Your voice is so calm and measured, Starr--so expressive of compassion and wisdom--that it's becoming a touchstone for me in these dystopian times. Having lived through Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene in Vermont in 2011, I'm reminded that local communities rally in similar fashion everywhere, offering shelter and support to friends, neighbors, and family members with stunning perseverance, generosity, and resourcefulness. (As an extension of that, I was moved to tears when you reported that Maine lobstermen had donated muck boots to Appalachia . . . )
It's at times like these that we're reminded not only of what matters but also of who matters--who can be counted on for physical, moral, and spiritual support when the world turns topsy-turvy and a steady compass is needed. Having never lived in the South, I'm learning a lot from you about Appalachian culture, and I'm in awe at what you "hillbillies and hippies" are accomplishing together. I send much love to all of you, and I wish you ever-new and surprising blessings as you navigate through this. Abundant gratitude to you for sharing your observations and reflections with the rest of us . . .
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment, Deb. I'm so happy my work speaks to you. Community is so important. I'm hoping more people start to remember that real soon. It took me years of basically self-isolating because I felt like an outsider before I realized not too long ago that life doesn't have to be like that. Everyone should know their neighbors.
I see a few folks hauling hay each day from out of the area. Among all the other forms of help. There are hand-written signs all up and down the rural roads in Yancey and Mitchell and Avery Counties saying "THANK YOU FOR HELPING!"
Thank you so much for sharing my stack! I'm just now seeing this. Internet is spotty so I'm missing things here and there. Still no water here but we do have power which is such a blessing. Cheers to you and your family!
Oh my god yes a few days ago and it’s been life changing. I didn’t realize how much time it was taking me to go to the water station for potable and then another water station for flushable. Hey are you having respiratory issues? I’ve been sick off and on for two weeks. But not flu-ish. More like the toxins in the air are making me sick. Wondering if it’s like that where you are? Or more concentrated here near Asheville.
I haven't had any respiratory issues. We are pretty rural, though. I imagine with lots of dust being kicked up in the air from road construction and all the dried mud closer to the river, it would be a problem. I know of a couple people down that way who have recently developed colds. But also there might be an emotional component of feeling suffocated and/or needing to "cough up" everything that we've all been through.
Hi, Starr! Hi, Rebecca! 👋🏼 I somehow managed to find y'all through Notes. I'm in Asheville and have written three essays about our Helene experience. Here's a link to my publication, Human/Mother: https://katrinadonhamwrites.substack.com/. I invite y'all to stop by and read if and when you get the chance! I hope y'all continue to be safe and well during this incredibly challenging time.
Hi @Katrina Donham I’m just seeing this now! Gonna go subscribe. How are you doing? Is your family safe and well? And you didn’t tag @Starr of Appalachia so I’m doing it in this note so she sees it. Big Hugs!
We are. Thanks for asking! I just drove down another section I hadn't seen on Riverside (Silver-Line Park) and up Beaverdam in the Reems Creek area today. My family and I got back last weekend, so I'm only just now seeing the extent of the damage first-hand. Unbelievable. Thanks for tagging Starr, and for the virtual hug. Sending one back at you! If you or anyone you know needs anything, please let me know, and I'll see what I can do.
Thank you for these updates. As you pointed out, the news cycle has cycled, and it is hard to find updates on the recovery process. I have never been to NC, neither do I personally know anyone over where you are, but I am learning a lot about resilience and cooperation through your reports. Please, keep them coming!
Thank you so much. It means a lot that folks find such value in my work. I have lived in NC all my life, though I'm not natively Appalachian. I've been in WNC for about 23 years, so I guess I qualify as honorary Appalachian. But I truly do feel that this is my home, these are my people. They are a national treasure.
It is always pleasing to read these reports, to know that some people don't strike their colors and cry at the first bump in Life's Road.
We gotta take life as it comes, don't we?
