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The running journal.
Recent posts, media, and field notes in a focused center stream, with contributor navigation on the left and discovery on the right.
07
A timeless studio portrait marking 25 years together. and Dawne stand closely, faces lit with the warmth of shared history and unwavering connection. ’s black velvet blazer and open-collar white shirt project quiet confidence, while Dawne’s radiant smile and simple diamond earrings embody elegance and joy. Against a smooth, deep-gray backdrop, this image feels both intimate and enduring — a celebration of love, part...
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08
A deeply personal portrait of Dawne and me, taken in August 2025, capturing a quiet moment of love and connection. Standing close together, our expressions hold the unspoken language of years shared—the triumphs, the losses, and the enduring bond that remains. The warm, balanced lighting frames us in a way that feels both cinematic and intimate, preserving not just our likeness, but the feeling of being together in t...
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15
Today is always a tough day as we remember the December 2021 tornado that changed Dresden forever. I was talking with Richard and Connie this morning about how scary that night was. But looking around now, all I feel is hope. The way neighbors helped neighbors, sharing food and clearing trees, showed the true heart of Weakley County. We will never forget what we lost, but we are so thankful for what we have rebuilt t...
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19
When repairing the exterior brickwork of a historic Dresden home like the Moran House, you cannot simply use modern cement mortar from a hardware store. Old clay bricks are much softer and require a traditional lime-based mortar to allow the walls to naturally breathe and expand with the changing Tennessee weather. If the modern mortar is too hard, it will actually crush and crack the historic bricks over time. It is...
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20
Another brilliant architectural detail found in the Moran House is the clever use of transom windows above the interior doors. Before electricity and fans, these small glass panels could be tilted open on a brass hinge to let hot air escape the rooms while keeping the main wooden doors closed for privacy. It is a highly efficient, passive cooling system designed perfectly to combat the hot and heavy humid summers we...
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21
As this year slowly winds down, I find myself reflecting a lot on the Killebrew family legacy that is so deeply tied to the Moran House. Richard and Connie poured their absolute hearts into making sure this specific piece of Dresden history was beautifully protected and cherished for the future. From the sturdy pier and beam foundation all the way to the peak of the original roofline, every inch of this property hold...
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22
Brian and Richard took a drive with me through downtown Dresden today to look at the rebuilding progress. Seeing the new structures going up where the 2021 tornado destroyed everything brings tears to my eyes. It takes a lot of hard work to bring a town back from something like that, but the people here just don’t quit. Richard was pointing out where some of the old shops used to be. We are so proud of how far Dresde...
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23
The Moran House was originally heated entirely by its multiple heavy masonry fireplaces. Richard taught me so much about the structural engineering of the central chimney stacks, which were carefully designed to draw dangerous smoke up and out efficiently while radiating warm heat back into the living rooms. The large decorative mantels surrounding the fireboxes feature beautiful, hand-carved woodwork that serves as...
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25
There is a profound sense of tranquility that accompanies the final descent of a coastal afternoon, where the boundary between the shore and the sea softens under a brilliant golden hour illumination. Reflecting upon this particular archive from our time in Destin, Florida, I am reminded of the restorative simplicity of just sitting together on the open sand as the day draws to a close. Leaning in close, with the gen...
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26
There is a quiet power inherent in the final moments of a coastal afternoon, when the intense heat of the day softens into an ambient warmth that seems to envelope everything it touches. Looking at this close-up frame from our June 2018 retreat to Destin, Florida, I am reminded of the absolute comfort found in simply sharing a space without the necessity of endless conversation. Seated on the sun-warmed sand, with my...
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27
There is an extraordinary tranquility that accompanies the final descent of the sun over a coastal horizon, where the shifting light seamlessly redefines the contours of the landscape. Reflecting upon this particular archive from June 2018 in Destin, Florida, I am struck by the composition's unique ability to capture both profound introspection and a shared sense of presence. While my companion sits grounded directly...
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28
There is a remarkable sense of clarity that accompanies days spent along the coast, where the persistent hum of daily obligations is seamlessly replaced by the rhythmic cadence of the tide. Reflecting on this particular afternoon from June 2018 in Destin, Florida, the photograph captures the very essence of uncomplicated leisure and deep personal connection. Seated together on the warm sand, with the sweeping shoreli...
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29
There is a palpable sense of completion that arrives with the final moments of a coastal sunset, as the relentless heat of the afternoon yields to the cooling, salt-tinged breeze of the evening. Reviewing this particular frame from our June 2018 retreat to Destin, Florida, I am instantly transported back to the soothing texture of the sand beneath our beach blanket. This medium shot offers a more comprehensive view o...
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30
There is an exquisite simplicity inherent in a coastal sunset that effectively strips away the superficial complexities of daily life, leaving only the warmth of the sand and the comfort of close company. Reviewing this specific archive from June 2018 along the sun-drenched shores of Destin, Florida, I am struck by the absolute serenity preserved within the frame. This tighter composition shifts our perspective entir...
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31
There is a profound sense of restoration that occurs when you allow yourself to simply sit and absorb the fading warmth of a coastal sunset. Looking back at this moment captured in June 2018 along the shores of Destin, Florida, the image preserves the unhurried ease of a classic summer evening. Settled on a blanket with the soft sand beneath us, the landscape unfolds with familiar beach chairs and sea oats catching t...
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32
There is an effortless serenity that accompanies a summer evening along the Gulf Coast, where the passage of time is measured only by the receding tide and the deepening warmth of the golden hour. Reflecting on this archive from June 2018 in Destin, Florida, I am reminded of the absolute stillness that comes from stepping away from the daily routine to sit by the shore. Leaning into the quiet comfort of shared compan...
