inspirational people vol. 11 (kelly-marie)

   I am so delighted to be bringing you March's "Inspirational People" interview, because Kelly-Marie is one of my favorite bloggers/shop owners out on the internet. A Harem of Peacocks is a whimsical, early 1900's-fulled inspiration space that Kelly-Marie showcases her personal style and her love for vintage treasures. I also find myself lusting over the dainty items in her shop, and find myself wishing I could play dress up in her collection. I have been a huge fan of Kelly's since I discovered her blog quite awhile ago, and have been following her adventures in London (and now the The New Forest in the United Kingdom) ever since. 

    I hope you become inspired by Kelly-Marie's interview here, and her perfectly put together outfits (just look at her head pieces, ah!). 

    (Lindsey) I strive to live a lifestyle that is....  (Kelly-Marie) -"Passionate, Beautiful, Mindful and Kind." 

    How would you describe your personal sense of style? Who are some of your fashion icons? "I think Whimsical would be a good way to describe my style, and I always like to have a character or story in mind when I decide what to wear. I'm inspired by so many things from art to mythology and always fashion history. My favourite silhouette at the moment is the 1910's. 

    It's so hard to choose because I have so many but my favourite modern fashion icons would be Sarah Sophie Flickr, Beatrix Ost, Lana Del Rey and Catherine Baba.... Stevie Nicks in the 70's, but that's probably classed as vintage. ;) My vintage fashion icons are endless, anything from silent film stars and Victorian Art to Illustrations in old books."

    What made you desire to start blogging and sharing your personal style/vintage treasures with others? What are some of your favorite blogging reads? "My main desire to start blogging was just to share. I wanted an outlet to share the things I love with like minded people, and it's probably one of the most rewarding things I have done. I've made lovely friends ( in real life and online) and it has also given me so many amazing opportunities. 

    "Ohhh how can I possibly choose, there are so many! Okay here are some off the top of my head... Hannah Hayes, Louise Androlia ( Louniverse), The Drama Of Exile, Hannah & Landon, An Apple A Day, Circus Girl, Miss Pandora, Yours Truly X, Light Witch, Katie Louise Ford,  Shae Acopian Detar, Hello Mr Rabbit (obviously), Theatre Of Fashion, Guac & Roll, Digressions & Miscellany, leopard & Lipstick, I am the Daisy blog, ... The list could just go on and on and on, there are so many lovely, talented and inspirational people out there."

    Who are some of your favorite vintage stores/vintage stylists/etch that inspire your work? "I'm really inspired by the creative ways that people have been able to adapt their styling into a digital, online format. Etsy is a great source of inspiration for this and it's something that i'm constantly working on. 

    When you don't have a bricks & mortar shop you have to find different ways to style your products whilst still maintaining your aesthetic and vision. Some of my favourite stylists are the ones that combine vintage props and flowers, mainly because that's the way my work is headed. People like Ginny Branch, Amy Merrick and Alicia Buszczak." 

    What are your other creative outlets besides styling/prop making? "I love to draw and that's something i'm trying to do more of now and I am also trying to get back to my roots of textile design and get making these headdress that I have been promising people for years! I think when you're creative your hobbies naturally become your work...not always intentionally. My other hobbies nearly always involve history, animals and nature. I love being outside and try to spend as much time out and about in nature as possible.I am taking up horse riding again this year and I am looking into doing some volunteering for a local animal sanctuary, animal welfare is something i'm extremely passionate about. 

    Craig and I are usually spend ours days off exploring, visiting museums, galleries and heritage sites. Most of our dates involve a museum/ National trust visit, combined with a walk and a yummy meal. We always joke that our move to the countryside was like us starting our early retirement, but really we're just culture vultures. I have recently become vegan which has got my absolutely loving being in the kitchen. I have always loved to cook and because i'm gluten free it makes every meal exciting and a challenge. I have started researching natural remedies and the healing properties of herbs, I have always loved the folklore of it all but want to actually start adapting it into my lifestyle. 

