Sophie November/December 2017

November / December 2

sophisticated. stylish. sassy.

& cozy

Warm

Vintage Camper Hunting with Susan Reinhardt SophieMagazine.com

What to Wear to Holiday Parties The Magic of Radical Self Care

17

PEOPLE

FASHION

8

Michelle Leigh

18

12

Women of WNC

20

Photographer Spotlight

13

Autism and Mysticism

27

Stay Warm and Cozy

14

Vintage Camper Hunting

33

Made in Asheville

16

Life Skills

Getting Ready For Holiday Parties

HOME & GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT

COMMUNITY

26

Garden Bloomers

36

Meg’s Movie Review

42

Things To Do

38

Stock Up for Winter

40

La Dolce Vita

47

Real Men Read Sophie

41

Betty’s Book Review

48

Sophie Celebrates You

50

Photo Finish

From the Publisher:

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stylish. sophisticated. sassy

elcome to the cozy and magical, fall and holiday issue of Sophie magazine! Western North Carolina is ablaze with fall colors, and the temperature is just about right to start thinking about fall fashions and your holiday and special occasion wardrobe.

GENERAL MANAGER/PUBLISHER Patricia Martin Betts

This month we would like to introduce you to our new Creative Editor, Samantha Blankenship who brings her contemporary design skills and writing talents to Sophie magazine. Her interview with celebrated local fashion designer Charles Josef, is a fun insight to what brought him to Asheville, and his recent runway show at New York Fashion Week.

CREATIVE SERVICES Randy Whittington

Music is part of the fabric of Western North Carolina, so it’s no surprise we have a local award winning Southern Rock Star living in Marshall, NC. Michelle Leigh won Southern Rock Song of the Year and Southern Rock Artist of the Year, and she shares her musical journey and experiences on her road to stardom.

There are fun and serious articles this month, like Susan Reinhardt’s budding passion for a vintage camper to glam up for a Christmas present this year, and Lauren Griffin’s advice on Radical Self Care to not only survive, but enjoy the holidays.

We are thrilled to feature a few stunning local photographers work, including Sarah Elizabeth Nichols’ expressive photos, Kristen Marie Greene’s light and airy images, and Audrey Goforth’s fantasy portraits

Photographer: Myriah Wood | Model: Jill Summers Designer: KatDog Couture | MUA: Kay Marie | Hair: Kati Foster Crowns & Jewelry: Goddessa Jewels Photographer: Myriah Wood | Model: Jess Riley Designer: Amanda Rose | Hair & MUA: Terran and Tanya Ward Photographer: Max Ganly | Model: Credella Credle Designer: Amanda Rose | MUA: Terran Ward with Della Terra Beauty Photographer: Myriah Wood | Model: Deanna Tipton Designer: Amanda Rose | Hair & MUA: Terran & Tanya Ward

d

even Balsam promised to do a summer counterpart to September 2016’s Winter Court, and Midsummer Night’s Runway was created. Braving the intense heat, 6 designers & their models & stylists brought fierce, lush originality to the runway at New Mountain. Electronica music composed by Mr. Balsam & a fierce commentary served up by AJ Palmateer peppered the background of the show. Throughout the evening, the Beer City Sisters of Asheville also raised $130 for Youth OutRight.

LEFT Photographer: Myriah Wood Model: Saajana Bhakta | Designer: Amanda Rose Hair & MUA: Terran and Tanya Ward

CREATIVE EDITOR Samantha Blankenship CALENDAR EDITOR Samantha Blankenship

CONTRIBUTORS Meg Hale Brunton Lauren Griffin, M.A., LPC Andy Hale Susan Reinhardt Betty Sharpless Meagen M.

­ all works of art I’m sure you will enjoy. Finally, Max — Ganly provided the image for our “Photo Finish” this month, and it is awesome.

As always, Betty’s articles are spot on for the season, with great gift ideas for the gardener in your life, and how to support your inner squirrel, by sharing the best way to stock up for the winter ahead.

The November and December calendars are full of festive activities and events that remind us how blessed and fortunate we are to live in such a magical place during the most beautiful and spiritual time of the year.

Cheers!

Patricia Martin Betts

Correction:

LEFT TO RIGHT Photographer: Myriah Wood | Model: Ekaterina Nechayeva Designer: Jon Pierce | MUA: Erica Calvert | Hair: Sherri Dunlap

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IT/PRODUCTION MANAGER Jeff Ruminski

Winter Court II – The Nutcracker, is slated for late 2017, and will feature Foxfire Designs’ imagining of the Nutcracker and Fire Beads’ vision of Jerem Leeman as the Rat King.

For more pictures, go to sophiemagazine.com Sophie JULY / AUGUST 2017 | 3

Sophie Magazine apologizes to Myriah Wood & Max Ganly Photography for not crediting them for their beautiful photos of the Midsummer Night’s Runway, featured in our September/October issue. For the article and spread with the correct credits go to our website at http://sophiemagazine. com/beauty-fashion/midsummer-nights-runway/.

COVER CREDITS: Photograph by Jennifer Mesk • Models: Derek & Casey Kasten • Hair and Makeup: Jacklyn Rhew from Carmen! Carmen! at Belk • Fashion Coordinator: Angela Ramsey • Clothing & Accessories provided by: Union His & Hers Boutique • Shoes provided by: Belk • On Casey: Grey tie-back blouse with embroidery by THML $58 • On Derek: Long Sleeve multicolored gingham shirt by Ben Sherman $85 | Quilted vest by Scotch & Soda $185 | Mikey wool-blend ivy cap by Goorin Bros. $25

FASHION COORDINATOR Angela Ramsey PHOTOGRAPHERS Audrey Goforth Sarah Elizabeth Nichols Kristen Marie Greene Max Ganly Jennifer Mesk ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Rick Jenkins Rose Lunsford CLASSIFIED SUPERVISOR Angela Frizzell SALES ASSISTANT Jayme Pressley CIRCULATION MANAGER Sam Howell

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sophiemagazine.com Sophie-Magazine sophiemagavl Distributed throughout WNC, Sophie is a complimentary monthly magazine for today’s woman. Contributions are welcome and may be sent via e-mail. Include your name, address, and phone number, so we can contact you if we decide to print your submission. Sophie reserves the right to edit any editorial submissions. Sophie also reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or article that is deemed inappropriate for the publication. No portion of Sophie may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. None of the information herein is intended as medical or professional advice.

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»PEOPLE

Michelle Leigh Finds Her Voice in the Southern Rock Scene Written by Meg Hale • Photos courtesy of Michelle Leigh

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ichelle Leigh has been touted as “The New Queen of Southern Rock.” Early in her career though, she had to learn to appreciate the uniqueness of her own voice.

Born and raised in Bakersville, NC, she was shy and ‘nerdy’ in school, but loved to sing. “I’ve always been that kid who was singing all the time,” says Leigh. She performed in school talent shows, with the school choir, and at local venues with her brother. She also competed in regional beauty pageants with singing as her talent, but she professes to not have been tall enough to get very far. Leigh was even the last NC Apple Queen ever crowned. She credits the pageant circuit with pulling her out of her shell and helping her learn to talk to people.

Leigh got her degree in English Literature from UNC-Asheville. After graduating, she briefly tried student-teaching, but it just wasn’t for her. Still, she couldn’t shake the yearning to become a professional singer. “I couldn’t help it,” she explains, “I wanted it so badly.”

So, she went to Nashville to try to make her start as a Country singer. “Nashville is a tough city,” Leigh admits, “You hear people say ‘I’m going to Nashville to leave my mark.’ Nashville ends up leaving its mark on you.”

While Leigh and her music were liked in Nashville, she never felt that she actually belonged there. “My voice and my songs really didn’t fit in Country music,” says Leigh, “but they really didn’t fit in Rock ‘n Roll, and they didn’t fit in Pop.” She used to compare her voice to other singers, and beat herself up over her lack of range. Since then, she has gotten over feeling insecure about the eccentricity of her sound. “I listen to it and I think ‘it’s not like anyone else’s,” she says. “I don’t get upset about not being like someone anymore. By golly, I’m gonna do my 110% best for the people who love me and love my songs. And that’s all that matters.”

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So, Leigh thought she would try transitioning to Southern Rock. Being the birthplace of bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet, Jacksonville, Florida is considered the home of Southern Rock. That is where Leigh went and where she found her style. “Southern Rock has really given me a home,” she says, “and it’s kind of an untapped bill for ladies.” While Leigh loves a good love song, she says that type of writing just wasn’t her style. “I’ve always loved singing what I call ‘the guy songs,’” she says. “Guys seem to get the ‘punch in the gut’ songs, the attitude, gritty songs. A lot of times, girls will not have that in-your-face type thing. My writing is very plain-spoken.”

One quality that separates Leigh from other musicians is that she is not afraid to address real social issues in her music. For instance, her song “Baby Doll” is about domestic violence, and her song “Blood Water” is about incest. “What I try to do is craft the story around situations that exist. Just because we don’t talk about them doesn’t mean they don’t exist,” Leigh says. “If people are entertained by the story, then they’ll understand the situation better and hopefully, do something about it. That’s the way that I’ve always written because I wanted the impact.”

Leigh says that, while she did not go through many of the experiences that she writes about, she is able to gain an understanding of the people who have through performing her music.

“Entertainment helps you satisfy something in yourself,” she explains, of her writing process. “You drop little flavors of you in all that you do.” Once a woman came up to Leigh after hearing her perform “Baby Doll” and said that she had just gotten out of an abusive relationship and felt like the song was about her life. “I think I was given an opportunity to live some of my songs, so I understand them now,” Leigh says. “I might not have understood them when I wrote them, but I understand them now.”

Currently, Leigh commutes back and forth between her home in Marshall, Leigh married her husband, Roger, on April 11th of this year in Siesta Key. NC and Jacksonville, where her band and manager are. So far, she has put Harley Lamoreaux, of The Charlie Daniels Band, officiated the ceremony. out one original album, “Black Ink,” and is working on a new one that should Though she will miss Roger desperately, Leigh says that he is incredible supcome out in early 2018. She is especially proud that ‘her band’ will be officially portive of her career and knows what a dream come true it is for her. “I’ve playing on the new cd, with a few guest artists. “I’m proud of these guys; they been given such an opportunity,” she justifies. “It’s what I’ve always wanted, are a super group of guys” she says. “There’s a comradery there. It’s a fam- and I’m loving every minute of it.” She is still secretly hoping that she’ll be ily.” Since Leigh cannot read music, she says it’s incredibly important for her able to bring her cat, Jasper, with her on the tour bus though. to feel that she can rely on her bandmates. “I wish I could speak more intelligently to the band,” she “I’m so honored,” Leigh says about getting the op“Making my sighs, “Luckily, a couple of them speak ‘Michelle.’” portunity to perform with so many talented musicians, including Greg T. Walker from Blackfoot, Derek Hess community proud of The Josie Awards are the only American music from Rosington Collins Band, and Andy Orth from Molly me, that’s a big deal awards that are given out solely to independentlyHatchet. In October, she performed at the Full Moon produced music and artists. Last year, Leigh’s song Festival in Middleburg, Florida, alongside Greg T. Walker for me. I’ve always “Somebody’s Someone” won Southern Rock Song from Blackfoot, Jimmy Sexton from Artimus Pyle Band, of the Year, and she won Southern Rock Artist of the and Barry Lee Harwood and Randall Hall from Lynyrd wanted the approval Year. This year, her song, “Devil Music” was nominatSkynyrd. The show raised money to build the Southern of Mitchell County ed for Song of the Year and won Video of the Year.

