Argie is amazing, a ball of light and energy who we're lucky to have in the northeast Florida arts community. Really enjoyed talking with she and Amanda Holloway about Argie's story and the world of creativity in fashion and textiles. Argie is currently making masks for $10 each and if you buy one she makes another to donate to health care workers in need. Find her on Instagram at @argiemitra and online at http://argiemitra.com/

Georgette Dumont is a city councilwoman of Jacksonville Beach, FL and a professor  at the University of North Florida (UNF). I first met her in 2010 as a student in UNF's Master of Public Administration program when she, and her husband George, joined the faculty. Their energy was a shot in the arm for the program, and for the community of Jacksonville Beach that they call home. One of the things I've always admired about Georgette is how she engaged with the community, volunteering for events, participating in public activities and meets, sitting on the zoning commission, and in 2018, running for and winning a seat on the city council. I appreciate her civility and willingness to have meaningful discourse and debate over policy, a trait that much of our body politic would do well to emulate. It was fun talking to her and George on the porch about her upbringing in New England, her route to being a professor in higher education, why she chose a life of public service and her thoughts on some of the issues facing Jacksonville Beach, and other small municipalities across our nation. Visit her website https://www.dumontjaxbeach.com/ to find out more about what she's up to, and thanks so much for stopping by the show. 

You can find me on Instagram @mrlynnprints and at my website www.duttonisland.com

On this episode of The Practice Emily Ussery is a yoga teacher in north Florida who is a proponent of essential oils, using them daily in a variety of ways to make her life better. My knowledge and use of essential oils is limited, but once I did receive a diffuser of oils once as a gift and enjoyed it. I found that when I diffused the oil it made my house smell amazing, without the smokiness of incense or the fake chemical smell of a plug in. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed it until the diffuser broke, and I promptly bought another. Emily uses oils in a variety of interesting way that was fun to learn about. If you're interested in yoga and/ or essential oils you should reach out to her at atlanticroots.co  or find her on Instagram @atlantic_roots_co

It was great to sit on the front porch and talk story with Tom on a breezy afternoon wind afternoon, with the windchimes chiming and life in full bloom. We talked surfing, because we both love it and frequent the same surf spot at Hanna Park. Born in Alabama and raised in north Florida, Tom has spent a life telling stories and fostering creativity with his work at the Shepard Agency. About four years ago he pivoted at the company to focus more on photography, an artform he fell in love with at UNF with professor Paul Karabinis, and has since delved into the medium. His work first caught my eye on Instagram (find him @tom.in.ab); his photographs had a pop to them that was technically brilliant, but that were also captivating in an intuitive way. His pictures tell a story, and frame things in a unique way that really brings the viewer into the image. Go look at his photographs of Rock Springs Run and I guarantee you'll want to jump right through the frame into those beautiful crystal clear waters. Tom is doing some really important work documenting the effects of climate change in northeast Florida, and sharing the beauty of our natural world of which we are a part of, and whole health we depend of=n for survival. I super appreciate all he does and thankful that he's sharing his story with us. You can find more of his work at his website (click here). 

The Practice is a new short form series here on Over-the-Counter Culture where we dive into the day to day practices and routines that people have in their life to live better. I, Jon Lynn your host, am going first to talk about my morning routine which is anchored by 1-5 minutes of movement, usually a few sun salutations and some cat/ cow postures. I used to be wrapped up in time expectations with my physical activities, exercise and what not; thinking that if I didn't do a hour of yoga, a couple hours surf session or a long bike ride, then why do it? What's the point? My friend and yoga teacher Kristen Huth, who is featured on this episode, helped me realize that it's not how long you move that's important, but THAT you move, regardless of the duration. I found that movement begets movement, and how the simple act of rolling out of bed and moving for five minutes in the morning before doing anything else can really set you day on a good course, and change your life. I challenge you dear listener, to try it. Doesn't have to be yoga, it could be 5 sit ups, a simple twist, touching your toes or some neck stretches (a favorite of mine because my neck can get tweaky on me). The point is to move, and if you do I would love to hear your feedback. Also, if you have a practice in your life that you'd like to share I would love to hear about it and feature you on the show. Email me at [email protected] of find me on Instagram @mrlynnprints 

Have a great day, and live well

JLynn

Dylan is a brother to me and I'm very thankful that we got to sit down and deep talk about his story. He and I took part in the north Florida tradition of growing up local, then moving far away; he to the Rockies, Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, and then back to Florida before now settling in the Pacific Northwest. It's interesting to me why people leave their hometowns, what they aim to find out in the world, and why they sometimes return, and I think all of us can recognize some of Dylan's story in ourselves. Now that I'm back and settled in my hometown of north Florida, I miss those who have gone and not returned, but I respect them for the going, for following their path and for living the path they're called to leave, and I'm grateful to share stories like Dylan's. Aside from being a traveler, husband, surfer, snowboarder, fish farmer and all around excellent human being, he's also a fantastic printmaker. Go check out his work on Instagram @island_daydreams

A big shout of thank to Nicholas Edward Williams for letting me use his music for the show. The tune Ramblin' Around was featured which seems appropriate with all Dylan's ramblings. Check out Edward at @nicholasedwardwilliams on Instagram and click here for his website. 

Thanks to all who listen, subscribe and support. If you could leave a rating and review on your favorite platform it would be much appreciated. Wishing everyone a great 2020.

Cheers,

Jon Lynn