Your voice is so calm and measured, Starr--so expressive of compassion and wisdom--that it's becoming a touchstone for me in these dystopian times. Having lived through Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene in Vermont in 2011, I'm reminded that local communities rally in similar fashion everywhere, offering shelter and support to friends, neighbors, and family members with stunning perseverance, generosity, and resourcefulness. (As an extension of that, I was moved to tears when you reported that Maine lobstermen had donated muck boots to Appalachia . . . )
It's at times like these that we're reminded not only of what matters but also of who matters--who can be counted on for physical, moral, and spiritual support when the world turns topsy-turvy and a steady compass is needed. Having never lived in the South, I'm learning a lot from you about Appalachian culture, and I'm in awe at what you "hillbillies and hippies" are accomplishing together. I send much love to all of you, and I wish you ever-new and surprising blessings as you navigate through this. Abundant gratitude to you for sharing your observations and reflections with the rest of us . . .
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment, Deb. I'm so happy my work speaks to you. Community is so important. I'm hoping more people start to remember that real soon. It took me years of basically self-isolating because I felt like an outsider before I realized not too long ago that life doesn't have to be like that. Everyone should know their neighbors.
I’m driving through East Tennessee this morning- saw 4 large trailers of hay headed toward Helene relief. Pretty cool.
I see a few folks hauling hay each day from out of the area. Among all the other forms of help. There are hand-written signs all up and down the rural roads in Yancey and Mitchell and Avery Counties saying "THANK YOU FOR HELPING!"
Thank you so much for sharing my stack! I'm just now seeing this. Internet is spotty so I'm missing things here and there. Still no water here but we do have power which is such a blessing. Cheers to you and your family!
Did you get water back yet? At least the don't-drink-it kind?
Oh my god yes a few days ago and it’s been life changing. I didn’t realize how much time it was taking me to go to the water station for potable and then another water station for flushable. Hey are you having respiratory issues? I’ve been sick off and on for two weeks. But not flu-ish. More like the toxins in the air are making me sick. Wondering if it’s like that where you are? Or more concentrated here near Asheville.
I haven't had any respiratory issues. We are pretty rural, though. I imagine with lots of dust being kicked up in the air from road construction and all the dried mud closer to the river, it would be a problem. I know of a couple people down that way who have recently developed colds. But also there might be an emotional component of feeling suffocated and/or needing to "cough up" everything that we've all been through.
Ohhhh. Yeah I hadn’t thought of that emotional component. But that makes sense.
Hi, Starr! Hi, Rebecca! 👋🏼 I somehow managed to find y'all through Notes. I'm in Asheville and have written three essays about our Helene experience. Here's a link to my publication, Human/Mother: https://katrinadonhamwrites.substack.com/. I invite y'all to stop by and read if and when you get the chance! I hope y'all continue to be safe and well during this incredibly challenging time.
Hey Katrina! Going to subscribe. Thanks for sharing!
Hi @Katrina Donham I’m just seeing this now! Gonna go subscribe. How are you doing? Is your family safe and well? And you didn’t tag @Starr of Appalachia so I’m doing it in this note so she sees it. Big Hugs!
Thanks for the tag, Rebecca!
We are. Thanks for asking! I just drove down another section I hadn't seen on Riverside (Silver-Line Park) and up Beaverdam in the Reems Creek area today. My family and I got back last weekend, so I'm only just now seeing the extent of the damage first-hand. Unbelievable. Thanks for tagging Starr, and for the virtual hug. Sending one back at you! If you or anyone you know needs anything, please let me know, and I'll see what I can do.
This is breaking my heart all over again… this will be Biden Harris Legacy. The cruelty, the humanity soulless neglect.
Thank you for these updates. As you pointed out, the news cycle has cycled, and it is hard to find updates on the recovery process. I have never been to NC, neither do I personally know anyone over where you are, but I am learning a lot about resilience and cooperation through your reports. Please, keep them coming!
Thank you so much. It means a lot that folks find such value in my work. I have lived in NC all my life, though I'm not natively Appalachian. I've been in WNC for about 23 years, so I guess I qualify as honorary Appalachian. But I truly do feel that this is my home, these are my people. They are a national treasure.
🙏
I search for cordless heaters on Amazon and they're all corded. Do you have an example of what is needed?