Rock Hall of Fame and Museum in Spartanburg, South “My writing has come so far,” she beams. “It always Carolina. “I still get butterflies, I still get nervous,” Leigh and of Western North astounds me to win anything, listening to the quality admits about when she performs, “but I figure, it you Carolina because of stuff that is out there. It just blows my mind that I don’t get nervous, no matter the size of the show, you’re won. It never gets old. It’s the most thrilling thing. I’m too comfortable and you’re not on your toes. You’re not that’s where I’m proud as punch to bring home the bling!” gonna do your best.”

from.”

Today, with her star undeniably on the rise, Leigh has begun touring with her band. Her tour began last October in Washington State and will take her all across the country and to five European countries.

Leigh admits to being a little reticent about starting the tour schedule. While she is used to traveling a great deal for work, and sometimes on very short notice, her current tour should keep her away from home for months at a time. She hates being away from her pets, and also has a newlywed husband that she will be missing.

Leigh’s only remaining dream now is to perform her music locally. “I wanna play home,” she says. “I’m proud of where we come from. I want to show off my guys where I live. Making my community proud of me, that’s a big deal for me. I’ve always wanted the approval of Mitchell County and of Western North Carolina because that’s where I’m from.”

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For more information on Michelle Leigh, visit her website: michelleleigh. com.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Kimberly J Simms Celebrates the release of her book, Lindy Lee: Songs on Mill Hill WHEN: Sunday, November 5th WHERE: Malaprop’s Bookstore WHO: Kimberly J Simms

On Sunday, November 5th at 3:00 pm, join author Kimberly J Simms at Malaprop’s Bookstore as part of the Poetrio series featuring 3 poets. Kimberly will be reading from her debut book of poems, LINDY LEE: SONGS ON MILL HILL. Southern story-teller, Kimberly J. Simms, brings local history to life with her innovative and entertaining poetry. The other poets reading at the event are Michael Beadle and Rita Sims Quillen The Malaprops is located at 55 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville, NC. This event is part of a month long book tour where Kimberly will be transporting audiences back in time and into the minds and hearts of those who lived through the early textile era. Ron Rash, award-winning author, says of Kimberly and her new book, “she writes with eloquence and empathy about an important part of Southern history — too often neglected.”

To learn more about the author, visit her website kimberlyjsimms.com.

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»PEOPLE

What amazing thing did you do that no one was around to see?

I performed the entirety of Bohemian Rhapsody in the shower including all of the falsetto and everything else. I didn’t miss a note. I didn’t miss word.

But I was home alone in the shower. No one else heard it.

wnc WOMEN of Photographed by Jennifer Mesk, HumansOfAsheville.net

The people I work with are my family. When it’s slow and there’s hardly any tourists the people in this industry support one another. We all go to each others bars and restaurants, we tip out well then they return the favor. We give a little more of ourselves when we have less because we know it’s going to be returned.

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What’s the one thing that you’ve learned being a business owner?

Delegate. Find the right people. I’ve always had these ideas, things that I’ve wanted to accomplish. This is the first time I’ve actually had the opportunity to see those things through. It’s such a beautiful thing.

I intern at a non-profit called, Bounty and Soul. Working there, I’m definitely overwhelmed by the kindness of others. People that are willing to take the time out of their day to run something like that, be completely open to give up their time. It’s a humbling experience for everyone involved and so rewarding.

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PEOPLE

Autism and Mysticism Many in our society do not think autism and mysticism are synonymous, but I beg to differ

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cientists tell us autism rates have increased by 30% in the past two years, and, according to the CDC, 1 in 68 children are on the autism spectrum.

These numbers are staggering. Remember the movie “Rainman?” When that movie came out in 1988 the rates were approximately 1 in 1100.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with “impairments” in three distinct areas: social interaction, communication, and repetitive behavior. Yet, with these perceived “impairments,” those with ASD experience the world in completely unique, beautiful and mystical ways.

My son was diagnosed with ASD when he was 2 ½. I cried for days. Then, when I had enough, I wiped my tears and began to delve into the autistic world. I read books, joined support groups and started working with those on the spectrum all to learn about the disorder in order to best help my son.

Along the way, something amazing happened. I noticed my son was having experiences that I could not explain. His behaviors were not “text book.” In fact, they were quite the opposite.

One night, when I was folding laundry and watching a crime scene show, my son suddenly started screaming. I thought he was hurt and rushed to him. He paused for a moment then screamed again. I noticed he was looking at the television. Two men were in a brawl on the show and every time one man hit the other, my son screamed, as if he felt their pain.

Autistic individuals have problems connecting with others. How could my son have even noticed this? Yet, here he was “feeling” the pain and intensity of the characters on a fictional television show. Needless to say, I am careful with what I let him see now.

He is also naturally empathic. Again, not something you think of with autism. When my husband had a health scare, our son, who also experiences ADHD, became very still, lying with him on the couch all day.

He cuddled with his daddy from morning to night. His language is very minimal, so it was nothing we told him. Somehow he just knew his daddy was ill.

These incidents sparked my curiosity to research the phenomenon of the autistic brain. Thanks to my step-mother I discovered the book, “Autism and The God Connection” by William Stillman which claims that those with more severe forms of ASD may indeed be living a more spiritual existence. With little or no verbal communication, repetitive behaviors (e.g. rocking their upper bodies) or repeating phrases as if a mantra, those with ASD are, in some ways, living the life of a monk.

As I did even more research, spiritual practices, such as spinning in the Sufi tradition, made me rethink my son’s behaviors. I was told his spinning was simply a sensory seeking activity. His doctors believed this was just a way to self

stimulate and he should be discouraged from this behavior. Yet when my son spins he laughs and seems to be in a state of ecstasy, similar to the Sufis.

An article on www.chabad.com ponders if those with autism have special souls. A parent wrote in with this very question. In response, the author, Rabbi Yehuda Shurpin, postulates that indeed they do. In fact, the Rabbi goes so far as to state that those with disabilities hold positions much higher than angels.

They are here to help the human race grow in compassion.

Meagen with her two sons, Ian (rear) Marcus (front) with dog Sophie.

Once I opened this Pandora’s Box, the synchronicities were endless. Soon thereafter, I began to hear stories of people right here in Western North Carolina. The themes that emerged were either of individuals with ASD or other developmental disabilities (DD) seeing visions, hearing voices, or feeling extreme empathy.

It all began on the night when I was chatting with one of the parents at a local support group for kids with special needs. She told me her daughter heard voices telling her to help people. The voices were never mean spirited; rather they encourage her daughter to be kind to those around her. In that same conversation, another mother told me her mostly nonverbal daughter sees angels.

In fact, the seeing of angels seems to be a reportedly common occurrence among many individuals with disabilities. An associate told me her nonverbal son had always seen angels. He would normally “talk” to them in his own way.

She would peep around the corner and watch him engrossed in conversation in what seemed to be an empty room. When he was hospitalized and the family thought he would not make it, he often stared into space and screamed “No!” several times during his stay. She believes he told the angels he was not ready to go. Soon thereafter he made a full recovery.

A professional in the field stated her higher functioning (i.e. ability to communicate verbally) client often hears voices telling him information. He also states he has visions and strong intuitive feelings and, as with others, sees angels.

For those of us searching for angels in our lives, I encourage you to look into the face of someone with a disability. There you will find an angel in human form.

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Meagen M. is a counselor, autism consultant and energetic healer.

Her website is www.spiritexpanding.com Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 13

»PEOPLE

All I want for Christmas is...

A moldy, run-down Shasta, built sometime in the 1960s. Oh, and for my birthday on the 12th of November, I told my husband to skip the annual Botox gift card and surprise me instead with a class 2 trailer hitch and a two-inch ball mount.

by Susan Reinhardt

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everal months ago, I’d have never imagined myself combing eBay, Craigslist and a dozen other sites for vintage campers built before 1970. Then one day I was walking near Beaver Lake and ventured into the neighborhoods surrounding the Country Club of Asheville.

And there it was.

Susan Reinhardt is the author of the hilarious and quirky novel “Chimes from a Cracked Southern Belle,” along with “Not Tonight Honey, Wait ‘Til I’m a Size 6,” “Don’t Sleep with a Bubba.” and “Dishing with the Kitchen Virgin.” www.susanreinhardt.com

Teal blue with accents of buttered yellow, a ‘62 Shasta sat in front of a stately Georgian home. I stopped in my tracks, dazzled by the site before me. A woman appeared, and as she got closer, I realized it was my friend Carole Saltzman, a retired and well-loved ob-gyn in Asheville.

Carole and I go way back, to the years when our kids were small and we’d run into each other at various children’s events. She invited me into her Shasta, a rebuilt camper featuring modern conveniences but preserving the era in which it was made. She’d gone all out, buying vintage dishes and décor, turning her trailer into a throwback to that decade when Carole and I were little girls.

Carole isn’t sure how she got into the glamper craze, other than seeing the JuneBug Retro Resort in Weaverville and enjoying facials inside a retro camper.

She’s constantly buying and decorating her ‘62 Shasta Airflyte, amusing her husband and children. The camper gives her a certain freedom. “It’s the only place I go to get out of the house and away from the kids and animals.”

From that day forward, I became literally possessed and obsessed with the vintage camper craze, a retro wonderland of infinite decorating and travel possibilities. Carole and I squeal like little girls with a new Barbie house as we score items for these little gems, turning our campers into cocoons of self-soothing and stress relief.

Even if not used for camping, plenty of people find solace and refuge simply sitting inside one parked in the yard. Others use them for guest rooms, businesses such as bars, boutiques and photo booths.

But nothing feels quite as freeing as knowing that as empty-nest moms, we can hitch our lightweight jewels to a small truck or SUV and head out onto the roads to see the world.

Don’t get me wrong. Plenty of men have fallen for these relics as well, turning theirs into mobile man-caves, sometimes with sports or hunting themes.

The questions I’m often asked is, “Why not get a new one that has all the ame14 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

Carole Saltzman’s ‘62 Shasta

nities without the issues?” Same reason you don’t ask an antique lover why he or she doesn’t just hop on over to Rooms to Go. We vintage trailer people enjoy taking something beautifully built back when quality mattered and restoring it to match our personalities.

The problem is that once you buy one little camper, chances are, you’re going to want more. Kind of like when someone gets a tattoo, opening a Pandora’s box for more until every inch of skin is covered. This is why I never got a tattoo.

Falling for this camper fad has changed my life. I awaken each day to search sites for “canned- ham” style campers for sale, and anything “old” and lightweight that sleeps two to four. I study restoration and renovation sites online, and find myself in fabric stores comparing prices of duck cloth verses outdoor material for making curtains and cushions. I even took a private lesson at JoAnn’s followed by a painting class with my fellow enthusiast Carole Staltzman.

Instead of longing for fashionable clothes and accessories, I paw through the bins at Goodwill, hunting anything vintage that might go with my camper. I’ve become Fred Sanford in high heels, a woman in lipstick and $50 foundation heaping old clothes in my cart from which to make Bohemian rag curtains for

the camper.

So far, as of this writing, I have one camper that a friend and I are restoring and another on order. My daughter calls this new passion a “midlife crisis.” I consider it a delightful and economic way to see the world.

With many of these projects costing much less than a decent used car, the vintage camper movement puts travel, glamping-style, on the map of affordability. Plenty of websites are devoted to this trending hobby, and vintage camper rallies are becoming more commonplace. My husband and I recently attended one in Maggie Valley. He actually enjoyed it, though talking him into going was harder than toting a high-strung dog to the Neuter Barn.