    My other big loves are magic, books and flowers. I am always inquisitive and keen to learn, and I love books as physical objects as well as the fact that they are filled with endless inspiration and learning opportunities. My Mum used to be a florist and I seem to have inherited her love for flowers and plants. I love anything to do with flowers and especially floral styling, she is slowly teaching me her tricks of the trade. This actually perfectly leads us on to your next question." 

    I saw that you work for a Court, with their historical homes/gardens, tell us more about your job and what you love about it. "Yes I work at a place called Deans Court in Wimborne, Dorset. It is a Historic estate which has been owned by the same family for over 500 years. It's currently the home of Sir William and Lady Ali Hanham who are the lovely people I work for. I help run Ali's 'general store & Cafe' which is housed in the estates amazing 1930's Squash Court. We sell a quirky mix of Vintage, antiques and carefully selected contemporary lifestyle products. We also sell fresh, organic produce and cut flowers from the Deans Court estate. Every summer the grounds are host to weddings, antique fairs and courses and they have holiday cottages too. 

    I help with all kind of jobs around the shop & estate but my main responsibilities are the social media, updating the shop website, running the shop and helping with the wedding tours. This year I am so excited to start doing the flowers for the weddings and in 2015 we are launching flowers and styling packages. All of the cut flowers are seasonal and the weddings are very much centred around the 'romantic country' aesthetic of the grounds. It's aesthetically and professionally a dream come true for me!  

    What I love most about my job is the surroundings, and what Deans Court stands for. I am constantly surrounded by so much beauty and heritage and the Deans Court ethos is very much about sustainability and making use of what the estate has to offer. It's a very special place and I feel so lucky to have found a job down here in the countryside that fits me so well. Especially now that I have a creative outlet with the weddings too.It is worlds away from what I was doing in London but I have grown so much as a person and am constantly learning. I feel like my life skills have doubled in size since I started a year ago."

    How did you develop yourself as a freelance vintage buyer? "I have collected vintage myself for years and when I graduated from university I got offered a job at Beyond Retro, the UK's leading vintage retailer. I worked first as a buyer and then went on into my role as window dresser and Prop co ordinator. 

    When I was working in the buying department I learnt so much about fashion history, and sourcing. They sent me on buying trips to India and Germany and we had to train the vintage pickers on what to look out for. So in terms of clothes most of my knowledge came from the Five years I spent at BR but all my furniture, prop and interiors knowledge is self taught. Since then a lot of the opportunities I have got in terms of buying have been through contacts I have made through work and the following I have on my blog, people just getting to know me and what I do."

    Where do you go to gather inspiration besides the other blogs/online sources? "I go outside, or I go out for the day to a museum or gallery, or I bury my head in a book. I guess all of the things I mentioned in my hobbies question. The natural world is a huge inspiration for me, even if it's just to clear my head. I get my best ideas when I'm out exploring the forest or walking our dog by the sea. I'm incredibly lucky to live so close to so much outdoor space."

    When did you start A Harlem of Peacocks shop? What have been your accomplishments and challenges? "I started the shop a few years a go now, but originally only as an outlet to sell off parts of my vintage collection. It has been on and off a place for me to 'rotate' my collection of vintage finds. I am so terrible because I love it all, and I unfortunately love to keep everything (hoarder alert), I have had to get really strict with myself. So I guess my biggest accomplishment for my shop has been the amazing following It has created without me actually giving it 100% of my time. 

    This year I have decided to fully commit myself to the 'A Harem Of Peacocks Shop' and will be aiming to make it work as a proper business. I'm also planning to set up a 'prop hire' part to the website so definitely watch this space. So I guess in answer to your question, the biggest challenge has been time management.Juggling the shop, my blog and my work have been the biggest challenge but I feel like I have a good balance now."

