From Asheville

(I’m typing this on my phone and I am super tired…so please excuse any typos or formatting errors)

I just wanted to drop a note and let you know that I am safe. My family is safe. My home is safe. We are very lucky.

It is bad here. There’s no two ways about it. Just in my little pocket of the city, flooding has been devastating. Trees are down all over.

And in this little pocket where I live, The community has come together in beautiful ways. I’ve met so many neighbors. Everyone is making sure that everyone else has basic needs…We are lucky to be able to do that Because we live so close together.

By some miracle, I didn’t lose power. I was able to turn my library of wonders into a charging station. People have been sharing news in there and putting books in for others. I’m very appreciative of all my neighbors. We’re all working to help each other.

I was able to access The Internet on my phone last night, the first time since Thursday morning. It’s spotty still, but I’m so grateful to get to be a little more connected. I hope we have Internet service back soon. My ability to work depends on this…And I love what I do. Even though I’m in this rediscovery break, I look forward to getting back to working and creating.

For my paid Substack subscribers, I don’t know if I will be able to offer a secret message this week. I know you all understand. I will make it up to you as soon as I am able. I appreciate your support, the practical financial, and the support of my work and being in general. That goes for everyone who reads this…I know That not everyone is able or is called to be a paid subscriber. I fully get that and just know that your presence that means a whole lot to me.

Lastly, there is some misinformation going around social media. If you share about the hurricane and/or WNC, I would ask you just to be mindful and check your sources when sharing. Also make sure whatever you share about Asheville and surrounding counties/communities is up-to-date.

With love,

Jo Anna