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Lisa Bonin's avatar

Could you clarify your statement about Elon and Manifest Destiny? That term has very troubling connotations, especially in these times. Troubling.

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Helga Maribel's avatar

I can be related by all the defining words and the Love! Maybe that’s why I feel like home every time I come back to the Appalachias.

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Sherry Sager's avatar

You sure do feel like you belong here. ❤️

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Rachel Sager's avatar

You are my hillbilly at heart!

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Jeffrey Howard's avatar

Looking forward to the rest of these essays.

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Meredith Bliss's avatar

Appalatian Optimist rings a clear bell of the future. I have always believed that the people of its communities make do, improvise and live life on their own terms- another words, survive with little in the monetary sense, but nevertheless have created and lived full lives. I wish I had had more time to explore moreof the states. About 40 yrs ago my husband and I traveled back to NE around Easter on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was enchanted by the spring ephemerals. It snowed! We had to descend into a hollow, where there was an excellent German resturant, and motel. I felt watched over in a good way.

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Rachel Sager's avatar

Yes, the improvised life is another layer that helps define the Appalachian. Thank you for the wonderful and detailed comments! Now I want to find that German restaurant.

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Donna Lesondak's avatar

You are so fortunate to have such rich ties to the land and family. And I love how much you appreciate both.

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