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33
There is a specific kind of freedom that comes with a summer in Destin, where the only real agenda is finding the next patch of white sand or the next reason to laugh. Reflecting on this particular moment from 2019, I am reminded that the best parts of our travels are often the ones we didn't plan. Whether we were actually using the wagon for gear or I just decided it was a better way to get around, this photo captur...
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34
There is a specific kind of freedom that comes with a summer in Destin, where the only real agenda is finding the next patch of white sand or the next reason to laugh. Reflecting on this particular moment from 2019, I am reminded that the best parts of our travels are often the ones we didn't plan. Whether we were actually using the wagon for gear or I just decided it was a better way to get around, this photo captur...
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35
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the sun goes down and the vision for a project finally starts to glow. Looking back at this archive from the spring of 2019 in Wildwood, I am reminded of those long evenings spent perfecting the atmosphere of our sanctuary. I was in the foreground, largely playing the role of the appreciative director, while my favorite "Mexican labor" was down in the dark, meticulo...
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36
There is a particular kind of serenity that comes from orchestrating the evolution of one’s own backyard. Reflecting on this archival snapshot from the spring of 2019 in Wildwood, I’m reminded of the sheer physical effort required to transform a vision into a tangible landscape. While I occupied the role of site supervisor—armed with a water bottle and a clear sense of direction—my favorite "Mexican labor" was down i...
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37
There is a meticulous kind of joy in overseeing a backyard transformation. Looking back at this afternoon in Wildwood during the spring of 2020, I can still smell the fresh mulch and the crisp pine of the new Blue Spruce we were finally getting into the ground. While I maintained my post as the project visionary—hands on hips and making sure the alignment was just right—my favorite "Mexican labor" was doing the heavy...
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38
There is a specific kind of satisfaction that comes from seeing a vision for a landscape slowly manifest in the dark soil of your own backyard. Looking back at this afternoon in Wildwood from the spring of 2019, I am struck by the sheer amount of industry that went into carving out this sanctuary. I played the role of supervisor, standing by with my gloves on, while my favorite "Mexican labor" was down in the dirt, h...
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39
There is a unique satisfaction found in the literal act of putting down roots. Looking back at this spring afternoon in Wildwood from 2020, I am reminded of the sheer industry that defined our time at home. We decided to add a Blue Spruce to the landscape, a choice that required a fair amount of heavy lifting and strategic placement. I stood by with my gloves on, playing the role of project manager, while my favorite...
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40
There is a compelling gravity in this portrait that demands immediate attention. Transitioning from the textures of daily life into this formal, studio setting reveals a different facet of his character—one defined by an unshakeable executive presence and a refined, quiet confidence. The stark contrast of the navy blazer against the monochromatic background creates a visual weight that mirrors the intensity of his ga...
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41
There is a certain depth that only reveals itself in quiet, indoor moments. Looking at this portrait from May 2026, I see a clarity in his gaze that transcends the everyday. The warm light of the house softens the lines of the day, but it also highlights the steady, unshakeable presence he brings to everything he does. Wearing a simple black henley, he meets the camera with a calm that is both grounded and profoundly...
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43
Reviewing this portrait from the spring of 2020, I am captured by the effortless stylistic harmony that has always anchored our shared aesthetic. Set within the warm, ambient light of a local café, this frame documents a quiet moment of proximity during a season marked globally by an unexpected shift in pace. Our choice of matching denim outerwear creates a subtle visual synchronicity, while the addition of the olive...
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44
There is an enduring, classic quality to a monochromatic portrait; it strips away the secondary distraction of color to reveal the structural and emotional essence of a moment. Reflecting upon this archival capture from the spring of 2020, I am struck by the quiet composure and stability we maintained during a period characterized by widespread global uncertainty. Dressed in our standard performance apparel, we pause...
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45
Reflecting upon this particular vignette from Labor Day 2018 in Dresden, I am struck by the profound sense of equilibrium and domestic tranquility captured in the fading light of the afternoon. Holidays in the Finger Lakes region often possess a distinctive cadence, marking the transition from summer’s vibrancy to the introspective mood of autumn. This portrait, featuring our ever-faithful companion, serves as a poig...
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46
There is a specific, sun-drenched clarity that accompanied our time in Destin back in June 2018. Looking back at this portrait, I am struck by how perfectly the light captured the mood of that trip—calm, warm, and entirely effortless. Standing together as the sun began its descent, we were simply two people appreciating the scenic beauty of the Florida coast and the steady comfort of each other’s presence. The rim li...
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47
There is a specific, cinematic quality to the light in Destin as the sun begins its gradual descent toward the Gulf. Reflecting upon this particular vignette from June 2018, I am struck by the profound stillness and connection captured in this single frame. Resting against the white sand and the vast horizon, we were simply two people appreciative of the scenic beauty and the steady, uncomplicated company of one anot...
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48
There is an undeniable, cinematic quality to the light in Dresden as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. Reflecting on this particular evening in June 2018, I am struck by the profound stillness and connection captured in this frame. Standing on the soft sand, surrounded by the fading warmth of a long summer day, we were simply two people appreciative of the scenic beauty and the steady company of one another. T...
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49
Reflecting upon this specific June afternoon in Dresden back in 2018, I am struck by the perfect convergence of light and landscape. Being out on the water as the sun began its gradual descent offered a sense of tranquility that remains hard to replicate. This portrait captures a moment of quiet proximity, where the primary objective was simply to appreciate the scenic beauty of the shoreline and the steady company o...
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50
There is a specific kind of clarity that comes with a June afternoon in Dresden, where the sun seems to sharpen every detail and highlight the simple joy of being present. Reflecting on this archival capture from 2018, I am struck by the effortless proximity that has always defined our connection. Dressed for a day in the summer heat, we were simply two people enjoying the quiet pulse of a holiday weekend. The reflec...
