Hey {{contact.first_name}},

Where is that happy place where the world around you stops?

Maybe it's a special mountain spot nestled in the woods, your grandma's rolling grass in her backyard you used to logroll down, or when you're hugged by that favorite aunt who always makes you feel like you are full of magic.

It's that feeling where you wonder "what was I so worried about anyway? I got this."

You're not only whole and complete, but you actually feel whole and complete. And present.

Close your eyes right now and imagine you are in that place. Take a deep breath - and feel yourself there.

No, I'm serious. Do it right now. (I see you skimming through this 👀 Trust me, you'll see a difference )

This has been a really heavy week in our world.

I find myself seeking out more news on the catastrophes that are happening all over the world (what! What am i doing? Do you do this?).

For me, that magical place where time stops has always been Asheville, NC.

A beautiful, charming, artsy, creative, lively music-filled proud small town in the Western hills of North Carolina including the surrounding areas that were completely devastated by Hurricane Helene.

And as always when the worst of life happens, the best of life emerges.

Neighbors and the community are jumping in and quite literally keeping each other afloat (you need to see this).

Asheville has always over-delivered every time I've gone.It's restorative to the soul. It's slower and richer and kinder.

I always described it as the air feels different up there.

I feel different. More calm and at peace. More myself.

There is magic around every corner in those mountains. Some of the best stories of my life were unexpectedly written there.

Home to the beloved Biltmore Estates (got engaged there, babymoon, mom's bucket list trip before she passed, sooo much more) and Element Tree Essentials (LOTION candles!!! So good), French Broad Chocolates (buy some - it will help their business stay open), Spicer Greene (my moon necklace!) and Antheya Tea's and a zillion others.

Anyway, may God help restore the lives and magic of the town.

And may you experience your own magic like I feel there as you feel in your own body right now.

And in more awkward and possibly tone-deaf transitions, Late Learner Podcast is taking a hard left turn in this week's episode.

I did my first cultural deep dive on Demi Moore's new controversial and utterly SHOCKING new movie, The Substance.

I literally had to wait a full 48 hours for my stomach to stop turning to record this because...

a) I had to get past the gore to get to the plot and needed to binge watch interviews and Reddits (ugh! Why don't I get it during the movie???)

b) It has a powerfully graphic, yet simple message about aging, beauty standards, patriarchal society, and our war within ourselves.

No spoilers. But I got opinions!

Did you see it yet? Will you go??? If you've seen the movie, hit reply and let me know your thoughts!

Go and listen, ya hear? OR WATCH HERE if you're into that more. Oh, and I love you!

xo 💖 ,
Allison

PS. If you are looking to help the Hurricane Helene relief, please make sure you only contribute to reputable organizations like: NC.Gov American Red Cross (donating blood 🩸 will help, too), Manna Food Bank of Asheville, Direct Relief, Salvation Army, United Way, World Central Kitchen. (lots of scammers flock to random GoFundMe's during natural disasters so steer clear)

PPS. A better moment in the NC mountains.

PPPS. Shana Tova to my Jewish friends celebrating Rosh Hoshanna today!