One of the most magical things in life, for me, is when I'm inexplicably drawn to something. You see, there are millions of things we grow to like in this world - things we get comfortable with, familiar with - and we learn to enjoy them. Coffee, alcohol - even sushi... But some things - some things I find I'm naturally drawn to, even if it takes me to awhile to figure out why. Anthropologie, the French language, popcorn...
People are this same way. There are people you hate or dislike, people that grow on you, and people that just plain intrigue you from the get-go. Ann Flanagan is one such inspiring gal.
When I met Ann back in 2008, she was a new girl on my floor at work - a Paralegal for our Legal Department...
I don't know much about legal-type things, or the types of people who typically choose to work in a legal-type job, but let me tell you: Ann defied any expectation I would have had (- and we all know I have a special place in my heart for people who defy expectations).
I don't know much about legal-type things, or the types of people who typically choose to work in a legal-type job, but let me tell you: Ann defied any expectation I would have had (- and we all know I have a special place in my heart for people who defy expectations).
A bright-eyed, Irish lass with quite the head on her shoulders, Ann had super cute fashion sense - every other day I'd compliment her outfit - plus, her cubicle was decorated with pictures of shoes! I'd never seen that before and thought it was awesome. It was like she was some sort of modern day Cinderella - daydreaming about gorgeous shoes, amidst piles of never-ending legal paperwork. As we got to know each other, I found we shared a love for many things: travel (she gave me advice for my trip to Ireland), the aforementioned store Anthropologie, and, as it turns out, writing. Another thing I learned? Ann's career aspirations were to become an interior designer one day.
In fact, even as a little girl, Ann loved designing rooms. While her friends invited her to go see movies or to the mall, she'd rather spend her time decorating and perfecting her bedroom - moving furniture around, thinking about ways to accessorize her room - even begging her parents to let her paint her walls - the whole bit. To this day Ann continually has interior design on the mind. She can't go into a store or look at a website without finding inspiration. So, while her Paralegal job was a good one (- and let her use her amazing proofreading/editing skills) - one day in 2009 she found herself questioning her future path. A longtime friend said "Ann, why don't you look into interior design? You've always loved it." Her boyfriend echoed supportive sentiments, and before she knew it - Ann was researching schools and programs that would allow her to do just that. She finally settled on Harrington School of Design.
Remember my Joseph Campbell quote? When you're following your bliss, doors will open? The day after Ann submitted her application to Harrington, her boyfriend proposed to her. Talk about stars aligning. While I've not met him, everything I've heard from Ann about her husband over the years makes me love him - and love them. He supports her dreams, has encouraged her every step of the way, and always is right alongside her when she wants to remodel their home.
After about 6 months of leading a chaotic life - Paralegal by day, design student by night - nevermind also wedding planning - Ann found the energy somehow to also start up something else... a blog. Yes friends, I'm going to link you to her blog - mostly because I love it and think you will, too - but also because this new "Bliss-Following" section of my writings is meant to help perpetuate the dreams and visions of people I admire, that are putting their ALL into the universe. Ann's blog gives you tons of ideas on how to spruce up your home in small easy ways - and dabbles in fashion and cooking - always great things. In truth, it's been an inspiration outlet for her along the way.
When Ann took the final leap to leave behind the Monday - Friday, 9-5 version of herself in March 2011, I was sad to lose her as a co-worker but thrilled to pieces to see what it would bring to her life. Since then, she's been able to focus more intensely on her degree - and has been able to more steadily fuel her creative spirit. I just learned the other day that a co-worker of mine just hired her to redo her home on a tight budget and was so impressed and happy at the results. Maybe you, dear reader, will ask Ann to help you make your home magical in some small way? At minimum, check out her blog and let it inspire you. It inspires me constantly... The condo she lives in (with her lovely husband and adorable dog) is a small space that she lovingly refers to as her "Love Nest Pocket" - her own little pocket of the world. As such, her blog is entitled the same.
Ann is smart, creative, inspiring - and most of all, brave. I share with you:
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