There Goes Connie – A Christian Travel Blog: Trip info on Monday and devotionals on Friday.

RHUBARB: Highly-Acclaimed Chef Brings Marvelous Meals to Asheville, N.C.

06/22/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Whether you visit Asheville, North Carolina to see the Biltmore Home and Gardens, to explore the art scene or simply to take in the beautiful scenery, I urge you to make reservations for dinner at RHUBARB located at 7 SW Pack Square. And, go one step further and request to be seated at the chef’s area where you can watch the culinary wizardry take place. You will be so impressed, AND you’ll enjoy a memorable meal.

Chef John Fleer was born and grew up in Winston-Salem, N.C. He majored in theology at Duke University and started working toward a master’s degree. But, a part-time job led him to his true passion of food and cooking. He left graduate school and enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Along the way of honing his skills in the kitchen, he had an amazing weekend job as a private chef for Mary Tyler Moore! Wow.

He made his way back to the South when he was hired as a chef for Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN. During the almost 15 years that Chef Fleer was at Blackberry, he is credited for developing a signature style known as “Foothills Cuisine.” It combines the hearty foods originating from the Smoky Mountains with the products of the Farm’s heirloom garden and the freshest regional produce. Dishes contain both gourmet and Southern comfort elements. Now that Chef Fleer has his own restaurant in Asheville, he still is dedicated to seeking out the finest possible ingredients to use in creating dishes for his guests.

Chef Fleer has been a finalist FIVE TIMES for the James Beard award as Best Chef Southeast. With all of his impressive credentials, I was a little intimidated to be seated so near as he conducted what appeared to be a finely-tuned symphony of kitchen staff members, pots, pans, foods, an open grill, sizzling skillets, fresh herbs and wood-fired ovens. Yet, when I had a short time to chat, I found him extremely personable with a ready smile and a quick wit. It didn’t surprise me to learn that he is married to his high school sweetheart. They have three sons, and the family shares a passion for playing and watching soccer. That tells me that he purposely seeks to have a life outside the kitchen, and I think that ability to find balance in his life is at least one of the keys to his success.

Rhubarb opened in October of 2013 in a couple of storefronts in Pack Square in a room that was formerly an adult bookstore. Pack Square is located at the intersection of Patton, Biltmore and Broadway Avenues in Downtown Asheville’s Historic District.

The menu is constantly changing to reflect the best of each season. The night Steve and I were there, we shared the Goat Cheese Burrata with Rhubarb Jam, Pickled Strawberries and Crispy Shallots.

Then, we had the nightly fresh fish for our entree.

To end our meal, we had probably the most unusual dessert we’ve ever been served. The Executive Pastry Chef is 31-year-old Kaley Laird. She prides herself on imaginative flavor combinations. We had a fabulous creation called “Dream of Summer” that had just the right amount of sweetness and was extremely intriguing and satisfying. According to Chef Kaley, this dessert is reminiscent of the S’Mores she remembers from her youth with even the smokiness of the campfire infused in the flavors. This was the description on the menu: “Burnt Sage Ganache, Marshmallow Panna Cotta, Smoked Caramel, Sage Ice Cream, Almond Butter and Benne Seed Crumble.” Read more about her and about Chef Fleer on the Rhubarb website.

Here are some photos of the crew at work: One makes salads while shrimp is sauteeing. Another is handling the grill and the oven, while another checks internal meat temperatures. Chef Fleer makes sure that every plate leaving the kitchen area is presented perfectly. We saw one plate — that I would have thought was just fine — handed back to a staff member to redo according to more exact standards. It was impressive.

Rhubarb is closed on Tuesdays, so check the website and make your reservations before you head to Asheville. I believe you’ll be in for a delicious experience.

LEARNING FROM PASSIONATE PEOPLE: Engineers Reinvented as Innkeepers in Asheville, N.C.