    You are also a freelance prop designer/maker, what is the favorite piece you have made for a client? Do you design pieces often? "Since moving out of the city my 'prop life' has had to  be put on hold a little bit. Not intentionally, just really because my work commitments have gone in a different direction. That will change when the Deans Court weddings start, and I have been scheming away ideas for using my skills in terms of the 'A Harem Of Peacocks shop'.

    My favourite piece has to be the giant recycled woollen Poodles I made for the Beyond Retro 'Granny Chic' windows.  I also had so much fun helping Rhea Thierstien make plaster cast hands and arms for a Tim Walker shoot with Kate Moss. I had never done Plaster Casting before so that was an amazing experience."

    If you could share with us the most valuable thing you've learned in the past year, what would that be? "Learning to meditate and really taking on board the need to be mindful, remembering  that our thoughts become things and that we are all our own Magicians (thanks Lou)."

Find more of Kelly-Marie on her blog, Instagram,Facebook, and Twitter. 

inspirational people vol.10 (polly balitro)

  When it comes to photography inspiration, there are a few artists that come to mind... Polly Balitro. I found Polly's blog, Passer Domesticus, over a year ago and I have found myself contentiously drawn to her collections. Polly's use of film inspires me to shoot with my various old(er) cameras, find beauty in the simplest of natural locations, and makes me long for having a dark room of my own in the future. I hope you become inspired as well by her interview, and some of her favorite picked photographs. 

  (Lindsey)Tell us a little bit more about yourself and what you do. (Polly)"My name is Polly and I’m an Italian girl living in Helsinki, Finland. I’m an artist photographer with a passion for nature, analogue image making and blogging."

  I strive to live a lifestyle that is.... "Above all relaxed and down to earth, I suppose. I am a person that appreciates simple things and everyday pleasures the most: I am content with a cup of tea and a book, an afternoon spent in the company of a friend, good music and lots of photographic adventures in the nature."

  How would you describe your photography style? "Just like my lifestyle, I believe my photographs to be simple and transparent; I cannot associate myself with fictional and pretentious images. That is why I like the directness of analogue photography."

  What made you desire to start blogging and sharing your photographs with others? "I suppose I have always felt the need to share my works, to be able to get feedback from others; blogging is a simple and effective way to do that, even if it requires a lot of patience.

      As for my favourite blogging reads, lately I am especially fond of: Random places / Familiar faces, Petal and Plume, Unexpected Light, Aprons and Birds, The Bird House of Birdie ,I Diari della Lambretta...Oh but, there are too many really!"

  Who are some of your favorite photographers that inspire you? How do they do so? "This is always a hard question for me to answer, as there are many artists that inspire me, both contemporary and non. I will mention the name of two great photographers: an Italian one, Luigi Ghirri, and a Finnish contemporary one, Pentti Sammallahti. I find their images extraordinary in their own simplicity and beautifully nostalgic." 

  What are your other creative outlets besides photography? What are your other hobbies? "When I am not taking photographs, I enjoy drawing and sketching, but I do not consider myself remotely good at it; I really like reading and writing, listening to music and spending time with my cat. And I also enjoy cooking for friends and family - I suppose my Italian heritage helps in that sense." 

  What is your favorite camera to shoot with? "My absolute favourite is my Nikon FM; it belonged to my dad and he gave it to me when I started to study photography."

  Where do you go to gather inspiration besides the other photographers or blogs/online sources? "I would say that the most inspirational place for me is the natural environment; living in Helsinki, it is quite easy for me to get away from the city and reach the forest - I always find it so soothing and inspiring to walk in the nature!"

  What's in your camera bag? "To tell the truth, I never go around with a camera bag, but I usually put my camera in my everyday backpack - if I bring more cameras and lenses I just take a bigger backpack with me. Besides my photographic equipment, in my backpack there is always a water bottle and a sweet snack, which are really important during my excursions in the nature."

   You recently reached your goal on kickstarter for your Iceland photography book, congrats! Tell us more about how that experience. "Thank you! It’s been a wonderful experience and I’m so happy about the way everything went in the end! When Jacopo - my partner - and I had the idea of putting together a book with our photographs from Iceland, we could never imagine that it was going to be so engaging and successful. 

