Music to My Ears

Eric and I attended an awesome concert this weekend to see John Paul Keith and the One Four Fives.

You can check out my review for Birmingham Box Set here.

*image via. 

In Print

We love Tennessee.

I recently wrote an article for Birmingham Magazine detailing a road trip through this beautiful state.  

It's published in the July issue and you may view it here. 

*image via Poppy and Pinecone

In Print

Today, I am excited to share my first article, published in the May issue of Birmingham Magazine.

{Photo by Kellen Jacob Photography}

You might recognize the couple above as Paula and Kellen Coldiron 

(of Two Ellie and Kellen Jacob Photography, respectively).

We had the pleasure of hiring them as our wedding photographers and I have since been inspired by pictures of their precious home on Paula's blog.  When given the opportunity to write, I knew the Coldiron family would make a perfect first story.

Without further ado: you may view the article here.  

**You can purchase a copy of the magazine at Books-A-Million or Barnes & Noble locations in the Birmingham area. For a full tour of Paula's home, visit her upload on Houzz. 

**May I also encourage you to check out Birmingham Box Set?  Way cool music reviews and interviews coming soon! You can read my first interview here.

Take Small Steps

It's been some time since I shared one of my 2011 goals.  I realize it's already May and posting on resolutions is the thing of four months ago.  To keep you interested, today's goal will include a report of how it's going so far.  Be sure to read on because this one is exciting!

Goal number 5: Research and act on career opportunities.  Take small steps.

Sounds boring and predictable so far, right?  Let me explain.

As a somewhat newlywed (approaching 2 years) and a somewhat recent college graduate (4 years - okay, not so recent), I am enjoying time with my husband and growth in my career.  If you know me personally, you are probably aware that I don't work a dream job.  I am content and glad to contribute to our income.

There is, however, something I've wanted for quite some time now.  To be a mom.  To have a chubby baby with Eric that we can cuddle with and watch grow into a toddler, kid, teen and one day - a young adult.  In fact, if nature allows, I'll happily have a few of them.  

We're not ready to have kids yet (sorry Mema!) but when the times comes, I want to stay at home. I trust that God has his hand on our marriage and future family and, if we use wisdom, he will help us realize this dream.

What does this have to do with my career?  Everything.

In college, I tossed around the idea of being a Journalism major.  I was a book worm growing up (summer days spent reading in a tree, anyone?) and thought writing would be a perfect extension of my passion.  Then I got scared.  What if I couldn't find a job or make good money?  So I took business courses instead, graduated and found a great job.

The longing to write was still there and a little over a year ago, my sweet husband encouraged me to start a blog.  It's been a wonderful journey.

As I pondered my goals for 2011, my mind focused in on "take small steps." This made everything sound easier.  I want to write.  There are local magazines in Birmingham.  Small step: send an email to a local magazine editor.

I did.  She was so gracious to meet me for coffee, offer advice and an opportunity to work as a freelance writer for her magazine.  It's silly I know, but I could cry.  As I type this, a beautiful picture runs through my head.  Me, doing what I love: taking care of our home, spending time with husband and our little munchkins, and writing.  Writing!  I hope and pray that this small step leads to big opportunities so that I can one day stay at home, contribute to our income and challenge my mind.

Tomorrow, I'll share my first published article with you.

Are you (or do you want to be) a stay-at-home mom?  How do you (or will you) make it work?  Do you think it's an absurd desire in this day and age?  I'd love to hear!