Hi guys,
I hope you all had a nice weekend! Last week was crazy busy for us with tons of fun things happening. There was too much to put it all into different blog posts, and sometimes I love a full post anyway, so let's go!
Read MoreHi guys,
I hope you all had a nice weekend! Last week was crazy busy for us with tons of fun things happening. There was too much to put it all into different blog posts, and sometimes I love a full post anyway, so let's go!
Read MoreWhen I was in high school I wanted to be a photographer. It was the only thing that came very easily to me. I took my first photography class in third grade, and we made pin hole cameras. I never thought about composition or lighting. I knew those things instinctively.
If I could have spent my entire high school career in the dark room I would have done it. It was such a time of self doubt, both in my personal and academic life. I didn't feel comfortable challenging myself and was hoping to blend in with the crowd. During that time I had three teachers, Dr. Hunter, Mr. Drake and Mr. Griffith, who taught me that passion was contagious and blending in and getting by was not the best way. Dr. Hunter and Mr. Griffith both taught me English. I've loved reading and writing since I learned the skills, but I lacked confidence. Reading aloud petrified me, and 6th grade sentence diagrams made me want to give up as a writer for life. Dr. Hunter and Mr. Griffith taught me that I did not need natural talent to be passionate about a subject. The love for literature and writing could help me overcome my fears and acquire new skills. They instilled confidence in me and allowed me to take chances in both my writing and opinions.
Mr. Drake taught me history. Up until the point when I got him as a teacher, I hated history. Every previous person who taught me the subject made me feel as if I was born to fail it. I did not know dates or sequences of events, and I just stopped trying. Mr. Drake taught me that history was a story. His love for the story and interest in the details transferred over to me, and I started to get interested myself. He taught me that history is as much about writing, making an argument, and proving a point, than it is about strict memorization. He allowed me to use my writing as a way to succeed in his class, and he showed SO MUCH confidence in me that I became extremely confident in myself. So much so that I ended up switching my college major from photography to history because I wanted more of a challenge, and because of Mr. Drake believed I excel in the subject.
These days I freely express my passion for photography, writing, and history. I never feel ashamed to nerd out over a cool historical detail of a house or a book I can't stop reading. My teachers at Westminster taught me that having passions are what make people who they are.
This house located at 2878 Habersham Road, was designed by Cooper and Cooper and built in 1935. As I was photographing the home, I heard the owner say that it was the location of the "Gone With the Wind" premiere party here in Atlanta. Talk about worlds colliding: photography, literature and history all at one time! There are so many historic views in this house, and photographing it felt like stepping back in time. Without that love and confidence my Westminster teachers gave me, I'm not sure I would have fallen so hard for this house. Loving the beauty and history of houses, and writing about that on this blog is a direct result of everything I learned from my favorite teachers, and I am SO thankful. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
The house is listed by Rosina Seydel of Beacham & Company, REALTORS. It's currently on the cover of our magazine, "The Beacham Series."
Read MoreThis past weekend I took my sister (AKA @puppiesandbrunch) on a birthday/graduation trip to theWizarding World of Harry Potter via the Four Seasons Orlando. In one of the videos you will see in this post, my sister says it is the "best day of my (her) life and the third best day of Blayne's life - only because she's married and has a child." I concur. The magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was overwhelming. I may or may not have cried when we walked into Hogwarts. I'm totally OK with you judging me for that. Not only do I love reading and love the stories and the movies, but spending 10 years talking about Harry Potter with my sister bonded us in such a special way. There is nobody in the world I would rather have gone on this trip with, and I will remember it forever.
When we felt we had "managed our mischief" at the Wizarding World, we headed back to the Four Seasons Orlando for an afternoon of cocktails, chips and guac, a trip around the lazy river, and bonding time in the spa hot tub. At the end of the day I called room service and said, "all we want in the world is to lay in bed, watch a movie, eat pizza and have a beer. Is there any way you could make that happen?" An hour later we opened the door to find all that plus popcorn. Once again, I was overwhelmed with the level of service Four Seasons offers. It's as if they know what you want before you even ask. They presented Kate with a Harry Potter birthday cake when we checked in, and everywhere we went we felt special. I asked for permission to drink a beer in the lazy river, and they not only encouraged it, but brought us beers in special cups within minutes. They arranged our umbrellas at the pool and gave us a full tour of the spa. I will never go to Orlando again without staying at this hotel. I could not give it a higher recommendation. And without further ado... our trip.
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