The good, the bad and the hustle

Since my last blog post, I quit my 9-5,  I have been feeling all of that. Good because I did it, the bad because I am the only employee ( my cats were not helping)  and the hustle is real.  What I am really happy about though is that my blog post inspired many of you.  And most importantly I received love and support when I told my friends and co-workers. The fact that everyone had faith in me made it much easier for me to know my decision was the right one.

Don’t quit your daydream folks.  But know this, you don’t just start your own business overnight and you’re relaxing all day. You are on the move, maybe in your pj’s, but you’re working it.

In the meantime  I will be blogging about is all things creative in my life I have been doing and will be.  Flea markets, design shows, DIYs and more.  I will be back shortly with a update on life on the networking road.  But feel free to find me at http://www.decorandlotsmore.com for upcoming events in NY and my latest and greatest.

l

Jenn

I quit my 9-5

Yes, you heard me correctly.  I know you are either saying, what? It’s about time or God I wish I could quit my job. But my favorite will be, “Congratulations, you will be amazing, you got this!”

There were plenty of years I shook my head saying, you can’t be serious that you are doing this work over your life’s work, right? My inner voice saying, one day, you will be brave and you will be in a job suited for your calling.

It wasn’t easy to take this leap, it took lots of motivational, business and goal oriented podcasts this past year to get me where I could make this decision.  Along with friends encouraging me and my husband and even strangers.  You always want to believe in yourself but it is important to know people believe in you.

Below see my top motivating people, Brendan particularly has 7-10min motivation for life and what you are capable of, and he just wakes you up, check them out.  I would take my journals(above) an jot down any advice they had.

The Charged Life by Brendan Burchard

Chalene Johnson

https://soundcloud.com/chalenejohnson/how-to-deal-with-lifesay

My mentor Grace Booney, After the Jump who I got to meet. (previous blog entry)

http://www.heritageradionetwork.org/programs/79-After-the-Jump

Designer I am….

And lets not forget, Interior Design school, many knew and many didn’t at work, but right before Superstorm Sandy I started school. It was a struggle to start after being displaced and took some of the joy out of it sadly.  But I made it happen and I graduated this January.  So it’s time to strike while the iron’s hot as they say.

Why share all this? Well because it is a part of my journey and maybe I can encourage you and show you that even when you do wait, it doesn’t mean it is over.  Dance if you want too, learn if you want too and stop worrying about shit and just go and do it!

Thanks…

My friends have been there for me for years pushing me and these past few months especially, encouraging me and always telling me, you are going to do great.  And these aren’t blowing smoke up my ass friends, but when I tell everyone today, I know the support will be amazing.

What are you going to do?????

I will tell you what I am not going to do: put pressure on myself.

I will be working my social media, getting my website looking fab and doing art and design work. From consulting to party planning to crafting up a storm. Traveling and exploring.  You can always contact me for something!

I always use the saying,”She took the road less traveled” (my favorite book is, The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck)   And sometimes we lose sight of that. Why are we conforming?  This is your life, do with it as you wish.  Where did the Jennifer go that quit her job and packed up and moved to Egypt (yes I left Lancer  between those 16 years), she got older and fearful. Well I miss that girl.

I hope you will support me in my future endeavors and I thank you for taking the time to read this.   Feel free to leave a comment.

XO

Jennifer C Aly  http://www.decorandlotsmore.com

Follow me here or on IG and FB @decorandlotsmore

 

Artist to Know “Darlene Cunnup” Photographer, Survivor and just Awesome.

On the blog from time to time I will spotlight a local artist whose work inspires.   This month in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness I have chosen Photographer & Survivor Darlene Cunnup.

Darlene and pets go hand and hand.

I can remember the first time I met Darlene, I was exhibiting at my first fine art show and she came into my booth and was positive, friendly and supportive.  She even bought my work.  This of course will come as no surprise to those that know her.  She is generous in nature, with herself and her body of work.

Darlene isn’t afraid to tell her story through her medium.  In an article, written and photographed by her and published in her hometown magazine Fort Mill Magazine out of  South Carolina,  Darlene invites you to experience first hand her fight with breast cancer.  Please visit this link to read the full article.  http://fortmillmagazine.com/character/health/my-story-breast-cancer

             

Since being published many of her loyal fans,  friends and family have been asking to hear and see more.  She plans on publishing a book that will share additional  photos and inspiring words.  Stay tuned and watch out for her Kickstarter page.

Let’s catch up with Darlene and ask her a few questions!

Me: What inspires your work?

Darlene:  Being able to take a photo and have someone say, “thank you for sharing your work, I would have just walked right by that rusted chair in the snow, but now after seeing your photo, I will start paying more attention to the world around me.”  This inspires me to go out and shoot more.

Me: What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Darlene: This is a tough question for me. I shoot whatever catches my eye.  I do love shadows, color, old rusted objects, flowers, the ocean, trees…I can go on.

Me: What can we expect next from you?

Darlene: Working on starting my book and creating greeting cards and inspiring photos.

Me: Where can we get your work?

Darlene: I have several websites and any photo you see on my pages, facebook or IG and my blog, just ask, I also make cards.

Darlene is a pet sitter, and is available to  photograph babies,  family portraits,  pets and nature.  Oh and shoes!

For more information on Darlene’s work and life follow her  www.photosbydarlene.blogspot.com  and on Instagram @dlcfoto

Thank you for supporting art!  Remember art in your  home adds so  much more when you know the story behind the medium, so always ask the artist , what is the story behind this?   You may be surprised and inspired and even appreciate the piece that much more.

In the words of Darlene “Don’t forget to be Awesome”

Jenn