Thanks, Asheville

I found the Asheville "something" yesterday. 

I gave the mountain walk a go and it didn't disappoint (with the caveat that I'd stop if my back was bad). You know it's Asheville by the easy breathing up the mountain. It's what these mountains are famous for and you absolutely can tell the difference in the air as you walk up.

So funny

Left a rock

I planned a brunch stop as I got down the mountain but needed to re-route because of a bear. I love seeing bears. This one was a big guy and too close for comfort, but he turned the other way. They step off the hillside and you can't see them until they are right in front of you. Totally silent as they move through the mountain. Too close for a picture -- I needed to get out of the way.

Little Free Library message for my birthday. Also saw this plant stand and I'm thinking I want something like this eventually. For what, I don't really know, but it's so fun. Maybe for seedling giveaways when I use the grow room again next year. 

Asheville is crowded from the holiday -- I bet folks made it a long weekend. I skipped the brunch idea because line was to the street and walked downtown for chai. Grabbed a salad and soup at a vegan cafe on my walk back. Hello, veggies my friends.

Visit at my sister's was great. Babies are so, so tiny and adorable. My sister decided to make dinner instead of takeout -- it was delicious. She's a great cook and loves veggies. Got my veggies in yesterday.

I'm heading to the farmer's market this morning with plans to make vegetable soup on Sunday. I'm using the zucchini and squash from my friend too. I used up my freezer supply before the move. 

Hustle bustle this morning getting house ready and car packed. Downside of no garage and bears -- can't pack anything ahead. 

When I walked the mountain I decided to do a little walking meditation -- asked the walk to show me what to focus on this birthday year coming. It's a little woo-woo, but here's what I noticed and what came to mind as I walked. 

Saw friends walking and talking: CONNECTION

Saw a funny sign: REMEMBER TO LAUGH and HAVE FUN

Saw a fire hydrant painted in colors: YEAR OF COLOR

Walked by 2 people speaking Spanish: SPANISH STUDY

Sights, sounds, smells of the mountain: GET OUT IN NATURE

So many people out running: MOVE MY BODY

Pretty hidden flowers: PAY ATTENTION, BE PRESENT

Saw a man gardening and had a little exchange: LITTLE KINDNESSES

On the walk downtown, I passed a Little Blue House -- almost exactly what I picture in the FS visualization. Exact color, similar style, big garden in the back, little garden shed. Nice nod from the universe. 

I have afternoon plans with the family today and early dinner reservations -- first of the birthday week celebrations. I'm skipping the coffee stop on the way home since I'm going to the farmer's market before I leave and getting a later start. Having a couple of days without coffee is a good tastebud reset. 

Have a good Saturday. Later gators.