Grandsons

Walking for charity with my grandsons, age 3 and 10, was uniquely different, one from the other, but filled with pure joy! We made happy memories, while serving others. So, we walked.

Name: Be Brave ~Charity: Be the Match (organ donation) ~Miles: 13.1

Name: Smile Every Mile ~ Charity: Smiley World (cleft lip and palate surgery) ~ Miles: 10.1

Book Clubs

JCP featured this article about book clubs in their January/ February online edition of Tapestry Journal and highlighted my bookmark! I would love to be your guest and share my walking and writing journey with you!

Scan the QR code for my website and send me an email! aubrieabernethyauthor@gmail.com

Molly

My ever-present partner on many walks was our 14-year-old Cavachon, Molly. She excitedly greeted everyone we met with great enthusiasm. She, indeed, is WOMAN’S BEST friend!

Roan Mountain is in my DNA

Long before I hiked the trails of Roan Mountain, my maternal grandparents (top left of photo) camped on Roan Mountain.  This was during the 1890s and at the same time John Muir, premier botanist, was exploring the Roan.  I wonder if their paths ever crossed!

The trail to Round Bald is surrounded by brilliant goldenrod in fall, and the glorious leaves on the trees make a visit well worth your time.

My father, Alfred H. Abernethy was asked to design the mountain cabins in the Park during the mid-century. He was a conscientious steward of the land and trees, making sure to nestle the cabins in the forest with the least impact.

So, you see, Roan Mountain is in my DNA.  

Peacemaking Sunday Event

The support of my church family throughout my walking challenge was a constant source of encouragement. They were some of my greatest cheerleaders!

Jeremiah Cafe, Johnson City, TN

Jeremiah Cafe invited me to share my story. It is always a delight to chat with others who love books and want to hear what motivates authors to put thoughts to paper. The Cafe’s welcome was warm and inviting, making for great conversations, while enjoying their delicious lunch!

Seaside Settings

As a child, seaside locations, mostly in South Carolina , were filled with days of family fun, sandcastles, hermit crabs and just hangin’ out with my three brothers and parents. As I became an adult, in addition to the South Carolina shore, the lazy days of enjoying the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica created headspace for pondering what was then and what was to come in the future. As I intentionally embarked on my 1000 mile walking challenge, the salty air and balmy days encouraged me to go deeper as I contemplated the next passage of my life…So, I walked.

Little Stone Cottage with Green Siding

Like an old friend, the little stone cottage with green siding greeted me as I walked passed it on my many miles of neighborhood adventures. Constructed in 1932, I imagined the stories this quaint dwelling, with its wormwood walls, and large stone fireplace, could tell!

The Incredible Fringe Tree

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As spring arrived, this remarkable Fringe tree filled the air with the most intoxicating fragrance one could imagine. Talk about being transported to a place of bliss and contentment, this beauty offered an amazing daily reverie.

The Monarch Butterfly’s Existence Depends on All of Us

The iconic Monarch Butterfly is an amazing insect, traveling 2000+ miles during its annual migration! The decline has been staggering…especially during the 2024 heatwaves and droughts in their northern grounds. In addition, butterflies are disappearing because of insecticides, climate change and habitat loss, with the numbers of our winged beauties down from 6 hectares in 1990s to .9 hectares in 2024. In 2025 the monarch butterfly population nearly doubled to 1.79 hectares in Mexico’s oyamel fir forest, where the monarchs overwinter. This is heartening news!

What can YOU do? Plant milkweeds, plant nectar sources (zinnias, marigolds, any native flowering plants), do not use insecticides or herbicides, create a space for these beautiful creatures to find suitable for gathering to sip nectar, rest on lay eggs on Common Milkweed!

THOUGHTS

The horizons were far and wide, but when all was said and done…I had found Peace in the Promise I made to myself.