Most of the time, I love living on the coast. Yet, something in my heart stirs when late September hits and I know that Western NC is beginning its peak fall season. The crisp air, the slightly cooler winds, and the falling leaves pull me towards the mountains and I'm lucky enough that mostly, every year, I can go due to a work conference.

I came up Sunday night, in the full pouring rains of the Nor' easter we experienced this past weekend. On Monday morning, I woke up to bright, glorious wonderful sun.  Having just recently renewed my Biltmore pass, I decided to head over to the gardens and trails for a couple of hours of respite before a busy three days of peopling and learning. 

This time was well spent. I decided to hit the trail over to the estate's Bass Pond, taking the longer loop that included some other gardens, for about a mile to mile and half walk. Being that this girl lives below sea level, anything will hills gives me a good workout (plus some calf muscle issues), but I was glad to have the chance to stretch and leisurely walk before sitting in chairs for two days.

The beauty of the water, of the mountains, of the greenery is something that definitely restored my soul. Combined with singing one of my favorite hymns at opening worship (It is well with my soul), this short mountain trip, despite it being work, has lessened some of the stress I carried up to the mountain with me. 

While I wish I had more time, more rest, and more community with these dear people that help form, shape, and uphold me, I am at peace as I head back off the mountain and back towards the coast. The next few weeks will still be full of crazy wonderful busyness, but perhaps, this piece of fall will stick with me heading into the holiday season.

May you find your peace, too. Even if it's in the small beauty in your own neighborhood.