Michelle Smith, Groundwork Providence

Michelle Smith is an AmeriCorps volunteer with Groundwork Providence, asmall nonprofit urban environmental organization in Providence, R.I. Sheworks on integrating the arts into Groundwork's environmentalprogramming.

Runway Earth: Recycled Fashions for a Sustainable World is tomorrow. It has not really hit me, but I do have that nervous tension in my stomach; not panic-nervousness, happily -- excited nervousness.

Today is the day of details, the day we need to make sure everything is ready to go. We need to get raffle tickets, food and refreshments for our models, and materials to build the stairs. We need to give all our models and designers reminder calls and confirm everyone's participation. So much glamour, so little time.

Yesterday, I had a meeting and an after-school environmental program with middle school youth, so fashion show worries had to be put on hold. I did get a chance to talk to our DJ, however, to make sure he has all the equipment he needs. I also did some trouble-shooting, since one of our designers backed out of some outfits we were expecting and a model cancelled due to illness. This did not really set us back, however, because we have so many outfits (50 or 60) and some models will wear more than one. With the exception of three or four pieces that still need to be matched up with models, the outfits are all set and ready to be shown to the world!

There is a definite buzz in the air about the fashion show. Providence is a really small city, so word spreads quickly. When, I stopped at a local coffee shop this morning, six different people stopped me and said they were coming to the show and very excited about this event. It makes me really happy that so many people are enthusiastic about the show. It is not only a great opportunity to showcase what designers in Providence are making, but it is also a chance to promote recycling and sustainability. So many events are fundraisers, so it's nice, for once, to have the opportunity to organize an entertaining and educational show without the pressure of having to make money off of it.

And then there's Adam. You might remember him as the model showcasing the lovely polyester blue leisure suit. Adam refused to model in the show. Adam did not want to sell tickets at the door. As a result, he has been railroaded into the role of personal assistant to the show's coordinators -- Dani and me -- on the big day. From cold drinks to tofu burgers to cloths to wipe the sweat from our brows, Adam will be at our beck and call. So everything looks set to run smoothly. The only problem? I still don't know what I am going to wear!