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51
There is a specific, sun-drenched clarity that accompanies the arrival of June in Dresden. Looking back at this vignette from 2018, I am struck by the profound sense of ease and connection that defined those early summer afternoons. Captured in a moment of quiet proximity, this photograph serves as a definitive record of a chapter marked by uncomplicated leisure and shared presence. Whether we were navigating the tra...
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52
There is an inherent sense of completion that accompanies Labor Day—a final, sun-drenched pause before the seasons begin their inevitable shift toward autumn. This specific moment in Dresden from 2018 encapsulates that tranquility perfectly. Spending the holiday weekend outdoors with such a loyal and happy companion by our side reminds me of the simple, grounding joys that define these long retreats. The vibrant gree...
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53
Retrospectively assessing this vignette from Labor Day 2018 in Dresden, I am struck by the profound serenity that characterized that specific transition into autumn. Labor Day often functions as a significant temporal milestone, representing the conclusion of summer’s kinetic energy and the commencement of a more introspective season. This portrait, captured amidst the soft, late-afternoon light, serves as a definiti...
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54
The rich soil here in Weakley County is absolutely perfect for gardening, which is something Connie Killebrew always loved taking full advantage of. The classic landscaping around the Moran House features beautiful mature shade trees and deep-rooted perennial flowers that have been blooming here for generations. Protecting the massive root systems of these historical trees from damage is just as important to preservi...
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55
There is a specific kind of ease that accompanies a bright morning on the fairway. This May 2023 vignette, captured from the shade of the golf cart, perfectly encapsulates our shared affinity for days spent in the open air. Dressed in our familiar athletic staples, we were simply enjoying the quiet rhythm of the game and the expansive landscape of the course. These moments, preserved within the archives, serve as vit...
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56
Reflecting on this moment from May 2023, I am reminded of the quiet elegance that a day on the course can offer. Captured at the club, this image highlights a shared appreciation for a disciplined and active lifestyle. There is a tangible sense of coordination here, not just in our choice of performance attire, but in our shared presence against the expansive backdrop of the fairways. It was a day characterized by cl...
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57
There is a specific kind of stillness found in the golden hour, a moment where the world seems to pause and reveal its most luminous truths. Revisiting this vignette from May 2020, I am struck by the profound sense of synergy that has always defined our partnership. Standing together against the backdrop of the mountains and the fading light, we were simply two people anchored in each other’s presence. In the broader...
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58
There is something uniquely grounding about a shared path. Revisiting this moment from the summer of 2018, I am struck by how much of our relationship has been built on these walks—moments of effortless movement and continuous conversation. Caught mid-stride under the summer canopy, we were simply "" in our natural element. At the time, we likely viewed these outings as a standard part of our fitness routine, yet fro...
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59
There is a specific kind of magic found in the archives of a life well-lived, particularly in moments where the world felt entirely in sync. This capture from the summer of 2018 at Happy Hollow Park is one of those definitive anchors. Walking hand-in-hand across the familiar paths, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the season, we were the personification of "" at its most effortless. I look at the way we are smilin...
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60
There is a distinctive power in the silent, shared focus of a partnership. Looking back at this summer afternoon in 2018, I am struck by the intensity of our collective gaze and the palpable vitality we carried. This photograph documents "" in a moment of peak physical and relational equilibrium, moving through the world with an unburdened autonomy that defined our daily rhythm. The lush backdrop of the trail serves...
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61
There is a profound, kinetic beauty in a shared rhythm that has been developed over decades. Revisiting this summer morning in 2018, I am struck by the sheer vitality of our stride and the effortless nature of our communication. In this chapter of our lives, movement was a fundamental language—one we spoke daily through the wooded trails and quiet paths. This photograph serves as more than just a record of a fitness...
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62
There is a specific kind of freedom found in the uncomplicated rhythm of a summer walk. Revisiting this moment from 2018, I am struck by the effortless vitality that characterized our daily lives. Standing amidst the vibrant greens and the seasonal blooms, we were moving through the world with a sense of autonomy that we perhaps took for granted. This photograph documents more than just a fitness routine; it captures...
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63
Revisiting this vignette from 2019 in Happy Hollow Park provides a poignant contrast to the clinical landscapes that have defined our recent history. This photograph captures the essence of what it meant to move through the world with uncomplicated autonomy. Standing amidst the verdant growth of the park, with the quiet murmur of the stream behind us, we were simply two people sharing a path and a rhythm. There is a...
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67
Reflecting upon this particular vignette from 2018, I am struck by the effortless synergy captured in the moments before his fiftieth birthday. This photograph, rendered amidst the ambient luminescence of a formal engagement, serves as a poignant temporal anchor, documenting a life characterized by aesthetic discipline and social vibrancy. There is an unmistakable luminosity to the evening; the way the candlelight in...
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68
Reflecting upon this particular vignette from 2018, I am struck by the effortless synergy captured in the moments before his fiftieth birthday. This photograph, rendered amidst the ambient luminescence of a formal engagement, serves as a poignant temporal anchor, documenting a life characterized by aesthetic discipline and social vibrancy. There is an unmistakable luminosity to the evening; the way the candlelight in...
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69
I think this might be one of the strongest photos from our black and white session. He looks so intense and smart here! I love how the light only hits part of his face—it makes the whole picture look really artistic and cool. He has such a great look when he is thinking hard about something. It’s like you can almost see the gears turning in his head. This series of portraits has been so much fun to put together becau...
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70
I found one more from that 2020 session, and I just could not leave it out. He looks so peaceful in this light! I love how his glasses catch the warm glow from the lamp in the background. It is funny how a single picture can take you right back to a specific day. Even though 2020 was a few years ago now, these photos make it feel like it was just yesterday. He has always been such a steady and kind part of my life, a...
