From the Editor

ON THE COVER

Ami À Vie

Maggie Hightower’s rebranding of Ami À Vie, which is now a bachelorette party, bridal shower planning and bridesmaid’s gift giving company. Photo by Maddie Sullivan Photography Design by Kimberly Myers MMy father, Paul Moore, was a self-taught guitarist for more than 40 years. He first picked up what would be his life’s career at just 13 years old. Following years of practice, he opened Lorna Music Academy, which became the longest-running music business operating in the history of Hoover, Alabama. He died a highly accredited artist with multiple top-hit singles. Hundreds of his students earned scholarships and went on to major in music or become teachers, themselves. His impact was not simply being an educator. It was how he instilled hope in the hearts of the people he came to teach and befriend. My dad understood how to use his talents to not only thrive in the music industry, but also to bless other people. The biggest lesson I learned from him was that life’s purpose is to figure out why we’re put on this Earth and how we can expand God’s kingdom using what God gave us. Unfortunately, all I can really play is the radio. However, I enjoy writing. What good was writing, I always thought? They’re just words. It wasn’t until I became a journalism major in college that I realized just how inspiring words can be. Now as an editor for five different magazines, I recognize the importance of sharing words because words, whether spoken or written, are God’s way of communicating the purpose within each of us. Kathryn Valencia’s novel, Soul Speak, which you can read about on page 17, defines purpose as our journey in life. Her autobiographical book of quotes provides the perfect anecdote for every life lesson, milestone, dream, accomplishment and so forth. What Kathryn does well is teach that living life is best done by listening to one’s heart and doing what one loves. By doing what one loves, she lives life with purpose. Purpose that my dad, too, sought to help reveal in each of his students. So, what’s your purpose? Are you a writer, a musician, a teacher, something else? You’ll find your purpose by discovering what you love and how you can bless others with your talents. Share your purpose, your stories with me, and I’ll fulfill my purpose by sharing yours with our community.

Yours truly,

annagrace.moore@mountainbrookmagazine.com

COUNTY WALTON

BEYOND THE BEACH

While the sugar-white sand is certainly a signature of Walton County, unlimited sights and activities add true depth to its personality. These unique neighborhoods are intertwined by the colorful local culture, as well as the surrounding waters – from the Gulf to the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Antique shops and stylish boutiques. Worldwide cuisine and Gulf-to-table fare. Championship golf courses and a thriving arts scene. The wide variety ensures that every day off ers a completely new experience.

UNEXPECTED SURPRISES

Head north of the Bay to discover Freeport, DeFuniak Springs and Paxton – equally steeped in rich history and pristine natural beauty.

Surrounding Lake DeFuniak, Circle Drive was once home to the vibrant local Chautauqua Assembly. Visitors can tour the classic architecture of nearly 200 homes and buildings, about 40 of which are noted in the National Register of Historic Places. Morrison Springs is a 161-acre park highlighted by a crystal-clear, spring-fed pool 250 feet in diameter. Dive enthusiasts flock here to

explore the deep underwater cavities, but it is equally attractive to casual swimmers and ecotourists as well. Nestled within the expansive Nokuse Plantation preserve, the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is a great home base for exploring the longleaf pine ecosystem. This hidden gem welcomes budding naturalists of all ages to learn more about the power of biodiversity.