       As for the future, I am looking forward to start working on other publications: I have really enjoyed the process behind the creation of our book!"

  If you could share with us the most valuable thing you've learned in the past year, what would that be? "Well, I have learnt - or at least I’m trying to learn - that following my true passion will eventually bring me somewhere, that the journey is as important as getting there and that I just have to believe in what I do and be a little patience. I guess that is really valuable, isn’t it?"

Find more of Polly Balitro on her blog and photography website. 

inspirational people: vol. 9 (diana nguyen)

  I have been following Diana, from Fashioncandyfloss, for over a year now. I almost have become uninterested in fashion blogs, but Diana's space.. I just can't seem to get enough of her ever-changing, but constant style. Seeing her one second in denim and sweaters, then in kitten heels and white ruffled socks, her ability to showcase so many different styles draws me in every time. 
  I was lucky enough to be able to interview Diana about blogging, fashion, and inspirations. Looking through her blog, there is never much about her personal life, and that's what makes her even more interesting. I hope you become inspired to accessorize and be as diverse as Diana after reading this interview. (I casually pulled out my long lost trousers and basic tees, being inspired to gravitate toward items I never normally wear.) 

  (Lindsey) Tell us a little bit more about yourself and what you do. (Diana) "I’m Diana N. the blogger and inventor of Fashioncandyfloss, a fashion blog. It’s a blog where I post my outfits, things which inspire me and topics I am interested in for example, the universe, philosophy and science. Besides, being a blogger I am a pharmacy student and occasionally a swimmer. When I have time I often read books and write poetry, stories and songs. I’m a person who loves all forms of art, adventures, but also a person who wants to find more about things which are unknown and mysterious to us humans.  My goal is to learn more about the world and the people around us, but also turn my life into a work of art."

  I strive to live a lifestyle that is.... "Inspiring and adventurous." 

  How would you describe your personal style? "My style is a combination between vintage and whimsical."

  What made you desire to start blogging and sharing your outfits with others? "My family has always loved art, so I got introduced to it at a very young age. I grew a passion for drawing and painting, because I was really impressed by the combination of colors, and that it could turn into beautiful portraits. I really love creativity and that you have to use your imagination. I was thrilled when my family brought me to the art museums, because the combination of imagination, creativity, inspiration and experiences could be expressed through paintings during the different eras. They appealed to me visually, and I always left these places full of inspiration. It was like travelling back in time. As I got older I discovered different forms of art. I loved dressing up and that a few pieces of clothing could turn into different outfits. This is when I developed a passion for fashion. All these years I have been collecting inspiration and creating outfits, and one day I decided to share it with the world through blogging. My blog is a place where people can escape to and get inspired, but it’s also an opportunity for me to find people who devote their life for art." 

My favorite blogging reads:

www.misspandora.fr

www.rosapinavintage.com

www.thebriarrose.blog

  Who are some of your favorite designers? "Some of my favorite designers are Dolce and Gabbana, Meadham Kirchoff and Chanel. I have many favorite collections, but my all time favorites are Dolce and Gabbana’s autumn/winter 2013 and spring/summer 2014, because they manage to take inspiration from eras like the baroque and make a modern version of it. I really love the floral print, and the unique designs. Dolce and Gabbana always comes up with great ideas when it comes to designs of clothing, accessories, shoes and handbags. The concepts are always creative and inspiring, but also show good knowledge in art history."

  How has your style evolved since you have started blogging? "My style has evolved a lot since I started blogging. I didn’t have a defined style, so I tried around a lot of styles to see which one I felt comfortable with. But I quickly found out that I liked the vintage and whimsical style. It sort of reflects my personality. My style has remained the same since then. I think it’s because how people used to dress up in the different eras which interest me, but also my passion for art history."

