Dream Big

I find it humorous that I am writing about this subject after recently moving to a city people associate with the 'land of dreams'. What I have observed is, a lot of dreams end up dying here as well. But dreams can live or die anywhere. The key factor is to be persistent, and to not lose focus on why you started in the first place.

It takes me back to the line from Pretty Woman - 'Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don't; but keep on dreamin' — this is Hollywood. Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin.'

I have definitely been in a place before where I had lost the vision for my life, and I never want to be there again. It is a place of feeling like you will never end up where you want to be. A place of thinking, 'why should I even try?' You end up not being your true self, which will definitely not get you to your ideal place.

All of these thoughts rushed through my brain after going to Hillsong this past Sunday. Hillsong is a church associated with controversy at times because they have campuses all over the world. But they are a church that is persistent with their vision. The global pastor, Brian Houston, shared Sunday how he wrote out his dreams years ago of where he saw Hillsong's future. And how those dreams align with where the church is today. I can attest to this being true, because I studied at Hillsong College about eight years ago (wow), when they had just started to launch campuses in other countries.  

I had a realization that the very reason I moved out west, besides the beautiful coast, was to revive my dreams/vision. With that said, I don’t think you have to move away to realize your dreams. But you don’t have to stay in the same place either. And because I live close to Hollywood, my dream doesn’t have to include wanting to be a movie star. But if it does, who cares. There should be no limits to our dreams. Our dreams are ours, and if we don't attempt at making them a reality, we can't mope about not being where we had hoped.

I don’t think I’m 'living the dream' but I am attempting at taking the necessary steps to get there. One of my dreams is to be involved in a community of positive people who want to help others. So I'm going to take Brian's advice, and never stop dreaming. 

No matter what you believe, I hope that if you have felt like your dreams are lost, that they would be revived. And I honestly believe we’re never too old to dream. We’ll always be living along with others. And whether we like it or not, the way we live effects the people we do life with.

I encourage you to not be reserved with your dreams.

MUA

Majority of my career has been in retail cosmetics. Although I had previously performed many makeovers, I didn't realize how much I enjoy makeup artistry until doing makeup for a few photoshoots. 

While in Dallas, my friend pursued photography for modeling agencies. While getting more into it, he asked if we could collaborate. Below are some of my favorite photos from the shoots (I worked with hair on all of these assignments as well).

 

I see makeup as a tool to enhance what is already there, not to cover it up. I enjoyed receiving creative direction from the photographer, and being able to add my own esthetic to each look. It was satisfying to help bring the photographer's vision to life.

View more of Andrew's photographs here: Andrew Arceri

West Coast

Years ago I would have never imagined living in Los Angeles. However, a couple of months ago, the idea of moving here swarmed my mind after my roommates in Dallas mentioned moving to San Diego. I thought to myself, I want to live on the west coast too. After further consideration, I realized that I actually knew a lot of people in L.A. And from that point on, I made the decision to figure out how to 'make it work'. When I told friends, family, and coworkers of my decision, they were all very supportive and had confidence that I could handle it.

So here I am, in the city of dreams. And have been very welcomed with great roommates, awesome coworkers and amazing weather!

In the thirteen days of being here, I have gone to the ocean, gone hiking, sent lots of emails, talked to artists, and drank a lot of coffee. 

On the not so exciting note, I found out my cat who I left behind has leukemia. Which has made it more difficult for my dear friend back in Lafayette to find a home for him. Before I left, and his diagnosis, he had two home options. But since both of those places have cats, it is no longer became an option. 

I felt so helpless being far away and that my friend had to deal with it all. Thankfully, we found out yesterday that he will have a home with a lady in Austin, TX who has a leukemia positive cat as well. So he will be living in a cool city AND have a friend! A big weight has been lifted.

I have a couple of thoughts from all of this. One - it’s crazy how attached we get to our pets. I cried so much when I heard of the news, and then felt like I was on the verge of tears the rest of the week. He was with me during a lot of my transitional times within the past five years. It reminds me of the movie Marley & Me - definitely had the ugly cry going on both times I watched the movie!

Two - moving to an unfamiliar place is difficult and teaches you a lot, quickly. I think that’s why I love doing it. Moving forces you to meet new people and explore the unknown.

I definitely miss my family and Louisiana cookin’ (and of course my cat), but I am truly happy with the decision to move here. And am so thankful for my amazing friends all over the globe!

I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.