My blog has been a long time in the making. I spent many hours thinking and dreaming about all the things I could do with it, all the topics I would love to write about and projects I would love to use it for. One thing I knew I wanted to do from the beginning was to share the stories of people who have inspired me. Generally, these are people who live close to nature and connected to family, they are artistic and creative, loving and adventurous.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Ashley, who I follow on Instagram as @piperandpoppies. Ashley takes beautiful photos of her life in Australia with her two gorgeous girls. But, her gallery is about more than surface beauty. Rather, she captures a much deeper beauty: the beauty of living connected to family and place. I had a chance to ask Ashley a few questions about her way of life, and was delighted to find that my intuition about Ashley was spot on; she is a kind, caring and thoughtful person. I hope you enjoy getting to know her a little more, as I did.

What part of the world do you live in?

I live in Western Australia in a little seaside town. It has a massive tourist trade but the locals are mostly nature loving, surfing, and happy souls. It is a community of love and connection. We are so lucky to have ended up raising our family here. I grew up in Canada and travel brought me here. I do miss my family and the distinct seasons of home but I have planted myself here and am learning to embrace this as my home. My girls are small town kids and I love watching them play outside and explore all that a tiny forest and seaside town has to offer.

How many children do you have and how would you describe them?

I have been blessed with two beautiful girls. Piper is 4 and Poppy is 1. Piper is an old soul. She is gentle and caring but shy and fiercely overwhelmed by strangers and attention. Poppy is a wild child! She is so much fun, a character that loves to make us (and anyone she comes across) laugh.

What are your core family values?

Love and empathy. I want my girls to know how to care for others and themselves. How to accept people and themselves and the power of love. I am also a firm believer in providing a foundation for children to harbour their creativity and imagination. I know the joy I get from daydreaming and being creative and want to help my girls discover their gifts. We try to provide calm and compassionate parenting for our girls. To use peaceful approaches to problem solving and model this in our behaviour towards each other.

How do you spend most of your days?

I am a primary school teacher part time. I am a mother full time. My role of mama is my prized role, I didn’t always want to be a mom, but am so blessed motherhood found me. I spend my time playing with my girls, teaching them about the world and experiencing life by their side. I am learning through them to slow down and savour the little things. Childhood is magic and as mothers we actually have the opportunity to do it again! We spend a lot of time exploring and playing together.

What is your favourite thing to do as a family?

An ideal day would start at home, as the sun rises, with hot coffee and the girls playing. Then a trip to the beach and bush walking. Lazy lunch at home, a family nap, painting/drawing/gardening and a laid back dinner outside. Sitting under the stars with a wine. I am a homebody but also love being in nature. I usually do this with my little companions and no one else. They are the perfect explorers.

What are you passionate about?

The environment and education. As a teacher I have the opportunity to engage children in our world and teach sustainability and ethical choices. They are clever and adopt things much more easily than grown ups. I love art, making things, creating. This past year I have started taking my photography more seriously. I love seeing life through a lens and capturing moments.

What inspires you?

Clouds, the ocean, flowers, people, places, things…I am inspired by everything really. Everything and everyone we encounter has something to give. Truly.

Thank you for sharing your words, photos and way of life Ashley.

Please visit Ashley’s Instagram gallery, there’s much more to discover. And I hope you have enjoyed this first feature, I will try to post one every week.

You might also like my post:

The Slow Living Project

Inhaling the Season, Inhaling the Moment

13 Ways to Simplify your Wardrobe

Thoughtful Gift Guide for Children’s Gifts, Any Occasion

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