Inspiration

a ‘wonderful obsession’

claudiaDecember 8, 2011Country Life, Inspiration

Mike and I love to go driving country backroads every chance we get, and we’re always captivated by the sights we see along the way. In particular, the old buildings and homes that speak of another time, and the charming Georgia and Alabama downtowns that sprung to life with the railroads and today struggle to stay alive and keep up with modern society.

How fortunate we are that folks like Brian Brown have dedicated their lives to preserving these places in photographic history so that they never become lost to us forever. A historian, photographer and author from Fitzgerald, Ga., Brian spends his days documenting, through photography, the vernacular architecture of small towns and the culture and countryside of South Georgia. His website, Vanishing South Georgia, and book, Vanishing Irwin County, the first in what will be a continual series, are just part of his ambitious project list. Brian calls his work a “wonderful obsession” and cites William Christenberry’s Alabama photographs as a major influence on his decision to create Vanishing South Georgia.

In his statement of purpose, the photographer and poet says he wants to “bring attention to the many crossroads and small towns which a century ago were thriving centers of life and commerce. Most today are mere ghost towns of their former selves, and with Vanishing South Georgia, I hope to give them a permanent photographic presence, for future generations, whether their interests be trivial, genealogical, or historical.”

Here are just a few of his photographs. See and learn more at Vanishing South Georgia or on Flickr.

15 Years, 15 Blessings

Adopted Alabamians

Rediscovering Rural Alabama

#SongsOfComfort

kinfolk

claudiaNovember 23, 2011Inspiration, Stuff We Like

Site of the week: Kinfolk Magazine. Whether your gathering is large or small this week, may the spirit of Thanksgiving live at your table and in your lives all throughout the year.

Manifesto:
Kinfolk is a growing community of artists with a shared interest in small gatherings. We recognize that there is something about a table shared by friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us. We have come together to create Kinfolk as our collaborative way of advocating the natural approach to entertaining that we love.

Into the Light

Are you a two-sided southerner?

At Heart, A Rural Poet

New Discoveries

smile generator

claudiaNovember 15, 2011Inspiration

Do you have a favorite website that just makes ya smile?

Pay a little visit to Cute Overload.

‘Our Consistently Surprising Alabama’

15 Years, 15 Blessings

Into the Light

Are you a two-sided southerner?

at rest

claudiaNovember 12, 2011Inspiration, Life-Work

Was catching up with a friend yesterday and we were talking about how do you give yourself permission to really “rest” when it seems like everybody around you wants or needs something (right! now!). Whether it’s a day, a week, a month or a year, most of us feel at least a little bit guilty when we slip away to allow our brains and bodies a little R&R. How nice, then, to stumble upon an article today featuring Senator Joe Lieberman’s book, “The Gift of Rest.” A couple of months ago while traveling with a client, we ran smack dab into Sen. Lieberman at Reagan National, and what stood out most to us that morning was the senator’s big smile and genuine happiness–just walking through the terminal chatting it up with TSA officials and travelers. He seemed glad to stop and talk with everyone he met. “How refreshing,” I remember thinking, “and he’s not even running for office.” Then we hurried outside to find our ride.

Now, we’re not Jewish, and this post isn’t a political statement, but we thought the spirit of this book was worth a share. Here’s to finding the gift of rest on your own “Sabbath.”

“The Sabbath is an old but beautiful idea that, in our frantically harried and meaning-starved culture, cries out to be rediscovered and enjoyed by people of all faiths.” – Senator Joe Lieberman

See the senator discuss his book on CNN.

Are you a two-sided southerner?

Adopted Alabamians

Your Happy Place

Busy-ness…

for the life of the prairie

claudiaNovember 9, 2011Animals, Inspiration

I recently had the pleasure to attend the annual gala of the Prairie Dog Coalition during a trip to Boulder, where we met the incredible Lindsey Sterling Krank, who serves as the Coalition’s director.

This week a pair of sterling silver earrings, made with green amethyst and peridot, arrived in the mail from Lindsey. They’re from Cowboy’s Sweetheart in Boulder. I forgot we had bid on them during the gala’s silent auction (let’s just say there was some good Malbec flowing). But we happily paid up because this group does incredibly important work. A division of The Humane Society of the United States, the Prairie Dog Coalition is dedicated to the protection of imperiled prairie dogs and the restoration of their habitats–one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. If you’re like us (and most folks), you’ve probably never pondered the plight of the prairie dog. Please read more at their website and consider supporting this group’s tireless efforts in some small way. Here’s an easy way: Purchase Zack the Prairie Dog as a holiday gift for a special kid in your life. For each book sold through the book’s website (www.zacktheprairiedog.com), 25% of the proceeds go to the Coalition. Just write “Please support Prairie Dog Coalition” in the comment section of your order. Click here to find out more and read a letter from the author. Thanks!