I think they will be fine. They've both called me crying at various times since I left. One needed money to get out of town. The other needed a place to go with her pets.I'm a little strapped for cash at the moment. I'm staying in a friend's hotel room, that I still need to help pay for. Although I am thrilled to be in NYC at Fashion Week, it wasn't a planned trip or anything I budgeted for.People are taking care of me. Making sure I eat, sending me cash. There will be more expenses to drive back to Orlando. At this moment I don't know where that money will come from.It will all work out. I've been on a journey of serendipity. Every time I need something it shows up out of nowhere. Every turn I've taken has lead me to an opportunity I didn't have earlier.This trip has exceeded my expectations despite what's going on back home. Yesterday I had a meeting regarding some costumes I'm designing for the first ever VR Broadway show. I would not have been able to do that in person were it not for Hurricane Irma. I was very happy to be able to be there.I've felt a little guilty at times about having such a good time while all my friends and family are waiting for it, in Florida.Today is September 11th. I am in New York City. I feel like I should pay my respects. The last time I saw the World Trade Center was in 1995.I leave NYC tomorrow.My travel companions both own homes in Central Florida and want to get back asap.