  I read that you love the 1960's in one of your posts, who are your fashion icons from that period? favorite artists? "In general, it’s something with the 1960’s which is appealing to me. The combination of hairstyle, make-up, fashion and accessories struck me visually. My fashion icons from that period have to be Nathalie Wood, Audrey Hepburn and Birgitte Bardot. Favorite artists from 1960’s are Nancy Sinatra, Led Zeppelin, and Aretha Franklin."

  Where do you go to gather inspiration besides the blogging world, or anything to do with fashion? "I gather inspiration from different sources such as movies, poetry, photography, paintings, books, places I have been, memories, music, movies and magazines. I get inspired by things which I find beautiful and unique. It must associate with something positive, but also make a great impact on me for a long time."

  If you could only wear one staple outfit for the rest of your life, what would it consist of? who would have designed it? "It would consist of a white vintage 80’s gunne sax dress, white floral crown, black Mary Jane shoes and a brown vintage bag. I would love either Dolce and Gabbana, Meadham Kirchoff or Chanel to design it."

  If you could share with us the most valuable thing you've learned in the past year, what would that be? "Never let go of your dreams and people that make you happy." 

Find more of Diana on her blog. (all photographs from Diana)

inspirational people: vol. 8 (cristina rose)

  I couldn't bring any more joy to present October's "Inspirational People" interview  I suppose Cristina Rose, of Violet Woods, perfectly fits this month as well. I first found Cristina on her Instagram, which later led me to finding her blog. Her blog is filled with interviews of talented and inspiring folk, herbal remedies, beautiful writing, and her daily items. 

   Rarely showcasing photographs of herself, she inspires in such a unique and a "peering into a keyhole" kind of way. The tiny pieces of her daily life inspire me to take time for self reflection and journaling, while showcasing beauty through arrangements and warm drinks. After learning more about the mysterious lady behind the watercolors and novels, I hope you become inspired as I did. 

    (Lindsey) Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do. (Cristina)"I am an artist, maker, and blogger dwelling in southern California. I believe in leading a healing/nourishing lifestyle and everyday i strive to be best i can for myself and let that shine through. That's one of my goals with creating be it a painting, knitwear or home decor - to use pieces of earth and dreams and tell a story while hopefully inspiring or healing someone along the way. 

I believe in enjoying the simple things in life, making the best of any situation or taking the warmest bubble bath on a rough day. My goals in life are to have a beautiful home in the woods with a garden, to be surrounded with family, friends, good delicious home cooked meals and love all around. I live by love and rise at dawn."

      What kind of lifestyle do you strive to live?"A life filled with magic, nature, laughter, growth and overcoming obstacles with grace."

     You're such a talent with watercolors and any art I have seen that you've created. What is your favorite part about creating a piece? What is your process to creation? "Oh goodness thank you!..my favorite part is creating a story or painting an image in my head and then going in to bring it to life that's what excites me - even though you go through (many) changes, variations I learned to love that part and go with the waves instead of fighting against it..creating is a ritual for me, i love my desk surrounded by pieces of earth and curio, i put on music accompanied by a cup of tea and start to create!" 

       When did you decide to start blogging? "Well I had my blog in winter of 2011 but I was mostly posting things that inspired me, but then that didn't inspire me, so between 2011-mid 2012 I really pondered over what direction I wanted to go, around this time I was able to join Instagram and began documenting my life and art so that really influenced me. 

I also found out my health issues were the culprit of food allergies and I really got involved with natural health/focused on leading a clean lifestyle. I am in a healthier place now compared to a year ago, both of mind and spirit. I love documenting/blogging because  memories are treasures & capturing an image/sharing reflections that means something to you is no different than completing a painting. I love writing - I am a dreamer at heart and journal often writing wherever my heart takes me and meeting new people along the way."

 

      What are some of your favorite blogs to read? "As for blogs, oh goodness. I love so many but sometimes i get so busy so i am behind! I love design*sponge, freunde von freunden and lingered upon for design. I love sincerely kinsey, strawberry koi, rebekka seale, moon and trees and kinfolk for lifestyle. I love Woolgathering & Wildcrafting, an apple a day, grass doe for nature inspiration. I love the local rose, cauldrons & crockpots, my new roots for health & recipes. And yours of course!"

