Urban Grace
Yesterday in this post, I mentioned one of my favorite designers, Erika Powell. And today she has a brand new site. Pretty, Pretty!
TradHome
You know I love Lonny, and now their newest venture is TradHome. Its pretty Awesome! And whats better than a brand new magazine…A new online magazine thats FREE. Featured in the issue, is another of my favorites, Ms. Erika Powell, of Urban Grace, from Santa Rosa Beach, sister of “Fly through Our Window” Blogger Extraordinaire, Darby. (Talent just runs in families doesn’t it!)
Im Back.
I know its been a long while since I posted last. Do you ever have so much going on in your life you have to withdraw for a while. I don’t know how to explain it…yes there has been quite a bit of business in my life, my husband’s finger turned purple, infected and hugely swollen for no reason. Infection is a scary thing, After 4 doctors looking at it and prescribing huge amounts of antibiotics, a friends husband, who is also a nurse along with the Dr he worked for decided to open that baby up…I know nasty….and they said he was days away from bone infection and possibly losing it. (Hope your not having a snack while your reading this) Soooo…he goes back tomorrow and the culture will be back, say a prayer that its not staph.
Moving on, we have also had spring break, business has gotten busy with all the pretty weather, and wedding season has kicked off. My daughter is now a certified lifeguard, passed her driving permit test, and my sweet sister gave birth to her 5th baby, yep #5, no drugs, all natural birth!!! She’s a better woman than me. A healthy baby Boy, James Ellis. So Im not making excuses, but life has been busy.
Even with the business of life, Another reason I haven’t blogged in a while is that my mind has been busy. Do you know what I mean? Sometimes I get so many ideas and projects floating around in my head I sort of withdraw until I can get it all sorted out. At this second Im sitting at home all alone. That never happens!! And it is perfectly still and quiet, and I can hear my thoughts. Does that make any sense? I read somewhere once that Bill Gates takes 30 days at the beginning of each year and goes to a remote location all alone, just to think. Ive always secretly wanted to do that. Maybe not 30 days, maybe just a week?
Im not just ranting today, I also have a share, from the fabulous Deb Schwedhelm’s Blog. Something so pure and honest about these guys, Makes me want to cry for some reason too.
Think Different
“In order of appearance they were: Albert Einstein, Bob Dylan, Martin Luther King, Jr., Richard Branson, John Lennon (with Yoko Ono), Buckminster Fuller, Thomas Edison, Muhammad Ali, Ted Turner, Maria Callas, Mahatma Gandhi, Amelia Earhart, Alfred Hitchcock, Martha Graham, Jim Henson (with Kermit the Frog), Frank Lloyd Wright and Pablo Picasso. The commercial ends with an image of a young girl (identified as Shaan Sahota) opening her closed eyes, as if to see the possibilities before her.”
Inspiration Monday {Jose Villa}
If you asked me who my favorite wedding photographer is I would have to say Jose Villa. He has been a huge inspiration to both Josh & I. (Along with most wedding photographers today) I think he has single handedly revived the use of film. Josh and I had the pleasure of having dinner with him and Joel last year in Nashville. He is a nice guy with a ton of talent. Check him out HERE if you haven’t already.
Inspiration Monday
I thought I would start a Monday tradition of sharing a photographer that I am inspired by, after all on Monday’s we all need a little inspiration, right!? Last week I ran across Ashley Skjaveland’s site, and was instantly drawn to it. So simple, and genuine. Click on the image to give her a visit and see what you think.
Dream Rangers
You have to visit my friend’s Blog today. The Lettered Cottage has such an inspirational post. Makes me want to take off on my own motorcycle for the weekend. And if you are one of the few that don’t already follow Layla & Kevin, and their blog, you really should. It is full of creative inspiration and motivation.
Poppy Seed Design
One of things I love the most about our business is getting to meet so many wonderful, interesting people. One of the reasons I started this blog was to be able to share all the talented folks I get to meet . One such gal is Ms. Ayme King.
I have had the opportunity to photograph her sweet family. And admire her talent. She is the owner and creative director of Poppy Seed Design.
Check her site out HERE.
I am always interested to know how creative folks live and think:
Tell me about yourself.
I’m a Southern girl who loves sweet tea, the beach, a good book, checking things off my list, and hiking.
Tell me about your business.
Poppy Seed Design is an award-winning advertising agency in Montgomery, Alabama with more than 15 years of experience. We believe in providing excellence to our clients in everything we do. Our specialties include design, marketing, branding and consulting.
Describe your personal style.
It’s always evolving, but I would describe it as clean, fresh and strong – with a touch of elegant.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
The variety it brings every day. From creating a brand image to designing a child’s birthday invitation, I love it all!
How did you choose your career path?
I was always interested in art and took lessons from age 9 through high school. When college time came I knew I wanted to major in something related to that field. After talking to several friends who had chosen the graphic design path, I knew it was right for me. My graphic design and marketing studies at Auburn laid the groundwork for a successful career in advertising.
How do you manage work/ life balance with small children at home?
It’s stressful at times, but you just have to go with the flow, especially with little ones. I try to remind myself that the work will always be there, the kids will not. And there are times when I have to drag myself away from the computer for a play date in the park or a picnic. But it’s always worth it!!
What blogs, magazines, websites inspire you?
I love Fast Company, Wired, and Inc. Some of my favorite web sites are The Pioneer Woman, Design Mom, Seth Godin, Garden & Gun.
What is one important thing you everyday?
Pray
What is your favorite quote?
“To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world”
Whats your best piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Sounds cliché, but it’s so true – do what you love and the rest will fall in line.
Finish these sentences:
I love…
God, my kids, my family and life in general.
I couldn’t live with out…
Coffee! And chocolate might be a little tough to do without as well.
I feel naked without my…
Carmex
My mamma/daddy always told me…
Be yourself.
At Starbucks I order…
Non-fat White Chocolate Mocha
Inspired
Deb Schwedhelm is another photographer I go to for inspiration. I love the natural feel of her work. I love the grain in her black and whites. I think her work can stand as Art and Portraiture. Check her out. Tell me what you think. I would love for you guys to leave me a few comments. I want to hear from you.
I want this one with my Sam!













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