My First Blog

Bare with me on my very first blog. Get ready to learn who I am and how I got started with Southern Pickin's. Learn about my family and where I get inspiration from. Hope you enjoy reading my blog and future blogs.

Who I am...

Well, my name is Keri Ann (Jones) McBay from the small town of Killen, AL. Born in Florence, AL April of 1984. I'm the daughter of Leslie and Donna Jones. I graduated from Brooks High School in 2002. Made some of the best memories growing up here. Whether it was hanging out with my friends, spending time with family or going to see George Jones. After graduating, I worked for The Courier Journal as a graphic artist and attended Calhoun Community College. Feeling the need to move forward and step out into the real world of having my own place and building my career. This small town girl moved to Cullman, AL, the bible county, worked at The Cullman Times for 2 years. I had to move closer towards back home, and transferred to The News Courier. Lived in Athens for years, getting married and having two beautiful daughters. After my first marriage ended and already living in my little hometown of Killen. I lost my first love, my super hero, my role model, my daddy April of 2017. Then I met my last love of my life, my husband Tim. The day we got married was the day I was blessed with two loving sons. Now I've ran into some health issues and mostly being a stay at home mom and wife.

God Placed Southern Pickin's in My lil Pickin Heart

How it all started... Tim wasn't able to work since he had neck and shoulder surgery so we were at home 90% of the time. We were spending a lot of the time just playing card games, coloring (yes adults color, HA) and drawing. I couldn't believe how long it had been since I drew anything or even doodled. I'm a pinterest kind of girl. Well, I was probably getting on Tim's nerves wanting to make any and everything or paint something. We had been trying to think of a way to help with bill money. We got a lot of opinions about whether we should start selling the things we made. Praying over the ideas and blessing us to take a shot at it. I'm also a huge fan of the farmhouse look, maybe a bit obsessed. So we are southern and you pick your pickin's. Still praying that this is the path God has for us.

Growing Up in the South

Living in the south, being raised near the water and near farm land made me appreciate the great outdoors. Daddy use to take us to where he's from in Lawrenceburg, going to buy from the Amish and stopping at Dunkins Market. I've always loved how the rows of cotton that looked like snow. The things we make come from the heart, they make me think of good ole memories. This tom boy loves to fish also, daddy taught me a lot. So there is decor that is river or lake themed.

Here's some of the items we make, paint or draw: Frames with initials, cotton items, painted or decorated mason jars, coat hangers, driftwood pieces made into things, make-up can holders, signs, paintings, or framed drawings.

Until We Meet Again

Thanks for reading! I will be writing more about my family and my decor. Thanks again and God Bless! #Blessed #SouthernPickins #FamilyOfFour #FunTimes #Paintings #FarmhouseDecor #RaeDunnInspired