Not long ago, I bought the crumbling Shasta for $2,500. Once restored and decored, we hope to get close to 10 grand for her. Meanwhile, if you have an old camper for sale weighing under 2,000 pounds and with “decent bones,” feel free to give me a call.

The next step in this rather serendipitous journey is leaning how to drive with a camper wagging my tail.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Buncombe County Recreation Services and Go Hike NC Fall Hikes Following the popularity of the summer Go Hike NC series, Buncombe County Recreation Services has added additional fall and winter community hikes. The hikes will offer some beautiful scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway and breathtaking views of eastern Buncombe County.

These hikes are a continuing effort to offer experiences for residents who are new to outdoor recreation and is in conjunction with our Buncombe Outdoors Initiative.

All the hike locations were chosen due to their moderate difficulty so that everyone can get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Western North Carolina. Participants will be led by an experienced guide and the pace will be set off the participants.

The first hike at Lane Pinnacle on the Blue Ridge Parkway, starts at 10am on Saturday, November 4. Participants will hike up to the summit of Lane Pinnacle. It is a relatively challenging hike across ridges and up a few wooden ladders to a beautiful view at the top. This hike will also showcase a short section of the beautiful Mountains to Sea trail.

The group will be tackling High Windy at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly on Sunday, December 3 at 10am. The High Windy hike is a challenge hike, it is a 7.4 mile hike and difficult as you will be climbing 1600 feet in 2.5 miles.

Buncombe County Recreation Services hikes are being held in conjunction with Go Hike NC and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.

Participants are asked to preregister at GoHikeNC.com.

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»PEOPLE

Life Skills Toolbox:

The Holiday Magic of Radical Self Care

by Lauren Griffin M.A.

Lauren Griffin, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Psychotherapist in private practice in Asheville. Learn more about Lauren’s work at WNCcounseling.com, or call her at 828-782-3388.

R

adical Self Care starts with placing self-care at the tip top of your priority list. Shower yourself with love, appreciation, sleep, and gentle reassuring self talk. So, what does Radical Self Care look like in action?

Summon up the skills used by project managers to accomplish large tasks: assertiveness, delegation, organization, and communication. Did you know that most of a project manager’s time is spent communicating? Build your team by communicating your organized plan with everyone involved. Remember to include a good sense of humor.

Radical Self Care means taking the responsibility to care for ourselves first, before reaching out to care for others.

When we fill our glass first, it gives us the ability to recharge our reserves. We can then give to others through our overflow of love and energy.

5. Focus on people, not stuff : Ultimately holidays are about our relationships with people. In the best scenario, gifts and parties provide a vehicle to facilitate interaction between people. Gifts and parties lose meaning without positive interactions. The interaction is the goal, not stuff. Consider buying less stuff and focus on shared experiences that build memories.

Committing to the active, radical, preservationist care of ourselves sidesteps the begrudgement of obligatory expectations, and opens the door to joyful service and true gifts of the heart.

6. Live in the present moment: Practice focusing on what’s happening in the present, rather than the past. Friends and family may run the never ending hamster wheel of past thoughts, regrets and resentments, but you don’t have to go there too. Our lives happen in the precious present. It is all we have.

1. Self compassion: If you can only pick one strategy, a good choice is self compassion. Self compassion is a solid understanding within yourself that you are doing the best you can at any given moment. Radical Self Care is most necessary during stressful, tense moments, the kind that might happen during holiday gatherings.

2. Good boundaries: Create clear boundaries around your time, relationships, physiological and emotional needs, talent, and money. Be clear about what you’re willing to do, and what you’re NOT willing to do, and let people know, in a kind manner, of course.

3. Supportive self talk: We may not even be aware of how harshly we tend to talk to ourselves. It can get worse during stressful times, and rob us of the special delight of the holidays. Self care is delivered through your caring, kind self talk. Remember to speak to yourself as you would someone very dear to you.

4. Project management mindset: The holidays can feel like a huge project.

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7. Reframe perfectionism: Perfect holidays, like perfect people, do not exist. Giving up the superhero cape allows you to realize that very good and excellent are attainable goals allowing you to feel good about your contributions. Being freed up from unattainable details provides the opportunity to participate in the festivities.

8. Prioritize emotional and physical health: Remember to maintain daily health habits like taking medications and supplements as prescribed. Stay in touch with supportive friends instead of putting them aside until after the holidays. Continue to participate in your movement routine, or begin to stretch and walk more. You will feel happier and more positive, and that leads to better decisions during the holidays.

9. Sleep: Good sleep habits are always helpful for self care. The holidays present many distractions from getting enough quality shut-eye. Remember to maintain a bedtime routine. If you don’t have a bedtime routine, start one and stick to it for a week, then reap the rewards of greater alertness and stamina.

10. Better food choices: Eating healthfully and drinking pure, fresh water signals your body that you respect and love it. Between holiday feasting events, focus on eating foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Although it may be difficult, resisting processed foods and choosing health sustaining foods adds to your long-term energy, and strengthens your immune system.

To Family...

11. Reduce screen time: Take a sabbatical, even if briefly, from your screens.

Turning your phone, computer and TV off for a specific period of time, even an hour, can make a big difference. Instead, take a screen break, for some “you” time, maybe dare to step outside without your phone, if only for a few minutes. You might remember the simpler days before mobile phones.

Make a list of all the things you have been wanting to do and schedule three of them in your calendar.

12. Nurture your heart connection: You deserve time and space to connect with your spirit through meditation, walks in nature, breath, prayer, religious practices, or being still. Learn to trust your intuition by building a stronger link to your heart connection.

Attaining lasting, sustainable self care comes when we begin to address our deeper emotional and psychological needs through the support of friends, family or a licensed counselor. With this foundation, we are able to participate in true Radical Self Care and avoid self sabotage.

By deliberately focusing on your self care first, a paradox occurs. Suddenly there is more time and energy to focus on service to others without niggling resentment. The magic and joy of the holidays expands to include you.

•

www.WNCcounseling.com 828.782.3388 Lauren Griffin, M.A. Licensed Professional Counselor Psychotherapist

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 17

»FASHION

Getting ready for Holiday Parties From office bashes, family potlucks to more elegant affairs, our calendars are filling up fast with holiday and pre-holiday parties. While we’re looking forward to the festive fun, we’re facing the inevitable question: What to wear?

by Angela Kim

W

e all love getting dressed up for a party or special occasion, and buying a new party dress is all part of the fun. However when it comes to shopping for the perfect holiday look, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and grab the nearest dress that’s either the trendiest, the most affordable, or the most basic.

Here are helpful tips and advice to follow so that you can find the perfect party dress in the right material, color and style, that makes you feel fabulous and ready to party.

Angela is a fashion designer with 20 years of experience in the industry.

She is a founder & designer of Asheville Couture- Bridal and Special Occasion Dresses and Angela Kim DesignsWomen’s ready to wear Clothing.

Check out their websites for more details. ashevillecouture.com, & angelakimdesigns.com

Choose a dress to suit your figure

» Petite (under 5’3” and small-boned): Try a body-

conscious style with peplum detail. The emphasis on your hips will give the illusion of more voluptuous curves, while still highlighting your legs and arms.

Match your petite frame with a mini. The length of this frock will elongate your legs, with or without the assist of heels.

» Hourglass (your shoulders and hips are about the

same size, and your waistline is defined): Fit ‘n’ flare dresses are your best choice. Accentuate that waistline with styles that cinch in above your belly button and have fluttery feminine skirts.

» Pear (narrow on top, wider at the waist and through the legs): Empirewaist styles will emphasize your petite top half, while cleverly hiding anything you don’t want seen from the stomach down. The tea length skirt is a staple for most pear-shaped women.

» Ruler (super-slim, straight up and down): Draped, gathered and rushed styles with Grecian influences give a curvier impression at the waist and the bust. This figure looks incredible in a daring, deep-V dress. Plunging cuts create instant curves along your linear frame.

» Triangle (slim through the hips and legs and broader on the top): Longsleeves are very flattering to your shape. Classic wrap-dresses draw the eye downward while the sleeves balance out your shoulders and chest area. A high-neck dress will flatter your broader top. However, be sure to choose a hem that’s full and has movement. This will add width to your 18 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

slimmer bottom, and create symmetry all around.

» Apple (rounded shoulders with fullness in the tummy area): Keep the

silhouette simple but play with textures, colors, and patterns. A cleanlined, column shape dress will flatter the frame. A short hem lets you show off your legs and V-neck top draws attention upward.

Think about the occasion A party dress needs to be well suited to the event or occasion as well as making you look and feel good. To avoid looking overdressed or underdressed, it is vital that you think about the occasion and what is suitable, before picking a dress.

Think about length. Depending on the event, some lengths may not be considered appropriate. If you’re going to a formal event, you will generally be expected to wear a longer dress.

»

Christmas Party Dress: This time of year is one of the only times when dresses in holiday colors isn’t cheesy. Go for Christmas party dresses that play off the traditional Christmas colors of green and red.

Take into consideration the weather and make sure you have something to cover any bare areas in case you’re spending some time outdoors in the cold. It’s likely that you’ll be mingling and moving around a lot, so choose a dress that is comfortable and that you can wear again.

»

New Year’s Eve Dresses: It’s the night when you celebrate days past and look forward to days in the future, so pick a New Year party dress that is celebratory and fun. Don’t be afraid of sparkles or adorning yourself with funky jewelry. It’s the perfect time to be glamorous and super flirty so don’t shy away from New Year party dresses that accentuate your figure, or is in a color you wouldn’t normally wear!

»

Office Holiday Party Dresses: Depending on the type of company you work for, pick an office party dress that doesn’t go against the general dress code policies. Keep it simple and understated as well as comfortable, so you can walk around and talk to people.

Conservative colors and keeping skin

exposure to a minimum is smart too.

Choose the perfect color

»

Determine your undertone: To find out your undertone, no matter what shade your skin is, turn your hand palm up and look at your wrist. If your veins look green or yellow, you are warm toned. If they look purple or blue, you are cool toned. For cool undertones, cool colors like blue, gray, and silver work best. For warm undertones, earthy, warm colors like brown, gold, and dark work well.

your chest, for instance, choose a dress that has bright colors around the bust line.

»

Place the most flattering colors nearest to your face: When accessorizing, always place the colors that work best with your undertone (and eyes) nearest to your face.

Style it with carefully chosen accessories

»

»

Jewelry should be balanced for the best effect: Instead of wearing a necklace, earrings, a bracelet, and ring, opt for just one or two quality or statement pieces. Overdoing it tends to make the wearer look overdressed or simply overwhelms the outfit. Where the neckline of a party dress is not suited to a necklace, wear earrings and a bracelet instead.

»

Find the right bag: A handbag in a contrasting color maintains the color theme established by shoes and accessories. Smaller clutch bags are more elegant than oversized designs, and an interesting clasp can add to the outfit. Be careful to balance the bag with the jewelry chosen.

Consider your eye color: Nothing is more dramatic in style than wearing a dress that brings out your eyes. Green, blue, and hazel eyes look great when paired with lighter colored dresses. Dark, earthy shades tend to make brown and very dark eyes look nice. You can also match your dress to your eye color.

Remember that some colors look good on most people: There’s a shade of red for every skin tone, for example. Black or darker shades of gray are another fail-safe. And there’s a shade of white or off-white that flatters just about everyone.

»

Wear darker colors in places you want to look smaller: If you’re selfconscious about your hips, for example, wearing a dark skirt will make them look slimmer.

