I started my journey on Friday, September 20th, from Louisville, KY, after visiting my daughter on the way to Asheville, NC. The day began uneventfully, but I had started hearing whispers of a tropical storm brewing off the coast. “Good thing I’m not heading to Florida,” I thought. Little did I know that I was about to be caught in the midst of Hurricane Helene’s path!
When I arrived in Asheville that evening, I met the lovely couple whose home I would be house-sitting. (I found them through the website Trusted House Sitters) They were heading to Italy the next day for twelve days, leaving behind their beautiful mountain home north of Asheville—and their adorable labradoodle for me to care for. The house itself was a masterpiece. Perched on a mountain, surrounded by lush greenery and rock steps, it featured two streams and a koi pond, making it feel like a retreat. By the end of this stay, I knew I’d be in better shape from going up and down all the steps!
The next morning, after a relaxing breakfast with the homeowners, they gave me a tour of their home and showed me the essentials. They suggested I visit an art festival in nearby Weaverville, which sounded like the perfect way to start my adventure. While small, the festival had incredible artwork, though I resisted the temptation to splurge. Instead, I grabbed some groceries, not knowing yet how fortunate that decision would be.
The first few days felt like a peaceful retreat. With the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains as my backdrop and the soothing sound of water flowing from the streams, I started finding my rhythm. It was a creative oasis—perfect for getting back to my YouTube videos and Instagram updates. I felt inspired, productive, and reconnected to my purpose. The labradoodle, however, was slow to warm up to me, missing her owners terribly. I tried hard to engage her, but she wasn’t ready yet.
By Wednesday, I had my heart set on exploring Asheville. But that morning, I woke to the sound of the dog howling—mourning her parents’ absence. With rain on the horizon, I tried to coax her into a walk before the weather turned, but she wasn’t having it. The poor pup was heartbroken, and I didn’t want to let her mom know how hard it was for her, but eventually, I called a neighbor who brought her dogs which were friends to help.
Friday came, and I had big plans for the day—visit the River Arts District, grab lunch, and then enjoy some ecstatic dance in the evening. That is, until I woke up to trees bending in ways that defied logic. It turned out, Hurricane Helene had veered right into the mountains, with Asheville at its center. How could a hurricane even reach the mountains? Yet there I was, smack in the middle of it. The storm roared, but the house stood firm, almost soundproof. By the time I realized what was happening and thought to film it, the worst had passed.
After the storm, I lost internet and cell service, but the house was equipped with a generator that ran on natural gas—thankfully! A few hours later, a neighbor knocked to check on me and informed me I was the only one in the area with power and that the water supply had been cut off. Reality hit hard—I was in the middle of a crisis, cut off from the world, with no water and limited communication. I quickly started conserving my resources and learned to appreciate the little things, like canned sparkling water. Even more, I learned about the importance of community when neighbors helped each other through the ordeal.
The days that followed were filled with small triumphs and challenges—sweeping leaves off steep driveways to make my car drivable, borrowing water from a well, and charging devices for neighbors in need. News trickled in about the devastation the hurricane had caused, washing away entire towns and leaving parts of Asheville underwater. Yet, in the midst of the tragedy, I saw how communities band together, leaning on each other for support and comfort.
When the homeowners finally returned, we shared stories over coffee about the strange twists this trip had taken. Despite the chaos, I was grateful for the experience. It reminded me how resilient we are, how small acts of kindness can make a difference, and how nature has a way of showing us who’s really in charge.
As I left Asheville, my heart was heavy for the communities that had been devastated, like the town of Swannanoa, which was completely washed away. But I also felt hope—hope in the strength of community, in the beauty of resilience. If you feel moved, I encourage you to consider donating to organizations like Beloved Asheville, which are providing much-needed relief to those affected by the hurricane.
In the end, my house-sitting adventure became a journey of connection, survival, and unexpected lessons. And while I never made it to the dance, I danced through the storm in my own way.
Do you find yourself struggling with the transition from Summer to Fall? As the warmth fades and we edge closer to Winter, a part of me longs to stay in the golden embrace of Summer.
Here in the Midwest, the coolness of Fall sneaks in as Summer winds down, and the evenings bring a refreshing chill. The vibrant transformation of the leaves is always a beautiful sight. Yet, there’s still a part of me that wishes for endless beach days, more camping, and cozy bonfires. I imagine many of you feel the same.
