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We live in a world that values productivity and efficiency, where every moment seems to be mapped out and planned. I’ll admit, I fall into this mindset sometimes too, thinking that the only worthwhile activities are those that can be measured, calculated, and optimized. But the truth is, a life that is too structured is missing something vital— space for exploration.
We need room for discovery, for trying new things, for being a beginner. Sometimes, it’s in those unplanned moments where connections are made, memories are created, and trust is built.

In recent months, I’ve been reflecting on how my family spends our time together. We’ve realized that our happiest moments often come when we step away from screens and routines. Our "adventures" don’t always involve grand trips—they could be as simple as playing a board game on the patio, trying out a new trail, or exploring a new part of town to find a quirky little café.
This issue is all about giving yourself permission to explore—whether it’s a spontaneous trip, a new hobby, or simply making time for those unstructured moments with the people you love.
Let’s make space for the unexpected and the unexplored, and remember that it’s often in these moments that the richest connections are formed.
Happy exploring!

PUBLISHER
Amy Bailey | amy.bailey@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Casey Creque | casey.creque@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Susan Rogers | susan.rogers@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas


Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6







































The beauty of landscapes and memories documented in acrylics

No trip to downtown Madison is complete without a stop into Blue Apple Books, where owner Robin Gladden seems to know just about everyone and every story connected to the community. Tucked among the shelves are pieces of local history, conversations waiting to happen, and occasionally, unexpected treasures. During one particular visit, a vibrant painting of an old countryside barn immediately caught our attention. The detail, warmth, and nostalgia within the piece sparked curiosity, and that’s where the story of local artist Pat Modica begins.
At nearly 80 years old, Pat spends many of his evenings ushering at Rocket City Trash Pandas baseball games, a role he genuinely enjoys. “I get to relive my youth and the memories of going to Dodgers games growing up,” Pat says with a smile. For him, baseball brings back simpler times and cherished childhood memories, but the ballpark isn’t the only place where he revisits the past.
“Painting is a pastime for me,” explains Pat. “I like to recreate my favorite memories from photos I’ve taken at different points throughout my life.” What started decades ago as learning to sketch bushes, trees, and architectural details in college eventually grew into a fulfilling retirement hobby that now fills his days with creativity and purpose.

Pat attended architecture school at Cal Poly during a time when drafting and design were completed entirely by hand. “There were no computers to design elements for us in the ‘60s,” he recalls. “We learned to add depth and detail to our drawings manually. That’s when I became somewhat ‘photographic’ in my work.” That attention to detail is evident in every painting he creates today, from weathered wooden barns to peaceful riverside landscapes.
Since retiring, Pat has intentionally stayed busy, determined, as he jokingly says, to keep himself “out of the recliner.” Over the years, he has explored several creative hobbies, including crafting handmade birdhouses from recycled materials. More recently, however, he transitioned into painting, turning snapshots from his travels and life experiences into artwork for him and his wife to enjoy.
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Pat’s paintings capture scenes from all over the country and beyond. Coastal beach views inspired by trips to Panama City, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic hang alongside landscapes from Central California and rustic barns reminiscent of his time living in North Dakota. “I love old barns and buildings,” says Pat. “They have character and history behind them.”
For Pat, painting is about far more than simply creating art. It is a way to preserve memories, revisit meaningful places, and continue learning something new later in life. Each canvas reflects moments he has experienced and details he never wants to forget.
His advice to others is simple but meaningful: “Get started on whatever you are interested in trying. If you get tired of it, try something else. Take the photos. Pay attention to detail. Don’t waste time because life goes by too quickly.”
Pat Modica is proof that creativity has no age limit.
“TAKE THE PHOTOS. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL. DON’T WASTE TIME BECAUSE LIFE GOES BY TOO QUICKLY.”
For Pat Modica, painting isn’t about perfection or monetization. He just enjoys the challenge and keeping busy, and he has a passion for preserving memories. Whether crafting birdhouses, ushering baseball games, or painting scenes from old photographs, Pat believes there’s always value in trying something new that excites you.

