Inspired Southerner

We tell real stories about the South.

Photographer finds solace in shooting the rural South

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Pearson Creek Farm in the rural South.
Sean enjoys shooting the rural South.

Photographer Sean Essex was born in Lapeer, Michigan, but grew up in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Essex loves to hike and camp which led him to begin to take photos of what he found interesting on his adventures. He also loves shooting the rural South, and one of his favorite places is Pearson Creek Farms.

Shooting nature in the rural South
Sean doesn’t use any digital editing programs.

Photographing Nature

He began to share them with friends and family, and the compliments he received inspired him to pursue photography further.

Sean is unique in the photography world, as he does not use any form of digital image editing. He believes that it is a sign of a truly talented photographer to be able to take an amazing photograph that does not need editing. That’s what he wants to achieve every time he picks up his camera.

Corn field in the rural South
Sean likes to show the rural South in its raw form.

Rural Living

Sean’s work can best be described as simple, warm and nostalgic. With a focus on rural-living and the surrounding landscapes, he strives to capture moments that reconnect us with our modest beginnings and evoke a sense of belonging.

“I resonate with the people and places and want to share their character and lifestyle through my photography,” Sean says.

Sean Essex Inspired Southerner
Sean strives to connect us with our modest beginnings.

Capturing the Image

Like any great photographer, he is always looking for a great photo. He looks for something intriguing, inspirational, or beautiful, then photographs it from various angles. He also likes to envision what the shot might look like at different times of day, and if he believes he can get that better shot, he returns.   

Photographing the rural South
Sean believes the rural South exudes character which makes it easier to take great photos.

Pearson Creek Farms

Although he is not from the South, he has family here and makes the trip to the South a few times a year. On these trips, he not only visits family but also comes to shoot. As he believes, the rural South exudes character, which makes it easier to take great photographs.

Photographing the rural South
Pearson Creek Farms is a working farm in Bells, Tennessee

One location he loves to shoot is Pearson Creek Farms, a working farm in Bells, Tennessee. The farm has been in the Pearson family for hundreds of years and Essex is humbled to be a part of their family. “I try to portray the hospitality, comfort and warmth that comes over me when on the farm.”

Dream Photoshoot

When asked what his dream shoot would be he answered rural Alaska. “I hear Kodiak Island is gorgeous and I imagine the landscapes and structures on the island would make fantastic photos.”

Cheaha State Park is a fun day trip for the whole family

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Planning a day trip that the whole family will enjoy can be difficult. Especially now that school is back in session, but just 25 minutes off I-20’s exit 188 is Cheaha State Park.

Inspired Southerner Cheaha
Mt. Cheaha is Alabama’s highest peak. Photo by Cheaha State Park

Alabama’s highest peak

In the heart of the Talladega National Forest, stands Alabama’s highest peak, Mt. Cheaha. The mountain is 2,413 feet above sea level making it the highest point in Alabama. Anyone who visits or hikes to Mt. Cheaha will experience breathtaking views. Cheaha gets its name from the Creek Indian work chaha which means high place.

The boardwalk at Cheaha State Park is wheelchair accessible. Photo by Cheaha State Park.

Our state parks are one of Alabama’s greatest assets and they offer fun for everyone in the family. Cheaha State Park’s best feature is a boardwalk to one of the most beautiful overlooks in the state of Alabama. The boardwalk is handicap accessible. There are also stairs throughout the park that lead to the trails and which run alongside the boardwalk. The stairs are for the trailblazer of the family or those who want a challenge.

The boardwalk

At the end of the boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and there you will find a breathtaking view.  

Inspired Southerner Cheaha State Park
Mt. Cheaha State Park has breathtaking views

The adjacent hiking trails lead to Bald Rock, which is in front of the boardwalk. 

Inspired Southerner Cheaha State Park
The boardwalk leads to this scenic view. It is elevated and wheelchair accessible.

Another popular and recognizable feature of the park is the tower. 

Inspired Southerner Tower at Cheaha
Tower at Cheaha State Park

The tower

In front of the tower is a plaque which designates it as the tallest point in Alabama!

Be sure to take a few quarters for the viewfinder, and climb the stairs to the top of the tower for yet another incredible view! If you remembered to bring a few quarters up be sure to use that viewfinder to your advantage! 

Bigfoot

Across from the tower, you will find Bigfoot. Bigfoot’s purpose at Cheaha is to be the mascot of the 7 Leave No Trace principles. You will find Bigfoot along the trail as a reminder to be just like Bigfoot and ‘leave no trace’. 

Cheaha State Park has made plenty of improvements to the park, including renovations to the restaurant and the addition of the pool. Just across from the Welcome Center and Gift Shop is the Walt Farr Native American Relic Museum. There you will find an amazing collection of arrowheads, spearheads, and other Native American Treasures. 

In addition, Cheaha offers excellent sites for camping and has a hotel for overnight stays. For more information on these amenities, and for the park itself, be sure to check out their website here. 

