We’re usually the family that goes non-stop with our color coded calendar, but this summer was different. Perhaps it was the impending empty nest syndrome or my family’s recent loss of our matriarch, but we leaned in to what matters most. Time at home, movie nights, road trips to visit family, and a house full of guests… just being together. We soaked up every little moment of summer with our children before settling back into the very new school year routine.
All the while, I was reminded again of the beauty of our community. That Blue Ridge Mountain skyline boasts some of the most breathtaking sunrises over coffee on the back deck. The vibrant colors that can never truly be captured by your camera and bring you to simply pause and appreciate. A round of golf or hike, followed by that refreshing dip in the pool or cool mountain waters. It may not be scientific, but I’m pretty sure a lake day can solve all of your problems… or at least give you the renewed perspective to carry on. Even a stroll through downtown visiting the local businesses is made all the more picturesque by that backdrop of mountain ranges that envelopes us.
Us. The mix of our neighbors, friends, and visitors. Of course, there’s no such thing as perfect, but when you take a moment to step back and really appreciate the beauty, you’ll find it. Everyone has that family by choice, made up of friends and mentors that bring out the best in you. In Murphy, we have our community of downtown business owners, town leadership, community organizations, artists, and volunteers that give so much of themselves to make our community better each day.
As a notoriously impatient individual, I was reminded of the saying, petit à petit l oiseau fait son nid. Little by little, people come together for good, creating a hometown full of joy, purpose, and community. And for that, I’m truly grateful.
So as we enter my favorite season, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant mountain foliage, get to know a new business, find an opportunity to volunteer, and enjoy one of the many festivals.
This Saturday is Paint & Chalk the Town Fall in Downtown Murphy, next Saturday is the Cherokee County Arts Council’s Fain Alley Concert, and the following weekend is the John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival. We live in a beautiful community!
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