Hello Arkansas!

Hello, Arkansas.

This little corner of the internet is where I plan to share the places I wander, the photos I take, and the stories that catch my heart along the way. My adventures may not be the kind that involve climbing cliffs or trekking across states, but they’re adventures to me. Sometimes it’s a short drive down a back road, sometimes a quiet afternoon by the water, sometimes a hidden spot I stumble across and can’t help but stop to admire.

I was born and raised in Conway, and I’ve always had strong ties to the Central Arkansas community. Storytelling and a love of Arkansas run deep in my family. My late grandfather, Joe D. Ward, published multiple books about Arkansas, blending writing with old family photos. My Great Uncle Bill Ward is a longtime photographer who has also written books about Arkansas, capturing its beauty and history through both words and images. He also worked for The Log Cabin paper as their photographer. My other Great Uncle John Ward served as editor of the Log Cabin Democrat for many years. With roots like these, I suppose it’s no surprise that I’ve found myself inspired to share my own version of Arkansas – through my lens, my words, and my experiences.

Along the way, I’ll be sprinkling in bits of history. Every creek, trail, and town in this state has its own story, and I love uncovering those details. Maybe it’s a local legend, maybe it’s a piece of state history that doesn’t always make the books. I want to share those moments here. Not as a lecture, but like sitting together and swapping stories.

So this is the start. No pressure, no perfect plan. Just me, my camera, and the roads I travel. I hope you’ll come along as I say hello to Arkansas, one stop at a time.

-Kelsey