Waterfalls, canyons, mossy forests, mountain overlooks, and wild backcountry all within minutes or a couple hours of Madison County

This year Alabama celebrated the Year of Trails and, of course, North Alabama has some of the South’s most underrated hiking - waterfalls, sandstone canyons, mossy forests, mountain overlooks, and wild backcountry all within minutes or a couple hours of Madison County. “Alabama’s outdoor recreation opportunities are unique. From the tail end of the Appalachian Mountains in North Alabama to the state’s Gulf Coast,” said Paul DeMarco, President of the Alabama Trails Foundation. “Whether hiking, biking or paddling there is something for everyone.” Here are some of the best trails for scenery, challenge, and pure Alabama beauty.
The legendary North Alabama hike. The trail descends into a massive limestone gorge nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Alabama,” ending at waterfalls, caves, and the famous natural amphitheater. The hike back out is steep and strenuous, but absolutely worth it.
The Sipsey is often called the “Land of 1,000 Waterfalls,” and Borden Creek Trail is one of its best introductions. Expect creek crossings, caves, sandstone bluffs, giant trees, and lush wilderness scenery. Reddit hikers consistently rank Sipsey among Alabama’s most beautiful hiking areas.
Monte Sano is Huntsville’s hiking crown jewel. Trails like Stone Cuts, Sinks Trail, North Plateau, and McKay Hollow combine mountain overlooks, rock formations, fernfilled ravines, and peaceful forest paths. It’s ideal because you can choose easy scenic walks or tougher elevation-heavy loops.
One of the most unique hikes in the Southeast. Huge moss-covered canyon walls, waterfalls, caves, giant boulders, and the famous glowing “dismalites” at night make this trail feel prehistoric. The canyon stays cool even in summer
Perfect for a moderate afternoon hike near Huntsville. Alum Hollow features streams, suspension bridges, rock shelters, and a seasonal waterfall tucked into the mountain. Especially beautiful in spring and after rain.
A favorite for wildflower hikes and quieter mountain scenery. The preserve includes steep ridge climbs, rocky overlooks, and peaceful forest sections that feel far removed from the city. Fall colors here are spectacular.
A photographic look at some of our state’s natural wonders by Pulitzer Prize winner Joe Songer

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE SONGER

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird; (Archilochus colubris), a species of hummingbird that migrates parts of Eastern North America for the summer to breed.


Alabama’s natural world is one of vibrant colors and wonder. Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Joe Songer is a longtime Alabama photojournalist best known for his work with The Birmingham News, Al.com, and the Alabama Media Group. Over decades behind the camera, Songer has documented the state’s defining moments — from college football triumphs and tornado devastation to civil rights commemorations, political campaigns, and everyday Southern life. His photography has been recognized for its emotional immediacy and strong storytelling, often capturing ordinary people in extraordinary moments.
Here Joe turns his lens to the natural world capturing our state’s native wildlife. Joe states, "Alabama is such a diverse state and offers many chances to photograph wildlife. Some birds and animals live here year round and some are just migrating visitors. With such variety to choose from, it's hard not to get out and take photos. It's also a huge challenge to catch the 'moments' in the wild. I love the challenge of bird photography, especially hummingbirds that visit our feeders every year. I love the challenge of inflight battles over territory around the feeders. Eagles are another favorite to photograph. They are just so majestic and a true conservation success story as their numbers continue to climb."
From the ruby-throated hummingbird to the vibrant blue feathers of the Eastern bluebird to our state bird, the Northern Flicker more commonly known as the Yellowhammer, Joe celebrates nature in this visual feast for readers. "I've always enjoyed being in nature since I was a boy growing up in rural Pennsylvania. When our family moved south it was always a joy to get into the nearby woods." Joe continues, "Once I took up photography, it was just another reason to get out and stay outside. My wife and I now live on a lake in St. Clair County and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna from our porch. Photographing birds and the deer that frequent our place became a passion shortly after we moved in. As you can tell birds are my favorite to photograph."





ARTICLE BY BRUCE MARTIN
IMMERSE IN THE CHALLENGE AND CAMARADERIE THAT THE OUTDOORS FOSTERS
The wind was howling. Darkness was descending rapidly, as was the temperature. 24 degrees and rain. The worst possible conditions in the mountains. I‘d take snow any day. You can just brush it off, no harm, no foul. But freezing rain is a real problem, leaving a growing layer of ice on everything, and increasing the likelihood of hypothermia exponentially. It was an 8-mile day and I had three out of twelve men still out on the trail with my “sweeper”, whose sole job was making sure everyone got in camp. As the lead guide and first in camp, my job was to get a fire going and warm these men up.
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The conditions weren’t exactly favorable to fire-making. I asked a newbie to assist me in the process. It was his first time backpacking, but not his first time to be tested outdoors. This guy was a triathlete. And not just any triathlete. This guy was the best of the best. He’d done the Ironman several times, a grueling trio of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, finishing with a 26.2mile marathon run. You have to be in crazy good shape to complete one of those bad boys.
We crouched over the icy firepit, creating a human wind block in hopes of getting a small fire going. Once we got it going, we could slowly feed it more and more wood until we had a roaring campfire, a fire that would warm the men up and lift their spirits considerably. Hands trembling from the cold, he held the firestarter against the wood, while I cupped a small lighter with just enough flame to ignite one edge. As he leaned in, he said, “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”


