This moment stayed with me—not because it was big, but because it felt like light threading through the everyday…

Going to the beach is pure nourishment for my soul. It renews me, reenergizes me, and recent time away reminded me just how much I need that. Ryan and I spent a day in Rosemary Beach, and honestly, it might have been my favorite day of the trip. The shops, our favorite art gallery, the food — it was all just right.

One of my favorite places to pop into is Tracery. The moment I stepped inside, I felt lighter. It’s the kind of space that just makes your heart happy. I picked up a few small treasures to bring a bit of that feeling home with me.

As I was checking out, the salesperson asked, “Are you an artist?” And before I could say anything, she added, “I can tell. You are.” I looked over at Ryan, who smiled and said, “She’s very creative, for sure.” It made me pause. I hadn’t really thought of myself that way.

Then she turned to Ryan and said, “Make sure she always has a creative space — somewhere that’s just for her, where she can make and create.”

How did she know that about me? What did she see? Was there some invisible sign? Whatever it was, it felt like one of the kindest compliments I’ve ever received.

I am a creative. I make. I create. And having someone else see that in me? It was powerful.

So, yeah, creative spaces. They’re apparently really important (as if I didn’t already know.) Everyone needs a space to create. 

Oh, and if you love southern design with a clean, thoughtful aesthetic, Tracery has a beautiful book: Tracery: The Art of Southern Design. It’s inspiring and absolutely worth flipping through if that’s your thing. If you make it to Rosemary Beach sometime, I highly recommend the little shops. They’re nothing short of magical.

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