Despite my nostalgia for Summer, what I do appreciate about Fall is the opportunity for a new beginning. In some ancient cultures, Fall marked the start of the annual cycle. Seeds fall to the ground, blanketed by leaves and soil, beginning their journey through the seasons once again—but this time with more wisdom. There’s a quiet beauty in this time of release and renewal.
As we move through this cycle, we carry with us the lessons we’ve learned. We’ve grown, and with that, we can plant our seeds with greater intention. The fruits of this intentionality will sprout come Spring.
Fall is also a time for simplifying and turning inward. The days grow shorter, and the Sun’s strength wanes. It’s a perfect time to reflect on what truly matters.
To make the most of this season, I encourage you to honor the rest your body craves. Go to bed a little earlier. Turn off distractions and take a moment to reflect on what you want to nurture in the coming months. What feels purposeful and meaningful to you? The only way to know is by listening to the quiet voice within.
Take some time to journal or record your reflections. The more space we give to introspection, the more clarity we gain about what’s ready to be birthed in our lives.
Say “no” to obligations that drain your energy. If your heart doesn’t light up at the thought of a request, it’s okay to decline. Of course, work can be demanding, but even there, if you can avoid overburdening yourself, do it for your well-being.
Essential oils can be a great tool to navigate this seasonal shift. With us now in Venus-ruled Libra season, I love using Rose oil. Guiacwood is also wonderfully grounding. If you need to restock, check out my store! For the Equinox, I’ve been diffusing a blend of Hinoki, Litsea, and Vetiver—three drops each—to uplift and help ease the transition into this new season.
I recently posted an Equinox video on my YouTube channel that you may enjoy. And if this blog resonates with you, I’d love to hear how you make the most of Fall’s energy. Please leave a comment and share your thoughts!
Ecstatic Dance is a spontaneous and meditative exploration through movement. This free-form dance gathering provides a nurturing and a secure environment to embrace the healing and joyous power of dance, allowing you to move without constraints.
Jamila Blue: Mixing Global Beats for Your Dance Journey
Upcoming Dates:
Sunday June 16th 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Saturday July 27 7:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday Aug 24th 7:00 – 8:30PM Location: Private Property in Niles, MI (Address will be provided with RSVP)
Event Description: Ecstatic Dance invites you to release your self-imposed limitations, to let go of the intellectual confines that dictate how you should move. It beckons you to discover new expressions of movement, to explore the world through dance. This isn’t a dance with set rules or structured forms; it’s an invitation to uncover your individual rhythms, patterns, and movements. Your body becomes the teacher, guiding you to find your unique dance from within.
Ecstatic Dance encourages you to push boundaries, to break free from personal limits. It’s an opportunity to co-create vibrant energy on the dance floor with fellow participants, to rediscover the uninhibited joy of a child, and to revel in the spirit of life while moving to the rhythms of global beats.
This is not merely a social gathering—it’s a sacred, alcohol and drug-free space dedicated to dance and self-expression. It’s a place where everyone participates; we are all co-creators of the energy that envelops the dance floor. Respect for this sacred space is paramount.
Ecstatic Dance can take on various forms—a deep, introspective inner journey or a high-energy, extroverted dance, either alone or with others. It’s a primal and spiritual practice, connecting body and spirit in a profound way.
During this experience, we kindly request no conversation; as talking engages the intellect, which we leave outside the dance floor. Instead, feel free to express yourself through hoots, hollers, animal sounds, and energetic noises as you connect with the primal rhythms within you.
Join us on this ancient and sacred journey through movement. Let’s dance together, explore our inner worlds, and co-create a vibrant tapestry of energy on the dance floor as we welcome in the Spring Equinox.
After the dance stick around for some social time around the bonfire. Bring a drum, or other musical instrument.
(No one will be turned away for not having the ability to pay
Set this year off right by taking some time to reflect and connect with this New Moon guided meditation. It will help you focus and bring to life your most authentic self allowing you to confidently bring your vision for your life into the world.
Move with the energies of the Sun, Moon, and stars. What elemental qualities they are emitting? How do they flow together? What are their archetypal qualities?
During this gently guided movement practice we will explore how to shift and flow with the cosmos and embody it’s characteristics.
Astrology knowledge is not needed. Only a willingness to play and be open to new experiences.
Jamila Blue, has been facilitating mindful movement practices in the community since 2013. She creates a safe container to move freely without judgment, while mixing a musical journey of global beats that will keep you moving.
Cost $22 Conservatory door fee for non-members: $3
