There are places and people in life with the ability to excite and inspire a fire in our soul, and it’s those destinations and creators that make anything feel possible. This issue of American Lifestyle magazine touches on just a few of those bursts of inspiration, with a ride on the Ghost Train of Ely, Nevada—a twentieth century steam engine that is kept alive by a passion for the past. Glass artist Amber Cowan also holds the past near and dear to her heart, using historic pieces of found glass, antiques, and heirlooms in her intricate works. Our past can also shape the course of our future, a sentiment appreciated in the dancing of Step Afrika!—a Washington DC-based step group—which turns traditional stepping into multi-dimensional performances.
A nostalgic trip to Ely, Nevada, to discover how the Nevada Northern Railway keeps century-old steam engines running while also preserving a long-past way of life.
A look at how artist Amber Cowan melds glass sculpting and flameworking to transform found glass into intricate works of art.
A behind-the-scenes glimpse at Skywalker Sound to witness the wonder of a world-renowned Foley team creating the background sounds for cinema.
Lauren Clement discusses how her team at Lauren Nicole Designs completely renovated and modernized a Greensboro-area lakeside home.
TV personality Valerie Bertinelli shares recipes from Valerie’s Home Cooking (Oxmoor House 2017), including roasted eggplant pesto pasta and lemon-raspberry panna cotta.
A visit to the Crescent City to take in its legendary jazz music scene, including insider perspective from trombone player Charlie Halloran.
C. Brian Williams shares how he started Step Afrika!, a dance company that celebrates and promotes the tradition of stepping, a percussive dance form.