Sunday, December 11, 2011

La Dolce Vita - You've come a long way baby

Photo courtesy of Happy Deliveries
Yesterday I was feeling rather sorry for myself. For five years now I have been trying to make a living as a jewelry artist with nothing more than a few minimal sales here and there. Nothing that anyone could call a living. I have been hearing a lot of 'no thank you's' lately and sales seem to be at a stand still. So as you can imagine, it left me feeling a bit discouraged.  I wanted sympathy. So after unloading on my very patient husband, I went out with my two best girlfriends and told them all about it. But what I got wasn't sympathy at all but rather a little encouragement mixed with a big reminder of how lucky I am. Not only do I have amazing people in my life that help me put things in perspective but who also remind me of how fortunate I am to actually have the option to pursue my dreams and to have made the choice to leave a job that was making me less then happy. Not everyone gets to do that. I am not being forced to work just to maintain a certain lifestyle. We don't have much, but we have what we need.  So yes, Louie Viutton handbags are out of the question, hell, even H&M handbags are out of the question right now, I am doing something that I love to do every single day. I don't have to commute for 3 hours a day, I don't worry about keeping up with the Jones'.  I get to do what I love and give it all of my time and I am not living my life according to anyone else' standards or ideals. I'm sure there are some who may think this is absurd, but thankfully, I don't have to answer to them  I am happy and I am healthy and I live in a place that revers the arts and allows me to be myself.  And just in case that wasn't enough, I also read this article today posted by the same friend.


For more about La Dolce Vita, click here!

10 comments:

  1. Hey sweetie!! You are right on track. Something's gotta give. You are doing just like you said, what you love, what you are passionate about every day. You are lucky. You are amazing Sara!! You can do it!!! Don't give up!!! :) Sorry I wasn't there on Saturday to give you a motivating boost as well. :) un abbraccio!!!

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  2. Thanks Katie! Its time to re-think and re-evaluate my strategy, but I know it will happen! no giving up over here!! I will always keep pushing! Thanks!

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  3. Although I'm back in the states, I'm right there with you.

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  4. thanks Jackie, its nice to know I'm not alone, but is great to know that we can do what we love and appreciating the little things are what truly constitutes happiness:)

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  5. Well written! Great spirit! Amazing friends! And I can only add my little voice into your already strong and cheering choir: you can do it!

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  6. Thanks Helene! I am very lucky to have such great friends, I really couldn't do it without them! Thank you always for your comments and your encouragement, it means a lot to me!

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  7. Hi Sara,

    I also blog (when I'm not lazy) and saw this from Christy's blog. I am also a jewelry designer living in Florence and you are not alone. Every artist has those days BUT it's also those days that keep good artists from becoming complacent with their work. I took a peek at your pieces they are both great and original. So keep with it, eventually it does get easier :) andrea

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  8. Beautiful entry Sara, thank you for sharing in the series. I think we all go through these ups & downs, but it is the sacrifices we make to do what we love.

    You are exactly where you need to be, in this moment, don't ever forget that!

    Grazie for the article as well, I will be saving that one. Love, Christine

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  9. Thank you Andrea! Its so true that every artist has those days and your absolutely right, its necessary sometimes and I am actually glad that it happened. There is a reason for everything and I am now onto a collection that I am really excited about! Thank you for your support! If you haven't already, please join our facebook group 'Creative people in Florence' we will be meeting monthly to support eachother's endeavors! I would love to see your work sometime!

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  10. Thank you Christy! Ups and downs are certainly part of it and it is the 'downs' that makes us stronger and help us to appreciate the 'ups' so much more. I don't think I would want it to be easy, how do we grow like that? It certainly helps us to stay humble and grounded and I truly believe everything happens for a reason!!

    Thank you for starting La Dolce Vita, I truly feel lucky to be a part of it (sorry for missing last week) It is so important to reflect and remember all of the good things in our lives!

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