Planting Seeds of Healing: The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

I've always had a special place in my heart for the NC mountains - especially when there's a good creek or stream to soak the old toes in for a bit.

One of my favorite places is in Rutherford County - the area that includes Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and Bat Cave. It's located about 30 or so minutes southeast of Asheville. When I was in my 30s, I used to camp quite a bit by the bank of the Broad River, just a few miles from Lake Lure. Sometimes we would go to the beach at Lake Lure - since I was a huge fan of "Dirty Dancing," which had been filmed in parts of the area, it was a no-brainer.

This past August, I took my partner up to Chimmey Rock for a birthday adventure. He had never been to this area of the state, and the sights and sounds of the Broad River, just below our room at the Broad River Inn, were a peaceful change from the hectic pace back home.

 (Me, on the banks of the Broad River, pre-toe dip.)

We walked all over the town and ventured down to the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a well-known and loved attraction at the edge of the water. It was created in 2013 when the town was deeded an old historic bridge after a new one was opened in its place.

Well, not only do I love the mountains and water... I LOVE being surrounded by beautiful plants, whimsical statuary, and cozy garden spots. This place had ALL of that. And more! They even had a Rainbow Bridge where locals and visitors left the collars of their beloved pets. This place is cherished by many, and the organization that takes care of the grounds was also instrumental in teaching visitors about the area... and about the joy of gardening.

I had found a new happy place.

Sitting in a shady hideaway in a neat little chair, I quietly contemplated whether one day, this place could be a new place to lay down roots. The energy of the small town was just what we were both seeking. 

 (A great little "time-out to think" spot.)

As we left Rutherford County a few days later, I looked forward to making the trip back for my birthday in December. Sadly, it would not happen.

A little less than two months later, the NC mountains succumbed to catastrophic damage as hurricane Helene made her presence known. The results were nothing short of apocalyptic. Chimney Rock was all but leveled, Lake Lure was filled with debris from homes... and the Flowering Bridge, my new happy place, was torn to pieces - half of it carried away by the water. The beloved Rainbow Bridge was also washed away, along with thousands of collars and other memorials.

My heart sinks for the people of the NC mountains. While I want so badly to go help, I don't possess the carpentry skills so badly needed right now. I'd just be in the way. If there were a way, from a distance, to give back to the community that made me feel so at home, I'd get started immediately.

Then an idea popped in my head. I could create items in my shop and then donate the net proceeds from the sale of them to various organizations helping to rebuild our beloved mountain communities.

So, here's my first project to help plant seeds of healing for a place that brought a smile to my face... and to my heart.

I have created a tote bag with scenes from our August visit to the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. For every bag that is sold, I will contribute $10 to Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. You can learn more about this magical place and the organization by visiting https://lakelurefloweringbridge.org/. 

Here's a photo of the bag. You can find it in my shop by clicking HERE.

I plan to create more items to help raise funds and awareness for the mountain communities. Please stay tuned to my Instagram page for updates - @blondesightedart.

Thanks for taking a moment of your time to read this.