  What are your favorite reads? (I almost always see your pictures with a book placed in them!) "I love anything by Francesca Lia Block, Anais Nin, old fairy-tales  mythology, poetry. Lately I am reading a book on the history of feathers/birds."

  How would you describe your own personal sense of style? "Well, I am conundrum. I love 1930's-1950's eras but I also love the class romantic, rustic/country and the modern minimal style..Samantha Pleet, Nina Ricci, Ruche, Creatures of comfort, Anthropologie, Jenny Packham, Madewell anything from the Bonadrag shop & Up the Wooden Hills are some of my favorites  Although I often go thrifting and get secondhand pieces! My dad instilled the love of vintage shopping and I thank him for that all the time!

As for me, it totally depends. If I'm going out I love to dress up be it a vintage inspired outfit or polished meets rustic. If I'm just going to be at home or running errands I look to comfort: neutral tones, soft tees & skinny jeans!"

  Where are your top places to gather inspiration? "Photography, old illustration plates, nature, dreams, magical realist films, books, museums and journals."

 What is a fall tradition(s) you participate in every year? "Searching for pumpkins, consuming and making autumnal meals (think butternut squashes, apple cider, pumpkin anything) going for walks in the park and when our bones are tired, bringing out the blanket to sit and enjoy the cool weather with a thermos of something warm and fragrant, reading or writing letters with the sound of falling raindrops...I could go on forever! Fall is my favorite season!"

(all photographs found on Cristina's Flickr, here.) 

  If you could share with us one thing you've learned within the past year, what would that be? "Love yourself. Be your own best friend and take yourself on adventures, nourish yourself, trust your instincts. Create your own happiness."

  Who were you in a previous life? "Snow White and/or Belle." 

Find more of Cristina on her blog, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

inspirational people: vol. 7 (danielle miller)

   I believe I haven't been this excited yet to share an "Inspirational People" interview. The fact of why this is so was because I honesty did not know much about Danielle Miller, of I Am the Daisy. I found her blog recently and couldn't wait to communicate with her personally. Her blog, which is full of a dream-like world, long locks, and flower headbands, made me have an immediate connection with her on the visual level. Then I thought, what about her personal level? 

   Then I discovered her writing. Her musical talent. I looked deeper into her photography and her daily ventures. I have a undying love for asking questions and knowing the insides to those whom inspire me, and a need to ask for more. I hope you enjoy this interview, and become inspired by Danielle's wonderful outlook on life and everything that inspires it.

  (Lindsey)Tell us a little bit more about yourself and what you do. (Danielle) "Well, this is a tough question. I sat pondering for a while what I should say. I am  twenty-four. I work full time at a law office. It is not the job I dreamed of doing. I basically fell into it when I needed a job three years ago, and I have been working there since. I have dreams of learning and growing a thriving garden, as well as gaining experience on a small farm. I have grown more passionate about being self-sufficient so that is one goal I have made for myself. I really love animals and flowers. I am not in school. However, there are days I wish I could be in a structured environment learning something I was passionate about. 

   I have a lot of dreams and goals for the future and I have made promises to myself to take small steps at a time to make them happen. It means everything to me to live a life of purpose and to change for the better. I suffer from anxiety. That may not be something most people would include as an answer to this question but I feel like it adds to a huge part of who I am. I deal with it daily in life and constantly overcome difficult situations. I began playing music when I started having anxiety attacks about seven years ago. That was another promise I made to myself at the time. It was to be honest about dealing with those issues and not to hold back on expressing it for the sake that other people may understand. Ultimately, it has taught me a lot about myself, and the amount of strength I do have to get through situations . I am very grateful for the people in my life, and I am very excited to  travel and see new places, and also gain more knowledge about the things I love." 

     I strive to live a lifestyle that is.... "Peaceful, honest, pure and self-sufficient."