06/18/2018 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Dan and Diane Rogers earned degrees in engineering back during their college days, but he migrated into a sales position, and she became a stay-at-home mom and honed her skills in the kitchen. Eventually, she took a job as a Girl Friday/bookkeeper for a CPA friend. Little did they realize that they were being perfectly groomed to eventually reinvent themselves as owners of a B & B in Asheville, N.C. Dan’s sales job took an unexpected turn, and they found themselves trying to figure out what to do next — and were still young enough and healthy enough to pursue something completely different. Pinecrest B & B was for sale. They snatched it up, began the steep learning curve, and now have a very successful business that is a vibrant part of the Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association.

Pinecrest B & B, nestled in an Asheville neighborhood.

Steve and I met Dan and Diane the afternoon after spending hours at the Biltmore Home and Gardens. The Biltmore was amazing, especially with the displays of Chihuly glass, but we were worn completely out. I rang the bell and was greeted by their smiling faces. What a relief! They showed Steve and me to our beautiful room, gave us a quick tour of the common areas, offered to answer any questions we had, and then left us to rest and recuperate.

Welcoming foyer/entranceway.

Dining room for breakfast.

Sitting area in the sunroom.

A welcome bag was in the room with some of the most delicious popcorn I’ve ever eaten. Diane could go into the popcorn business and be a huge success, but there was more. Fresh peanut butter cookies with chocolate ganache were waiting on a sideboard. Oh. My. Goodness. The recipe is embedded in the inn’s website under their blog. Here’s a link. They are somewhat labor-intensive, but I can guarantee they will become a cookie you dream about. And, can you believe it? The cookies are gluten free!!

Delectable popcorn created by Diane Rogers.

Afternoon treat – peanut butter cookies with chocolate ganache.

The beds are equipped with sheets and bedding by Comphy. The rooms are filled with delightful amenities. You’ll enjoy a truly comfortable night’s sleep. THEN COMES BREAKFAST!.

Guest room – Grace Suite.

Dan is the congenial host, serving the guests — ladies first, of course — and being sure everyone has what they want. In the meantime, Diane works her magic in the kitchen. Breakfast is served at 9:00 a.m., but for guests who have to leave earlier, a to-go breakfast is provided. Listen to the menu when we were there: Deviled eggs, Asparagus and Proscuitto, Stuffed French Toast with fresh peaches and maple syrup, and Breakfast Sausage with coffee, tea or juice. It was outstanding and served so attractively. There were 10 of us at the table, including a couple from Ireland, so the conversation was stimulating and fun.

Deviled eggs, asparagus wrapped in proscuitto.

Stuffed French Toast with fruit and sausage.

I so regret that I didn’t get a photo of Dan and Diane, but there’s a great one on the Pinecrest website. The moral of this whole story is that it is entirely possible for people to put their whole life experience to use in very unexpected ways and be highly successful. The possibilities are almost endless.

If you plan a trip to Asheville, I urge you to consider staying at Pinecrest B & B. Meet Dan and Diane. Enjoy their hospitality and be inspired by them.

LEARNING FROM PASSIONATE PEOPLE: 2 Incredible Young Women in the World of Hospitality

06/15/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

My favorite part of being a travel writer is meeting passionate, talented people. During a recent visit that took me to Charlotte, NC and Greenwood, SC, I met two women — both young, both highly motivated, both energetic and both making a difference in their chosen professions.

First let me introduce you to Miranda Brown, the 24-year-old Executive Pastry Chef at The Asbury in Charlotte, NC. Did you catch her age and her title? She also serves as a Sous Chef to Executive Chef Matthew Krenz, giving her a chance to work in the savory area once in awhile. Can you believe how fit and trim a pastry chef can be? No doubt, she is possessed with great genes, but she is also always on the move and probably has little time to just sit and consume calories.

Miranda Brown, Executive Pastry Chef, The Asbury, Charlotte, N.C.

Miranda loves to start with a fruit or other single ingredient and uses that as her inspiration as she creates. Miranda trained under Ashley Boyd at 300 East, and Boyd’s teaching continues to echo in Miranda’s mind, especially when she incorporates fresh herbs into her desserts. A recent one, for example, is White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Fennel Gel, Pickled Shaved Fennel, and Apple Relish. That makes a dessert sound positively healthy, don’t you think?

White chocolate panna cotta.

Sticky buns stuffed with country ham and goat cheese icing are also signature items on The Asbury’s menu. Miranda oversees the baking of hundreds of these every day.

