I’m Sandy Gilbreath-Iehle author, photographer, and storyteller committed to capturing the quiet truths that shape us.

For most of my life, words and images have been the way I made sense of the world: its beauty, its chaos, and its moments of grace. After overcoming addiction, traums, and the unraveling that nearly cost me everything, I rebuilt my life piece by piece. Twenty years sober now, I create from a place of honesty, strength, and hope.

My writing explores resilience, recovery, and the power of reflection—the way we learn to rise, rebuild, and become again after loss, change, or grief. Through Speckled Ears Press, I share stories that heal, challenge, and inspire. My photography follows the same thread: seeing beauty in unexpected places and honoring the still moments that speak when words fall short.

Whether you’ve walked through addiction, supported someone who has, or simply love stories that offer transformation, my work is an invitation: Pause. Breathe. Remember you’re not alone.

Today, I live in the Smoky Mountains with my wife and our beloved dog, surrounded by the peace and stillness we spent years building toward. My days are filled with writing, creating, and capturing the kind of light—both literal and symbolic—that saved my life.

Thank you for stepping into this journey with me.