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71
I was going through some old files and found these two pictures of him from 2020. I just had to share them together because they both capture his personality so well! He has such a kind smile, and I love how the warm light makes these photos feel so special. 2020 was a crazy year for everyone, but looking at these reminds me of the quiet, happy moments we shared at home. He always knows how to make things feel okay j...
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72
I found this old picture from 2020, and it really brought back some good memories! I love how the lighting looks in this shot—it makes everything feel so warm and cozy. It is always funny to look back at photos from a few years ago. I remember feeling so happy and relaxed that day. Looking at this now, it reminds me that no matter what is going on in the world, it is important to keep smiling and find the good in eve...
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73
I really like how this one turned out. He looks so focused and smart in this picture! Leaning on his hand like that makes it look like he is right in the middle of a deep conversation or thinking hard about something. The black and white colors make all the details of his face stand out, and I love how his glasses look in this light. It is a very strong and steady photo. It definitely feels like it belongs with the o...
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74
I think this is such a great picture of him! He looks so smart and happy here. I really like how the light catches his eyes and his glasses—it makes him look like he is about to tell a really good story. The black and white style makes it look so classic and cool, almost like a photo of a famous person. Every time I look at this set of pictures, I am amazed at how much personality comes through. He just has a way of...
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75
I love this shot because it feels so real. It’s not often you catch someone looking so peaceful when they don’t know they are being watched. The black and white really helps you focus on his expression without any other distractions. He just looks so wise and calm here. I could look at these portraits all day because they really show who he is. It is amazing how much a simple photo can say about a person's heart and...
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76
I think this might be one of the coolest photos I have of him. I love that it is in black and white because it makes everything look so much more dramatic. You can see the light catching his face perfectly, and he looks like he is deep in thought about something important. He has such a classic, smart style, especially with those glasses. This picture really captures a different side of him—very calm but also very st...
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77
The Tennessee Iris Festival is always my favorite time of year in Dresden! Brenda, Connie, and I walked around looking at all the beautiful flowers and enjoying the parade. It is so wonderful to see the town full of life and color again. Even though we have been through a lot the past few years, events like this remind us of how strong and joyful our community really is. The Killebrew family never misses the festival...
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78
I was just watching this video of him talking, and it really made me stop and think. He says that it is not about how many years we have in our lives, but the small moments we spend together that really count. He looks so calm and thoughtful here, just sharing what is on his heart. It is such a good reminder for all of us to slow down and cherish every single minute we get. Life moves so fast, and we should try our b...
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79
I really love this picture of him! He looks so handsome in his dark jacket, just relaxing on the couch in the loft. The light from the lamps makes everything look so warm and nice against the brick walls. He has such a calm look on his face here. I think this photo really shows how much he enjoys just hanging out and being home. It was such a quiet and peaceful afternoon, and I am so glad I caught this moment on came...
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80
I am totally obsessed with this new Lady Gaga video! She just released the song "RUNWAY" for the movie "The Devil Wears Prada 2," and it is incredible. Her outfit in this picture is literally like a piece of art. I love how it looks so sharp and futuristic. It is exactly the kind of high-fashion drama I was hoping for in the sequel. She looks so powerful and stylish! I have been a fan of the first movie for years, so...
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81
Here is another one of my favorite pictures with my dad! We were having such a good time at Thanksgiving in Dresden back in 2019. I love how happy we both look in this photo. It is so important to stop and take pictures like this when the whole family is together. These are the moments I never want to forget. My dad always knows how to make me laugh, and being back home in Dresden for the holidays is always the best...
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82
I am so glad I found this photo from Thanksgiving back in 2019. It was such a nice day in Dresden with my dad, Richard. We always have a great time when the whole family gets together for the holidays. Looking at this picture reminds me of all the good food we ate and the funny stories we told that afternoon. My dad is a huge part of my life, and I really treasure these memories of us together. It was a perfect day t...
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83
I really love how this photo turned out! The loft has such a cool vibe with the old brick walls and the big wooden beams in the background. I decided to wear my favorite black leather jacket today because it always makes me feel confident and ready for anything. It was a great day to just hang out, enjoy the city, and take a few pictures. Sometimes it is nice to just take a minute, smile, and appreciate where you are...
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85
I really love this selfie we took while hanging out at home today! It was a bit chilly, so I put on my favorite pink beanie with the pom-pom on top. I think it looks so cute with the gold chain scarf I wore. Our living room feels so warm and cozy with the brick walls and the soft lights in the background. We were just relaxing on the couch and decided to grab a quick picture together. It is one of those simple moment...
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86
I really like this picture of us at home today. I decided to wear my favorite denim jacket over a pretty silk shirt that has a gold pattern on it. It felt like a nice, classic look for just hanging out together. We were standing near the stairs where the light was coming in just right from the window. It is so nice to have photos like this that show us just being ourselves in our own space. I love how comfortable and...
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87
I really love this picture from our trip! It was such a sunny day in California. I felt so happy wearing my denim vest and that floral dress. Standing next to that cool old gold car made me feel like I was in a movie. The palm trees and that vintage motel sign in the back are so pretty. It was a perfect afternoon for a drive and just seeing all the neat sights along the road. This memory makes me smile every time I s...
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88
I really love this brown velvet jacket I wore for our afternoon walk! It has such pretty flower patterns sewn onto the sleeves and the front, and it felt so comfortable in the sunshine. We found this cool old car to lean on while the sun was shining down on the street. The palm trees in the background made it feel like a perfect day in California. I think my outfit looked really nice with the classic look of the car,...
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89
We found such an amazing spot to look out over Hollywood just as the sun was starting to set! Seeing the famous sign way up on the hill felt so iconic, and I am so glad we got to see it in person during our trip. I wore my favorite denim jacket over a polka-dot shirt, and I think the warm golden light made everything look so pretty and bright. We had a great time looking at the long streets lined with palm trees and...
