Returning to the place I once called home

On my way back to the Blue Ridge mountains, to that special city tucked away from the rural decay that is happening everywhere else. A city that I spent a summer of my youth figuring out who I was. I am headed back there with my eyes and mind wide open. It's time to relive the beautiful memories of this place while creating new ones in new places. A rush of excitement is coursing through my veins. I remember the first time I met all those great people. I witnessed two friends in their prime of love getting ready to take their vows in a few short months. They loved each other so fiercely but still knew how to live their lives amongst their good friends. Over the years they welcomed me into their homes with nothing but pure intentions. They have now brought a beautiful baby girl into this world, what exciting times they have ahead of them. I cannot wait to see how they all grow together with such a loving base of family and friends around them. This city is pretty great.

I go back to the time when we all first sat around a fire in Weaverville with a fancy Aristocrat sitting in the middle of all of us. He seemed to be the life of the evening in those times, I wouldn't have spent them any other way. We all looked around at each other knowing the times that were ahead of us were going to be monumental. We tried not to focus on the future but instead just enjoying the now. It was a hard discipline to master but once you do it really can set you free. The fire burned down to nothing but embers until the present seemed to be turning into the relatively close past, but past none the less. It's that time to cherish and hold onto those people who helped me through a summer of change. That house was full of Pinatas, Ping Pong balls, smiles and laughter that will never be to far from my thoughts. I'll never live in that home again. Remember to live in the now. 

I now reminisce upon the memories of the people who are the reason for me returning to this wonderful place. I sat on their couch in their living room, which seemed to have a natural glowing orange background if my eyes didn't deceive me. He was so eager to let us into his life. He spoke with such passion about music, nature and the love for his city. She walked in through the door into her home not expecting company that she did not know. In that time I would have been caught off guard if I were her but  she was unfazed and excited to introduce herself. It was clear that the dynamic these two people shared was unique and unmatched. At first knowing their age and experiences made me a little insecure about what I could bring to the table, but that was quickly erased by their eagerness to hear stories of our past and what the future may hold for us. Now I sit here two and a half years later and think about this friendship that has flourished under the sun. From show to show, beach to beach, brewery to brewery we have shared the same zest for life, to live it while we can. The wedding day is upon us and what a celebration of love it will be. People gathering under the stars for the soul purpose of sharing those special smiles that will be washing over everyone's faces. It's time to tie those two lives together. What a wonderful journey you guys will share with each other and those who are lucky enough to live around you.

It's time to go back to Asheville.