Alabama farmer introduces Australian White sheep to farmers from all over the world

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Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep
Daniel Fagerman debuts Australian White Sheep to the U.S. Photo by Iven V. Holt

Daniel Fagerman considered farming his hobby. After meeting Graham Gilmore of the Tattykeel farm in Australia, he decided farming would no longer be just a hobby. Gilmore was instrumental in introducing Fagerman to the Australian White sheep, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Sustainable food and farming

Fagerman is the sole distributor and registrar of this breed of sheep in the Americas. Australian White is a low-maintenance, hair replacing breed that produces a Wagyu quality meat.

Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep
Australian White sheep provide a sustainable food source. Photo by Iven V. Holt

Fagerman recently introduced the breed at a symposium held at his farm in Hartselle, Alabama. Those who participated in the symposium learned how to become a producer of the breed.

Additionally, attendees learned that Australian White sheep have less impact on the environment. Like goats, these sheep eat grass, brush, trees, and shrubbery. These sheep are a more sustainable food source for communities.

Inspired Southerner Fagerman Farm
Graham Gilmore of Tattykeel Farm in Australia produced the Australian White. Photo by Iven V. Holt

“The introduction of the Australian White in the United States is a history-makingevent. And it happened right here in the state of Alabama,” said Daniel Fagerman. “I also wanted to show farmers and producers a livestock that is sustainable and which produces a high-end quality meat product. This sheep revolutionizes the lamb industry.”

Inspired Southerner Australian White sheep
Award-winning chef Rick Vonk put together a team for the After-Party. Jon Jackson and Matthew Deaton were asked to help. Photo by Iven V. Holt

After-Party at Fagerman Farms 

To showcase what makes lamb special, Fagerman planned an after-party. The event attracted Alabama politicians, the Alabama Farmers Federation, and other high-level state representatives.

Inspired Southerner Fagerman Farm
Pitmaster Matthew Deaton cooked the Australian White lamb. Photo by Iven V. Holt

Fagerman enlisted the talent of Huntsville chef Rick Vonk to cook the Australian White lamb. To create the perfect meal, Vonk solicited help from chef Jon Jackson of Columbus, Georgia and Matthew Deaton a pitmaster from Washington, DC. They put together a dream-team for the event.

Cooking Australian White

To preserve the meat’s flavor, Vonk and Jackson first experimented with the meat. They decided to cook the meat on two Kudu Grills over an open flame. They knew that this method would be the best way to retain its flavor. Jackson used Africa Brii wood for the fire.

Inspired Southerner Cooking lamb
Two Kudu Grills to cook the lamb over an open fire. He used Africa Brii wood for the fire. Photo by Iven V. Holt

“I have never experienced anything like this breed of sheep. The lamb has this amazing micro-marbling that I have never seen in lamb ever. It’s so tender and melts in your mouth and there is nothing, let me say that again, there is nothing that even comes close to this quality,” said Jon Jackson, owner of Comfort Farms. 

Inspired Southerner Cooking lamb
Australian White lamb melts in your mouth. Photo by Iven V. Holt

Attendees raved about each dish that was presented by Vonk and his team.

“What a humbling, eye-opening week this has been. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the opportunity I was given by the Fagermans to prepare the dinner for their debut event of the Australian White lamb,” said chef Rick Vonk. “I also would like to say that I am eternally grateful to my team, Matthew Deaton and Jon Jackson for their willingness to travel and work with me on this history-making event.”

Inspired Southerner Jon Jackson
Jon Jackson of Columbus, Georgia explains the cooking process. Photo by Iven V. Holt

Fagerman hopes to make the Australian White dinner an annual event at Fagerman Farm.

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Alabama optometrist Alexia Vaughn advocates for diabetes prevention

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Inspired Southerner Dr. Alexia Vaughn
Dr. Alexia Vaughn is helping to increase awareness about Type 2 diabetes.

Even as a child living in Killen, Alabama, Alexia Vaughn knew she would one day be a doctor. She just wasn’t sure which type of doctor she wanted to be. Her education led her down the path to becoming an optometrist.

Inspired Southerner Dr. Alexia Vaughn
Yearly eye exams play a role in early detection of Type 2 diabetes.

Educating Patients about Type 2 diabetes

As president and owner of Advanced Eye Care in Birmingham, she has dedicated her practice to providing excellent eye care to her patients. She also uses her practice to educate people about the risks of diabetes.

“I love helping my patients by advising them about how to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Alexia Vaughn, owner of Advanced Eye Care. “It’s important that people understand that what they eat and drink does affect the overall health of their eyes.”

Inspired Southerner Dr. Alexia Vaughn
Get physically active to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Leading a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle, Vaughn states, includes at least eight hours of sleep, regular exercise, smart food choices and eye exams to protect vision. Her main reason for advocating for a healthier lifestyle is to prevent diabetes. More than 100 million adults are currently living with diabetes. Alabama ranks third in the United States for people being diagnosed with diabetes. However many with the condition remain undiagnosed. 