»

Wear bright or light colors in places you want to look bigger or places you want to make stand out: If you want to draw attention to

»

»

Choose shoes that complement or contrast with the party dress: For example, when wearing a little black dress, choose shoes that stand out and set the color theme for the outfit. They should be flattering as they will be the focal point of the ensemble, and other accessories can be matched to the color chosen. If the party dress is patterned or sparkly, choose shoes that complement it by opting for a similar color and style. Delicate shoes, like strappy sandals, add elegance to an outfit, while chunkier shoes create a more casual look.

•

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 19

»PHOTOGRAPHY

“E

very time I have a photo shoot, I make sure to challenge myself in some way. Whether it’s a new physical aesthetic, camera setting, or post production work, I aim to broaden my creativity and skill set as much as I can.

Though I try to keep myself on my toes, I do have roots for my inspiration. Light, color, and my depiction of reality are always what I reference.

I love fashion work, but often times I like to create moody portraiture that enables my soul to breathe a bit.

Understanding the versatility of light and color is a necessity for expression and are powerful tools that I take advantage of. In a sense, photographers create their own reality. Every photo is someone’s ideal reality and I’m in love with that concept.”

- photographer Sarah Elizabeth Nichols

MODELS: Bianca Nolden, Emily Ashton, Olive Chauncey, Heather Monica Dalton. sarahelizabethn.com

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 21

»PHOTOGRAPHY

“I

went to Paris this summer and visited the Louvre Museum and was inspired by all the portraits. With help from a lot of creative people, I’ve been working on a series of formal, fantasy portraits that look like paintings. I offer these to my clients.

The Finished artwork is printed on canvas, 16 x 20 or bigger. I paint on details and add gold gilding all adorned with an elaborate frame. A piece of art that can be passed down for generations.”

- photographer Audrey Goforth

MODELS: Caleb Bürch, Penny Munroe, and Jenna Goforth MAKEUP: Danielle Southcott and Cameron Rentz HAIR: Cameron Rentz and Charlotte Cat Murphy of ananda hair studio audreygoforthphotography.com 22 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Grateful Steps Publishing House is pleased to announce the arrival of Drunks, Monks and Mental Illness . . . based on a lie by Barbara Willis Kimbrell.

This remarkable book by Barbara Willis Kimbrell, a local author from Asheville, North Carolina, is a story about the ravages of addiction, mental illness and the aftermath of sexual abuse.

This book is an autobiographical novel entitled Drunks, Monks and Mental Illness. The author, Barbara Willis Kimbrell has accomplished an amazing feat to be listed among the recovered. This book will help others who have family members, if not themselves, struggling with the power addiction wields.

In this story, the author describes how the heroine, Rachel, squares off with her demons and takes the reader on her journey of recovery. In addition, the book gives a brief overview of depression and what it is like for Rachel to work in the human service field when she herself faces some of the same obstacles her clients face.

Drunks, Monks and Mental Illness . . . based on a lie can be purchased at the Grateful Steps Bookshop and other area bookstores. It may also be obtained online at gratefulsteps.org and at Amazon.com.

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 23

»PHOTOGRAPHY

24 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

To deny yourself of flight is a shame.

But sometimes life is not so colorful and we forget we have wings.

We have no idea the power we embody; I dream, Transformation takes time and bravery.

Take care of yourself Luna, you're such a bright light.

With a direction in mind but no direction at all; We fly, We have wrapped ourselves in cocoons to prepare for much more, To break free and expand into the Air to Be And have no boundaries.

- photographer Kristen Marie Greene

PHOTOGRAPHER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Kristen Marie Greene of KMG*Photography JEWELRY AND CLOTHING DESIGNER: Stephanie Wilson of Air to Be. MODELS: Sarah Johns and Jessica Lyn Carter HAIR ARTIST: Emma Dubin of Periwinkle Hair Designs MAKEUP ARTIST: Kay Marie Hill of Colour Me Kay Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 25

»HOME & GARDEN Garden Bloomers:

A Few of My Favorite Things I have never had success in dropping hints for holiday gifts in my Sophie articles but perhaps these ideas will help you pleasantly surprise some of your garden friends this holiday season …

by Betty Sharpless

Betty Sharpless is a professional free-lance gardener with waaaaay to many white garden themed tee shirts!

P

lease, do not buy us cute little knickknacks that have a garden theme … they require dusting and if gardeners liked to dust, they probably would not be gardeners. Garden tee shirts with funny themes are always good — just not in light colors like white or pink — Green and brown are good!

A really thoughtful year-long gift is a subscription to GreenPrints magazine (greenprints.com). This lovely little “weeder’s digest” is a great read … essays on the who and why of gardening, not the how. Local garden guru Pat Stone is the editor, assembling a good mix of sweet, sad, silly, and thoughtful in each quarterly issue.

If you know someone who would rather garden than anything else, this is the perfect gift.

A really special tool is a nice gift. Most of us gardeners are a bit on the thrifty side, making tools last long past optimal effectiveness (Think shovels with duct-taped handles). A really nice hand tool runs about $30 and is a treasure for a lifetime of gardening. My current favorite selection is at Villages at the east end of Haywood Road in west Asheville. Swan hoes (long or short), Ko- rian hand tools and French gardening knives rock! In fact, I would be surprised if you left this store without a little something for yourself — like my new, fun read “Wicked Plants” by Amy Stewart! Talk about a page turner.

Instead of picking out a plant or seeds for that special someone, how about a gift certificate to let them indulge in that special shrub or bulbs or seeds that they have been longing for? Jesse Isreal, B.B. Barnes, and Eden Brothers all offer lovely garden supplies and plants as well as gift certificates. What a treat to indulge a person’s secret wishes!

Every gardener loves new gloves. I recently have test

26 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

driven the new “ladies” Carhart garden gloves that are a knit glove with waterproof fingers and palm. I usually hate dipped gloves as hot and clumsy, but these are awesome. I can pick up even the tiniest weeds with no trouble. Even better, I can answer my cell phone without taking them off.

(Don’t ask me how; it just works!)

They are available anywhere Carhart is sold; I get mine at Ace Hardware on Merrimon Ave. Ace also carries Working Hands skin balm, which is a perfect stocking stuffer for gardeners, carpenters, etc.

So, happy Holidays! I hope this helps with your shopping needs! When all else fails: give dark chocolate … it’s good for gardening induced aches and pains!

•

«

FASHION

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 27

»FASHION he holiday season can be filled with busy days and eventful nights, so take time to enjoy the moments when all is calm and quiet.

Cozy up in the season’s most comfortable trends while spending time with family and friends. Take inspiration from the ever-changing hues of the treetops by letting your wardrobe mimic the vibrant palette of fall. As winter approaches, slip into the softest of fabrics, velvet and suede, whether in simple dress or a pair of statement boots.

In menswear, bring out an inner lumberjack with checked patterns on everything from dress shirts to ivy caps and don’t forget to layer up for the windy weather. A quilted vest or a sleek wool coat will provide some much needed warmth…but remember, some good old fashioned snuggling works every time!

28 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

FACING PAGE Model: Casey Kasten | Teal off the shoulder floral dress by Blu Pepper $40 | Caramel embroidered hooded cardigan by POL $115 | Steve Madden Niela Boot in Taupe $129.00 Model: Derek Kasten | Slim fitting Joe’s Jeans in Nuhollis wash $179 | Oatmeal Slub henley by Jeremiah $88 | Sueded cotton shirt jacket by Jeremiah $118 THIS PAGE Johnston & Murphy Copeland Chukka Boot in Brown $159.00 Vegan braided saddle bag by Urban Expressions $99 Wooden beaded tassle necklace $22.50 Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 29

»FASHION

Model: Casey Kasten | Grey tie-back blouse with embroidery

by THML $58 | Stretch sateen cigarette leg jeans in Deep Currant by AG $178 | Blue stone & metal stud earrings $15 | Vince Camuto Clorieea Perforated Bootie in Greystone/Pewter $129.00 Model: Derek Kasten | Long Sleeve multicolored gingham shirt by Ben Sherman $85 | Quilted vest by Scotch & Soda $185 | Mikey wool-blend ivy cap by Goorin Bros. $25 Plaid blanket scarf (pictured on pg. 27) $19

30 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

Model: Casey Kasten | Velvet Dress by Black Swan $75 | Druzy stone necklace & matching earrings $17.50 | Grey vegan snakeskin printed clutch by Urban Expressions $65 | Kaari Blue Jenna Ankle Strap Pump in Light Grey $70.00 Model: Derek Kasten | Navy linear dogtooth shirt by Ben Sherman $89 | Navy zip front jacket by Original Penguin $175 | Burgandy slim fit classic chino in stretch cotton & belt by Scotch & Soda $125 | Cole Hann Dustin Wing Tip Oxford in British Tan $99.97

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 31

FASHION »»FASHION FASHION CREDITS: PHOTOGRAPHY BY:

JENNIFER MESK 954.562.2068 jennifermeskphotography.com HAIR & MAKEUP BY:

Jacklyn Rhew

Asheville Mall • 828.296.9463 CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY:

18 Haywood St. Asheville, NC 28801 ph: 828.259.3300 www.unionasheville.com SHOES PROVIDED BY:

Asheville Mall FASHION COORDINATOR: Angela Ramsey FASHION ASSISTANT: Colton Ramsey MODELS: Derek & Casey Kasten

SPECIAL THANKS TO PHOTO LOCATION:

Model: Casey Kasten | Farrah high-rise skinny jeans in Brooks wash by AG $168 | Orange ruffle trim sweater by THML $68 | Olive green hooded coat with faux fur trim by BB Dakota $92 32 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

SouthcliffAsheville.com 10 Southcliff Parkway Fairview, NC 28730

«

FASHION

Made In

Asheville

Photo by Zaire Kacz

Asheville designer, Charles Josef, talks about his new studio space, showing at New York Fashion Week, and his plans for the future.

Platinum Bridal Gown with hand beaded bodice and detachable train — perfect for a New Year’s Wedding.

Check out this gown in our Photo Finish, pg. 50.

Photo by Eric McKinney 6:12 Photography Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 33

»FASHION

by Samantha Blankenship

C

harles Josef isn’t about throwaway fashion. If he makes it, you can (and should) wear it until it breaks — which might take a while.

Josef was five years old when his grandmother taught him to sew, but it wasn’t until he was a teenager that he first thought he could design clothes for a living. And now he’s doing just that.

After spending 13 years in Atlanta, Josef moved his fashion business to Asheville 6 years ago. Josef recently returned from debuting his 2018 bridal and swimwear collections at at New York Fashion Week.

He says the theme of the show was “finley made in Asheville, NC,” a testament to Josef’s affinity to all things local. We recently caught up with the designer at his new studio in Arden (which he’s in the process of renovating) to pick his brain on fashion and working in Asheville.

YOU WORKED IN ATLANTA FOR 13 YEARS BEFORE MOVING TO ASHEVILLE. WHAT DREW YOU HERE? I started to realize little by little that I wanted to live here, so I just up and did one day. My landlord in Atlanta called and told me it was time to renew my lease, and I thought to myself “I don’t want to renew this lease.” That was April 15 and by May I already had an office downtown, and I moved here in July. That was 2011. I’ve been here 6 years ... I always said for years if I ever move back to North Carolina, it would be to Asheville because of all of the culture. I would say that over and over again, and I guess the universe listened and moved me here. I still get excited sometimes. I’ll be driving and something will catch my eye, and I’ll say “oh yea I live in Asheville!”

