I'm Aaron—eighth generation on a tobacco farm in the mountains of Western North Carolina, an artist and content creator, and a veteran, medically retired after fifteen years of service. I grew up the way this place used to raise people: worth measured by what you can do with your hands, by common sense, by backbone. A boy, a dog, and the freedom to roam these mountains.
Twenty years away taught me a lot. Coming home taught me more. And the biggest lesson was this: the only thing standing between me and the dream I'd carried my whole life was me. So I'm answering it—heading to South America with my dog and my art to see what happens when you finally stop telling yourself no.
This isn't escape. It's a return—to a slower pace, to making things that matter, to the most honest version of myself. I'm documenting the whole journey here, mistakes and all, because I always learn my lessons—I just learn them in the hardest way possible. Maybe my hard way can save you yours.
Welcome. Come along.