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90
I really love this fun photo we took in the loft today! I decided to wear my favorite black leather jacket because it always makes me feel so confident and cool. The room has such a great style with the old brick walls and the big windows that let in all the nice light while we were hanging out. This picture actually looks like a screenshot from a phone camera, which I think is a really fun way to show a "behind the...
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91
I really love this picture of us sitting on the car while the sun was going down. The sky was such a pretty orange color, and you can see the tall palm trees and the mountains in the back. I decided to wear my favorite denim jacket over a cute polka-dot dress, and I think it was the perfect outfit for a warm California evening. We were just hanging out and enjoying the view, and everything felt so peaceful and happy....
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92
I had the best time exploring the streets of California today! The sun was so bright and warm, and it made the whole city look amazing. I decided to wear my favorite floral blouse and my flared jeans because they felt like the perfect outfit for a sunny afternoon walking around. We saw so many cool vintage cars and even found this awesome neon L.A. Woman sign that I just had to take a picture with. It feels so good t...
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93
I really love the retro vibe of this cool place we found! The old wood walls and all the vintage music posters made it feel like we stepped back in time. There was even a classic jukebox in the corner playing old songs. I wore my favorite denim jacket over a polka-dot shirt, which I think fit the scene perfectly. The warm light coming through the window made everything feel so cozy while we hung out. It was a great a...
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94
I really love this picture of us from a sunny afternoon in March . We were just hanging out at home and decided to take a quick photo together while the light was so pretty. The bright sunshine coming through the window made everything look so warm and cozy in our favorite room. We are both wearing simple black shirts, which I think looks very clean and classic for a relaxed day in. It was such a quiet and happy mome...
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95
I really love this picture of us from our time in the desert. The sunset was so bright and warm, and it made the whole landscape look like it was glowing. I wore my favorite brown velvet dress with the pretty flower patterns on the sleeves because I thought it fit the vintage vibe of the old cars in the background. It was such a quiet and peaceful afternoon just exploring near the tall cacti and enjoying the fresh ai...
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96
I really love this picture of us from our afternoon in California! The sun was just starting to set, making everything look so warm and golden behind the palm trees. I decided to wear my favorite embroidered blouse with this brown leather vest because it felt like the perfect style for our road trip. We were just hanging out by this cool classic car and enjoying the beautiful weather before heading to our next stop....
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97
I really love how these photos turned out from our desert trip. The sunset was so bright and warm, and it made everything look like it was glowing. I decided to wear my favorite paisley dress and this brown hat to stay cool, and I think they both fit the vibe of the desert perfectly. We spent the whole afternoon exploring the long roads and seeing all the palm trees before stopping by this old car to take a few pictu...
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98
I really love this close-up of us in the library. I decided to wear a black silk shirt for this photo because it feels so classic and elegant against the dark wood of the bookshelves behind us. The lighting was just right to show off my favorite silver locket, which I always like to keep close to my heart. It is such a quiet and sweet moment where we are just leaning in and enjoying the peace of our favorite room tog...
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99
I had such a blast walking around this cool neighborhood today! The sun was shining so bright, and everything had a beautiful golden glow that made the whole street look amazing. I decided to wear my favorite denim jacket over a black lace shirt, and I think it looked really nice with all my layered necklaces and big hoop earrings. In the background, there were these cool old cars and a colorful retro sign that made...
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100
We found this super cool vintage motel while driving along the road, and I just had to stop and take a picture! The old-fashioned sign and the tall palm trees in the background made it feel like we traveled back in time to a classic movie. I wore my favorite denim jacket over a patterned dress because it was a bit breezy, and I think it looks great next to the gold convertible we were driving. It was such a fun and s...
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101
I really love this photo we took while hanging out in the study today. The emerald green color of my silk shirt looks so nice against the dark wood of the bookshelves in the background. It was such a quiet and calm afternoon, and I am holding onto my favorite silver locket that has a lot of special meaning to me. The big leather chairs make the whole room feel very cozy and warm, which is exactly how I like our home...
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102
I really love the old-school vibe of this cool place we visited! The wood paneling and the vinyl records on the walls make it feel so warm and cozy, like a step back in time to a simpler era. I wore my favorite brown fringe jacket over a patterned wrap dress, and I think it fit the vintage look of the room perfectly. It was such a fun night out just relaxing and enjoying the quiet atmosphere while we hung out. Having...
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103
I absolutely love the warm golden light we found while walking through the city that evening. I decided to wear one of my favorite patterned dresses and added a few of my favorite necklaces to give it a fun bohemian look. The lighting made everything look so soft and perfect, and I think it captured such a great, relaxed mood for the day. It is always so much fun to dress up a little bit and just enjoy a beautiful su...
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104
I really love this picture of us from a nice evening at home. I decided to wear a simple black dress, and I think the lighting in our living room makes everything look so warm and cozy. It was such a quiet and happy moment, and I am so glad we captured it on camera. Looking back at photos like this always reminds me of how peaceful it feels to just relax and be together. It is definitely one of my favorite memories f...
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105
I really love this picture of me standing next to the classic car while the sun was setting over the palm trees in California. I am wearing my favorite cream-colored blouse with colorful flower embroidery and some comfortable flared jeans that felt perfect for our afternoon walk. The lighting was so warm and golden, making the whole street look absolutely beautiful as we explored Hollywood. It is so much fun to look...
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106
I really loved spending the evening in Hollywood watching the sunset over the palm trees. I wore my favorite brown fringe jacket over a pretty floral dress because it felt like the perfect California look. The sky turned such a warm orange color, and it made the whole city skyline look like it was glowing. We had a great time just walking around and taking in the views while the air was still warm. It is moments like...