Sticky buns at The Asbury.

The Asbury is adjacent to The Dunhill Hotel at 237 North Tryon Street in Charlotte. I highly recommend that you try both the restaurant and the hotel when you are in Charlotte, and, by all means, save room for dessert!

Next, I traveled to the Old 96 District in South Carolina and stayed at the Inn on the Square at 104 East Court Avenue in Greenwood, SC. That’s where I met Claire Griffith, the hotel’s General Manager, a delightful whirlwind.

Claire Griffith, General Manager, Inn on the Square, Greenwood, S.C.

Claire started out in the food and beverage side of the hospitality industry by watching her mother work and doing everything she was told to do — even as a child. The work was hard, but she loved the excitement of it all. Her mother also pointed her in the direction of hotels, and she got the first job she ever applied for in that area. Love brought her to Greenwood, S.C. when her boyfriend (now husband) wanted to move back to his hometown. At the time, there weren’t many openings in the hospitality field, so she joined a catering team at Lander University.

All the while, she kept her eyes on a property in the corner of Greenwood’s Uptown, and she was elated when Jim McGuinness and Wesley Oldham bought it and started the renovation. When the time was right, she marched in and announced to the men, “You need me!” Never mind the fact that she was seven months pregnant at the time, they believed her and had the good judgment to hire her. The hotel opened for business on October 1, 2015, and she gave birth on November 10, 2015. Talk about a Superwoman!!

Inn on the Square, Greenwood, S.C.

Claire almost seems to be everywhere all the time. She gave me some time to talk about the hotel’s history at the end of a full day, and we saw her again early the next morning when she breezed through the dining room to grab some coffee — obviously gearing up for another busy day. Inn on the Square is indeed fortunate to have her energy and her zest for the job. I hope they will keep her at the helm for a long time to come.

South Carolina’s Festival of Flowers: Greenwood, SC Takes Center Stage

06/11/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Today’s blog post will be primarily a visual feast. June 1-3, 2018 was the most recent version of the South Carolina Festival of Flowers held in Greenwood, South Carolina. Steve and I happened to be there a few days before the event and had a chance to take photos of some whimsical and gorgeous topiaries and sidewalk displays. They were so much fun and showcased great skill and creativity. It is already on my calendar to be there for this event in 2019, and I urge you to do the same.

Stroll with me down the main street of uptown Greenwood.

Mama and baby elephant topiary

Greenwood sidewalk

Dog and hydrant topiary

Ducks and frogs topiary

Chick-Fil-A type cow topiary

Seahorse topiary

More colorful plantings

Roar!!!

Fanciful pig topiary.

Mermaid and dolphin topiary.

When you visit Greenwood, SC, I would strongly suggest that you book your lodging at Inn on the Square. It is within easy walking distance of all the action and features a wonderful restaurant on site. Peach corn muffins, anyone? Also, your stay includes a full breakfast in the comfortable, well-appointed dining room.

Looking down on the reception desk at Inn on the Square.

Nearby restaurant options include Kickers and The Mill House, or make the short drive to Edgefield and enjoy lunch or dinner at Old Edgefield Grill, housed in a beautiful home originally built in 1907.

Old Edgefield Grill. restaurant in vintage home.

Other attractions while you’re in what is referred to as the “Old 96 District” include: Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site, Emerald Farm (for wonderful goat milk health products as well as a train and hobby shop), Ninety-Six National Historic Site, and the one-of-a-kind National Wild Turkey Federation Museum.

National Wild Turkey Federation exhibit.

The Old 96 District encompasses the South Carolina counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, McCormack, Laurens and Greenwood. Check out their website if you’re planning a trip to or through that part of the state.

LEARNING FROM PASSIONATE PEOPLE – “It is not your environment, it is you.”

06/08/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

“It is not your environment, it is you — the quality of your minds, the integrity of your souls, and the determination of your wills that will decide your future and shape your lives.” Dr. Benjamin E. Mays

Until a couple of weeks ago, I had never heard of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. But, through the direction of Barbara Ware of the Old 96 District in South Carolina and the astute knowledge of Chris Thomas, I now know and appreciate the accomplishments and motivations of this remarkable man.

