Hey there & welcome!
I grew up in Eastern North Carolina in a super small town of about 800 people. I spent my upbringing in our family owned grocery store, (Whaley's Food Center) stocking shelves, wrapping meat and counting change back to adults 'the right way' without a calculator or register.
A mountain girl at heart, I attended Appalachian State for my undergrad in Music Education & Sacred Music {clarinet emphasis} but quickly found myself back in Eastern N.C. I then obtained my master's degree at East Carolina University in Organ Performance and Sacred Music. I found my vocation as Minister of Music and Organist at First Christian Church in Wilson in 2007 where I am still serve full time.
I've been married to my soul mate in life and music since 2014 and we have two amazing little boys ages 5 & 8.
a few of my favorite things
my black kate spade earrings
necklace with my mom's wedding diamond
crime junkie, brene brown,
so supernatural
france, spain, germany, england
sushi, seafood and Any and all coffee, please!
ACcessories
podcasts
place I've been
drinks & Food
thrifting, yard work, cleaning & getting my hands dirty with plants!
things to do
a nalgene bottle
always with me
I never envisioned being a 'mom'. It wasn't in my DNA, I was never a 'kid' person. But I can tell you that now, there is no where I would rather be than with my kids! I grew up a tomboy, so it is fitting that I get to wrestle around with these two!
When I am home with them,
that time is precious and sacred.
my family
My mom passed away unexpectedly at age 53 in May 2010. We now know it was cardiomyopathy. It is a specific type that causes electrical issues in the heart with an 85% sudden cardiac arrest rate. With a great team of doctors, I had a defibrillator placed December 2021. While my mom didn't have the opportunity to fully live life, because of the knowledge we now have, another life could be prolonged. And yes, I am now bionic woman.
my health
My mom always loved getting her hands in the dirt, and I never quite understood it until she passed in 2010. Ever since, I have had a love of planting flowers, propagating perennials around my yard, and now, trying my best to become a master gardener!
getting in the dirt
I am cheap! I nearly refuse to buy things new and love to find a deal in a thrift shop or a clearance rack! Nothing makes me more excited than finding a deal! I also feel it's a responsible thing to do in care for God's creation. There is SO much 'stuff' already floating around... let's use it!
bargain shopping
It's probably redundant, but really...
I truly enjoy getting out with just myself and my camera. Just like this image I took last year, I never know what I may find...and I STILL find the raw joy in this hobby-turned-business.