   I have read much of your personal writing you post, what does your writing mean to you? "My writing definitely holds a meaning because I don’t always write. When I do, it is because something must have really spoken to me, and I feel like it needs to be documented in some way so that I may always remember those thoughts or feelings. Writing or expression in general helps me to get over fear, and brings light to to certain moments. I also always hope that in some way someone out there is reading and feels a little less alone."

  You have the most beautiful voice ever! When did you start playing and writing music? "Thank you for being so sweet! I seriously began playing and writing music about six years ago, I would say. I have always been inspired by singer/songwriters especially of the folk music genre. Some  to name are: Shirley Collins, Jean Ritchie, Joanna Newsom, Vashti Bunyan, Josephine Foster, Neil Young, & Judee Sill (and too many more)."

   Every time you post a new photograph, I am completely in love with the dreamy qualities and the feeling they all capture. How would you describe your photography? "I would love to describe it as dreamy. I love when photos replicate old photographs and have that soft, grainy feel to them. I have always loved to photograph nature, but lately I have been documenting moments that seem too perfect to leave unnoticed. Instagram has made that simple to do, and even more-so than before, I have been seeing life in a photographic form!"

   How would you describe your personal style? "It is definitely a form of representation. I undoubtedly appreciate vintage clothing. Most of my clothing is either vintage or second-hand because I  accumulate so much, and am constantly moving clothes in and out. I have always appreciated items that are older and unique because they are more rare and individual than something that is current. I love colorful floral prints and lace."

   What made you decide to start blogging and showing others into your world? Who are your favorite bloggers? "I had always pondered starting a blog but had a hard time expressing myself in that form, and didn't want to just write about myself all the time. I have close friends and family that are so incredibly talented and wonderful, and I wanted to start a collective where I could photograph them and feature a segment of my blog in dedication to them. Since I had begun projects about the people around me, I finally felt encouraged to post from my own photos more, and my own heart. 

  Initially, I felt like no one would truly care about the little segments in my life, but then I realized I care about others, so they may care to see mine. It was a lot like the purpose I have in writing music and publicly sharing it. It may not be interesting or relevant to everyone, but some people may really relate, and appreciate it by seeing it for what it is. Since I have been more involved in blogging I have met friends like you who have reached out to me, and I am so very glad I have begun!

  As far as bloggers, I would have to say: Hello, Mr. Rabbit, Windswept Wishes, Sarah-Wynne, Ginger Kisses. I haven’t begun following many bloggers yet since I am fairly new but I certainly plan to!"

   How do you gather inspiration? What do you do in times that you feel uninspired? "If I am looking for it, I love to flip through old books with paintings and/or poetry, or listen to records, pick up an instrument and play songs, cooking or creating a craft. I have always loved digging through old family photographs. There are so many albums and boxes. I also love to have a long conversation with a close friend. All of these things bring me good inspiration. However,there are moments of sadness and tragedy that seem to bring on a great deal of inspiration as well."

   I see you in photographs with books quite often, what are some of your favorite reads? "I wish I could say I was someone that you couldn’t find without a book in hand. I have many books I study and admire off and on. I have a collection over the past few years of children’s books that I reflect back to, as well as books on gardening and different flowers of the world, trees of the world, animals, old songbooks, fairytales, poetry, naturalist authors, Victorian paintings, and books that feature other artist’s illustrations I find beautiful. My favorite reads would have to be an assortment of fairytales by Hans Christian Anderson, and writings from Laura Ingalls Wilder."

 What are your favorite things about the early Autumn season? "Definitely the changes in color of any foliage. Living in Southern California, it is rare to experience a full season of color and smells so when I notice trees changing, I do soak it up as much as possible! I love the warm greens and browns of fall. I also adore pie. Pumpkin and pecan are always the pies I crave in autumn! Sweets have my heart as well as warm drinks."

  If you could share with the world one thing that you have learned in the past year, what would that be? "I have learned that time is very valuable. Especially giving your time to the people in your life that mean a lot to you. I also continue to learn that no matter how much fear I can have in certain situations, I am still alive, and ok, and that brings me peace."