Inspired Southerner Dr. Alexia Vaughn
Regular exercise will reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Yearly Eye Exams

Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune and many times diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 diabetes risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. Having your eyes examined once a year is one way to detect the uncontrolled disease adds Vaughn. She goes on to say that African-Americans and the elderly are significantly more likely to have and die from diabetes. And, the disease is more prevalent in rural areas.

Inspired Southerner Dr. Alexia Vaughn
Diets complete with fruits and vegetables also reduces your risk Type 2 diabetes

“I have chosen to advocate for early detection of diabetes and changing one’s lifestyle because it is predicted that in the next 30 years, one in three will be living with the disease. The number of people living with diabetes is on the rise because of an increase in obesity rates, lack of physical activity and poor nutrition. That means the rate of blindness from this disease will rise as well,” added Vaughn.

Inspired Southerner Dr. Alexia Vaughn
Alabama’s Black Belt region is known as the diabetes belt.

Diabetes in Alabama’s Black Belt

Alabama’s Black Belt is known as the diabetes belt. Vaughn is working towards decreasing the increased rate of the disease by educating the people who live in the area. “Until we increase educational programs in the Black Belt, the number of people being diagnosed or undiagnosed will continue to rise. I am working every day to close the gap between health disparities in this part of the state,” she stated.

Inspired Southerner Dr. Alexia Vaughn
Healthy lifestyles mean staying active every day, even on weekends.

Vaughn recommends that people get regular exercise at least 150 minutes per week, eat a proper diet low in processed foods and high in fruits and vegetables, and to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

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Daniel Fagerman will debut Australian White Sheep Aug. 14 on his farm in Hartselle, Alabama

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Inspired Southerner Australian White
Daniel Fagerman and Graham Gilmore in Australia at the Australian White Sheep birthplace.

Food lovers of Alabama will have the rare opportunity to see history in the making at the AustralianWhite USA Sheep Symposium and Breed Debut on Aug. 14 in Hartselle, Alabama. Daniel Fagerman, the owner of Fagerman Farm, is hosting a symposium and After Party dinner at the farm to introduce the breed to United States farmers and producers. Fagerman will be the sole distributor and registrar of the Australian White sheep in the Americas.

Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep
Daniel Fagerman at his farm in Hartselle, Alabama

Sustainable Farming

As part of a sustainable farming network in Alabama, Daniel Fagerman is hoping to show attendees what makes Australian White USA so appealing. T Australian White sheep have less of an impact on the environment than cows; They also graze and browse. Like goats, not only do they eat grass, but they also eat brush, trees, and shrubbery.

Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep
Fagerman Farm in Hartselle, Alabama

“These sheep are more appealing to producers because of their conversion of feed, their rapid rate of growth, their uniformity and ability to adapt to their environment,” said Fagerman. “These lambs have been successfully produced in the extreme cold of Mongolia and in the dry heat of Australia.”

Australian White Healthier Lamb

Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep
Omega 3’s and other health benefits of the Australian White Sheep

Australian White sheep are exceptional because they have been selectively bred for their meat quality. Their meat has lower fat-melting points, increased Omega 3’s, and increased intramuscular fat. Many people in the United States have a negative view of the lamb because it tastes gamey, but with the Australian White lamb, there is a significant taste difference. 

Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep
Australian White lamb meat has a ‘melt in your mouth’ effect.

Australian White Symposium

“This meat has similar positive effects of Wagyu,” Fagerman added. “In addition, the increase in Omega 3’s as compared to other lamb or red meat gives you a major health benefit and the “melt in your mouth” effect because of its fat-melting points. This factor gives people a much better eating experience. They have found these same two attributes in Wagyu also are in the Australian White sheep lamb meat, which gives consumers a more palatable taste. There is no other breed of sheep in the world that has been developed with these improved traits to provide a better consumer dining experience. Which means this product is more consistent in delivering these same values, over and over.”

Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep
The Australian White USA will debut at a symposium on August 14

Farmers and producers from all over the world are expected to attend the Australian White USA Symposium and Breed Debut to learn how to develop the breed, and the plan for its expansion across the U.S. and Central and South America.

Fagerman Farms After Party

Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep
Award-winning chef, Rick Vonk, will prepare a six-course meal featuring the Australian White lamb meat

Following the symposium, attendees and the general public will have the opportunity to see what makes Australian White lamb so special at the Fagerman Farm After Party. Chef Rick Vonk, an award-winning chef from Huntsville, Alabama will prepare the dinner. Vonk has put together a special six-course menu that will give guests a sampling of how the lamb can be cooked. “This dinner will be an eye-opening, history-making culinary experience,” said Rick Vonk. “Whatever preconceived opinions people have about lamb will hopefully be proven wrong at this dinner.”

Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep
Brandon Elder of American Idol will perform at the After Party.
Photo courtesy of American Idol

After dinner, guests will be entertained by Brandon Elder, a season 16 American Idol contestant.

Get Your Ticket to the After Party

Don’t miss your chance to attend this once in a lifetime dinner. You will make history! Tickets are $100 per person. Click here to buy your ticket.

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Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep


We tell real stories about the south. ~Kara Kennedy, Publisher