6.9.21 … “Furthermore, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn, but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain.”

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2021 Labyrinth Walks, Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts–Asheville NC:

Final Asheville labyrinth walk … since Ruth-Ann had never walked this relatively new labyrinth, we headed out to the Monfort area and the Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts labyrinth.

The Daoist College is located in an old house in a beautiful old neighborhood, actually most the neighborhoods in cities from this era are my favorites.

Montford Historic District, Asheville,
https://www.romanticasheville.com/montford.htm

“Montford is an historic neighborhood in Asheville, North Carolina, located just north of downtown. A portion of Montford is a National Register Historic District with 600+ buildings, mostly residences built between 1890 and 1920. Take a driving or walking tour to see a variety of architectural influences reflecting the cosmopolitan character of Asheville during the turn of the 20th century.
Victorian, Queen Anne and Arts and Crafts styles combine with Neoclassical, Colonial Revival and castle-like design. Supervising architect of the Biltmore House Richard Sharp Smith created many homes in Montford. Take a fun tour of Montford on the LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour. And don’t miss the festive Montford Music and Art Festival each May.”

The college and its labyrinth sit atop atop a hill across from Montford Park. It was noticeably very, very sunny and hot. It always amazes me how much warmer it is down in Asheville than it is on nearby Mt. Pisgah.

This labyrinth is a mini Chartres, seven circuits. Historically, I have not cared much for the mini Chartres, but for some reason this one works here at this location.

So after a nice short mini walk, we headed back out Montfort Avenue and found a new eating spot, the All Day Darling. I had wonderful shakshuka (Two poached eggs, greens, feta, spicy tomato, flatbread), and Ruth-Ann had a really tasty Darling Burger (Medium cooked Chop Shop beef, herb mayo, cheese, house pickles on Hawaiian roll with choice of a salad). My shakshuka came with roasted kale. All in all, an excellent meal.

By the end of our meal, it was beginning to rain, and by the time we got to our cars, it was pouring. Both of us headed back to our respective homes, me to Charlotte, RuthAnn to Louisville. We both drove in significant downpours for the first hour.

I was reminded via social media that these recent days are associated with the deaths of some very significant people to me. I have often posted this quote:

“There is nothing that can replace the absence of someone dear to us, and one should not even attempt to do so. One must simply hold out and endure it. At first that sounds very hard, but at the same time it is also a great comfort. For to the extent the emptiness truly remains unfilled one remains connected to the other person through it. It is wrong to say that God fills the emptiness. God in no way fills it but much more leaves it precisely unfilled and thus helps us preserve— even in pain— the authentic relationship. Furthermore, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn, but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Gratitude to joy …
6.9.21

9.7.20 … eureka! …

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2020 Labyrinth Walks, Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts–Asheville NC, Eurisko Beer Co., Eureka!:

I am on my way out from another wonderful weekend at the Westervelt cabin. It was so delightful to experience an exceptionally cool early Fall weekend at the cabin.

But it is hot now as I am “down“ in Asheville.

As I walked up to the labyrinth, there were several laborers working on the grounds at the school. It is a Daoist school. And I don’t know why it struck me as funny, but both workers were Asian.

I came here for the first time about a month ago. And, although then the path had been etched into the grass, this time, I noticed that the stones had been essentially laid and now the finishing touches are all that is necessary for completion. I noticed in one spot on the initial walk in that there is a place where flowers can be installed. Interesting, but I did not see any other similar details.

At the center was a stake. For some unknown reason, my mind wanders to pictures that I saw from the early 1900s to probably the 60s of May Day celebrations. I can just see people dancing the patterns around the labyrinth…

On my way out, I looked for the stone that I claimed as my own. I am pretty sure that I found it. And this time I inserted a piece of mica that I found yesterday on the trail at Pantherstown. It will be fun to see if it is still there next time I visit. I know exactly where it is… 10 stones from _______.

After walking this labyrinth, I went to Eurisko Beer Co. to have a guided tour by the brewmaster Zac Harris, a longtime friend of both my sons.

“Eurisko is a taproom-focused brewery located on Asheville’s South Slope in downtown. We strive to make beers that reflect the standards of tradition while still allowing ourselves to play with modern processes. From West Coast IPAs, dry Belgian-style saisons, and traditional German styles all the way to big luscious imperial stouts, barleywines, and modern hop experiments, we try to cover as many bases as possible.”

Source: About | Eurisko Beer Company, https://euriskobeer.com/about/

And the name “Eurisko” comes from the XFiles and happens to mean Eureka/I discover …

Here is the story: ♫ GUEST: Zac Harris, Eurisko Beer Company,

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-imbibe-asheville-podcast-49576476/episode/guest-zac-harris-eurisko-beer-company-54374698/

And I enjoyed the artwork …

9.7.20

Labor Day

8.16.20 … “When I let go of who I am, I become who I might be.” – Lao Tzu

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2020 Labyrinth Walks), Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts–Asheville NC:

I saw a Facebook post yesterday by a Labyrinth creator who is local to the Asheville area. It was featuring a new Labyrinth not yet completed at the acupuncture college. Since I am in Asheville this weekend, I decided to try to find it. I am so excited to walk it before it’s completed. I can’t quite figure out why, but I just think it will give me energy that I need. So here I go… Chuck, don’t get mad at me.

I have never done this before but I counted my steps. Maybe because it is still in the planning stages… I have no idea. But I loved experiencing this. I paused every time I hit 100. And guess what… For me it was exactly 200 steps to the center. That could not have been planned.

Because I was so busy counting, I did not really pay attention to what I was seeing, hearing, or feeling. But at the center, I took notes. There was a light breeze which at times picked up to be a heavy breeze. The sky was without a cloud directly above me and the sun was very strong; I felt it’s warmth. In the distance, above the trees, I saw the mountains and there in the distance were some significant clouds.

Around me, there was an old stump with some stacked stones, a cairn, what appears to be an herb garden, another old stump with some roots coming out of it, several Asian statues, all painted alabaster white, and a pagoda that was about my height, right on the edge of the labyrinth.

Today’s noises were again the rustling of the wind in the top leaves of some very green trees. There were occasional cars on the street below, Montford Avenue, a few birds, but not many, chirping, and voices of people enjoying Highland Park across the street. While in the center, there was another gust of wind, I took a deep breath, and began my walk out. I did not count on the way out. A few more noises on the way out… cicadas possibly?

I decided that I wanted to feel one of the stones before it was placed in the ground to make the boundaries. It was a beautiful stone, striped and sun-baked warm to my touch. I don’t know if I will be able to find it once it’s in the ground.

So I finished my walk, and I walked around the grounds. The college is set at an old, very traditional, Asheville home. And the college has retained the original entranceways and staircases and left stumps of all the trees and incorporated them into the plan. I am definitely intrigued. But there are Chinese statues at two of the entrances: foo dogs at one and dragons on the other.

And for dinner I was joined by my sister, Gary and Gray at the Pisgah Inn.

All and all an energizing labyrinth experience and delightful family time.

“When I let go of who I am, I become who I might be.” – Lao Tzu

Love being who I might be at the happy place.

8.16.20