When It All Came Tumbling Down

This was the first morning since Helene that my husband and I sat down to review our weekly calendar. There’s enough routine now and reliable utilities to  plan our work hours, schedule zooms, coordinate playdates for our kids, and even add something social or fun on top of it all. That’s not to say things are back to normal. We still drive over a dozen downed power lines to get to our house; the water coming out of our faucet isn’t safe for drinking and stings your eyes in the shower, WIFI is intermittent, school is still out, and we are still hearing heartbreaking stories from friends in different corners of WNC. But the framework of daily life is slowly being put back together.

I’m not sure if it was from the boredom of being at home or perhaps just being ready for a change, but this past week our son with the long golden locks decided it was time for a fresh new ‘do’. My husband went to work with his clippers and when it was all over we could better see our son’s freckled face. And the grandparents rejoiced. This past weekend, my mom even “rewarded” Gus for his haircut with a trip to our favorite gem mine in Hendersonville.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Jennifer Pharr Davis.

Jennifer Pharr Davis: When It All Came Tumbling Down

Silhouette of a hiker with a backpack next to the text Jennifer Pharr Davis The Trailblazer.
Silhouette of a hiker with a backpack next to the text Jennifer Pharr Davis The Trailblazer.

When It All Came Tumbling Down

This was the first morning since Helene that my husband and I sat down to review our weekly calendar. There’s enough routine now and reliable utilities to  plan our work hours, schedule zooms, coordinate playdates for our kids, and even add something social or fun on top of it all. That’s not to say things are back to normal. We still drive over a dozen downed power lines to get to our house; the water coming out of our faucet isn’t safe for drinking and stings your eyes in the shower, WIFI is intermittent, school is still out, and we are still hearing heartbreaking stories from friends in different corners of WNC. But the framework of daily life is slowly being put back together.

I’m not sure if it was from the boredom of being at home or perhaps just being ready for a change, but this past week our son with the long golden locks decided it was time for a fresh new ‘do’. My husband went to work with his clippers and when it was all over we could better see our son’s freckled face. And the grandparents rejoiced. This past weekend, my mom even “rewarded” Gus for his haircut with a trip to our favorite gem mine in Hendersonville.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Jennifer Pharr Davis.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Hiker, Speaker, Author
Jennifer Pharr Davis
Jennifer Pharr Davis is an internationally recognized adventurer, speaker, author, and entrepreneur who has hiked more than 14,000 miles of trails on six different continents.
Media Mentions

Jennifer Pharr Davis: When It All Came Tumbling Down

Silhouette of a hiker with a backpack next to the text Jennifer Pharr Davis The Trailblazer.
Silhouette of a hiker with a backpack next to the text Jennifer Pharr Davis The Trailblazer.

When It All Came Tumbling Down

This was the first morning since Helene that my husband and I sat down to review our weekly calendar. There’s enough routine now and reliable utilities to  plan our work hours, schedule zooms, coordinate playdates for our kids, and even add something social or fun on top of it all. That’s not to say things are back to normal. We still drive over a dozen downed power lines to get to our house; the water coming out of our faucet isn’t safe for drinking and stings your eyes in the shower, WIFI is intermittent, school is still out, and we are still hearing heartbreaking stories from friends in different corners of WNC. But the framework of daily life is slowly being put back together.

I’m not sure if it was from the boredom of being at home or perhaps just being ready for a change, but this past week our son with the long golden locks decided it was time for a fresh new ‘do’. My husband went to work with his clippers and when it was all over we could better see our son’s freckled face. And the grandparents rejoiced. This past weekend, my mom even “rewarded” Gus for his haircut with a trip to our favorite gem mine in Hendersonville.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Jennifer Pharr Davis.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Hiker, Speaker, Author
Jennifer Pharr Davis
Jennifer Pharr Davis is an internationally recognized adventurer, speaker, author, and entrepreneur who has hiked more than 14,000 miles of trails on six different continents.
Media Mentions
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer

Recent mentions

Close-up of a small tick crawling on the edge of a textured green leaf.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
MSN: Warmer Winter Could Lead To An Increase In Ticks
As more Northern Nevadans head outdoors this spring and summer, experts say hikers should be aware of a small pest that can cause big problems — ticks.
View post
Close-up of a small tick crawling on beige fabric outdoors with blurred green and brown background.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Yahoo! Health: How To Protect Yourself From Ticks This Season, According To Experts
What experts say you should do before — and after — heading outdoors.
View post
Couple sitting on floor behind laid out backpacks and organized camping and hiking gear.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
The Trek: Going Gaga Over Gear
Your life in a backpack? Yes, it’s possible.
View post
Various insect repellent products on a wooden shelf including sprays, lotion, and citronella candle.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
REI: How to Choose Insect Repellent
Find the right bug spray for you based on the active ingredient, concentration and application type.
View post
Spray bottle of Ranger Ready insect repellent with 20% Picaridin for long-lasting protection.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Fox 2 News: Mosquito Repellents That Actually Work
Summer is almost here and that means mosquitoes.
View post
Muddy ground with animal and tire tracks and a single green leaf near the bottom center.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Upland Almanac: Average Joe
That deep desire to get outside after a long, cold winter is what elevates turkey hunting here in the Northeast to a premier pursuit.
View post
A small black sprinkler head in the middle of a green backyard lawn with plants blurred in foreground.
Media Mentions
May 29, 2026
AOL: Keeping Summer Pests At Bay: Tips To Protect Your Home
As the summer season returns, uninvited guests make their way into our homes.
View post
Backpacker seated on a log drinking from a water bladder in a grassy field with pine trees behind.
Media Mentions
May 28, 2026
Backpacker: RIP To These Bygone Backpacking Trends
Take a hike down memory lane to celebrate the gear and fads that got backpacking to where it is today.
View post