Find more of Danielle on her blog, Instagram, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud.

inspirational people: vol. 6 (sarah thomas)

   There were many reasons why I am in "awe" over this little lady. I was first drawn to Sarah when I found her on instagram, and was rather excited she was from Missouri as well. I later discovered her blog Floral Mountains, where she showcases beauty in her hometown of Springfield, creates beautiful projects, and shares the creativity of others in her town. I love the local aspect and attitude of her blog, as well as her inspiring photography she posts daily. 

   As we do live in the same state, but hours away,  I can't ask her to grab an iced coffee to chat in person, so I contacted her to share a bit about herself. I hope everyone is as inspired as I became after reading her interview and checking out her personal space on the internet.

   (Lindsey) What type of lifestyle do you live? (Sarah) "I strive to live a lifestyle that is healthy (through both mind and body), positive, and loving." 

   I read that you are a student, what is the greatest thing about being a student/what are you studying? "I love being a student! This stage of life is so fun. The best part about being in college is meeting new people & making new friends… and not even being confined by my single university, but enjoying the community that the college crowd creates in my hometown. I have still yet to find out what I want to specify my studies towards. I finish up my associates this fall and from there on it’s a blank page! I want to pursue photography and travel a lot. I may do something towards communication or get a degree I could use in the long term! I’m still trying to figure things out!" 

   What is a "Missouri" tradition you precipitate in every year? "Springfield has a lot of fun traditions…My favorites are the fall festivals and when the fair comes into town in late summer!" 

   The Midwest is the best because... "The Midwest is the best because it’s my home, I wouldn't have it any other way." 

  What are your favorite things about summer? "Juicy ripe fruit. Brown skin and the darkening of friends’ freckles. Light yellow and periwinkle weeds by the roadside. Barbecues and backyard get togethers. Summer nights, bright stars, bugs chirping. The smell of camping. After-swim hair. Tangly, messy. Turtles crossing the roads. Lemonade stands. Early morning garage sales. ( I could go on and on )"

   Describe your personal style. "Some adjectives that I would use to describe my personal style are dainty, light, feminine, simple, boho, and vintage."

   How do you gather inspiration? "I gather inspiration through experiencing and observing. Experiencing sunshine, hiking, love, laughter. Friendship, to observing my surroundings, whether it be people, flowers, smells, or houses. I can be inspired by anything, everything.

   In times that I feel uninspired, I try to get out of my head. If this happens I've usually been stuck in a routine or haven’t had much free time. Cancel plans and take a drive into the country or around your favorite neighborhood. Listen to music, pray, sit and read. When I feel uninspired I know I need to find time to refresh." 

   What made you decide to start blogging? "I first started dreaming about blogging my freshman year of high school! That’s when I first began to develop my personal style. I always loved dressing differently and layering things up that you wouldn't normally put together. In high school I wore the funniest things, but I loved it! It was so fun to look at dressing yourself as a hobby instead of a chore! So style was the first thing that caught my eye. 

   I grew up going to church with Elsie & Emma Chapman (A Beautiful Mess), and I realized through them that styling clothing is a trade! Growing up with them around town developing their own thing was such an encouragement for girls like me! I had been cooking up a blog since then and over this past year I finally got enough courage and motivation (along with the essential tools – a computer and camera) to launch a blog of my own!

   Oh man, I have so many beloved bloggers! I really love lifestyle and photography blogs, they’re my favorite. I would say the blogs that I get most excited to read right now are Industry of One , Everyday Musings, and Hickory and Juniper." 

   If you could share with the world one thing that you have learned in the past year, what would that be? "Here are a few things I've learned to encompass this year :Take time. Adventure. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Enjoy the here and now. Invest in people and not in materialistic things. Be genuine. Love everything."

(photographs via Sarah)

Find more of Sarah Thomas on her blog, instagram, twitter, and pinterest.