Deborah (kind yet stimulating) met me (a dusty, bedraggled traveler) at the door and so began three days of utter bliss. It is hard to believe that Deborah’s oasis – this haven of natural beauty – is so near the heart of downtown Asheville, but it is. My room was absolute perfection: peaceful, clean, restful, simply beautiful. The walls and furniture the color of the sea, sheer curtains that created the most serene and lovely light. The clean, white linens tied with a light green ribbon. A gorgeous bureau had four empty drawers that easily housed my possessions. I fell onto the wonderfully comfortable bed with freshly scented white sheets and had a heavenly sleep. After awakening to the sound of birds, I showered in the lovely bathroom, natural soaps provided. Deborah made an absolutely delicious cup of coffee in her perfectly organized, charming kitchen and sat with me at her table. A long-time resident of Asheville, her fine sensibilities, grace, sensitivity and generosity of spirit make her the consummate host. Deborah has an obvious reverence for her cottage, maintaining the integrity of its history and honoring its beauty. I was then given free reign in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been – her back yard. Ancient trees, lush green all about, flowering bushes, bamboo, and a stream that extends the entire length of her property. The sound of a hawk. Cicadas. All manner of flora and fauna. Each morning I spent a good hour intoxicated by the beauty of her land. Two comfortable wooden garden chairs and a table beside the stream for writing, solitude or conversation. There is another dimension to the beauty Deborah provides her guests: her extraordinary work. I have met many artists in my life but never anyone of Deborah’s emotional depth and reverence for Nature – a truly dedicated and accomplished painter. Her paintings surrounded me during my stay – a continual feast for the eyes and for the spirit. Rarest of all, Deborah is not an ego-driven artist but one who cares about her fellow man (and, of course, that extends to her guests). Anyone who enters her home is fortunate indeed. Thank you, Deborah.