Birmingham
Being a native, I have always called Birmingham our little big city. It is sort of like Goldilocks’ “just right” chair. It is not too big or too small. I love knowing we can visit a farm, catch a baseball game, enjoy amazing parks, or dine at some of the best restaurants all without venturing too far from home. Our community may feel vast at times, but I find I can meet a stranger and suddenly realize we have another person or place in common. More importantly, I find the people of Birmingham to be full of traditional Southern hospitality and willingness to help one another. I cannot think of a better place to raise my daughter.
Travel is a passion of mine, and I find Birmingham to be a great geographic location for some fantastic getaways. How amazing is it that we are just a drive away from some of the most beautiful destinations like the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains, the Gulf Coast, historic Southern towns like New Orleans, Savannah, or Charleston, and bustling cities like Nashville and Atlanta? In addition, we have so much to do here in Birmingham that it is easy to create our very own staycations.
Growing up, I thought there was so much more to explore than our little city. As a travel agent, I still believe that seeing other places is a beautiful thing, but it is so nice to return home to Birmingham. We definitely have a secret oasis.
Mom
Friends and family can tell you what it is like to be a mom. But until you become one, you truly have no idea. The feelings are intense and overwhelming at times. I never knew my heart could be so full. I remember the newborn days feeling hard as I struggled with breastfeeding and learning all the things a new mom has to learn. During those days, I asked a friend who has five children if it gets easier. She told me that it never gets easier, it just changes. When one challenge ends, another begins. She explained how each season also brings its own celebrations and joys. I have found all of that to be true.
My daughter is by far the biggest blessing I have ever received. Currently seven years old, I can say I love this age. I say that at every age, though. We all want our babies to stay little, but it is incredible to watch her as she becomes her own little person with her own passions and goals. She and I have the best conversations about things she wants to accomplish and places she wants to travel. My daughter makes every day fresh and full of light. She teaches me to be less of a perfectionist and find the balance.
Collective
Being a single mom was not in my playbook. That was not what I had planned for my life or my daughter’s life. Here we are finding our way and thriving through it.
I am thrilled to have a place to share my journey with other moms as well as some of my passions. I can talk all day about travel, Disney, or Harry Potter. (Yes, I am that Disney/Harry Potter nerd).
It’s exciting to be a part of this local online community dedicated to talking about the fun things and the hard things. I hope to inspire, share my passions, and bring exciting information to others in this amazing circle.