WHAT ROLE DO YOU PLAY IN THE ASHEVILLE FASHION SCENE? I offer the finest women’s wear and formal wear you can get. I’m the mother of the bride’s best friend.

I’m very serious about what I do. If you’re

serious about clothes, it’s a great place to come. I’m not about throwaway clothes. I’m about clothes that people keep in their closets. Clients of mine keep their clothes for years. It’s not wear it one time, and toss it away. It’s an investment.

YOU SAY YOU’RE THE “MOTHER OF THE BRIDE’S BEST FRIEND.” WHY IS THAT?

Mothers of the bride are a certain age bracket, and a lot of what’s out there is not age appropriate. It either makes them look like grandmothers or they look way too young. I know from 13 years of working with the ladies in Atlanta, women that age don’t want to look like they’re trying to be younger. They want to look good at their age, in their bodies, and their bodies are different. They will tell me: “I like v-necks” or “I like half sleeves.” I will take things that they really like in clothing, and I’ll incorporate it into a garment for them. So not only do they look great, but they feel good because it’s styles that they like that flatter their body, and it’s a fit and it’s a fabric that feels good on them. It’s not some scratchy, plasticy thing that looks like they took it from their mother’s closet.

“

I don’t care what the magazines have or what’s in the stores because if it doesn’t look good, people aren’t really going to be happy with it.

”

YOU RECENTLY SHOWED AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK. WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?

Oh, it was fun. All the boys looked beautiful, and all the girls looked beautiful. It was wonderful. It’s a big frenzy. For me it’s a challenge because not all of the models get fit. It’s easy to fit the men, but the girls have to be fit in the dress. So some of the girls didn’t get their fitting until the morning of the show. So it was a little hectic. There was one dress in particular that I got the notion to change it right before the show … That was kind of wacky. I must have been overtired to think that that was a good idea.

It was, but I want to avoid doing that in the future.

Flights of Fancy Swimsuit and skirt Photo by Eric McKinney 6:12 Photography

34 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

Photos By Eric Mckinney 6:12 Photography Pictured from NYFW are (Left To Right) Tailspin Print Shift with Tailspin Trunks In the background, a 3-piece gown with removable train, a contemporary evening gown, and a gown from Josef’s Fit To Flatter collection.

Once I make a sample from my design, it’s not always set in stone. It’s fluid.

TELL ME ABOUT THE COLLECTION YOU SHOWED.

None of the wedding dress, I think, were typical. They were all contemporary. The finale dress was a platinum gown. The big thing that my clients are enjoying these days are detachable trains. Because it’s always a battle with the brides. In the excitement of purchasing a wedding dress, some brides don’t always think practically. So I’m offering a lot of wedding dresses that have detachable trains. Or one that’s a long dress with three tears, and the two bottom tears come off and it becomes a knee-length dress for her reception. The finale dress is an A-line, full-length skirt, but then there’s a big, flowy train that goes on top of that, so it’s a two-layer skirt and then she can take the train off for the reception, and she can move around. It’s the same dress, but just a little bit different. It’s very popular.

Here so many of the weddings are in these wonderful rustic and outdoor places. So you don’t want to be traipsing through the mud with a long train. Or if you’re in a barn for the reception, the train’s going to get caught. So you have to consider all of the aspects of the wedding, and people don’t always. But that’s where I help. I’ve even taken some dresses that were ready-made and just cut the train off and made a new train that goes over the top that’s detachable. It’s a good option. That way they have everything that they want and no torn dresses at the end of the night.

WHAT DOES YOUR DESIGN PROCESS USUALLY LOOK LIKE FROM START TO FINISH? Some things have a quick start-to-finish and some things don’t. I’ll have a sketch on the wall for months, sometimes even a year or two. I get inspired by all sorts of things, mostly by my clients because my goal is to

make clothing that is beautiful but that flatters the body. So I always have in mind my group of clients that are constantly coming back. I don’t care what the magazines have or what’s in the stores because if it doesn’t look good, people aren’t really going to be happy with it. People are coming to me because they want to look good. So my first inspiration is making clothing that flatters my clients, my demographic.

ARE YOU WORKING ON ANYTHING THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW? I’m still working on a lot of new wedding dresses for next year. I just showed a limited amount at fashion week, but I have more styles. I’m excited about my new studio because not only will it serve as my home base for meeting clients, but I plan to host pop-up events with other designers. I know that having studio space comes at a premium sometimes in Asheville. And I know many talented designers here that are just working from home. Nothing’s wrong with that, but they would like to have a place where they could put out some pieces and sell for a weekend.

One of my goals when I moved here was to involve myself and do things that not only promote my business, but also promote other local artists.

There’s a lot of amazing talent in Asheville, of all types not just clothing.

It’s great to be in a place that has so many vibrant and exciting artistic people. It’s one of the things that drew me. There’s a lot of designers here that don’t get credited or don’t get their work seen, so I personally hope that I can help with a little bit of that. There’s a lot going on in Asheville that you don’t see in big cities. There was not this much stuff in Atlanta when I left. There’s a lot of good, talented people, and I like to be among them.

•

For more information about Charles Josef, visit his website at charlesjosefbridal.com or email him at charlesjosefbridal@gmail.com.

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 35

»ENTERTAINMENT

Meg’s Movie Reviews

Meg’s ready to make Oscar predictions after watching Christoper Nolan’s “Dunkirk”

I

t is hard to describe writer/director Christopher Nolan’s (“Inception”) latest film, “Dunkirk,” without using the words ‘masterpiece’ or ‘work of art.’

I have consistently found Nolan to be an exceptional filmmaker with a unique vision. I am always eager to catch whatever his latest film is. This one, however, is truly the high point of his already-remarkable career.

“Dunkirk” is the inspiring true story of the events that took place during the siege of Dunkirk during World War II. 400,000 British and French soldiers were strandMeg Hale Brunton reviews ed on the beach, cut off from the rest of their battalions, movies for Sophie every month. She has a Creative unable to get refills on their ammunition or reinforceWriting degree from UNCA, ments. Rescue ships were trying desperately to reach loves fresh made popcorn, them, but against heavy bombing, and only estimating and throws an annual Oscar party at her house being able to recover tens of thousands. So, the English government has called on any civilians with access to a boat to step in and rescue as many as they can.

This miraculous story speaks for itself. Noland’s script shows multiple perspectives, ranging from that of a fighter pilot, to a foot soldier, to a lo-

by Meg Hale Brunton

36 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

cal boatman. “Dunkirk” has received some criticism for lacking in character development, but I found the director’s decision to focus on the event itself to be quite appropriate. Honestly, the film doesn’t more than that. The audience doesn’t learn much of the characters’ backstories, they are only shown their actions during this particular series of events. In fact, I detest filmmakers’ feeling the need to add some cheesy, fictitious romance to an already fascinating story, a la “Pearl Harbor,” in order to get audiences to care about the characters.

Despite having very little background, the characters are played by a fabulous foray of actors, including recent Oscar-winner Mark Rylance (“Bridge of Spies”), Tom Hardy (“The Revenant”), Cillian Murphy (“28 Days Later”), and Kenneth Branagh (“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”). This group of stellar and experienced actors are joined by newcomer Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, and British pop heartthrob, Harry Styles. While their roles are relatively small, the performances are all dynamic.

I know that we are barely into Oscar season, but I think “Dunkirk” is a shoe-in for the Best Picture Academy Award this year, and a likely candidate for the Best Director award as well. I found it to be an absolutely exceptional film and give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Al Gore impresses again with a follow up to his critically-aclaimed 2006 documentary

T

his year, self-proclaimed “recovering politician” turned environmental activist, Al Gore, created a sequel to his landmark, Oscar-winning 2006 documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” aptly titled “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power.” While I deeply regret the need for a second film that warns the world of the consequences of not curbing the amount of pollution we put into the environment, I thought the movie was incredibly well-made.

“An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” makes its argument very clearly, without being too dense or hard to follow. It shows the factors, leading to climate change and the effects they have on countries around the world.

I thought it did a truly impressive job of painting an accurate picture of a dismal situation, while mixing in a touch of humor and ending with a hopeful message.

A great deal of the film centers around the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, and Gore’s work to encourage all the other international members to get with the environment-protection program. Focusing mainly on India, one of the world’s fastest growing polluters, Gore assists these countries in taking steps to back off fossil fuel usage and embrace other alternatives, such as solar and wind energy. The conference marked a major win for both Gore and the environment. Knowing America’s reversal on the Paris Climate Accord this year, I was impressed that Gore was still able to end the film on a positive note, looking to the future.

I was also surprised to see how effortlessly Gore was able present the steps that we could take to make a difference and the timetable to affect change. This is particularly impressive when one considers that this film was released eleven years after his first documentary, in which he showed that we

had approximately eight years to turn things around. I certainly hope Gore wasn’t just out to sell tickets, and knew no one would go see a movie called: “How We Irreparably Destroyed the Planet.”

I found “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” to be every bit as interesting, informative, and grippingly put together as its prequel. I highly recommend it to anyone who cares about that environment and wants to know more about the state of the planet. I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

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Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 37

»HOME & GARDEN

Support your inner Squirrel and Stock up for Winter

by Betty Sharpless

Betty Sharpless is a free-lance writer, gardener and a terrible snowball thrower!

I

was a Girl Scout, right from Brownies through First Class Senior. Many of you might remember that the Girl Scout motto was: Be Prepared! After a year of dreadful weather disasters, I wonder: are YOU prepared? The farmer’s almanac is calling for more than usual precipitation this winter. Now would be a good time to look over what you have and what you need. (Besides lots of really cool sleds and hot chocolate mix!)

Emergency supplies fall into three categories: food, warmth and communication. You should be prepared to do without heat and electricity for one week.

Food really includes beverage, and I hope you already keep a 24 pack or 3 gallons of sealed drinking water on hand. While you can use rainwater or melted snow to flush, you cannot use it to stay hydrated. After the blizzard of ’93, I went out and bought a small single burner so I could have hot tea, chocolate and oatmeal. (You do NOT want to see me decaffeinated…ever!) The burner works off of those small camping propane tanks. I keep at least 4 full ones on hand. If you have a grill, make sure your propane tank is full at the beginning of winter. Back to food, try to keep food on hand that does not need refrigeration or cooking. Peanut butter, tinned fish and meats are good sources of protein. A hand operated can opener is a must. Dried fruits, cheese spreads in jars, nuts and crackers are a good choice as well.

When it comes to warmth, think safety first. Never, ever use a fireplace

38 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

that has not been serviced to make sure it is properly functioning. Be sure any firewood you do use is properly seasoned and dry. If you have gas logs, you will just have to light them manually. Do not use any kind of open flame to heat the inside of a house.

Pile the blankets up and bundle everyone close together for warmth. If you can close off one room to keep the warmth in, do it. Be sure to leave faucets dripping to keep pipes from freezing.

There are many gadgets available to re-charge your cell phone. I would recommend you have at least one. My favorite is one that is also a great camping light that holds a charge for a really long time. Take time to replace the batteries in all flashlights and smoke detectors on Daylight Savings day, it could save your life. It doesn’t take a blizzard for us to lose electricity. When we do, keep the freezer doors closed and keep cell phone use to a minimum to make the charge last.

When bad weather looms, take time to make sure you have plenty of your prescription medicines. If you don’t have power, neither will the drug stores.

Okay! Now you are prepared … Now go out and start a snowball fight.

Who knows when today’s kids will see another winter with enough snow for sledding and snowman building?