Three main buildings can be toured at the Dr. Benjamin Mays Historic Preservation Site in Greenwood, S.C. One is the birth house of Dr. Mays, who lived there with his parents and his seven siblings. His parents were former slaves who became tenant farmers.

Tenant farmer home and birth place of Dr. Mays.

Another is a replica one-room schoolhouse representative of one where Dr. Mays attended school in his early years.

Exterior of the one-room schoolhouse.

Inside the one-room schoolhouse representing Dr. Mays’ early education.

The last is the actual museum housing hundreds of photographs and documents gathered throughout his life.

Statue of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays in front of the museum on site.

If you watched the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. back in 1968, you probably saw Dr. Mays since he gave the eulogy. Dr. Mays was the president of Morehouse College from 1940-1967, and that is where he met Dr. King during his days as a student. Dr. Mays became a mentor to King. In addition, he was a Baptist minister, an author, and a civil rights pioneer.

Dr. Mays was the valedictorian of his high school class in 1916. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College in Maine and went on to earn both master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Chicago. This man who started out in a one-room schoolhouse was eventually conferred FIFTY-SIX honorary doctoral degrees from 1945-1984.

Chris Thomas, the man who shared all of this information as well as the heart and soul behind it, is a perfect choice to be the Director of the Preservation Site. He majored in history at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and received a Master of Arts and Theological Studies from Liberty University. He pastors a local church and is an avid student of African and African-American history. When you visit, you will be fortunate indeed to have Mr. Thomas as your guide. He continues to work tirelessly on the development of the site which was recently named a part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

Mr. Chris Thomas, Director of the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site.

Suffice it to say, I was inspired by both Dr. Mays and Mr. Thomas.

Posing with Mr. Chris Thomas after his thorough and informative tour.

Here is another thought-provoking quote by Dr. Mays — “When we build fences to keep others out, erect barriers to keep others down, deny to them the freedom which we ourselves enjoy and cherish most, we keep ourselves in, hold ourselves down, and the barriers we erect against others become prison bars to our own souls.”

I believe his words have a biblical ring to them. Consider these verses:

Matthew 5:44 – (Jesus said) “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, . . . “

John 13:35 – (Jesus said) “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Galatians 3:28 – (Paul said) “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The Biltmore House and Gardens + Chihuly = A Stunning Combination

06/04/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Between now and October 7, 2018, the Biltmore House and Gardens will be enhanced by installations of glass creations created by Dale Chihuly and his talented team of glass blowers. This exhibit has taken four years of intense planning and preparation, and the results are spectacular. The garden staff carefully chose plants that would complement the glass pieces and showcase them in the best context. As you might imagine, the spring and summer plants will be replaced by fall varieties before the show ends in October. That’s just another area where the meticulous plans have taken shape and will come to fruition.

Biltmore House in Asheville, N.C.

It took weeks for eight engineers and artists to assemble the thousands of pieces of packed glass that arrived in six 53-foot-long tractor-trailer trucks. In October, they will return and start the tedious process of deconstructing each of the creations.

Here are just a few photos from our recent visit:

Chihuly orbs in the Italian Garden.

Cattails and Copper Birch Reeds in front of the Conservatory.

In the gardens near the Conservatory.

Chihuly in the atrium.

Daytime tickets to the house and gardens include viewing the Chihuly exhibits, but to see them at night a separate ticket is required. Regular admission price for adults is $67.00. You will want to add an audio device when you are taking the 90-minute tour of the house. The charge is $10.98. The device has a neckloop and is similar to listening on a cellphone. There are no earbuds. You just press the tour number and hold it to your ear.

IF YOU GO:

Dining options on the grounds include the Stable Cafe, The Bake Shop, The Conservatory Cafe and The Courtyard Market. I would suggest getting out of the crowd and driving over to Antler Hill Village. Steve and I enjoyed a delicious, relaxing lunch at Bistro, but other choices are Cedric’s Tavern and Village Social.

There are also several lodging options associated with the Biltmore, but I would like to highly recommend Pinecrest B & B, about 20-25 minutes away near downtown Asheville. The rooms are comfortable and beautifully decorated. The breakfast is out-of-this-world, and the hosts, Dan and Diane Rogers are delightful.

