Written by John Swart –

From March 22, 2014 – Since returning to Asheville from Colorado it’s been pedal to the metal time, as the glorious date of reunion with the wild approaches. Thank the stars for my daily meditation/yoga/exercise and nutrition practices. Without them I might be a teensy bit hysterical. However, what I’m finding is that life will live me pretty much the way it needs to if “I” don’t bugger-up the process (if you know what I mean, Earl). May sound a bit woo-wooey but it seems to work.

So it’s been a week of work, dentists (big ouch, there), technology lessons, moving arrangements, community contact (to get the word out), and various and sundry other stuff. I’ve been very gratified by many responses to this undertaking, which energizes it and makes the whole process a labor of love. Still planning on a mid-April start date, depending upon air fares (you know, that day-of-the-week stuff).

The website continues to morph and develop as more gets revealed about this mission. Current plans are to make it as inclusive as possible: a “we” thing as opposed to an “I” thing. In that vein, a page will soon be up allowing organizations I hike for to say a little something about themselves. And pledge-makers as well, will have the opportunity to say why they selected the particular non-profit that they did.

I also welcome those generous givers to talk a bit about themselves—to tell a bit of their stories. As I see it, we are all each others’ students and teachers. My intention is to put that into practice. So give me your favorite quotes, what’s meaningful in your life, etc. Stay tuned: the ball is just starting to roll (and picking up significant speed, I must say).

Lots more to say but will end with a very HUGE shout out to my web designer, Suzanne Hahn, a truly brilliant, delightful being who has contributed many hours to this project so far. Delightful, kind, generous, and, obviously, very talented—all apply—albeit a bit comma crazed. Everything on the site is a direct result of her efforts. Thanks, Suzanne; you are a true blessing in my life.

So must run off (with Suzanne’s help) to investigate the mysterious (to this techno-neophyte) world of electronic tablets. Then, a yummy din-din at an Asheville institution, Rosetta’s Kitchen (vegetarian eating at its best).

_________________________________________________________