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107
We spent a beautiful evening up in the Hollywood Hills just watching the sun go down. I wore my favorite brown velvet blazer because it started to get a little chilly as the light faded over the mountains. The sunset was so golden and warm, and it made the whole view look like a painting. It was such a quiet and peaceful moment to just lean in and take a nice picture together before heading out for dinner. I really l...
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108
We finally made it to Hollywood, and it was even more exciting than I imagined! Seeing the famous sign up on the hill while the sun was setting over the palm trees felt like being in a movie. I wore my favorite fringe jacket and flared jeans because they felt like the perfect outfit for hanging out with this beautiful gold Mustang. The warm light from the sunset made the whole street glow, and we had so much fun just...
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109
I had such an amazing time on our road trip! We pulled over on this long desert road just as the sun was starting to set. I wore my favorite brown fringe jacket, which I think looked perfect for the desert vibe. The sky was glowing with orange and gold colors, and it felt so peaceful being out there with nothing but the road ahead of us. We sat on the car and just watched the light change over the mountains. It was o...
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110
I really love how this photo captured such a warm and happy day at home. I decided to wear my favorite denim jacket over a patterned dress, and I think the style feels very comfortable and natural for a quiet afternoon. The lighting in the room was so soft and golden, making everything feel peaceful and bright while we were just hanging out. It is nice to have pictures that show us just relaxing and enjoying a simple...
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111
I really love the warm and cozy feeling of this picture we took while sitting in a little diner. It was a rainy day outside, and you can see the sunset glowing through the window behind us. I decided to wear my favorite denim jacket with the pretty flower designs on the shoulders, and I think it looks great with the soft lighting in the room. There is just something so peaceful about watching the rain on the streets...
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112
I really love how this picture turned out from our afternoon at home. The lighting in the room was so soft and perfect, and I think my hair looks really nice in these long waves. I am wearing a simple black top that feels very classic and clean against the warm wooden bookshelves in the background. It is always so wonderful to have a good portrait that captures such a happy and relaxed moment. Looking back at this ph...
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113
This heartwarming photograph from March captures a wonderful, genuine moment between a man and a woman as they share a laugh together. The man has a thick gray beard and a warm smile, leaning his head gently against the woman standing next to him. She has beautiful wavy blonde hair and a huge, bright smile that shows exactly how much fun they are having in this second. They are both wearing casual dark shirts and lo...
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114
This joyful photograph taken in March captures a wonderfully happy moment between a man and a woman indoors. The woman has beautiful wavy blonde hair and is laughing out loud with a big, bright smile on her face. The man standing right next to her has a thick, graying beard and is looking at her with a very warm and happy expression. They are both wearing casual dark shirts and seem completely relaxed and comfortabl...
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115
This beautiful photograph from March captures a wonderful moment of connection between a man and a woman standing in a cozy home. They are turned toward each other, sharing a very warm and genuine smile that shows how comfortable they are together. The man has a full, graying beard and is wearing a simple dark shirt with a silver chain, while the woman has beautiful wavy blonde hair and an elegant dark blouse. The b...
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116
This striking portrait from March offers a detailed look at a man standing quietly in a home. He has a very thick, textured gray beard and a serious, calm expression as he looks right into the camera lens. He is wearing a simple dark t-shirt with a thin silver chain resting around his neck. Behind him, you can see the warm wooden details of an indoor staircase blending nicely into a softly blurred background. The na...
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117
This portrait from March captures a quiet, comfortable moment between two people. The man has a thick, gray beard and a calm, serious expression, while the woman standing next to him has wavy blonde hair and a very warm, welcoming smile. They are both wearing simple black shirts and standing close together inside a cozy home, right in front of a wooden staircase. The soft, natural indoor lighting highlights their fa...
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118
This portrait from March captures a quiet, comfortable moment between two people. The man has a thick, gray beard and a calm, serious expression, while the woman standing next to him has wavy blonde hair and a very warm, welcoming smile. They are both wearing simple black shirts and standing close together inside a cozy home, right in front of a wooden staircase. The soft, natural indoor lighting highlights their fa...
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120
I found this really nice picture of me taken at home in Wildwood, Missouri, back in 2022. I was wearing a simple, comfortable black top, and I decided to leave my blonde hair down in soft waves that day. The natural light coming into our living room was so bright and inviting, making it the absolute perfect spot to capture a relaxed portrait. Our home always has such a peaceful and comfortable vibe, especially in the...
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121
Here is a really nice picture of me from back in 2022 when we were spending some time at our place in Wildwood. I am smiling with my long blonde hair down, and I have my arm around him, wearing my favorite comfortable black shirt. I think this indoor shot has such great natural light and really shows how happy and relaxed we both were that day. Looking at this memory from just a few years ago brings back such warm an...
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122
Here is a portrait of me taken at our home in Wildwood back in 2022. I decided to wear a detailed black lace top for the day and let my blonde hair down in loose waves. I remember feeling really confident in this look, and this snapshot perfectly captures that peaceful and happy moment. Wildwood is always so beautiful and relaxing, and looking back at this memory makes me feel very calm. It was just a great snapshot...
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123
Here is a really great portrait I took while we were just hanging out at our home in Wildwood. I caught him right as he was walking through the hallway, and the warm lighting coming off the wooden doors in the background looked absolutely perfect for a picture. He is wearing a comfortable black shirt and his silver chain, giving the camera that classic, serious look he always does. I really love snapping these quiet,...
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124
Here is another beautiful portrait of me taken at home in Wildwood, Missouri, back in 2022. I was wearing my favorite detailed black lace top, and I decided to leave my blonde hair down in soft waves for the day. I really love how the warm lighting inside the house perfectly highlighted my eye makeup and gave the whole picture a slightly moody, serious vibe. I had such a great time taking these photos indoors, and it...
