I have a HUGE geek grin while typing this post…

So, I just ran across an awesome video on NecoleBitchie.com that I HAVE to share! In a nutshell, the video shows a group of people unexpectedly belting out Lil Wayne’s “How To Love” on an LA metro train. Super random, yet super cool, right? I couldn’t help but to smile throughout the whole video. There’s nothing like random acts of awesomeness/kindness. This video made my day and I wasn’t even there.

Watch the video below! And continue reading for the full explanation of the group’s mission.

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5am on a Wednesday morning, and I have yet to fall asleep.

Ever so often, we all have those sleepless nights. The nights where we just lay in the dark twiddling our thumbs waiting for sleep to creep up and attack, but it never happens. A couple nights ago, I was in this exact situation. After I became bored with excessive thumb twiddling, facebooking, and twittering, I tried something a little different. I randomly decided to log onto youtube and do a little sheroe stalking. (Sheroe: n. Woman who I greatly admire and respect)

My insomniac time was spent watching videos of my favorite sheroes like Oprah and Maya Angelou. I watched interviews, commencement speeches, recitals, all types of cool videos. Before I knew it, I was fired up with enough motivation to run a marathon. lol. More importantly, I finally finished up a few things of my own that I’d been procrastinating about. It really felt great!

My little late night suggestion:

If you can’t sleep, check out youtube for videos of your favorite heros and sheroes! It probably won’t help you get to sleep any faster, however, it may motivate you to do something more productive than aimless thumb twiddling.  Below, I’ve included a few cool videos that I’ve come across during my late night sheroe/hero stalkage. ENJOY!

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Sometimes, I just need time for myself. To think. To reevaluate. To refocus. And to be LAZY.

Lately, I’ve been receiving more and more messages asking why I haven’t updated the site. Truth is, I just didn’t have anything too interesting to say. There are times in all of our lives where we simply lack enthusiasm to do certain things that were once fun before. Personally, my enthusiasm for writing/blogging is driven by passion and honest emotion. When I write blogs, I like to be completely genuine in what I’m speaking about. Moreover, I like to write about things that others find interesting and relatable. And honestly, who wants to read blogs from a blogger with little to no enthusiasm for blogging?! …Just doesn’t make sense. (Although, that’s what you’re doing right now – but that’s beyond the point..lol!)

So, where’d the enthusiasm go?

I think it hid itself in a little corner between trivial laziness and personal reevaluation.

How’d I find it?

Well… On Thursday, December 15th, I had the opportunity to speak to students at Frankford High School’s Career Day. Unlike most of the lawyers, brokers, and ‘professional folks’ that were in attendance, I spoke about my personal story of ‘career confusion’ and ‘figuring it all out.’

Backstory about myself:

From a young age, I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I had NO CLUE what type of business I wanted to run. (I still don’t know exactly). So, in an attempt to ‘figure it all out,’ I started to work in just about EVERY industry; from hospitality to home mortgages. From the age of 17 until now, I’ve had about 10-15 jobs. (FYI, I’m 22.) Although I never found my ‘dream industry’ in any of these jobs, I did however, learn about all the things that I don’t necessarily like – which is important as well.

Anywho, long story short, I started this blog as a way to share the things (random, motivational, etc) that truly interested me. To my surprise, people actually liked what I had to say and the blog began to grow from there. Now, I’m not saying that I see blogging as my ‘career path’ – it’s just the most enjoyable industry that I’ve experienced thus far. AND it’s led me to rewarding opportunities. (i.e. – Speaking at schools)

Back to the point:

You never know where you’ll find inspiration.

Vocalizing my little story to the students took me back to a state of genuine excitement about my blog. Not only was I reminded of WHY I started it, I was also reminded about all of the interesting opportunities that I’ve been offered along the way. Simply put, my time speaking at Frankford High School really gave me the enthusiasm to open up wordpress and type up my thoughts filled with some genuine emotion.

(Pictured with some students from Frankford High School, Above)

Moral of my story:

There’s a time for everything. When the time is right, you’ll know. Just listen to yourself and your own emotions. When you’re ready, your best work will show thru. – And I plan on delivering my best work once again.

Thank yall for riding with me. I appreciate you all!!

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This past weekend, I had the opportunity to take photos of the most ADORABLE little girl, Alyssa. She was such a pleasure to work with. So photogenic and cooperative!

Here’s a few photos from the shoot. More to come!

(If you want to book a fun shoot, send me an email to JasmineAlston1@gmail.com  *holiday photos, families, children, couples, etc*)

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As I’ve stated before, I’ve never really considered myself a ‘creative person’ per-say. I mean… I’ve had random, brilliant creative moments, but I don’t think that really counts. (ha!) However, in the past couple months, things have slightly changed for me. I’ve started a photography class where I HAVE to be creative for a grade! So, with that.. I’ve been perusing lots of blogs and various websites trying to find some kind of ‘creative inspiration.’ Today, I ran across a really interesting blog post by photographer, Chase Jarvis, that gave me a slight ‘ah-ha!’ moment. His article really helped put the whole ‘creativity thing’ into perspective. Whether you’re a fledgling creative person like myself or an experienced artist, I’m sure you’ll be able to appreciate Chase’s 10 points. Enjoy!