Our hood has a favorite gathering site for sledding, marshmallows and general party making. I hope you are as lucky as I am. If not, why not be the one to start the party?

•

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Meet the New Artists & Makers at Historic Cotton Mill Studios WHEN: WHERE:

November 11, 2017 3 – 4pm Historic Cotton Mill Studios

Jannette Montenegro and Rich Patino, the owners of the Historic Cotton Mill Studios, have welcomed three new artists and two new retail businesses to the studios located at 122 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District.

The new artists include metalworker Reid Dawson, painter and costumer Ka Amorastreya, and photographer Jody Dixon. The new retail businesses are Kizmet Yogawear apparel and Real Old: Vintage Goods.

On November 11th, Historic Cotton Mill Studios will host an after-party and studio unveiling following the Asheville River Arts District Fall Studio Stroll, with a chance to meet the artists and see their work. For more information on the party, visit the Facebook event page at Historic Cotton Mill Studios.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new artists and makers to Historic Cotton Mill Studios. These extraordinary individuals offer their own unique perspective and reflect different disciplines, which creates a really special experience for our visitors,” says Jannette.

“We couldn’t be happier with these studio selections,” adds Rich, who fielded more than 30 applications for the space. “They are all true masters of their craft in addition to being really wonderful people.”

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 39

»ENTERTAINMENT

La Dolce Vita: A Guide to Dessert Wines

As the weather gets cold, I turn away from my usual lean, acid-bomb wines and reach for a heartier glass of red or white and the occasional comforting glass of dessert wine.

by Andy Hale

A

s the weather gets cold, I turn away from my usual lean, acid-bomb wines and reach for a heartier glass of red or white and the occasional comforting glass of dessert wine. I know, sweet wines are out of style. Now that Americans have graduated from the sweetly flavored plonk of the 1970’s to dry table wines, it seems like we have all become allergic to a little sugar.

We still drink Pepsi don’t we? Why not sweet wine?

If you have never had a dessert wine before, try a small glass with your dessert or in lieu of dessert entirely. A small glass or two should be sufficient, and fortunately, most of them will last a bit longer than your dry wines once opened. Here are a few of my favorite dessert wines to try.

Andy Hale is a certified Specialist of Wine & cofounder of the Asheville School of Wine at Metro Wines and the Blind Tasting League of Asheville.

He now teaches classes at Metro Wines. Follow him on Twitter @avlwinegeek

Sauternes

Starting off with probably the most famous dessert wine, Sauternes comes from a small area to the South of Bordeaux city in France. These grapes grow by the river, and the cool, misty conditions allow for a special mold to develop on the grape skins that dehydrates them, leaving just concentrated grapeygoodness. This wine shows flavors of honeyed-apricot, lemon peel, tropical fruit and honeysuckle. Try out Chateau RoumieuLacoste’s Sauternes with key lime pie, cheesecake or even Fois Gras for a sweet and savory combination!

Port

Port is definitely a seasonal favorite for me. The combination of the sweet, spicy flavor and the massive 20% alcohol level warms me up and gets me ready for bed on cold winter nights!

Ruby Ports show more fresh-fruit flavors of plum, blackberry, and cherry, and Tawny Ports have more of a dried fruit and spice flavor. Ports are like Scotch in that the longer they are aged, the better they are. A good 10 year tawny tastes like a glass of brown sugar, lemon peel and Russian-tea spices. Try pairing Noval’s Tawny Port with chocolate dishes as well as with Blue Cheese for a sweet and creamy combination!

Pedro Ximenez

Believe it or not, Pedro Ximenez is actually the name of the grape varietal, sometimes abbreviated PX. Since this is a dessert Sherry, it is a little oxidized, showing flavors of caramel, coffee, molasses and brown sugar. It pairs terrifically well with chocolate, caramel and custard dishes, although it looks like used motor oil in your glass. Try El Maestro Sierra’s PX at around $20.

Madeira

Madeira is one of my favorite obscure dessert wines. Madeira is similar to Port, except it is fully oxidized and then cooked by the hot temperatures of Madeira, a Portuguese-owned island off the coast of Africa. Although this sounds like a terrible thing to do to wine, the heating deepens the flavors and the oxidation adds complex, nutty flavors. It also makes the wine effectively immortal. Once you open a bottle, it will never go bad. Expect flavors of roasted nuts, caramel, stewed fruits and toffee, and they come in different levels of sweetness. I keep the Rare Wine Co.’s Historic Series Malmsey in my wine cabinet at home. The $50 price tag is worth it for this one since it never goes bad.

End your dinner with a dessert wine and you are sure to have a sweet holiday season!

40 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

•

«

ENTERTAINMENT

Betty’s Book Review:

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross “The very same qualities of mind that as a woman had earned her derision and contempt were here universally praised.”

by Betty Sharpless

Betty Sharpless is an avid reader, gardener and writer looking forward to wintry Friday nights by the wood stove with a stack of books and a sleepy cat.

I

read the entire book of Pope Joan, thinking it was amazing fiction, only to realize at the end that it was indeed based on fact and on years of research by it’s author, Donna Woolfolk Cross. This made an already riveting book even more astonishing. Ms. Cross shares much of her research at the end of the book for those interested.

We meet Joan as a small child, with a mother who was kidnapped from her Viking village when it was pillaged by Christians and a father who was the Christian leader who kidnapped the mother for her pagan beauty. Joan learns at an early age that being smart is a dangerous quality for a female in early Christendom. Through a series of events, Joan becomes “John” and rises

through the ranks of monks as a healer and eventually advisor to the current Pope in Rome.

What makes this book so riveting is the telling. Ms. Cross fleshes out what life was like in the dark woods of Brittany, the monasteries and the intrigue of the papal courts.

Once you are drawn into her life, there is no putting it down, even through the most dreadful trials she must endure. Joan was just trying to survive, after all — as women have been doing for centuries.

I highly recommend this book. It would be a great choice for a women’s book club, complete with book club topics for discussion at the very end.

•

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 41

»COMMUNITY

NOV WESTERN NC POTTERY

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER HAVE EVENT? HAVEAN AN EVENT?

NOVEMBER

BY WILLIAM NOV OTHELLO SHAKESPEARE

Submit your events online: sophiemagazine.com/calendar or send events via email: calendar@sophiemagazine.com

Main Street. 6-8 PM Friday, November 3, 6-8pm and Saturday and Sunday, November 2-5, 10am-5pm

3 Different Strokes - Performing Arts Collective NOV with the ETOWAH UNITED 18 collaborates HOLIDAY Montford Park Players 4 METHODIST FAIR (MPP) to present Othello, the final show of their 7th season, under the direction of Scott Keel, MPP Artistic Director. In keeping with MPP’s free Shakespeare model, tickets are free to the public, however donations are accepted.

Facilitated Post Show Discussions follow performances. November 3rd - 18th, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St in downtown Asheville.

For sale will be: fall and Christmas handmade items; placemats and napkins, scrubbies, ornaments, 18” doll dresses, pillowcases, etc.

Enjoy baked goods and a soup and cookie lunch. Proceeds benefit United Methodist missions.

NOV

11

Saturday, November 4, Etowah United Methodist Church, Etowah.

For times and locations, visit etowahumc.org/

NOV FIREHOUSE HOLIDAY FAIR 4 CRAFT The Lexington

Park Volunteer Rescue Squad (LPVRS) presents their annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair. This fundraising event is hosted by the LPVRS Associates. There will be vendors and food. Saturday, November 4, Barnardsville Fire Dept., Barnardsville.

HISTORIC COTTON MILL STUDIOS: RE-OPENING BASH

NOV WEAVERVILLE ART

3 SAFARI Meander

through the scenic mountain valleys to visit 50+ artists in their studios and galleries. Get the tour map and drive country roads to visit as many of the studios as you want.

It’s a completely self-guided, make-your-own-agenda event in the towns of Weaverville and Barnardsville, along with the surrounding rural areas. There’s no admission fee.

November 3, 2017 -— Weaverville Art Safari Spring Preview Party: See a sampling of work from all artists with silent auction and raffle prizes, plus beer wine and snacks. $10 admission.

At three galleries: Artisans on Main, Mangum Pottery, and Miya Gallery, at 14, 16, and 20 North 42 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

FESTIVAL, DILLSBORO Western North Carolina Pottery Festival returns to Dillsboro with 40+ master potters from 17 states. Dillsboro is a charming arts and crafts village, located about 50 miles west of Asheville, next door to Sylva in Jackson County. This juried show has been named one of the Southeast’s top 20 arts events for November by the Southeast Tourism Society. A bonus is the fall color show!

4 The

Saturday, November 4, Dillsboro town center. Admission to the WNC Pottery Festival is $5 per person and includes a ticket for a day-long raffle. Children under 12 are admitted free.

NOV TRYON BEER FEST

Tryon Downtown 4 The Development Association

presents the 6th Annual Tryon Beer Fest!

Tryon’s annual Oktoberfest-style event will be held on Saturday, November 4th, 2017 from noon ’til 6pm in the Tryon Depot Plaza. To keep an intimate, local atmosphere with shorter lines, tickets will be capped so don’t wait to secure yours! While unlimited craft beer samples are included with your admission, bring cash for the oyster roast, authentic German food, and other treats. The oyster roast starts at 12:30pm and will continue until they’re all gone!

Non-alcoholic beverages and water will also be available.

Admission gets you unlimited beer and wine samples! Saturday, November 4, 12-6pm. Depot Street, Tryon. For mor information and to buy tickets, visit tryonbeerfest.com

The Historic Cotton Mill Studios (122 Riverside Drive) will host a vintage circus-themed re-opening party on Saturday, November 11th at 5 pm, after the River Arts District Fall Studio Stroll. It’s a party celebrating new beginnings and the legacy of the River Arts District.

The studios will be open Saturday (11/11) and Sunday (11/12) at 10 am for the studio stroll, with the opening party taking place after the stroll, on 11/11 at 5 pm. The Asheville Guitar Bar also makes its home in the former cotton mill. Saturday, November 11, starting at 5pm. Historic Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riverside Dr., Asheville.

NOV OUR VOICE PRESENTS

16TH ANNUAL SURVIVORS’ ART SHOW 9 THE

The first Survivors’ Arts show was in 2000, and has grown each year. This year the show will include works of art from featured artist Sarah Watkins. Sarah Watkins is a representational artist with a focus on painting and sculpture.

Born and raised in Hyde Park, New York, she studied Fine Arts at the

University of New Paltz. During this time, she took a position working with Autistic and developmentally disabled teenagers where she became aware of how many of them were impacted by many forms of abuse, including sexual abuse and abandonment from their family. Thursday, November 9, 5-9pm, 35

Woodfin St., Asheville. For information, visit ourvoicenc.org.

NOV AMERICANA

Harmonia is delighted 10 Pan to share the music of

three contemporary American women composers, Jennifer Higdon, Belinda Reynolds, and Valerie Coleman, in its November concerts entitled Americana. The centerpiece of the program will be Valerie Coleman’s Portraits of Langston, inspired by the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance prince Langston Hughes.

Coleman, a flutist and composer, is also the founder of Imani Winds, an ensemble that champions the works of African-American and Latin-American composers.

Charlotte Abell will recite the five poems on which this composition was based. Friday, November 10, 7:30pm, St James Episcopal Church, Black Mountain.

Sunday, November 12, 3pm, Biltmore United Methodist Church, Asheville.

Tickets are $20 advance / $25 day of show / $5 military and students.

Advance tickets are available at

panharmonia.org.

