I popped in and out of Tryon like Agnes Moorehead in a Bewitched episode. At least that's how
it felt. An unexpected family medical situation had me on a plane from Phoenix
to Asheville faster than you can say "frequent flyer miles."
I'm happy to report that the patient (my mother) is doing
well (thank you, Mission Hospital) ), and likely sitting at home reading this
just as you are.
It was important to be with family during this brief visit,
but the bonus of my trip was spending a few unplanned days in Tryon. It has
been six months to the day since Paul and I left Tryon to move to Arizona for his
new job, and we have missed it every day.
First of all, thank you so much to the friends I was able to
see while I was in town, even if briefly. I dined with some--hitting Lavender
Bistro, Huckleberry's, 10 North Trade and Nana's in less than three days, but
most encounters were on the street or in shops or at the Coffeehouse Co-op--quick
hugs and hurried chats, and sometimes just a wave and a happy grin from a car. To
those friends I didn't get to see or call or text, I am sorry, but please know
you were on my mind many times, and I hope to catch up with you soon.
The town looked as quaint and beautiful as ever. I was sorry
to see Skyuka Gallery gone and to hear of Cowan's Hardware's impending closing,
but I perked up at the sight of freshly restored building fronts on Trade
Street. Missildine's is coming right along and promises to be quite grand.
There were some heartbreaking tales of bad things that have
happened to good people, but there were also many happy stories to hear--new
jobs, new adventures, upcoming events.
I spotted my favorite 90-something hitchhiker at the
Coffeehouse looking the picture of health. Some friends have been elected to
positions in local government since I left, and others are running for office. I'm
very excited that Tryon's own Andy Millard is running for Congress, and am
confident he will make a great public servant.
I stopped in The Book Shelf--the only bookstore in the world
that can call my book, The Complete Tryon
Diary, a bestseller. (It's also the only bookstore that carries it. Ha!) I
caught up with owner Penny Padgett, hopefully soon to be a Polk County
Commissioner.
I heard about the recent and current kerfuffels between
folks that should be able to get along but don't. That made me sad, but I did
enjoy hearing the word kerfuffel used. Conflict is as inevitable as change, I
suppose, but I will say that is something I don't miss about small-town life.
Come on, kids, play nice.
I took a moment to drool over this year's hearts at the Have
a HeArt show and fundraiser for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Polk County and
Landrum at Upstairs Artspace (final bids and reception on February 13, 4-7 p.m.).
The artists out-do themselves every year.
I stopped into La Bouteille to pick up adult beverages on my
way to meet friends at Huckleberry's. When I couldn't recall what one
particular friend preferred to drink, I pondered what she'd want out loud and
got the answer quickly from more than one person. I can promise you that
wouldn't have happened in Phoenix.
My apologies to clay artist and instructor, Gary Huntoon,
whose class I interrupted at Tryon Arts and Crafts School when I ran in to
quickly say hi to my fellow potters and students. (No hugging though as they
were covered in clay and I was already dressed for the plane ride back to
Arizona.)
Breathing in the essence of Tryon in my whirlwind visit felt
as therapeutic as spending weeks on a beach sipping tropical fruit drinks. I
just love this town.
I'm telling you this not to impress you with how many
friends I have or books I've sold or frequent flyer miles I'd accumulated
(actually, I swiped them from my husband), but to remind you all to take a step
back and see Tryon through my eyes again. It is special, and you are lucky to
call it home.
Take care of it and of each other until I can get back
again. I'm already looking forward to it.