Pinecrest B & B in Asheville, N.C.

The Grace Suite, Pinecrest B & B, Asheville, N.C.

If you want “the mountain experience” and don’t mind driving a little farther, Wildberry Lodge is a large log cabin structure in a gorgeous setting. Here, too, you will find welcoming hosts and a delicious breakfast.

Large outdoor deck of Wildberry Lodge overlooking the mountains.

Porch where breakfast is served at Wildberry Lodge when the weather permits.

Stay tuned for more posts about Asheville and the surrounding area, but in the meantime, start making your plans to visit.

Billy Graham STILL Has an Impact

06/01/2018 By: CCPearson1 Comment

We almost missed it. On a recent trip to various locations in North and South Carolina, our itinerary was filled with addresses of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. My head was spinning with all we’d be seeing and doing, but Steve remembered something that I had forgotten. Billy Graham was from Charlotte, N.C., and that’s where we were spending the night. We realized that a short window of opportunity would be open the next morning before we drove to Asheville, N.C. and found that the Billy Graham Library was only about 15 minutes from our hotel. I’m so very glad we had a chance to visit.

Billy Graham Library main building.

As a born-again Christian since I was 8 years old, Billy Graham’s name, face, and ministry have filled my consciousness my whole life. I am just one of the 215 million people in 185 countries that Mr. Graham preached to in his lifetime. In the 99 years of his life, his sermons carried one central message — Jesus Christ is the only way to God because the Bible tells us so.

Billy Graham preaching to the people of the world.

Representatives of various people groups who heard Billy Graham preach.

The Billy Graham Library is located, appropriately so, right off of Billy Graham Parkway in Charlotte. The dedication was held on May 31, 2007, with three former U.S. Presidents in attendance (Bush 41, Clinton and Carter). He was, after all, referred to as “Pastor to the Presidents” and met with all of them going back to Harry Truman.

Right before he preached.

Billy Graham with John F. Kennedy.

Billy Graham with President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy.

The staff and website are quick to tell you that this is not a memorial or a museum but a ministry. And, I got to see that in action for myself. The grounds are beautifully-maintained, and the atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility with beautiful Christian music playing the moment you get out of your car. The exhibits and multimedia presentations follow a logical and well-planned order, constantly pointing people to Jesus. And, as I fully expected, there was a Gospel invitation given at the end with trained counselors on hand to answer questions and to pray with those who wanted help.

I loved the attention the Library gave to Billy’s wife Ruth. She died in 2007 after they had been married for 64 years. She was the one who stayed behind rearing the couple’s 5 children while Billy traveled all over the world preaching. Her commitment to his ministry was every bit as strong as his was. (They had 19 grandchildren, a fact that I, as a grandmother to 13, carefully noted).

Ruth Bell Graham’s engagement ring, their wedding invitation and cake topper.

The burial sites of both Billy and Ruth were very special, as were those of Cliff Barrows and his wife and George Beverly Shea. Their music was essential to the success of countless crusades. (Just as a side note, my uncle George Rose was a gifted singer who was often compared to George Beverly Shea. He admired the man so much that he named his son George Beverly Rose. We called him “Bev.”)

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Ministry Team

George Beverly Shea. One of his most requested songs was “I’d Rather Have Jesus.”

Graves of Billy and Ruth Graham.

Graves of Cliff Barrows, his wife and George Beverly Shea.

Steve and I left with uplifted hearts. This ministry is done in an excellent way. Admission is free. I recommend it highly. You will also find Billy’s boyhood home on the grounds, as well as a bookstore and a very clean and attractive cafe.

Psalm 116:15 – “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” Can you just imagine the thousands that were standing at the gates of heaven to welcome the man who had preached Jesus to them and helped them find salvation and eternal life?

Gunrunner Boutique Hotel: Exceptional Lodging in the Shoals

05/28/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

If you’re like me and enjoy searching out the newest and the quirkiest places to spend the night, if you enjoy hearing the history of a building or the motivations and dreams of the owners, then I would suggest that you consider the Gunrunner Boutique Hotel in Florence, Alabama. Located at 310 East Tennessee Street, just a block away from Court Street, Gunrunner enjoys strategic proximity to shopping, dining and main events in Florence.