I couldn’t help but smile. Mission accomplished.
At the end of that trip, all the men gathered at a local pub and recounted the “highs and lows” from the trip. Over and over again, each man said their low and their high were the same thing. Surviving the ice storm. And the smile on every man’s face told the same story.
We did a thing.
In his excellent book, “Wild at Heart” author John Eldridge argues that in the heart of every man lies a question. “Do I have
what it takes?” And the only way a man can really answer that question is by being tested. By overcoming adversity, removing obstacles, getting out of his comfort zone and taking risks. And there’s nothing like the backcountry to test a man.
It’s why I started Born 2 Be Wild back in 2003. Take a few good men into the wilderness; away from the office, away from family, away from news and sports, and no cell signal. Take them on a journey into the unknown and create an immersive environment

1. TRAIN YOUR BODY
Build endurance, strength, and stamina through regular hiking, strength training, and carrying a loaded pack on varied terrain.
2. TEST YOUR GEAR
Don’t let the trail be the first time you use your equipment. Practice with your boots, backpack, clothing layers, tent, and other essential gear beforehand.
3. PREPARE FOR THE WEATHER
Research typical conditions and pack accordingly.
Mountain weather can change quickly, so plan for rain, cold, wind, and temperature swings.
4. FUEL YOUR ADVENTURE
Proper nutrition and hydration are critical. Eat consistently throughout the day and drink water regularly to maintain energy and performance.
5. STRENGTHEN YOUR MINDSET
Expect challenges and discomfort. Mental toughness often matters as much as physical fitness when conditions become difficult.
6. LEARN BASIC OUTDOOR SKILLS
Know how to navigate, filter water, build a fire, set up camp, and handle minor emergencies before heading into the backcountry.
7. TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET
Well-fitted footwear and proper foot care can prevent blisters and injuries that can quickly derail a trip.
where they can connect with God and each other. My hope is we begin the journey as strangers, but end as a band of brothers. I love the challenge and camaraderie that the outdoors fosters, but I also love that it creates space for people to work together. Things like setting up camp, gathering firewood, filtering water, and cooking meals are easier and faster when guys work together.
But I also love to see men help one another when there’s an injury, or someone is struggling physically. I just finished an 18-mile backpacking trip with 10 men on the Appalachian Trail. The first day was a brutal 8-mile day with 3,700 feet of elevation gain. Late in the day, one of our guys got super sick, couldn’t keep food or water down, and was wondering if he could make camp. But without a word from me, other guys jumped in to help carry his pack up the final mountain. On day two, we had a young man struggling with leg cramps, so several other men took a bunch of his stuff and divided it among their packs to lighten his load. The trail has a way of bringing out the best in people.
If you’re up for a little adventure, join me in Patagonia for my last EPIC trip of 2026! We’ll be hiking the iconic W-Trek on November 7-14, 2026. The Torres del Paine W Circuit is a 5-day “glampacking” tour (you only have to carry a daypack.) The tour includes everything necessary for you to just show up and enjoy this amazing experience: transfers from Puntas Arenas to Puerto Natales, 2 nights of accommodation in hotels, 4 nights of accommodation in the park, incredible 5-star meals at backcountry lodges, (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and catamaran tickets to ferry us back to civilization. November is the Spring season in Patagonia and brings out wildflowers, waterfalls, and snow on the peaks! Let’s go trekking in Patagonia! Get all the information and register at: born2bewild.net.
I also do private trips. I took a group of father and sons on the Appalachian Trail last year. If you have at least 6 guys that want to do a thing, reach out to me at bruce@born2bewild. net and we’ll set up a custom-made adventure for you and your friends.
Do you have what it takes?











ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.


