New Year...New Plan

I am looking forward to 2010.  This is the 13th year that the Highlander has been on-line.   I can still remember the frustration we had as we designed the first site.  The limitations drove us up the wall.  Now 13 years later, there are still limitations but we are light years away from the beginning so it is time to make changes.

We are in the process of making changes and as the year goes on one by one we will implement them.

Love to hear your input as to what you would like to find on the Highlander, feel free to email me at publishers@theblueridgehighlander.com

In the Name of Love....

Christmas is nearly upon us and 2010 is just around the corner. Being an eternal optimist I always know that there is hope and have plans to work hard towards a new beginning in 2010.

We have gone through many trying times in our life, and one thing I always remember is that when it changes for the better, it happens in an instant. One minute our needs are staring us in the face and through the Grace of God we are sent an answer to our prayers. So for those of you that need an answer, keep believing in the Christmas Miracle.

Now on to this year's Christmas Story, we have to say, we weren't sure what to write, and as usual it just started flowing in. We truly hope this story touches all those that need an encouraging message.

To embrace the true meaning of Christmas you must embrace pure unconditional love itself.  Although, the nature of unconditional love and its purpose often confounds the logical mind.

As mere mortal beings, we did not create love instead we are the product of love's good intention. We all strive to be embraced with the warm and nurturing qualities of love, yet often it eludes us....read on...

If you didn't get to read last year's Holiday Tale, it is still very pertinent for the coming year..."There is light at the end of the tunnel" a cliche, but one with meaning, and something we do believe....read on....and gain your own sense of Hope, Faith and the Light at the end of the Tunnel.

Featured Event...

Christmas for the Kids at John C. Campbell Folk School

December 19, 2009 • 1-3 pm • Free

Each year John C. Campbell Folk puts on a Christmas party for children, free for all. Music, Dancing, Games, refreshments and Santa. If you are looking for a great event for the kids, this is it.

Wander through all the Highlander's Collection of Christmas Tales, from A Merry...Humble Mountain Christmas to Christmas at the Biltmore, Gingerbread Houses at the Grove Park Inn and others...

Looking for Christmas Events....

Check out our Event Calendar for other Holiday Events throughout the mountains.

Christmas is in the Air in the Mountains

It is hard to believe this year is almost over. I for one would like to finish this year off with as much fun, happiness and good cheer as I can find.

Today we went to an open house at Doyle's Cedar Hill in Murphy, great food, great people, way to do it Jeremiah.

We would like to recommend three very special holiday events coming up this weekend.  All will put a smile on your face, and a glow in your heart.

Not to mention the Fireside sale can put really great presents under your Christmas tree.

Come Enjoy...Mrs. Highlander

 Santa on the Chimney  • December 5th & 12th • 11 am to 2 pm

Where does Santa go to practice for his journey on Christmas Eve...Santa practices on a 315-ft. Chimney Rock before climbing down millions of much shorter chimneys all around the world. We experienced it for ourselves, read the Highlander's take on this event, it is guaranteed to make you laugh.

Fort Loudoun 18th Century Christmas at the Fort  • December 5th 9:45 am to 6:00 pm

Travel back in time for an Authentic 18th Century Christmas. The daily schedule includes a Christmas church service, wassail tasting and a special candlelight tour of the fort. On this special occasion, the soldiers will perform a rare night time firing of the fort’s cannon. Another Highlander Tale...a must read.

John C. Campbell Folk School Fireside Sale • December 6th • 10 am - 5 pm

Enjoy the ambiance of live music and a crackling fire as you shop for artful treasures. Craftspeople will offer handmade items such as jewelry, weaving, forged iron, photography, quilts and turned wood. You're sure to find special, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts here!

We are in production of our 2009 Christmas Tale, in the meanwhile take a little time to wander through the Highlander's Collection of Christmas Tales, from A Merry...Humble Mountain Christmas to Christmas at the Biltmore, Gingerbread Houses at the Grove Park Inn and others...

Looking for other Events....Check out our Event Calendar for other Holiday Events throughout the mountains.

Spend the Holidays in the Mountains....you know you want to!

Thankful for our Forests

“In the year of 2008 CE, the United States experienced 8,856 wildfires burning 1,862,477-acres that were caused by an Act of Nature or natural order attributed to lightning strikes. Also in 2008 there were 70,093 wildfires caused by human activities burning 3,429,991-acres throughout the intercontinental US.  An amazing fact to consider is that 58% of human caused wildfires and 58% of acres burned from human caused fires were located in the South and Southeastern United States.”

Growing up I remember three great symbols that represented the spirit of the United States of America. The majestic bald eagle descending from the heavens with wings pulled back, head looking downward and talons spread wide open. Then there was that intimidating portrait of Uncle Sam in his big top hat and clothing styled after the colors of our nation’s flag, along with that commanding finger of his pointing directly at me I thought declaring “Uncle Sam Wants You.” “Wants Me,” I was just a little guy at the time, being a semi-dedicated Boy Scout was more than I could handle, my scoutmaster and Uncle Sam were both stern and demanding leaders and acted as though they both had the same mother, a woman I didn’t necessarily want to meet. Then there was that loveable Smokey Bear with his kind eyes, adorable smile and gentle demeanor. His low fatherly voice bellowed from the TV screen in those early days of television declaring that, “Only You (I) can prevent forest fires.” This was quite another tall order for a little guy who grew up in “the” major mid-western city. I took my orders from Smokey very seriously considering there were only three sizable trees on the property of the apartment building where my family lived...read on...