The ten suites of Gunrunner are behind and above two thriving businesses—Turbo Coffee and Greasy Hands Barbershop — and there is a large event space in the rear of the building.

Turbo Coffee on the ground floor of the Gunrunner.

Coffee shop bar area near the front access to the Gunrunner.

Greasy Hands Barbershop on the ground floor of the Gunrunner Hotel.

Event space in the back of the Gunrunner.

Billy Ray Casteel, the hotel’s owner, insisted that each suite would be decorated around a theme with a specific connection to the Shoals. Guests may choose from the Billy Reid Suite (decorated by designer Billy Reid himself), Frank Lloyd Wright Suite (the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama is only a few blocks away), the Glencoe Suite (named for a famous racehorse of the 1800’s owned by the Jackson family who built a mansion in Lauderdale County), the Lion Suite (a reference to the mascot of the University of North Alabama) and others. The Devil’s Backbone Suite is the only one truly handicap-accessible. It is on the ground floor and has a walk-in shower. Others are reached by a flight of stairs.

The ADA-compliant suite at the Gunrunner.

The former warehouse building has been overhauled and completely repurposed but still retains exposed brick walls, wood ceiling beams, and a former freight elevator is now where the bar is located.

Common area accessible to the guest suites.

The bar and lounge area in the common space of the Gunrunner.

Guest suites feature bedding by Peacock Alley, luxurious robes, Bluetooth speakers, flatscreen TV, Keurig coffeemaker, private bath, private parking and keyless entrance. As a matter of fact, Gunrunner strives to be as hands-off with its guests as possible. Reservations and payment are made on-line, then guests are given a code to use to access the main door and their particular suite.

Florence hosts First Friday events in downtown, the Helen Keller Festival, the W.C. Handy Festival, and, of course, dozens of special happenings at the University of North Alabama. Find a special occasion and check out the website of the Gunrunner. I assure you this will be far from a “cookie-cutter” experience.

The Endless Ripple Effects of “Passing It On”

05/25/2018 By: CCPearson2 Comments

PASS IT ON

By Kurt Kaiser

It only takes a spark to get a fire going.
And soon all those around, can warm up in its glowing.
That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it, you spread His love to everyone;
You want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring, when all the trees are budding;

The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming.
That’s how it is with God’s love;
Once you’ve experienced it, you want to sing
“It’s fresh like spring”; you want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend, this happiness that I’ve found.
You can depend on Him, it matters not where you’re bound.
I’ll shout it from the mountaintop – PRAISE GOD
I want the world to know; the Lord of love has come to me,
I want to pass it on.

When so-called contemporary Christian music began to appear on the scene in the late 1960’s/early 70’s, this song by Kurt Kaiser was one of the most popular ones. With its decidedly evangelistic message, it was a natural choice for youth
retreats and invitation times at the end of worship services. It was intended to motivate believers to boldly share
their faith.
The idea of “passing it on” is a very positive and effective one in the secular world as well. So much good can be done
for humanity if an individual who RECEIVES a blessing turns around and BECOMES a blessing to someone else. The ripple effects are endless.
During a recent visit to Oxford, Mississippi, I toured Rowan Oak, the family home of highly-acclaimed and prolific
writer, William Faulkner.

The next day I visited a popular store in the downtown square called Square Books. That
very afternoon a book-signing was being held at the children’s book branch of Square Books called Square Books Jr.
for this book and its author. I was scheduled to leave before the signing began, but I decided to buy the book anyway,
knowing that I have a host of grandchildren who love to read.

The message of the book is powerful. A black man named Earnest McEwen, Jr. had an insatiable desire to read and to learn and who longed to attend college. He got a job as a janitor at Ole Miss, and several professors noticed that he
arrived early and stayed late to devour any books that he could find. Those professors were acquaintances of William Faulkner’s. William Faulkner sent a message to the young man to come out to Rowan Oak for a visit. Earnest (Ernie) nervously did so.

