A Big Asheville Hug

Yesterday was a much better day. 

I managed a little cry -- got cut off by timing though. It helped and I could use another one, but I don't think that's going to happen. My jaw issue is a little better -- I think it's stress related clenching. 

Cleaned first, walked after and it was a little sad. So many trees downed -- it wasn't the same mountain. My route got cut off by road damage too. But I still loved it and will love watching it come back again.

This used to be full forest.

Road out.

Everywhere!

I wore one of my new inclusion shirts and got a lot of positive responses. It's a little way to show support and it has a bigger effect than you'd think. I'm grateful for the man I saw hiking in his shirt -- it gave me an immediate lift. There ARE people who care and they might not be who'd you expect. I've worn one every hike since I saw him.

Always fun little nuggets to find on a walk.

Put my rock in a heart shaped hole

Yes!

Ended the walk at the tea house, of course. Home to shower and then lunch and local shopping with my sister. So fun to have her close.

Early bed to read (and rest my back). Full view of the sunset. Nice way to finish the day.

Excuse my messy clothes lol.

I submitted my coaching question for the group call today. Why am I nervous about it?!?! There's a possibility I won't get called, but I'm sticking around a little later than I planned to be on the zoom. Stay tuned.

As far as this morning, I'm up in the air how to fill a few hours. Walk? Coffee? I need to finish the last bit of cleaning -- only about 30 minutes, if that. I'll see when the sun comes up. I don't have the time (or legs) for a long walk -- maybe I'll walk to coffee. 

This was the trip I needed. Mostly to get the "big clean" off my plate and to finally see the damage. Both were lingering dread in the back of my mind. Now I can move forward. But it also gave me a little bit of room to center again and remind myself that I have a really lovely life. People in Asheville are so friendly, inclusive, expressive, artistic, weird, kind, bee-loving, plant-loving -- just what this wacky time needs. Feels like a big humanity hug when you come here. 

Being in community is the first step to surviving this moment. 

Switching gears to cooking for my grandson's first birthday on Saturday. It's going to be such a delight to celebrate this family and this sweet boy -- he's such a gentle, happy baby (just like his father). Of course, his mom is wonderful, but didn't have the same baby personality according to her mother -- but he looks exactly like her!

And, the never ending wedding details too {unclenches jaw again} are back in full swing. 

Fingers crossed for coaching. Why do I feel this is such a brave thing? Hope you have a good day. Later gators.