Chase writes;

Here is a list of 10 things I’ve learned the hard way that every photographer, designer, creative–hell, every creative person–should know.

1. Experts aren’t the answer.
The blogs, the teachers, the mentors, the seminars aren’t the answer. They’re not there to tell you exactly what you need to know. If they’re good, then they are there to give you some ideas, some guidelines, or some rules to learn and subsequently break. This isn’t about the expert, it’s about you. In creative pursuits especially…what’s going on inside you is where the answers can be found. Hear what experts say, but don’t always listen to them.

2. Clients cannot tell you what they need.
Clients hire you because they have a problem. They need a great visual representation of something, a solution. They think they know the best way to photograph something, but they don’t really. That’s why they hire you. Take their suggestions to heart, because they definitely know their brand, product, their vision–perhaps even shoot a few versions of the images they THINK they want to see first–but then go nuts with own vision. Add value. Show them something they didn’t expect. Don’t be a monkey with a finger. Remember why you got hired…that YOU are the badass image maker. If you are good enough to get selected for the job, you should be good enough to drive the photographic vision.

3. Don’t aim for ‘better’, aim for ‘different’.
It’s funny how related “better” and “different” are. If you aim for ‘better’ that usually means you’re walking in the footsteps of someone else. There will often be someone better than you, someone making those footsteps you’re following… But if you target being different–thinking in new ways, creating new things–then you are blazing your own trail. And in blazing your own trail, making your own footprints, you are far more likely to find yourself being ‘better’ without even trying. Better becomes easy because it’s really just different. You can’t stand out from the crowd by just being better. You have to be different.

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If you’ve been following my blog, I’m sure you’re already familiar with the super talented singer/songwriter, JADE ALSTON (who also happens to be my sister!) If you’re not familiar, please get acquainted! On Tuesday, October 4th, Jade officially released her first single, “MISSING YOU LATELY” .. The song is FLAMES AMAZING!!! Listen below!

For more information on Jade Alston, visit any of the following websites:

Official Website: www.JadeAlston.com

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/JadeAlston

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/JadeAlstonMusic

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“DO WHAT YOU LOVE” ~Steve Jobs

Some months back, I posted a blog with a motivating video (below) by Steve Jobs delivering the overall message to DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

‘Without passion, any rational person would give up. You have to do what you love.’ It’s really as simple as that.

At the time that I posted this video, I was very unhappy working at a mentally limiting job. Seriously, it was the least stimulating job ever! I would literally wake up and get depressed at the thought of going to work (I’m sure most people have been there). After seeing this video and hearing some advice from a few others, I was able to truly grasp the concept that long term happiness and passion completely outweighs immediate financial inflow. As such, I was able to make a major life changing decision – I decided that I would NEVER work a job that I wasn’t happy doing. Fast forward about 7 months later, I don’t have a ’9-5′ or even a ’9-1,’ but I’m happier than ever! I’m still not exactly sure what I want to ‘do’ yet, but I do think that I’m on a better track than I was before.

Thanks Steve.

May his vision live on…

<3

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*Brittany Murphy Voice*

Alright, so I know I’ve been a bit MIA. SORRY! I’ve been busy just living and doing random things. If you guys care (lol), I’m going to start chronically my life a little more to keep up with frequent content. I actually do some pretty cool stuff (sorta). Here goes random ‘day in the life’ post number one. And…GO::

(New ‘protective style’ hair… and new favorite, comfy pants.)

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Hey there! As always, everyone knows that I’m down to support good people and great causes! Recently, a woman by the name of Aliyah Ali reached out to me about an AMAZING organization called LYPSTICK INC. Lypstick INC is an organization that supports and promotes women in all aspects of life, mainly focusing on the entrepreneurial lifestyle. With that, the ladies of Lypstick INC host various events in the Philadelphia area highlighting amazing women (and men) entrepreneurs.

TOMMORROW, September 17th, Lysptick INC will be hosting their annual fashion show competition that highlights upcoming fashion designers in the tristate area! If you’re available, please come support these amazing young entrepreneurs!!! I hope to see you there!!
All the details are below:

Lysptick's 2nd Annual Fashion Show Competition
Saturday September 17, 2011 @ 8pm
Hosted at the Crane Arts Gallery 1400 N.American Street Philadelphia, Pa
Tickets can be purchased through LYPSTICK's website for $25: www.lypsticklife.com
or for more info, feel free to call Aliyah @ 215-917-6714.

“Love is like a narcotic. At first it brings the euphoria of complete surrender. The next day, you want more. You’re not addicted yet, but you like the sensation, and you think you can still control things. You think about the person you love for two minutes, and forget them for three hours. But then you get used to that person, and you begin to be completely dependent on them. Now you think about him for three hours and forget him for two minutes. If he’s not there, you feel like an addict who can’t get a fix. And just as addicts steal and humiliate themselves to get what they need, you’re willing to do anything for love.”

This quote comes from Paulo Coehlo‘s book, “By The River Piedra I Sat Down And Wept.”  As I was reading, this ‘analysis’ of love caught my eye and made me literally say “Well Damn!” It’s definitely not the most romantic definition, but I thought it was interesting nonetheless. It gives a risk-averse person’s point of view on the power of love’s ‘potential.’

THOUGHTS?

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