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Dusty Gilbert

Founder, bareCommunication & Editor, skirt! Houston

Dusty Gilbert is an International Studies Graduate from the University of St. Thomas. With professional experience in print publications, the non-profit sector, website development, and the real estate industry, she is currently a writer, a local columnist, Editor of skirt! Houston Online and the...

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Big Girl Panties?

Dusty Gilbert

Several months ago, I read a skirt! essay titled, “When the Universe Calls, Pick Up the Phone.”   Afterwards, I felt inspired by the idea of a divine plan authored by the universe. So, I asked for a picture of the infamous factory.

A few days later, a postcard adorned with the image of the old “Skirt Factory” building  appeared in the mail. “Wow,” I thought to myself, “I wonder what the universe is trying to tell me. Oh no! Did I accidently send the call to voicemail?” After that brief moment of personal dialogue, I put it aside to contemplate later.

Days and weeks went by, and these thoughts left my consciousness only to be replaced by the hectic demands of the day to day craziness of life. Then, seemingly out of no where, everything changed. What I thought was solid, was no longer. What had been my goals, were no longer. What was up, was now down. And, I needed a plan!

Not exactly “Skirt Factory” written on a building, could this be my call from the universe? Was this the beginning of my personal courtship with destiny?

“Universe, I need answers! What is the lesson? What’s next? I need more info,” I screamed.

The decision swaying information I sought, did not come. Actually, my world just became more confusing as the number of choices climbed and I continued to realize I was the author of my life. Like standing in the middle of a fork in the road with more than 10 different paths from which to choose, I faced the challenge of figuring out what I actually wanted; apparently, a question I hadn’t really asked myself in quite a while. 

So, I sought insight from others… The answers were varied, but the message was the same. “Do what’s in your heart. When that choice comes, you will know,” echoed the common voice of wisdom. Then, my dear friend, Dana said, “Dusty, sounds like you need to put on your big girl panties....”

“Big girl panties? That’s it! Had I slipped on Strawberry Shortcake’s in a brief moment of laundry chaos?,” I pondered.

A metaphor, or course, the universe was calling and fear was secretly holding me back. Sometimes in life, when we aren’t paying attention, we accidentally revert back to our little girl undies. But, that’s cool, it happens...  

The RX? Either, swap them for a more Fredrick’s of Hollywood number or, like Cameron Diaz, wear your “Dun dun du-duns” like a woman. No matter which you prefer, what’s important is answering the phone....