About

I'm Ellen Mallernee Barnes, a 35-year-old wife, mother, writer, friend, mover and shaker. This is my blog about what I'm thinking about, making, wearing, and fiddling with around my house. It's also a blog about my family and our adventures together.

I was born and raised in Nashville, TN, and despite a six-year detour to nearby Knoxville, where I went to college, met my husband, and got my first real job, I've lived in Nashville my whole life. Living in the same town your whole life is kind of like losing your virginity to your husband; it's honorable and romantic, but also pretty much a bummer. Lucky for me, I fall more in love with Nashville each year, and my husband and I try to do lots of traveling to satisfy our wanderlust. 

I met and went instantly bonkers for Nekos in August 2002, married him in September 2006, and in March 2010, we welcomed our daughter, Tessa Jean. In November 2012, our second baby girl, Livvy Lara, also made her way into our arms. 

Other things to know about me: I have always been a writer because I crave the fulfillment of having written. After years spent as a newspaper reporter and then an editor for Gibson Guitar, I now work from home as a freelance writer and jill of all trades. I'm most content at my sewing machine or with a paint brush in my hand (rooms and furniture, not art). I like clothes and craft beer too much. And almost nothing makes me happier than a heart to heart or a big laugh with a girlfriend. 

You can reach me at ellen.mallernee@gmail.com. 

A couple posts to get to know me better:
Storytelling in 30 Photos
The A-Z of Me

This is Nekos:

And this is Tessa Jean:

This is Livvy Lara. We call her Lou:

I like them all a whole lot.