1 2
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

JULY 2026
EVERY TUESDAY IN JULY
The Farmers Market at Clift Farm
The Village Green at Clift Farm | 4:00 PM
The Farmers Market at Clift Farm is the perfect family event for summer afternoons! With live music, yard games, face painting, and more--you can grab the family and friends to experience slower summer Tuesdays!
JULY 2ND
America 250 Parade
County Line Road | 11:00 AM
This patriotic parade along County Line Road celebrates America's 250th anniversary with floats, music, community groups, and family fun.
JULY 4TH
Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Toyota Field | 6:30 PM
Catch a summer night of America's favorite pastime to celebrate the 4th of July as the Trash Pandas take on Pensacola at home! Fireworks to follow the game! Tickets available at milb.com
JULY 7TH
Tito's Tail Waggin' Tuesday
Toyota Field | 6:30 PM
Bring your dog to Toyota Field for a fun evening of pet-friendly Trash Pandas baseball! Tickets available at milb.com
JULY 9TH & 14TH
Free Fitness Tuesdays
The Orion Ampitheatre | 5:00 PM
Join The Cardio Factory for a free Step Aerobics session in partnership with The Orion Amphitheater! Come out for an energetic workout that’s fun, different, and perfect for all fitness levels. Reserve your spot at theorionhuntsville.com
JULY 9TH & 23RD
Grooves on the Village Green
The Village Green at Clift Farm
Turn the volume up on your week! Bring your favorite lawn chair or cozy blanket, settle in on the Green, and enjoy a mix of classic covers and fresh new sounds under the open sky. Good vibes, great music, and community nights.
JULY 10TH
Community Networking Mixer
Bellehouse | 6:00 PM
Local creatives and professionals gather at Bellehouse for an evening of networking, refreshments and conversation inside one of Madison's restored historic venues.
JULY 15TH
Business Over Breakfast
The Jackson Center | 7:30 AM
A quarterly Madison Chamber event designed for networking and catching up on the latest happenings in the city. BOB events feature influential keynote speakers and community officials who present concise programs on relevant business issues. While enjoying delightful breakfast catering, attendees can network and learn from key figures in the business world. For pricing and tickets visit madisonalchamber.com
JULY 15TH-26TH
W.C. Handy Festival
Florence and The Shoals | 4:00 PM
Taking place over 10 days in the Shoals region of Alabama, this festival honors Florence native W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues”. The festival brings together over 200 events ranging from large headlining concerts to art exhibits, street fairs, and restaurant performances.
JULY 18TH
Rocket City Book Crawl
Blue Apple Bookstore | 10:00 AM
Stop by each Indie bookstore to grab your passport, purchase a limited edition tote, and get a stamp at each location with a purchase. Turn in your passport to be entered to win prizes! @blueapplebookstore
JULY 22ND
The Orion Ampitheatre | 7:00 PM
Creed is back and they're coming to jam out at The Orion. Joining them will be Mammoth and Hinder for a night of nostalgic rock anthems. Tickets available at theorionhuntsville.com

ARTICLE BY JESSICA HOLMES
Your skin remembers every sunburn, skipped SPF day, and dehydrated beach afternoon. Small daily habits like sunscreen, hydration, protective clothing, and regular skin checks add up to healthier, stronger skin long-term. Southeastern Skin Cancer and Dermatology gives tips to help you maintain your glow, prevent premature aging, and reduce future skin damage risk while enjoying the summer sun!
1. SPF every. single. day.
Even when it’s cloudy. Even when you’re “just driving around.”
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. (What we recommend: EltaMD)
2. Don’t forget your lips!
Sunburned lips? Sounds like the worst. (What we recommend: Colorescience Peptide Lip Shine SPF 30)
3. Hydrate like your glow depends on it, because it does. Heat + sun exposure can dehydrate your skin FAST. Drink water and use lightweight hydrating skincare to keep your barrier healthy. (What we recommend: Skin Better Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment)
4. Wear the cute hat!
Wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and UPF clothing are doing more for your skin than expensive correction treatments later. Prevention > regret.
5. Get your skin checked
New mole? Spot changing color? Something that won’t heal? Don’t ignore it. Annual skin checks are one of the best things you can do for your health.



Southeastern Skin Cancer & Dermatology is a patient-focused dermatology practice committed to delivering comprehensive skin care with professionalism, efficiency, and attention to detail. Our priority is the prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin cancer, while also providing expert care for a wide range of medical dermatology concerns.
Alongside our medical services, we offer advanced cosmetic treatments to help our patients feel confident in their skin. By combining clinical expertise with a welcoming and approachable experience, our team is dedicated to providing trusted care for both the health and appearance of your skin.





