To blonde or not to blonde? Plus WNC update (Patreon)

Found this gorgeous, crumbling stone wall in W NC and really wanted to do a little shoot here, I did on Saturday. Found a filter that turned my hair interesting colors.

When I grow up one day and go silver, maybe I'll just keep it or stay light. :)

If you don't want to know what's going on with Western NC, don't keep reading at the bottom, but I did bring some news back that's not being covered and shouldn't be ignored.

I have a lot more of this to post. :)

------------

I was back in Western North Carolina for the week (I'm usually there one week each month) and apparently, the construction is going to take years. The state has replaced two lane bridges with temporary one lane bridges that can only hold half the weight, and unfortunately, these bridges are already cracking and falling apart under the weight of construction vehicles, which have to work twice as much because they can only haul half loads at a time as the limit is 12 ton instead of 22 ton. At one point, a bridge collapsed at end of December, leaving everyone stranded (AGAIN) without access to anything after nothing more than RAIN. https://www.carolinajournal.com/western-nc-residents-stranded-again-after-dot-temporary-bridge-compromised/Doing everything half assed is ridiculous, but that's how it's going. In the tiny town of Burnsville, they've been looted, invaded by strangers, overwhelmed by traffic, targeted by corporations trying to take the land, abused by FEMA and refusal to pay out, tagged with graffiti on buildings and mountains, had businesses and homes robbed, were ignored for help for months on end with no media coverage, and left to freeze and starve in tents...which happened. Every week, multiple people died from the cold, often babies and children. This, after losing far more family and friends than reported (the death toll is overwhelming, with some bodies never recovered), losing homes, losing businesses...it's a lot. (I know I didn't have power there for 6 weeks and no internet until Thanksgiving. There was no communication at all unless you had OnStar with your car. Elon Musk donated a ton of Starlinks shortly after, and that helped. People shared with others. I could go to the general store and get online or make a call. )But the mood there isn't warm, friendly, or welcoming at the moment, that's for sure.

While things are getting done, there's still a shitton of decimation here. The media may only be showing the main area repairs of Asheville if they're covering anything at all. Last I checked, most Americans had no idea this was even going on, let alone for over 8 months (Sept 27), where people have been without homes, clean water, and power. Areas affected the most were towns *outside Asheville*... and it's destroying tourism as well. Many small businesses and rentals are shut down/empty unless they are supported/rented to contractors.

This is a big area for camping, hiking, fishing, waterfalls, kayaking, Autumn leaf-looking, etc during summer and fall, and nearly all of it is closed and will be for a while.

Some say areas of the rivers still aren't clean to swim in as sewage and chemicals were dumped into the waters. In some areas, cars are still in the river.

Construction is going very slowly. There are still homes in shambles, trees down, debris piled up, and mudslides have eroded roads, trails and more. When I was here in March, some were still without power and lining up for hot meals downtown (thank you, Zebra Recovery). Samaritan's Purse is a permanent fixture now, so I'm guessing there are still major issues, but at least we are seeing some repairs. There was nothing for months and the people were literally left to fend for themselves after Helene. (The same thing is happening in areas of Tennessee, too.)

It's still SO beautiful here. They'll come back. It's heartwarming to see people outside, rebuilding, and roads getting repaired. But they need help and are still a long way from getting back to normal. If you wish to donate to a cause this year, I would love to suggest Samaritan's Purse. They've done a lot for the people. It's crazy how different the same devastating storm was handled in FL vs NC. We got a warning in FL about NC days ahead that THEY never received until hours before it hit. No evac notices, nothing.Huge gratitude to all who have volunteered and to the Amish for giving & building so much. One of the things I admire the most is how the townspeople came together to help each other. It was the most loving show of humanity I've seen in a long time.

Photos dated: May 2025

My original short film with some interviews from Oct 24:

https://youtu.be/_E9IbxlZC8A?si=7l7EMn3VYur86gz-

------------------------

Join me with Ms Eva on Tuesday at 7p EST for The A Show LIVE where we will have TWO guests...actor/musician Wade Hunt Williams to talk about his new comedy coming out (AppleTV and limited theater release) for Mothers Day, Greek Mothers Never Die. Also, Billy Ray Valentine will join us for a fun esoteric discussion! Be part of the show!

Twitch.tv/theashow and youtube.com/aprilhunter . Follow and set your notifications!

Preview GMND: https://youtu.be/hcmYP19KAX4?si=HbAnce5sLiVmHAh-