NOV TASTE OF ASHEVILLE:

TASTE & TUNES The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) hosts the 2017 Taste of Asheville: Taste & Tunes Thursday, Nov. 16 at The Venue in downtown Asheville. “AIR has hosted the Taste of Asheville for nearly 10 years to celebrate the culinary diversity and ‘flavor’ of Asheville’s independent restaurants,” said Jane Anderson, AIR executive director. “We like to say that AIR is food in Asheville, and this event is our signature appetizer.” From award-winning southern cuisine to bold new worldly flavors, the Taste of Asheville brings over 40 of Asheville’s famed independent restaurants together for an unforgettable evening of sampling small bites, craft beverages, spirits and vintners.

16

Thursday, November 16, The Venue in

downtown Asheville. VIP tickets (early admission) are $100; general admission tickets are $75. All tickets can be purchased at airasheville.org.

NOV DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE

HOLIDAY PARADE festive Asheville Holiday Parade in downtown is a fun way to kick off the Christmas season — complete with local personality for plenty of smiles. It starts at 11 AM, so several downtown streets will be closed

18 The

NOV CINDY WALTON’S ARTIST

9

LAKE JULIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

RECEPTION AND EXHIBIT The Asheville School will hold an opening reception and exhibit of new paintings by local Artist Cindy Walton. Cindy has had a number of one-person exhibits across the southeast; solo venues include the Asheville Area Arts Council and the Johnson City (Tennessee) Area Arts Council. Thursday, November 9, 5:30-7pm

Asheville School’s Walker Arts Center in the Crawford Art Gallery

DEC

1 23

The light show will open with a family Winter Walk Through Night on December 1, 2017. Admission for the Winter Walk Through Night is only $5 per adult. Children under 16 are admitted free with a paying adult. The event will run from 6pm – 8pm. The Lake Julian Festival of Lights will open to cars on December 2 and run through December 23 operating nightly from 6pm – 9pm for a thrilling drive through experience. The drive circling the park becomes a magical journey through tunnels of dazzling, animated and stationary light displays.  December 1-23, 1-5pm, The Salvage Station. Vehicle entry for the Festival of

Lights is $10 per passenger vehicle and $20 for large vans, motor coaches, and buses. Advance tickets may be purchased for $7 per passenger vehicle and $14 for large vans, motor coaches, and buses. Advance tickets can be purchased online at festivaloflights.buncomberecreation.org

that morning. Come early to find you a spot along the one-mile route. This year’s theme is Light Up the Holidays. Celebrating 70 years, the parade features 100 entries including marching bands, dance and cheer squads and festive floats. Saturday, November 18 starting at 12pm. Downtown Asheville.

NOV ASHEVILLE BAROQUE

19 ANGEL AND DEVIL

CONCERTS PRESENTS

Gail Ann Schroeder, world-renowned violist da gamba and artistic director of Asheville Baroque Concerts, will perform masterworks by the two rival virtuoso composers from the court of Louis XIV. Marin Marais was reputed by his contemporaries to have played like an angel, Antoine Forqueray like the devil. Sunday, November 19, 3:00pm, Oakley

United Methodist Church, 607 Fairview Road, Asheville. Tickets are $20 advance / $25 day of show / $5 military and students. Advance tickets are

available at panharmonia.org.

NOV THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS

29 NC Stage Co. presents Twelve Dates of - The Christmas. After seeing DEC

her fiancé kiss another

23 woman at the televised

Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary’s life falls apart — just in time for the holidays.

Over the next year, she stumbles back into the dating world, where “romance” ranges from weird and creepy to absurd and comical. It seems nothing can help Mary’s growing cynicism, until the charm and innocence of a fi ve-year-old boy unexpectedly brings a new outlook on life and love. This heartwarming story offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season. November 29- December 23: Wed – Sat at 7:30pm and Sun at 2:00pm. For more information and to buy tickets visit ncstage.org.

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 43

DECEMBER RANGE ART OF DEC BALSAM MUSIC FESTIVAL

providing free refreshments, musicians and singers performing in individual shops. The sound of hooves will echo through the night with old-fashioned horse and buggy rides.

two-day festival 1 Afeaturing of the top - bluegrasssome  2 musicians inandthe acoustic nation.

Balsam Range, The Atlanta Pops Orchestra and more are scheduled to preform. Workshops throughout the day. Single concert tickets and weekend packages. Friday and Saturday, December

1-2, visit their website for more information, lakejunaluska.com/ specials_packages/family_vacations/ Balsam_Range_Festival/

DEC HOLIDAY GREENERY AND CRAFT SALE AT

Friday and Saturday, December 1-2,

from 10-4. Bullington Gardens is located at 95 Upper Red Oak Trail in Hendersonville. For more information, call Bullington Gardens at 828-6986104 or visit bullingtongardens.org.

DEC 34TH ANNUAL

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & LUMINARIES IN DILLSBORO Friday and Saturday of December, 1 & 2, and the second Friday and Saturday, 8 & 9, from 5—9pm, there will be over 2500 white lights adorning the historic buildings, and the flickering flames of luminaries softening the shadows of the streets. Excitement will abound as the merchants of Dillsboro open their doors and hearts to the community. Each night shops will stay open way into the night

1 9

44 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

3 How is Santa able to climb down - millions of chimneys around 10 the world in a single night? He

practices, of course. Witness Santa’s daring stunt as he practices on one of the world’s largest chimneys with multiple 200-foot rappels! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities, meet live Park animal educators and more.

Sponsored by Coffee on the Rocks in Chimney Rock Village.

This rappelling Santa was recently named one of the “Strangest Places to See St. Nick” by Yahoo Travel and has been named one of the “8 Most Extreme Santas in the World” by Buzzfeed.

The first two Fridays and Saturdays in December, The historic town of Dillsboro, NC. For information, visit mountainlovers.com

DEC CHRISTMAS

CANDLELIGHT TOUR AT

BIRTHPLACE 2 VANCE Be transported to an

1830s-era Christmas celebrated in the mountains of North Carolina, just 15 minutes north of Asheville. The two-story reconstructed log house will be decorated, and costumed guides will relate the symbolism of each of the decorations. Live music. $5/person. 4-8:30 PM.

GARDENS 1 BULLINGTON Holiday Greenery Sale - The premium, freshly 2 features cut Fraser fir trees ranging

in height from five to eight feet. These native trees come from the Western North Carolina mountains. Also available are premium garlands in two lengths plus unadorned 12” wreaths. An order form is available at www. bullingtongardens.org.

Holiday greenery must be pre-ordered by Wednesday, Nov. 22, as limited quantities will be available at the Holiday Craft Sale.

DEC SANTA ON THE CHIMNEY

Saturday, December 2, 4-8:30pm.

Located five miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway (exit at Milepost 376.6).

DEC ALL IS CALM – THE

CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 NC Stage Co. presents All Is Calm. This captivating story relives a poignant moment in history when Allied and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday together during WWI. This dramatic presentation presents traditional patriotic and holiday songs from both sides of the Western Front and is interspersed with readings from letters, journals, and interviews of the soldiers.

6 30

December 6th-30th: Wed – Sat at

7:30pm and Sun at 2:00pm. For more information and to buy tickets visit ncstage.org.

Saturday, December 3 — Saturday

December 10, 10am-2pm. Price included in park admission. Chimney Rock State Park.

Asheville Ballet.

intact historic districts in the state.

December 8-10. Tickets range from

Saturday, December 9, 10am-3pm.

$15-$50. For more information and to buy tickets, visit ashevilleballet.com.

DEC STUDIO LIGHTING WORKSHOP

9 Using flash and strobe

lighting might seem like a complicated task for most. This five hour, hands-on workshop will free your mind of the confusion and empower you with a solid understanding of lighting basics. Saturday, December 9, 10am-3pm.

Cost is $150. Visit their website for more information, http:// riverviewstation.com.

Cost is $150. Visit their website for more information, http:// riverviewstation.com.

DEC HOLIDAY HOMECOMING AT OCONALUFTEE

16 VISITOR CENTER

Located near Cherokee at the Great Smoky Mountains entrance, see old-time crafts being demonstrated at the Mountain Farm Museum. Learn by observing the practical arts of quilting, weaving and making baskets, dolls, apple cider and apple butter. Saturday, December 16, 10am-2pm.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

DEC THE NUTCRACKER

The Asheville Ballet presents everyone’s favorite holiday tradition featuring the principal dancers of the Asheville Ballet Company, students of the Academy and other local area studios alike, and members of the Western North Carolina community. This familyfriendly classic is proud to in its 46th season of production at the

8 10

DEC MONTFORD HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES

9 Montford — Asheville’s

most historic neighborhood — will showcase 10 homes at the Annual 22nd Holiday Tour of Homes on Saturday, December 9 from 1 until 5 p.m.

This is your chance to explore the lovingly restored or carefully constructed eclectic architecture of homes in one of the largest,

DEC AN ANGEL CHRISTMAS,

WOLFE HOME 16 THOMAS A special open house at the

fascinating 29-room Thomas Wolfe Home in downtown Asheville with period decorations, special tours, angel wreath auction, kids’ activities, snacks and more. Saturday, December 16, 9am-5pm. $5 per person. Thomas Wolfe Home.

ONGOING EVENTS THE LAUREL CHAPTER OF THE EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD OF AMERICA

Next monthly meeting on Thursday November 2 The program this month is entitled Northern Lights. It is a needlepoint project which can be finished in several different ways. The techniques required to complete this project will be taught by Sandy Washington, Chapter Vice President. There is a kit

ters and Crocheters for Others-Arden) is a group of talented people who have created and donated over 20,000 handmade articles to local charities in the past ten years.. We meet monthly at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Asheville.

All skill levels are welcome. Monday, November 13, 7-9pm. New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3070 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville.

Grove Park Inn

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

fee of $3.00 for this project.

WILD ABUNDANCE CLASSES

Thursday, November 2, 9:30am-12pm.

Cummings United Methodist Church,3 Banner Farm Road Etowah/Horse Shoe.

CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE

November 3 – January 5; 6 - 10pm A daytime visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses. Wrap yourself in the fragrant smell of fresh evergreens while admiring holiday décor featuring wreaths, garlands, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments on more than 55 magnificent Christmas trees.

The celebration continues across the estate, from colorful holiday blooms in the Conservatory to our commemorative Christmas wine at the Winery, to special menus in estate restaurants. Buy your ticket 7 or more days in advance and save $10 on each admission! Biltmore. For more info and to buy tickets, visit biltmore.com.

ALUMINUM CHRISTMAS TREE MUSEUM, BREVARD

November 11 - Saturday 23 The annual “pop up” Aluminum Tree Museum returns to the Transylvania Heritage Museum at 189 West Main Street in downtown Brevard. The blast from the past will take you back to the 1950s when these trees were all the rage. This is a fun, quirky holiday outing that will make you smile and brighten your day. The museum is open Wednesday-Saturday, and it’s free to visit (donations appreciated). The Transylvania Heritage Museum is

34 miles south of downtown Asheville, and it is open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM

GROUP STITCHING FOR CHARITY SEEKS NEW MEMBERS

Next monthly meeting will be Monday, November 13 Stitches of Love (formerly the WNC Knit-

Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Except for the base, the entries are constructed entirely of edible materials. While judging will take place on November 20, the display of the winners begins November 22 for overnight guests of the hotel and diners at their several restaurants. General public viewing starts November 26.

Photo above: 2016 Grand prize winner Beatriz Müller from Ontario, Canada.

POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN, GREAT SMOKY MTNS RAILROAD

November 10 – December 31; 6 - 10pm Over 84,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2016 and we hope to see you in 2017! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Great Smokey Mountian Railroad. For more info, visit gsmr.com

WINTER LIGHTS AT THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM

November 17 – December 31; 6 - 10pm Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition atWinter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Open nightly November 17 – December 31, 2017, from 6 to 10 p.m., Winter Lights is an outdoor holiday light exhibit placed throughout the Arboretum’s nationally-known gardens. Walk through a winter wonderland and enjoy uniquely-lit displays and landscapes composed of nearly 500,000 energy-efficient LED lights. NC Arboretum. For more info, visit ncarboretum.org

GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION, GROVE PARK INN

November 26 – January 4 For a sweet treat, see the amazing creations at the 24th Annual National

A variety of classes offered March November including: Essentials of Homesteading & Permaculture, Ancestral Foods Cooking Classes, Women’s Basic Carpentry Class & more!  For complete class listings visit wildabundance.net or call 828-775-7052

WOMEN’S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CLASSES The Financial Empowerment Center at OnTrack WNC offers a full range of financial counseling & education services with a women-centered approach, responding to unique needs & perspectives, to help you reach your financial goals.  OnTrack WNC Offices, 50 French Broad Ave. Most classes are free, preregistration required. Call 828-2555166 to register. ontrackwnc.org

THE VILLAGE POTTER A range of classes for adults designed to welcome the beginner, welcome back the prodigal potter, guide a new enthusiast to the next steps and offer mentorship for those wanting to explore their skills and learn from a generous community of artists.  The Village Potter, 191 Lyman Street, #180. For current class offerings and to register call 828-253-2424 or visit thevillagepotters.com

CHAIR CANING WORKSHOPS The nation’s only chair caning school & museum is operated by Brandy Clements & Dave Klingler, who are on a mission to revive a “dying art.” Its an experiential education opportunity for all ages.

Classes range from from short 3 hour workshops to day-long, week-long, and 2-week intensives.

 Silver River Center for Chair Caning.

For complete class listings and more info visit silverriverchairs.com

FREEDOM FROM SMOKING SERIES Trained facilitators will lead discussions in this 7 week series (beginning August 15) to explore practical ways to handle urges, friends who continue to smoke, building healthier new habits, and other helpful tips. Quit Day is during week 4, with support and more helpful tips to follow. The series and materials are free but you must preregister. Sponsored by the Henderson County Health Department.  Hendersonville Library. To register call 694-6065 or email blevinson@ hendersoncountync.org

FOSTER PARENT TRAINING CLASSES Urgent! Foster families needed… for just a night, maybe a month or two, or you could become their forever family!

Whatever time you can commit, please join Henderson County DSS for their next Foster Parent Training Classes. All potential foster parents must attend a total of 7 classes. To qualify for Foster Parenting you must be able to pass a criminal background check, attend all required classes, pass fire & safety inspections of your home, and have adequate space for a child.  Wednesdays, Sept 27 - Nov 8. Hope United Methodist Church, East Flat Rock. If interested in making a difference in the life of a child, call 694-6252 or email: families4kids@ hendersoncountydss.org.

FARM BEGINNINGS® FARMER TRAINING Organic Growers School’s Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is entering its third year, having graduated 45 farmers in the last 2 years.

FBFT is a 12-month training that uses a mix of farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, tapping into the knowledge of the most innovative & skilled farmers in WNC. Now accepting applications.

Training starts October 15.  For more information and to apply, visit: organicgrowersschool.org/farmbeginnings

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS ONLINE: sophiemagazine.com/calendar Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 45

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Ferguson Family YMCA set to open Nov. 14 Community invited to join the Y for $1 Nov. 13-20 The Hominy Valley will get healthier in spirit, mind, and body when the Ferguson Family YMCA opens its doors at Westridge Marketplace in Candler on Nov. 14.

The new state-of-the-art facility includes a 20,000-square-foot wellness floor, exercise and group cycling studios, functional fitness area featuring CrossFit, community meeting space, and a child care center.

The Ferguson Family Y is hosting a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. and an open house on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community members will be able to tour the new facility, speak with staff, try CrossFit demos, and sign up to become a Y member.

To celebrate opening week, people can join the Y for just $1 from Nov. 13-20, with no enrollment fee and no payment until December. Membership includes access to all seven YMCA of WNC facilities. Charter memberships, which include special recognition and commemorative gifts, are now available online and at any YMCA of WNC location.

The Ferguson Family Y is also the home of Westridge CrossFit, available to all YMCA of WNC members for an additional program fee.

Deeply anchored in Western North Carolina, the YMCA has been developing lasting personal and social change in the community for more than 125 years. For more information, please visit ymcawnc.org.

46 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

«

COMMUNITY

WE KNOW THAT

MEN READ

SOPHIE Send a photo of your man reading Sophie to writer@sophiemagazine.com, and you may see your photo published in the magazine!

REAL MEN READ SOPHIE Meet Chisto Healy • Has lived in Candler for 15 years • His favorite thing about WNC is the art • Enjoys writing • Favorite movie: The Crow • Favorite book: Map of Time

• Works as a Manager, Artist, Musician, and Author

Meet Eduardo Palermo “Ed” • Moved to the area 7 years ago. Originally from Costa Rica.

• Owner of Rainbow Restoration and Cleaning • Hobbies include mountain biking, hiking, reading, and watching movies • Favorite color: blue • Favorite vacation destinations: Australia and Alaska • Favorite book: Crime & Punishment • Favorite food: seafood

»COMMUNITY Give yourself a shout out!

celebrates you

48 | Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

Send your accomplishments, achievements, recognitions, or business news to writer@sophiemagazine.com.

Include your full color photo, saved as high quality JPEG at 300 dpi.

Please limit the number of words to 35. Sophie reserves the right to edit content.

Rainbow International Restoration has named MARY PALERMO, CEO, as its Woman of the Year.

“What an honor and privilege it has been serving the Asheville community and surrounding areas for the past 3 1/2 years ... I strongly believe this goes to show with hard work, dedication, honesty, loyalty, and customer service you can accomplish anything you set your mind to!”

Park Ridge Health is excited to welcome CYNTHIA NOLAND, CNM, MSN to our award-winning Obstetrics & Gynecology team.

Noland has more than 25 years of experience caring for families in the Western North Carolina Communities of Clyde, Cullowhee, Sylva and beyond. After eight years of caring for mothers and babies as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, she decided to become a Certified Nurse Midwife.

Directors of Great Smoky Mountains Association welcome FRANCES FIGART as GSMA’s incoming interpretive products and services director. Figart has worked as a consultant in the tourism industry, creating content and devising strategies for brands in the United States, Canada and Central America.

The Western North Carolina Historical Association is pleased to announce the selection of the 62nd winner of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. This year the winner of the Award is JULLIA FRANKS for her novel Over the Plain Houses. In making the award the Selection Panel noted: Over the Plain Houses is a stunning debut novel set profoundly in depression-era Western North Carolina.

Sophie Classifieds Cars For Sale

Pets For Sale

2006 Porsche Cayenne. 98k miles. AWD. Excellent condition. Automatic. All power.

Leather. Heated seats. Tow hitch. Michelin tires. Excellent car, needs nothing. Must sell due to stroke. $11,900 OBO. 864-414-3798

Employment IMMEDIATE HIRE

Must have clean NC drivers license, no criminal record. Serious inquiries.

Start today. Mills River, day and night positions. Full positions available in Fletcher, 7 nights a week, 3 to 4 hours per night, great pay with experience.

Call Rhonda or apply online at cleanstreakinc.net. 828-891-8800

Real Estate BEAUTIFUL SPACIOUS HOME Reduced price, 4BD/4BA, plus 2 half baths.

Fantastic view, Reem's Creek Golf Course.

Living room has glass doors opening to newly tiled patio/ spacious deck. 2 stone fireplaces, library, wine cellar, huge office, rec room/ workshop, screened porch, 3 car garage. Approximately 6000 sqft $840,000 828-231-2284

0004975236

English Cocker pups, AKC. Litter by long time breeder of 30 years. Excellent temperament, good bones. Well socialized. Full health guarantees. $400 828202-5377

RV’s 2017 Forest River Forester MBS. Mercedes Benz Series. Diesel engine. One overnight trip. 1474 miles. Sleeps 4. Stove, oven, microwave and shower never used.

Selling due to illness. $86,000 oldfirefighter98@gmail.com 828-234-7952

Vacation Accommodations Moores Cabins NEW LOG CABINS! Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge area. Jacuzzi-Hot tubs and stone fireplaces. Porch rockers with gas grill! Fully furnished. Cable TV. On trout stream. $85 Nightly and up. www.moorecabins.com 423-487-5615

TO ADVERTISE call 828-274-2222 for details.

o DONATE YOUR CAR TO VETERANS TODAY! Help and Support our Veterans.

Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible.

Call 1-800-245-0398 o CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!! All make/ models, 2000-2015! Any condition. Running or not. Competitive offer! Free Towing! Were Nationwide! Call Now! 1-888416-2330 o AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified.

Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704 o OVER $10K IN DEBT? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay nothing to enroll.

Call National Debt Relief at 866-2430510 o DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details.

NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. 888-623-3036 or http://www.dental50plus.com/58 o OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-558-7482 o BATHE SAFELY and stay in the home you love with the #1 selling walk-in tub in North America. For an in-home appointment, call: 888-308-5610 o SENIOR LIVING referral service, A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest FREE, no obligation senior living referral service. Contact our trusted local experts today! 1-800-217-3942 o TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1-800-401-0440 o CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer. Nations Top Car Buyer! Free Towing From Anywhere! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960

o CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com o FINAL EXPENSE INSURANCE. No medical exams! Premiums never increase. Benefits never go down. Affordable monthly payments. Call for a free quote! 877-587-4169 o DISH NETWORK-SATELLITE TELEVISION SERVICES. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/mo! HBO-FREE for one year, FREE Installation, FREE Streaming, FREE HD. Add Internet for $14.95 a month. 1-800-718-1593 o NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 866-951-7214 o WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000 (1976-1982), Z1R, KZ 1000MK2 (1979,80), W1-650, H1-500 (1969-72), H2-750 (1972-1975), S1250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI-GS400, GT380, HONDA-CB750K (1969-1976), CBX1000 (1979,80) CASH!!

1-800-772-1142 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com o CRUISE VACATIONS – 3, 4, 5 or 7+ day cruises to the Caribbean and more.

Start planning your winter getaway or your next summer vacation. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess and many more. Great deals for all budgets and departure ports. To search for your next cruise vacation visit www.NCPtravel.com o SUPPORT our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need. For more information visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org

Reach over 20 million homes nationwide with one easy buy!

Only $1,795 per week for a 20 word classified! For more information go to www.naninetwork.com or contact Classified staff 828-274-2222 Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 49

PHOTO

FINISH

W

hile everyone else in the region was scrambling to find their solar eclipse viewing glasses, local fashion photographer Max Ganly and model Ginger Wilde were preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime photo shoot. The concept was simple: take the rare solar eclipse and combine it with their passion for fashion.

The two only had a few minutes to work when the eclipse hit totality, casting an eerie light across the region.

This shot of Ginger dressed in a handmade gown by local designer Charles Josef was captured during the eclipse’s 98% totality experienced in Asheville on August 21st, 2017.

MaxGanly.com MaxGanly@gmail.com Photographer: Max Ganly Model: Ginger Wilde Dress: Charles Josef 2 | Sophie JULY / AUGUST 2017

Sophie NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | 51