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                                              autumn in asheville, nc                                                    

 Especially at this time of year ,when we are gathering together to talk with our neighbors beneath the brilliant tresses of maple trees, perhaps discussing the harvest, perhaps a season of plenty,  native traditions appear like colorful threads in the tapestry of contemporary life.

Yes...this year in the valley near our home in Guaxule (the Cherokee name for Asheville, North Carolina) a black bear raised three cubs, the wild turkey family, male, female and seven chicks roamed undisturbed, rabbits scooted here and there while hawks kept an attentive eye. At least one coyote howled loud enough to wake visiting grandkids.

Life outdid itself right out our back door.  ..but today it is more evident to many of us.

It's easy to get close to nature here; it's easy to let your imagination be IN nature just by looking out the window of a home I found for you, whether that be in the city, on a horse farm, or overlooking the roaring French Broad River.

 

 

I stood by the mighty French Broad River just this week..listening, watching...almost being able actually to see the greens changing to umber and red... quite an experience.

French Broad River, Asheville, NC

Did you know that Hernando De Soto's1540 chronicles reveal that this River is the source of the Mississippi? "In these mountains we found the source of the Great (Mississippi) River...the French Broad River...the head of the ‘Great River'...."

It's amazing to think that the River we all know, and some care for, is the source of the Mississippi. Equally amazing is another source in our bioregion.

As we journey through time and territory, that source reveals itself as the incredible energy of sense of place. It is so magnetic that few who visit, or are lucky enough to live here, are untouched.  Despite rapid and potentially ill-considered urban development, magic happens here.

To keep the magic alive, many (including real estate professionals like me)  seek the wisdom of those who first inhabited the lands we now call home.  

I'll be talking more about this soon, so please check back...and in the meantime, tell me how the Fall Colors are in our neck of the woods...and if you ,too feel a sense of connection with Native traditions in contemporary life.

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This post has been included in North West Territories Information

40 Comments on Native Traditions. Contemporary Life. Part 1

What an insightful post! May I forward a link to this on to some of my people?

10/14/2007 09:43 AM by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)


janeAnne, "Life outdid itself right outside our back door" Wow!

We have yet to turn the corner into autumn with our foliage.  Yes, Wilmington has Fall foliage. Not like the mountains, but it is still a thrill to see the crimsons and golds of the ashes maples and oaks against the Crisp Carolina Blue Bacdrop

Ginger

10/14/2007 09:45 AM by Wilmington NC Real Estate Ginger & Roger Sala Keller Williams (Keller Williams Wilmington North Carolina)


Let's trade referrals.

We work the Metro Phoenix Arizona area includng many retirement comunities in the Sun Cities.

 

Steve Kersey

West USA Premier Properties

10/14/2007 09:48 AM by West USA Realty Premier Properties


As always, you evoke a place through time (and why one would want to live there) most beautifully, janeAnne. 

10/14/2007 10:26 AM by Tricia Jumonville, EcoBroker® (ERA Colonial Real Estate)


You are living in a slice of heaven!  Unfortunately, due to our drought our trees here in Lake Norman are just starting to turn and they seem to be headed more towards brown than red but I'm still hoping for some beautiful colors!  The Catawba Indians would be our closest I believe.  I'm still learning about our history!

10/14/2007 10:53 AM by Lake Norman Real Estate ~ Diane Aurit (RE/MAX at the Lake)


I love your stuff!  That tree is gorgeous.  Ours are just sad, dropping leaves since they're dry as Diane mentions.  But next year will surely be fabulous!

10/14/2007 01:03 PM by Leigh Brown Charlotte NC Broker/Owner (RE/MAX Signature Properties)


History and culture are what I consider important factors to preservation of our land, people, heritage etc. You are one difinitely caring soul and love coming here to read inspirational and insightful posts. Thanks!

10/14/2007 01:37 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Dena~ 

Thank you very much for your kind comment. I would be honored if you would share this (and the entire series as it evolves) with your friends! You made my week!

10/14/2007 02:31 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Ginger~

You  border our Asheville Autumn with color...you write..."crimsons and golds of the ashes maples and oaks against the Crisp Carolina Blue..."  this is a season of plenty!

10/14/2007 02:34 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Steve~ 

I will check put your BLOG abnd get back with you...In the meantime, thank you for your comment.

10/14/2007 02:35 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Tricia~ 

You wrote..."..a place through time..." and that sounds like poetry to me.

I am thinking now that we are lucky to be in the practice of real estate..especially when Fall colors inpire us and our clients to verse.  =)

10/14/2007 02:37 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Diane~

I have just been doing some research on First Nation Peoples in the Carolinas for an article I was asked to write for a journal here in the Asheville, NC area....Here are some links from archeolink that may be a good resource for you.

