​I like things.  In abundance, not too much, just enough to make my space feel like a nice warm hug.  

Not sure when the obsession started, that is, the need to have balance in the form of sculptures, pictures hung throughout the house in a museum-type vibe, and an endless amount of trinkets.  Treasured gifts from friends cause those creases in an upward motion on the side of my face.  Also known as a smile.  Sentimental items that I treasure and tuck away and pull out when I need to be reminded.  Mainly gifts that I have given myself.  

​Remember that balance I spoke of?  Well, there you have it.  If I waited for all the things I loved from others I might be waiting a while, and I am somewhat particular in my design approach.  I'm a fan of treating myself, so I do it from time to time.

As I walk through my home I am in awe at how much I have accumulated.  Never a need to ask why because I already know.  In as much of a visual sense, space has become a feeling for me.  I crave the energy of a room as much as I crave the sunlight.  It's a definite necessity at this point, so I ensure that I am never denied of that need.  I have accepted the fact that I am the collector of things.

My niece spent the weekend with me.  We laughed, a lot, ate very well, visited a couple of antique stores, and had so much fun.  If you like things as much as I do, you know what walking into an antique store feels like!  And here comes that balance again.  Amazing how that keeps inserting itself where needed.  

​It's early for some on this amazingly beautiful Sunday morning.  The sun is shining and there is a breeze that feels like it was meant for the weekend.  I stepped outside to pick fresh vegetables, chatted with a neighbor, and stepped back inside to sit for a moment.  My mind is in full observation mode.  What can I add to this space here or remove, I wonder?  Never clutter, always purposely positioned so I have no worries there.  For now, I will just enjoy it.  Not some of it, not a portion to be saved for later, but all of it.  

I should mention that at any given moment an urge will hit and off to a store I go, to gather nails for hanging a new picture, or a plant to go in that space that feels somewhat empty.  Hey, the universe didn't create all of these great things if they weren't meant to be enjoyed.

~AJ

The Fountain of Youth, described as 'A mythical spring that is said to restore the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters.'  

Where is this magical fountain and is it possible to bottle up enough of its mystery and power to last a lifetime?  Will one drink be enough or will it wear off after a period of time?  I believe without a shadow of a doubt if this fountain truly existed the curiosity from within would prompt one to embark upon a a mission to find it and jump right in.  You know, just to see what happens.

As daydreamy as that sounds, it really makes you think.

With so many changes all around us, what reason would we have to believe that our minds and bodies are exempt from it all?  We cautiously step through life making our way through the ups and downs, the opinions of others and becoming more conscious as time goes on, yet we tip-toe through aging as if we are somehow going to dodge Father Time.  Coming to a realization that the pressures of the world are a reality and no longer something our parents were saying to frighten us.  ​

Let's take a step backwards to the days when you felt as if time was forever on your side.  When you truly believed you were invincible and there was nothing that could stop you from doing whatever you desired.  Days that turned into weeks, that gracefully became months, that flowed into years filled with no worries of aging.  No covering of grey hairs.  No calorie counting or carb control.  No fear of the unknown and no reason not to believe that these moments of youth would not last forever.  

So it begins, the never-ending chase to restore what we once were.  Society and social media play a huge part in the way we respond to and handle change.  It is never strange hearing a person say how they want to look and feel, it's the process in which we take to achieve it.  Drastic measures, enhanced appearances and flawed notions just to feel better about one's self and fit into a box that most definitely isn't one sized fits all.  I do it, you do it, who says it's right, wrong, or indifferent.  Perhaps it's just the course of life and we are simply going through the motions while attempting to age gracefully.  

From a visual perspective, the majority of us are aware of what makes us feel alive.  The style in which we choose to wear our hair.  The types of clothes we buy, the jewelry we adore and the way we feel when we see the reflection in the mirror.   There is not one single being who has to be you, except you.  As a die-hard believer in doing what makes you happy, I support change.  I encourage healthy growth in finding the essence of what makes you tick.  Not your partner, or the love of your life, just you.  It's likely no surprise that I am a huge supporter in fairytales and anything mythical in nature.  

​So, if by any chance you want to take this journey in finding a certain magical fountain, count me in.  I buy amazing road trip snacks, and I don't mind taking a late night dip or two.  Whatever it takes to tighten up a few things here and there.  

Remember, you are as young as you feel and believe you are in your dreams.  ​

​~AJ 

It takes a certain drive and determination to be great at what you do.  Gifted and talented on levels we can’t begin to imagine, Erick Walls plays his hand at all things music and he delivers a striking beat that we want to hear over and over again.  A multi-instrumentalist, Grammy award-winning, Emmy nominated songwriter, producer, and powerhouse in the grand world of music, he got his start at a very early age playing in his father’s church.  With faith as his foundation, he has taken his childhood passions and dreams and turned them into his reality.  Erick has a musical resume that runs deep working with some of the most powerful names in the industry.  As a founding member of the international recording Alt-Rock duo, Black Waat3r, Erick shows us his true love for everything that is the creation and art of music.  To love music is to know it has the power to create something very magical, a combination of beautiful melodies meeting for the first time to deliver lasting memories.  It’s easy to strive for something, however, when you truly want it there is nothing that will keep you from achieving it!  Without further adieu, pull up a chair, get cozy and dive into this open and amazing conversation with a true MVP in the music world. 

Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina you developed a taste for music at an early age by playing in your father’s church.  As a multi-instrumentalist, you are an MVP in many aspects.  Talented on the guitar, bass, drums, and piano you can switch gears without skipping a beat.  Would you credit the time spent playing in the church as what shaped you musically, and what is your fondest memory from that time in your life? 
My early musical education came from being around my late father, George Walls, who was a gospel singer, recording artist, and preacher.  All my earliest memories are of watching him release and going with him to the studio, church, and everywhere else.

I vividly remember being very young and realizing how special being surrounded by music was!

My fondest memory of that time was performing on stage with him and his group when I was around six years old.  I actually have it on Beta video tape somewhere in the archives.

The life of a musician seems to move quite fast at times and your resume truly tells a story in itself.  Having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.  From Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, The Black-Eyed Peas, Shirley Caesar, Rihanna, Usher, and the list really does go on and on.  How do you remain grounded and focused working with such an eclectic array of talented musicians?  
My faith foundation is my absolute anchor.  Navigating the music business is tough and has many challenges.  My understanding is that God allows us to be in possession of our gifts, we don’t own them.  We’re simply vessels.  Good stewardship over the gifts yield returns and sustainment.  The Bible states “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”  Proverbs 18:16 KJV, and basically knowing that allows for me to feel like I belong in every room I might find myself in.
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