It’s been one year since we decided to put down roots in Bryson City. It feels like we’ve been here for more than a year, I recounted just to be sure. Yep, just a year. This small little town in Western NC has welcomed us right in. Just a little recap:
1. Last January we moved into what we like to call the House on Hospital Hill:
We’ve spent the last twelve months turning it into this:
2. After finding this eyesore for sale in downtown Bryson City:
Brett spent the coldest part of the winter renovating it to be a outfitters retail space with his new partner Ben. They used almost all reclaimed windows, reclaimed barn wood, and locally sourced hemlock in the process. They started a new blog called Life Outside to encourage people to get outdoors.
You can read about the entire renovation here: OUTSIDE and INSIDE
4. I moved (with help) an old train depot 50 miles after finding it on Craigslist and started the Old Depot Project:
5. Max joined our family. The decision taught me a lot about being a parent, mostly getting out of my daughter’s way.
6. In March, Brett and Ben held the grand opening for Bryson City Outdoors, an outdoor outfitter complete with kayak/paddleboard rentals.
7. Boo learned to play the piano and had her first recital. She wore a dress!
8. I joined Crossfit. I was so against even trying it at first. I love it. It’s changed my life. I’ve found the most supportive community of new friends too.
9. Boo started Crossfit with a lot of boys. Growing up strong!
10. Boo learned to kayak and paddle board.
11. We buried our precious Diesel.
12. We started to renovate the old depot:
And we built a picket fence and a raised bed garden to go with it:
13. This was my 4th year working with Michaels and I made a lot of things!
14. Brett grew a beard. Yes, this is newsworthy in our family.
15. I read a lot of books:
16. We went on a lot of adventures and saw a lot of cool things:
I don’t know how we ended up here but I’m glad we did. I don’t have any resolutions for this next year except to continue writing. Last night I just finished a 316 page memoir draft that still needs a lot of work but I’m excited to have finally put the pen to paper. And I might be the only one who had no interest in winning the lottery this week. I like my simple, quiet life…even all the uncertainty that comes with it.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for the encouragement. Thank you for sharing your own stories. Thank you for taking your own leaps.
Love,
Ashley
Ashley, you are such an inspiration! I have followed your blog for years, back when you started your clothing line for kids. And then binge read back to where you started, through all of your cancer journey to now. If I had the courage and determination to do 1/10th of what you’ve accomplished in the past year, I’d be so happy! Your family and your simple, quiet life sound so perfect. A big change from when you lived across the country, but I think it sounds heavenly. Thank you for letting complete strangers like myself be a part of your life journey!
I love reading about your purposeful life. I still don’t understand why you left the desert, unless you just wanted a change. You are fearless! And inspiring. Can’t wait for the memoir, if you mean to publish it.
I have been following you for a long time now. Starting in new way of life, in North Carolina, seems to agree with you and your family. It is life changing and you have done so much in one short year. It seems like you have been there for a long time. Your move has been one of many changes that you and your family will experience and enjoy in the future. Looking forward to your book.
Barb J.
Charlotte, NC
This post puts me in mind of that one quote- something about living more out of intent instead of habit. You inspire me, Thank you for sharing and no- I wasn’t Powerball obsessed either.
Thank you for an exciting journey with you! Enjoying your energy and ideas!
I wish you and your family many blessings in 2016.
First: what a year! More importantly, CONGRATULATIONS on finishing a first draft!!!! That is HUGE!
I too enjoy reading about your life. I was hoping I would meet you one day since I live in Palm Desert, being in four seasons would be a dream. I know you will continue to enjoy it.
Do you still have your children’s clothing line? What is it called and where do we find it, I have grand kids. Happiness to you.
You simply ROCK. I am grateful for the wonderful things you share here. God Bless You!
My heart is filled with JoY to see you and your family thriving. What a beautiful new life you are building. An essential life. Sending all my love on the wings of a desert sparrow, Deborah