North Carolina Tribes ___A list of this state's tribes with links to tribal websites (where applicable) - http://www.bauuinstitute.com/Native/northcarolina.html 

The Official Home Page of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians ___"On this site, you will find important information about the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina, which is the homeland of the Cherokee Nation.  - http://www.cherokee-nc.com/ 

Swtext North Carolina 1d ___Several tribes are listed, accompanied by such information as location, history and population. - - http://www.hiddenhistory.com/PAGE3/swsts/ncarol-1.htm#Extract 

Tribal Government Sources: Nations by State: North Carolina ___"The listing of tribes in these pages have been compiled in order to allow for easier access to information on the culture and history of the Native Peoples.  - From Evergreen State College - http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/tribalgov/states/northcarolina.html 

Tribes and Villages of North Carolina ___A list of native tribes, councils and communities with contact information and links to their websites where available. - Text only - From Karen M. Strom - http://www.hanksville.org/sand/contacts/tribal/states.php?whichstate=NC&title=North%20Carolina

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10/14/2007 02:45 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


janeAnne,

It sounds like your area is very beautiful and wild still. You've written so descriptively and wonderfully about it here.

I receive a daily email called 'wisdom of the elders' with a meditation and advice from the 'elders'~ native American elders. I have Cree on my Mother's side and Mohawk on my Dad's and I follow the advice and teachings that have been passed down for thousands of years.

The trees here are 80 % still green due to our summer weather which extended into just a few days ago (it was still in the high 70s and low 80s up until this week).

Jo 

10/14/2007 07:13 PM by Jo-Anne Smith-Belleville, Quinte and Prince Edward Region Real Estate, Ont. (Royal Lepage Proalliance Realty, Brokerage)


Hi janeAnne,

Wow.  Those photos are amazing.  I bet this is a great time of year to be outside visiting with neighbors and friends.  I would also bet that standing next to the river is breathtaking if one considers the power it has and how it has changed, yet not changed over so many years. 

I like to go out to a small lake here in the area (more like a big pond) and sit there thinking about how quiet it is and what it would have been like to sit there so many years ago before the area was heavily populated.  Our leaves have yet to change drastically.  The pine needles have started dropping so it is coming soon.  :) 

10/14/2007 07:15 PM by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® The Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®)


Hi janeAnne - we just cannot wait for our visit next year to the Asheville area again, and even more so because we'll be able to be there for longer next time than this past summer.  Our hopes are for 2 weeks, instead of just less than a week.  That's our plan.  And we'll certainly be looking forward to seeing you again! 

"Life outdid itself right outside our back door"   We are so lucky to live where we do here in New Hampshire, as this really does happen right outside our back door every day.  The fall foliage around me is ever changing by the hour, and it's so beautiful to see.  I'm so close to ocean here at my house, that my trees stay green longer than most of those around me - so I get to enjoy all the color all over the place, and then watch them unfold here in my own backyard all over again!

Ann

 

10/14/2007 07:23 PM by Portsmouth NH Real Estate ~ Ann Cummings (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)


janeAnne,

Very nice and picturesque. My son, who travels throughout the Us has named Asheville among the best places he would like to live. His other choice was Washington (the state). BTW, I absolutely love your new photo! Looks like a glamour shot.

10/16/2007 02:18 PM by Karen Hurst ~ Real Estate Broker ~ Warwick ~ Rhode Island (Storm Realty LLC)


Leigh~

We have gorgeous trees in and around Asheville. Some say this is the time of the year when they are "the most gorgeous" (we do have the Leaf Festival happening this weekend, you know)...but I say..(playing on the Gertrude Stein quote) that a tree is a tree is a tree!...

10/16/2007 10:41 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Sally~ 

History and culture as you say, are elements to consider, seriously...I think they provide context for contemporary life and life styles...and thus also provide a format for making wise choices. As real estate professionals, you and I know how important that is. Thanks for recognizing and commenting on this, Sally.

10/16/2007 10:44 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Jo-Anne~ 

I woulld be interested to hear more about the daily emails you get from the Elders...and about how Native Peoples' traditions are alive in your region...and how the effects of Native wisdom are expressed there...

10/16/2007 10:47 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Stephanie~

You commented that "...great time of year to be outside visiting with neighbors and friends..." and you are so right! It is also a great time of year to talk with visitors...when are y'all coming on over?? =)

10/16/2007 10:49 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Ann~

You are a poet!....about trees and color and LIFE (I suspect) You commented, "...all the color all over the place, and then watch them unfold here in my own backyard all over again!..." verifying me that even in NH, "Life outdid itself right outside our back door" 

I am so looking forward to your next visit to Asheville...