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125
Here is a fun solo portrait of me from our place in Wildwood back in 2022. I decided to dress up a little bit that day, wearing a really sharp black blazer over a delicate black lace top. My hair was down in soft waves, and I gave the camera a pretty serious, confident look for this shot. I really love how the natural lighting in the room highlighted my eyes and contrasted perfectly with my dark outfit and the warm w...
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126
Here is another beautiful solo portrait of me from when I was relaxing at home in Wildwood, Missouri back in 2022. I was wearing my favorite comfortable tan knit top and just letting my wavy hair air dry for the day. The natural lighting inside the house was so soft and perfect, making it a really great time to take a simple, honest picture. I love how calm and peaceful everything feels in this shot, and I think my b...
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127
Here is another picture of me from our home in Wildwood back in 2022. I decided to dress up a little bit more that day, wearing a sharp black blazer over a really pretty black lace top. My hair was down in long waves, and I was giving the camera a pretty serious, focused look for this shot. We had some great natural light coming in right through the wooden window frames behind me. It is always fun to look back at the...
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128
Here is a nice, close-up portrait of me from when I was hanging out at home in Wildwood, Missouri back in 2022. I was wearing a very comfortable tan knit top and decided to just let my wavy hair down for the day. The natural lighting coming into the room was really soft and pretty, which made it the absolute perfect time to snap a quick, quiet picture. I think my bright blue eyes really stand out in this shot against...
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129
This is such a beautiful, artistic picture of me and my late wife, Dawne. Someone created this amazing edit that blends our smiling faces right into a gorgeous sunset over a quiet mountain lake. It really captures how peaceful and happy we always were whenever we spent time together out in nature. Dawne looks absolutely stunning with her bright smile, and I love how the warm colors of the sunset match the wonderful f...
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130
You mentioned these were from the summer of 2000, but if you look closely at the red timestamp and the posters in the background, this was actually from a really fun night out in St. Louis back in October of 2003! Dawne and I were hanging out at a crowded bar with a glowing Saint Louis Blues sign, just having a great time and snapping some quick selfies together. She looked so beautiful with her blonde hair pinned up...
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131
Understanding the foundation of the Moran House is a great lesson in historic Southern architecture. Like many older homes in Tennessee, it was built on a solid pier and beam foundation. This smart design elevates the house entirely off the damp soil, protecting the wooden framework from rot and allowing cool air to circulate underneath the floorboards. Maintaining the heavy masonry of those brick support piers is a...
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132
Here is another funny picture from our kitchen in Wildwood, Missouri back in late June of 2018. was holding his phone up to take a quick selfie of us, and I made the best surprised face when I looked at the screen. I was still wearing my bright pink hat and that hilarious dog t-shirt while we were just hanging out by the counter. has his usual serious look going on in his blue shirt and glasses, which just makes my...
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133
Here is one last photo of me and hanging out in our kitchen in Wildwood, Missouri, back in late June of 2018. We were just standing there looking at something on his phone together. I was still wearing my funny dog t-shirt and that pink hat with the heart on it, leaning in close with a really happy smile. was wearing his blue shirt and glasses, looking pretty focused on whatever we were reading or watching on the s...
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134
Here is one more picture from our kitchen in Wildwood, Missouri, back in late June of 2018. decided to pull out his phone and snap a quick mirror selfie of us while I was still holding my pillow. I had this funny, surprised look on my face, and I was still wearing that bright pink hat and my dog t-shirt. He was standing right behind me in his blue shirt and glasses, trying to keep a serious face for the camera. It i...
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135
Here is another picture of me and hanging out in our kitchen in Wildwood, Missouri back in late June of 2018. I was still wearing my funny blue t-shirt and that bright pink hat with the heart on it. He stepped into the frame right behind me for a quick picture, wearing his glasses and a dark blue shirt. He looks pretty serious in this shot for some reason, but we were honestly just having a relaxing summer day at ho...
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136
Here is one more picture of me and from our 2018 vacation to Destin, Florida. We were just relaxing on the beautiful white sand in our beach chairs. I was wearing my pink striped swimsuit and a black hat to block the sun, and I was so happy just being there. was sitting right next to me in his blue shirt and glasses, holding his phone while we snapped this quick selfie. It is always so nice to look back at these pe...
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137
Here is another picture of me and hanging out at the beach in Destin, Florida back in 2018. We were still relaxing in our beach chairs right on the white sand, just taking in the beautiful weather. I was chilling in my pink striped swimsuit and a black hat, and he was right there next to me taking the selfie. I think he was trying to look a little more serious for this shot, but we were honestly just having such a g...
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138
Here is another picture of me and hanging out at the beach in Destin, Florida back in 2018. We were still relaxing in our beach chairs right on the white sand, just taking in the beautiful weather. I was chilling in my pink striped swimsuit and a black hat, and he was right there next to me taking the selfie. I think he was trying to look a little more serious for this shot, but we were honestly just having such a g...
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139
Here is one more selfie from our 2018 vacation down in Destin, Florida. and I were just taking it easy in our blue beach chairs right on the beautiful white sand. I had on my pink striped swimsuit and a black hat to keep the sun out of my eyes, while he relaxed next to me in his blue t-shirt and glasses. The beach was pretty calm behind us that afternoon. It is always so nice to look back at these photos because Des...
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140
Here is another selfie we took while relaxing in our beach chairs down in Destin, Florida back in 2018. I was soaking up the sun in my pink striped swimsuit and black hat, while just chilled next to me in his blue shirt and glasses. It was such a perfect day on the white sand with the clear blue water right behind us. We spent most of the afternoon just sitting there, listening to the waves and watching the people w...