William Faulkner told him he wanted to make his dream of a college education come true, and Ernie was able to enroll at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi. The story is beautifully told by Ernie’s daughter, Gloria J. McEwen Burgess. Gloria and her four sisters caught their father’s desire for education. Three now have doctoral degrees. One is a social worker. Gloria herself is a therapist and a pastor. All are using their educations to benefit hundreds of others. Faulkner’s generosity has already had far-reaching effects.

Each of us has received blessings upon blessings from God. Now (I’m asking myself as well as you), how are we using
those blessings to bless others?
God said to Abram in Genesis 12:2 – “And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great;
And so you shall be a blessing.”
Proverbs 11:25 – “The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.”

Florence, Alabama Native, Natalie Chanin: Her Factory and Her Cafe

05/21/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

“A Feather’s Not a Bird” by Rosanne Cash begins with these lyrics:

I’m going down to Florence, gonna wear a pretty dress
I’ll sit atop the magic wall with the voices in my head
Then we’ll drive on through to Memphis, past the strongest shoals
Then on to Arkansas just to touch the gumbo soul

A feather’s not a bird
The rain is not the sea
A stone is not a mountain
But a river runs through me

There’s never any highway when you’re looking for the past
The land becomes a memory and it happens way too fast
The money’s all in Nashville but the light’s inside my head
So I’m going down to Florence just to learn to love the thread

A feather’s not a bird
The rain is not the sea
A stone is not a mountain
But a river runs through me

Those of us who are natives of North Alabama, know where Florence, Alabama is, and we certainly know which river she’s singing about — the Tennessee, of course! We might even be familiar with “the magic wall” Rosanne Cash mentions in the second line. That refers to the mile-long stone wall monument Tom Hendrix built in honor of his great, great grandmother’s journey back from Oklahoma after being carried from her homeland during the Trail of Tears. And, “the voices in my head” suggest the name the Yuchi tribe gave to the Tennessee River — “the river that sings.”

But, what about “wearing a pretty dress” and “learning to love the thread?”

That’s where Natalie Chanin comes into the song. Cash and Chanin spent time sightseeing and sewing together during a trip Cash made in 2013 to explore some of her daddy’s roots (Johnny Cash). While traveling the Natchez Trace, Cash was led naturally to Alabama. The trip inspired Cash to the point that she named her 2014 album “The River and the Thread” and wore a Natalie Chanin coat when she accepted three Grammy awards that year.

I believe you, too, will be inspired when you make a visit to Ms. Chanin’s factory, store and cafe in Florence. Natalie Chanin spent 20 years as a designer and stylist in New York and Europe before being drawn back to her hometown and bringing her creative talents with her. Alabama Chanin, 462 Lane Drive in Florence, is housed in a former t-shirt factory.

Entrance to Alabama Chanin in Florence, AL.

Warehouse-type store.

The Factory Store is open from 10:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday and from 10:00 to 3:00 on Saturday. Items for sale include both handsewn and factory-made fashions, as well as home goods and accessories from local artisans. Ms. Chanin’s designs are extremely high-end, and when you look closely and see the intricacy of the work, you will better appreciate the price tags.

Alabama Chanin also opens the factory to sewing groups on the first and third Tuesdays of each month for those who want to enjoy improving their skills while socializing with others. DIY kits and stencil templates are for sale for beginners and advanced seamstresses. Ms. Chanin believes strongly in passing down sewing arts and offers a variety of classes that can be found on the website.

Tours of the Factory are hosted at 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The tours are free and last about 30 minutes. It is extremely interesting to learn about the behind-the-scenes process for creating the elaborate pieces produced by Chanin and her team.

Factory Cafe is a popular place for lunch with its wide expanse of tables, natural light, and fresh, delicious menu. Diners order at the counter, and then dishes are brought to the table. The day I visited, Natalie herself was serving guests. I SO wanted to stop her long enough for a photo but just couldn’t convince myself it was the right thing to do. She’s quite striking in her appearance and appears very humble in spite of her amazing success and worldwide recognition.

At the counter of the Factory Cafe.

I strongly urge you to check out this fascinating gem in Florence, AL. It might just cause you to dust off your long-unused sewing machine.

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