Growing up in the mid-west, I was accustomed to fields of corn
and soybeans, farm fresh cider pressed at the apple orchards, and the
most delicious ice cream churned from local dairy cows’ milk. I saw the
progress of my community develop into planned neighborhoods, chains at
the strip mall and folks reveling in this good fortune: more choices on
how to spend their hard earned dollars.
At 18, I left my hometown and went to college in the Appalachian Mountains. What a feast for the eyes! After a childhood of flat farmland, here were beautiful, motherly mountains- lush, green, and shapely curving around me with life-affirming vitality. The sky, so clear and vibrant blue, emblazoned a permanent twinkle in my eye, as it seemed to have done with the other people who lived here, too. People, “strangers,” would share that glimmer with me when they passed, nodding or smiling their acknowledgement of me. It did not matter if I were dressed in jean shorts or a linen suit; the exchange was a variation of the same: a smile, a “hello, how’re you?” and that twinkle of light we see in each others’ eyes.
At that time, Asheville was less populated and less popular as it is today. A few freaks on the streets wondered the sidewalks of Lexington Ave, sliding into the alley of Vincent’s Ear, their cigarettes glowing like fireflies in dark corners. The mountains and culture here called to other ‘different’ people. I met those whom were spiritually awakened, sexually open-minded, naturally conservative and artistically gifted. The vibe of the city was calling people to linger a little longer as they passed through on their way to Florida, or New Jersey, or California. Those who liked what they experienced while visiting here, found a way to stay.
As Asheville continued to plant and nourish the seeds of diversity, downtown vacancies were less common. People came here with their dreams, were fueled by their wonder, and dedicated themselves to living here. Eclectic shops and eateries, as varied as the people who came here, started to grow. The city found new resources to enable restoration of the rich assortment of architectural beauty downtown.
Our community thrives because we balance our myriad gifts, talents and experiences with the solid union of our common goals. This strength continues to beckon others who share the same dream of being peacefully, consciously diverse.
At 18, I left my hometown and went to college in the Appalachian Mountains. What a feast for the eyes! After a childhood of flat farmland, here were beautiful, motherly mountains- lush, green, and shapely curving around me with life-affirming vitality. The sky, so clear and vibrant blue, emblazoned a permanent twinkle in my eye, as it seemed to have done with the other people who lived here, too. People, “strangers,” would share that glimmer with me when they passed, nodding or smiling their acknowledgement of me. It did not matter if I were dressed in jean shorts or a linen suit; the exchange was a variation of the same: a smile, a “hello, how’re you?” and that twinkle of light we see in each others’ eyes.
At that time, Asheville was less populated and less popular as it is today. A few freaks on the streets wondered the sidewalks of Lexington Ave, sliding into the alley of Vincent’s Ear, their cigarettes glowing like fireflies in dark corners. The mountains and culture here called to other ‘different’ people. I met those whom were spiritually awakened, sexually open-minded, naturally conservative and artistically gifted. The vibe of the city was calling people to linger a little longer as they passed through on their way to Florida, or New Jersey, or California. Those who liked what they experienced while visiting here, found a way to stay.
As Asheville continued to plant and nourish the seeds of diversity, downtown vacancies were less common. People came here with their dreams, were fueled by their wonder, and dedicated themselves to living here. Eclectic shops and eateries, as varied as the people who came here, started to grow. The city found new resources to enable restoration of the rich assortment of architectural beauty downtown.
Our community thrives because we balance our myriad gifts, talents and experiences with the solid union of our common goals. This strength continues to beckon others who share the same dream of being peacefully, consciously diverse.
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