Count me among the many grieving Andrea Elizabeth Clarke, who died on October 29, 2025 at the age of 80. She was a singular force, creative and hilarious, generous and mischievous. Her talents were myriad. She accomplished much over her … Continue reading Homage to Andrea Clarke
Here we are, a year since Hurricane Helene hit us. There were many events to mark the date, including “Whether the Weather,” presented by Temple of Seaweed at Story Parlor, which I had the honor co-curating with Heather Laine Talley. … Continue reading Changed by the rain
Love to you in all of the loss you are holding. Gratitude for every act of compassion and repair amidst such intense despair. I’ve been in the ebb and flow of grief and community care, tending as I can. My … Continue reading Fallen and Future Trees
Both of my parents died in December 2023. Our dog Maxwell died last Spring. Our friend Chris Jones died in April of this year. And Odell Irby died on June 4, my dad’s birthday. Beyond these personal losses are those … Continue reading Ode to Odell
“me oh my, how the time does fly | time and the river keep a rollin’ on by” That phrase of a refrain by John Hartford has flowed in and out of my mind for decades. Just last week I … Continue reading Time and the River
These are days of delights. There is nothing like Spring awe, the soul stirring of birdsong and blooms. Amidst sad and scary news the trillium unfold, holy and hopeful. As I witness this wonder, I ponder my own unfolding. June … Continue reading Transmutation
Everything I write is about me. My choices around what stories to study and share are informed by my connection to them. Yes, everything is interconnected. I embrace that truth, while exploring the specifics which expose my position in systems … Continue reading Keeping myself in the story
The onset of the pandemic and quarantine in 2020 inspired a deeper awareness of my relationship with my neighborhood, leading me to extensively research its history. On the land of the Anigiduwagi (Cherokee) is Asheville’s census tracts 2 and 3, … Continue reading Numbers vs. narratives
Recently I was returned to a felt sense of my own oppression. Through intentional choices and good fortune, I’ve finally been able to shape my life so the majority of my interactions are with people I trust. Connecting with an … Continue reading my own oppression
When I last wrote, it was wonderings on water. Today, I am examining earth; specifically the patch of soil upon which I live. The rooted love I feel here. My spirit holds so many stories of this place, stories I’ve … Continue reading Montford & Stumptown Stories
Ami Worthen 