People always say, “Be careful what you wish for.” Having read a lot of fantasy and magic-land-type books as a child, I’ve always thought there should be follow-up warning: “Be specific about what you wish for.” A common plot twist in the fantasy genre involves a poor soul who doesn’t word a wish carefully and winds up with something s/he doesn’t want at all. The classic example is a person who wishes to live forever … but forgets to wish to be forever young, healthy and surrounded by equally eternal friends and family. It can get lonely when you’re 700 years old and decrepit!
Despite my awareness of this issue, one of my wishes has taken an unexpected turn. I’ve been walking around for years thinking, “I WANT TO BE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES I WANT TO BE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES I WANT TO BE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES.” I now realize I should have added the words “… for my jewelry designs” to my message to the universe, because now I AM in the New York Times, but I am talking about the website strategy of the Columbia Daily Spectator, Columbia University’s undergraduate newspaper, instead of my stunning jewelry inspired by powerful women.
“It doesn’t matter if you love or hate the Internet — it’s here,” I boldly declare. More interestingly (perhaps) I say, “My view is that this change [a move to the web] is ultimately going to come for everyone. My feeling is that our valuable product is the content. Whether it’s print, Internet or something that hasn’t been invented yet, they’re all just delivery tools.”
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The Wall Street Journal has also written about my college newspaper, with a quote from me, here. And, yes, I have often thought, “I want to be in the Wall Street Journal.” I swear, I’m going to have to tattoo the words “…for my jewelry designs” on me somewhere so that I stay focused! Magic is a tricky thing.
Making the Times is very cool (not for crimes or obituaries, or being Putin). So congrats, and pretty soon when people see “Wendy Brandes” they will only think one thing: Paul McCartney’s secret wife! I mean: fine jewelry!
This. Made. Me. Laugh!!!!
Your jewelry designs are about powerful women. YOU are a powerful woman. YOU are in the New York F-ing Times, bitch! And so will your jewelry, soon enough.
Congrats!
xo
I think my mom has already framed it.
Whaaaat? You are referenced as the Board CHAIRWOMAN in that article. Did Gloria make them do that???
Your and Emperor Wu should make them print a correction.
I laughed over that privately. But I’ve always been okay with other people calling me that, just like I carefully write “spokeswoman” “chairperson” etc when referring to other people. I just hate how close it is to “charwoman.” I suck at cleaning.
You were in the NY Times on previous occasions for your
fashion photos by Bill Cunningham and also your
wedding announcement. One day your jewelry will be
featured too!
You are correct! And my jewelry was once mentioned in a Sex and the City article, which I was excited about. But it’s never been the coverage I really wanted, in a serious news story or a feature profile. Those mentions were like appetizers!