Shortly we leave Asheville.  The drive through the Blue Ridge mountains to Lexington promises to be spectacular.  Passing through the mountains at any time is breath taking.  At the peak of fall color change, the views will be extraordinary.  Perhaps I will attempt to capture the splendor with some photos.  A photograph never does justice to the blaze of rapture displayed by mountainsides of trees, leaves falling, after their season of providing nourishment for trees. 

Nothing lasts indefinitely.  Everything has its season.  Would I be so lucky, to depart after a final act, to leave by such majesty?

So we depart Asheville, a magical place in the mountains.  A resident, the proprietor of a gallery described Asheville as a small town that is not so small anymore.  The arts community here is robust, healthy, mutually supportive, working and learning together. 

We will return in the future to explore further, to patronize a few more restaurants, and perhaps some of the music venues.  Here are several photos which represent memories of this visit.  Food

and libation is emblematic of fellowship, of brief conversations with wait staff at the places where we dined.  I will not forget a meal at The Bier Garden.  I inquired about the wheat beer on the drink menu.  Our server recommended a delicious blueberry ale.  And the bowl of chili served was enough for three people!

Yes, we purchased some art.  How could we not support the artists in their work?  Art is a reminder of our common humanity, the catalysis for conversation together.  I post the photo of the artists statement as an example of the mindfulness which goes into the work of art-making.  Each painting, sculpture, or photograph is the expression of a life that is singular and unique, and at the same time universal, — a life not unlike yours and mine.

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