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141
Here is a great photo from our trip to Destin, Florida back in 2018. I was relaxing in a blue beach chair right on the white sand, wearing my pink striped swimsuit and a black hat to block the sun. was sitting right next to me taking the selfie, and the beach was pretty quiet behind us that day. We always love coming down here to just hang out and enjoy the ocean breeze together. It is definitely one of our favorite...
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142
Here is a great, casual picture of me just hanging out in our kitchen in Wildwood back in 2018. I love this shot because it is just a simple, everyday moment that perfectly shows off my fun personality. I had on my bright pink hat with the little heart and a hilarious blue t-shirt that says "I LIKE BIG MUTTS" across the front. I was just holding a pillow and relaxing by the counter when took this. It is always the q...
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143
Here is a great picture of me and celebrating my actual birthday in Wildwood on February 26th, 2020. We got a huge sheet cake covered in glowing candles, and they even put a funny "26" on there for my special day! I was sitting at the table, and wore a black turtleneck for our cozy celebration at home. You can even see my birthday cards and a little bit of gift money sitting right next to the cake. It was such a fu...
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144
Here is another great shot from that same night by the Christmas tree in Wildwood back in 2018. and I were having so much fun just sitting on the floor and snapping a few holiday selfies together. I had on my favorite pink winter hat, and he was still rocking his big red Santa hat to get into the Christmas spirit. You can see our funny little stuffed reindeer sitting right next to us, keeping guard in front of the g...
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145
Here is one last photo from our Christmas in Wildwood back in 2018. We were just relaxing by the tree, soaking in all the holiday magic together. was still wearing his bright red Santa hat, and I had on my pink winter beanie. The tree behind us was glowing with lights and ornaments, and we even had those goofy little stuffed reindeer keeping us company on the floor. It was such a peaceful and happy time, and these p...
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snapped this picture of me in our Wildwood living room on February 17th, 2020, just a few days before my actual birthday. He decided to give me my present a little bit early that year, and as you can tell from that huge smile, I was pretty excited about it! He got me a brand new set of black and pink Cobra golf clubs so we could start hitting the course together. I even threw on that cute pink hat to match my new gea...
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147
Here is another fun photo from our 2018 Christmas in Wildwood. This time, grabbed his real camera to take a quick mirror selfie of us sitting in front of the tree. He still has his Santa hat on, and I am wearing my cute pink beanie. You can really see all the bright lights and ornaments on the tree behind us, plus those funny little plush reindeer sitting on the floor. It is always great to look back at these fun, c...
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148
Here is a great picture of me and celebrating Christmas in Wildwood back in 2018. We were just hanging out by the tree in our cozy winter gear, and he even threw on a Santa hat for the occasion while I wore my favorite pink beanie. The tree looked amazing with all the lights and ornaments, and we had those funny little plush reindeer decorations sitting right next to us on the floor. It was such a fun and relaxing h...
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The interior millwork inside the Moran House is a true masterpiece of historic carpentry. The grand staircase in the main hallway features beautiful, custom hand-turned wooden balusters and a massive, solid oak handrail. When you look closely at the structural joints, you can actually see the wooden dowels and traditional mortise-and-tenon construction used by the original builders instead of modern metal screws. It...
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260
One of the biggest technical challenges with the Moran House is preserving the original double-hung wooden windows. Instead of replacing them with cheap modern vinyl, we try to keep the historic wavy glass and the old cast-iron sash weights hidden inside the side pockets of the window frames. Richard always appreciated the smart mechanical engineering behind how these heavy wooden windows perfectly balance themselves...
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261
The town of Dresden has been through so much intense rebuilding over the last couple of years after the severe tornado damage. The sheer strength and resilience of this community is truly inspiring to witness. The Moran House stands as a strong, physical reminder of our town’s ability to weather the storm. My parents always believed deeply in the strong roots of Weakley County, and seeing the historic downtown area s...
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262
Restoring a historic home means dealing with traditional plaster and lath walls instead of easy modern drywall. The Moran House was built by nailing thin wooden strips called lath to the wall studs, which were then covered with thick, heavy layers of wet plaster. This method provides incredible soundproofing and natural insulation, but repairing cracks requires a very specific, old-school troweling technique. It is a...
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263
My mother, Connie Killebrew, was the ultimate historian when it came to our family and the Moran House. She spent many hours digging through the dusty Weakley County archives to trace the original property deeds and land grants. It is absolutely amazing to see the documentation of how this house survived through so many different eras of Dresden’s local history. Keeping those fragile paper records safe ensures that t...
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264
The grand wrap-around porch is definitely one of the most important architectural features of the Moran House. In traditional Southern home design, these wide, covered porches were engineered specifically to catch the cross-breeze before modern air conditioning was ever invented. Richard spent countless hours over the years making sure the foundational columns holding up the porch roof remained structurally sound and...
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265
Today I was admiring the original hardwood floors inside the Moran House. My dad, Richard, taught me so much about the old-growth timber that was used when the house was first constructed. Because the wood was harvested over a century ago, the grain is much tighter and structurally stronger than modern commercial lumber. Preserving these historic floorboards takes a lot of careful sanding and sealing to protect the w...
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266
May in Weakley County means it is finally time for the Tennessee Iris Festival right here in Dresden. My mom, Connie, always loved seeing the whole town come alive during this time of year. The festival dates all the way back to the 1930s to celebrate our beautiful state flower. The historic Moran House sits so beautifully during the spring season when the blooms come out. Our family has always enjoyed the deep sense...
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267
Growing up in Dresden, Tennessee, the Moran House was always a massive part of my family’s story. My parents, Richard and Connie Killebrew, spent years preserving the incredible history of this beautiful place. The architecture features classic Southern design elements from the early twentieth century, built long before modern construction methods took over. We have always worked hard to maintain the original integri...
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