A few days ago I visited my friend Carin and met her ten-week old baby, Sophie Rose. The picture's of both of them. Aren't they beautiful?
Carin is someone I met early on when I moved to the county. We both worked at Oddfella's Restaurant (a place with a painting on the front window of a farmer in overalls and a long-haired hippie dude side-by-side). I was a hostess and she was a sous chef and reluctant hostess. Carin is a very humble person and tends to shy away from the limelight. Not me. I loved my job as hostess. It gave me an excuse to wash my hair and dress up a little. And offer big smiles and graciousness to everyone I greeted at the front door. It was a great way for me to meet people and get acquainted with the community.
For Carin, it was just one of several jobs. Carin is one of those amazing Amazon country girls that impress the heck out of a wimpy city girl transplanted-to-the-country like myself. She lived alone with her several dog friends in an old run-down very drafty farmhouse (my partner Chris refers to them as musical houses because when the winds blow, they whistle). She kept up the house and planted a full market garden on her own, taking her vegetables and flowers to a nearby big town for a weekly farmer's market. Plus she planted trees, which is no small feat. It involves someone with superior strength and stamina -- digging and burying hundreds and hundreds of trees a day -- all over the region. She also made Christmas wreathes in season. Plus did catering on the side. Other odd jobs too. While always remaining sweet and loving with everybody.
Carin moved to Asheville a few years ago looking for new adventures. I was sad to lose such a lovely talented woman and friend, but happy that she was following her impulses. Carin came back recently and told me, though she likes Asheville, she's decided she prefers to visit, rather than live there (a sentiment I share after many years of city living). I was thrilled. She hooked up with her old high school sweetheart (they're both from the region). And last winter gave birth to the beautiful wondrous Sophie Rose.
Her soon-to-be-husband Todd is almost singlehandedly building them a small one-room cabin in the woods on some land his parents purchased. He's used timber from the land and scavenged many of the other building materials. And he's learning as he goes. I'm not surprised that she's partnered with a guy, who, like herself, has multiple talents. Needless to say, they're going to live simply, grow their own food, maybe haul water from the nearby spring.
I was happy to visit Carin in Todd's parent's cabin on Goose Creek. It was a beautiful warm spring day, and we stood out on the deck that overlooks the fast-moving creek. The sound of the rushing water was soothing to Sophie, who is still getting used to the hustle and bustle of earthliving. I held her a while and she smiled a bunch. And stared in fascination at my hair. I seem to be the first curly head for a lot of babies, and I must say I enjoy the attention. We definitely hit it off right away. I told Sophie I'd be honored to be her auntie and friend.
Welcome (again) to planet earth Sophie Rose! I'm glad you were born!
Hey Alina,
This is really great and so much fun!!! Yesterday I had a visit with Carin and Sophie what sweet sweet sweeties they are!!!
It's been wonderful to watch your transformation over the last 2 years. Everytime I see you your light is brighter and brighter!!!! Keep shinig sister!!!!
Lots of Love
CArly
Posted by: Carly Burke | April 15, 2006 at 07:05 PM
I’m still waiting for some interesting thoughts from your side in your next post thanks
Posted by: free essays | January 06, 2012 at 02:40 AM