10/16/2007 10:53 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Karen~

Your son is right about Asheville...and he's not alone...Asheville is on the Top 10 list of most desirable places in which to live repeatedly...not only is it attractive...but it is amiable. Let me know when you'll be in our backyard...I'll show ya'! around.

10/16/2007 10:55 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


janeAnne,  I'm working on it.  I may just surprise all of you one day.  :) 

10/17/2007 06:12 PM by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® The Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®)


Thank you for the amazing photos.  Very peaceful ....our trees are in process but not as full color as these.  Beautiful time of year.

10/17/2007 06:23 PM by Gary White~ Grand Rapids Real Estate, FlexIt Realty, a call or click away! (Flexit Realty~Serving West Michigan)


Stephanie~

After your read parts II and II of this Series, i bet you and your family will be on a road trip to visit Asheville =) and I'm smiling!

10/17/2007 07:30 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


:)  My daughter would rather go to NC than Disney.  She is after me at this point wondering when we can go.

10/17/2007 07:56 PM by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® The Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®)


Gary~

As you know, Autumn in Michigan is splendid! My Dad, a native of Michigan found it to be magical...so now we know at least 2 places on Earth that have the Fall Muse in full force!  =)

10/17/2007 08:41 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


JaneAnne -- you paint such a wonderful picture with your words -- I am in awe how you do this -- and then, it is enhanced by the photos themselves.  It is a breath of fresh air.  I love this time of year.  I grew up in Oklahoma and was close with many Cherokee natives -- I even received an honorary Cherokee name (as mentioned in my MEME)!  This post brought back many wonderful memories of those lessons, the fall and being close to nature. 

10/17/2007 11:00 PM by Joan Whitebook, ABR, e-Pro, CEBA (Buyer's Option Realty Services)


Joan~

Thank you so much for your kind words. I try to bring a sense of what we real estate professionals can be all about to what I write. I like to think that we have the gift to show properties in the larger context of history. I have found this gift in your BLOG..which is why I subscribe to it =)

10/18/2007 06:48 AM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Steph~ 

I had to smile broadly when you mentioned that your daughter would rather go to North Carolina than Disneyworld! I think this may be one of the greatest compliments we here in NC could possibly enjoy. Thanks for sharing...

10/18/2007 08:21 AM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


This just seems appropriate to this post :

Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them.
Bill Vaughan

10/18/2007 08:26 AM by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)


Dena~

I see you are looking at the glorious tree in the neighborhood near me here in Asheville...luckily, where our streets are named after trees, mostly they still stand...(we have lot our chestnut trees)...

10/18/2007 09:10 AM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


janeAnne

Love the pictures, especially the full river. Oh where oh where is the water?

10/18/2007 09:28 AM by Susan Trombley Re/Max Broker Raleigh NC & Surrounding Areas (Re/Max Hometown)


Fall is such a wonderful time of year - your blog together with the photos paint a beautiful picture - thanks -

10/18/2007 09:43 AM by Barbara-Jo & Bill - - Florida Realty Professional - AHWD (Charles Rutenberg Realty)


I think our fall is being delayed just a bit as well. I remember last season we were just hitting our peak of color in Asheville. It seems we are a week or two behind last year, but I am not complaining.

10/18/2007 01:03 PM by


I think our fall is being delayed just a bit as well. I remember last season we were just hitting our peak of color in Asheville. It seems we are a week or two behind last year, but I am not complaining.

10/18/2007 01:07 PM by Bill Westel, ECO (Eco-Steward Realty)


JaneAnne~

It's easy to get close to nature here; it's easy to let your imagination be IN nature just by looking out the window of a home I found for you

Isn't it beautiful to look outside the window and see hawks flying and deer playing. It is a wonderful place you talk about and from your description I can tell you have looked out those windows many times and have been a part, and a witness, of nature! 

10/18/2007 11:49 PM by Mary Bigelow, Renewing Your Life! (Ma's Marketing)


Susan~ 

Good to hear from you! How are things over in your part of NC? Well..after days and days of sunny skies, we have had a HUGE rain...where oh where was right!..now let's see what happens, next...

10/19/2007 11:42 AM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Barbara-Jo and Bill~

Lots of folks from down your way head up to the Asheville area mountains this time of year to be awe-inspired by COLOR! Hope our photos help out (I'm smiling)...and come on up for a visit!

10/19/2007 11:45 AM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Bill~ 

Now if we can just not be rained out of LEAF Season, eh? I agree, we do seem a tad behind this year...and of all things, my perennial mums who showed up by my back door last year in August have just arrived...so..what do you think? climate change?

10/19/2007 11:48 AM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


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Real Estate Brokerage: Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty
janeAnne, "Green-o-Lina" e-PRO, ECO, Owner/Broker
Asheville, NC
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Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty

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