As I am sure you all have probably heard by now - we are the happiest place in America....
(Take that Mickey frickin' Mouse)

This is the link to the entire ABC 20/20 article which sites NPR's Eric Weiner's new book "The Geography of Bliss."

I would like to quote the paragraphs towards the end of the article that reference Asheville:


    "But all this talk about happiness raises a question: Where is the happiest place in America? In his new book, "The Geography of Bliss," Eric Weiner also explored the happiest spots on the globe and using the lessons learned, set out to find the happiest place in America.

    He settled on Asheville, N.C. "You've got mountains, beautiful mountains all around," he explained. "You have a tremendous, thriving, artistic community. You have cafes everywhere, every other shop is a coffee shop or a bookstore."

    But more importantly, he said, "You have a really strong sense of community here. And if I've learned anything from researching this book, it's that other people matter. There's no such thing as personal happiness, your happiness is part and parcel of those around you."

    Community — that's the key. Community is why happiness can be found along with the high taxes in Denmark, the harsh rules in Singapore and the crushing poverty in India. One study found that the people living on the streets of Calcutta are happier that those in California. The homeless in Fresno may have more access to food and shelter, but what have the "houseless" in Bombay got? They have each other."


And there you have it folks -

We're happy.
...Right?

To be honest I am happy in many aspects in my life.
Asheville is a marvelous city, beautiful surroundings, a hot-bed of culture, and overall an intelligent population conscientious of their actions. This city sparkles in creativity and talent, and by all means has the power to ignite. I can testify that Asheville has a dynamic community based in wholesome ideals.

But I am also unhappy and frustrated about many aspects in my life.
Asheville is growing by the second, but how are we holding developers accountable? Where is this current path taking our future? Are we really creating a sustainable city, or just a tourist destination where the serving class caters to the trendy affluent? This is a city that is beloved to all who come here - if that weren't the case so many people would not be attracted to moving and visiting so often. I don't mind in the least if Asheville grows and becomes a city vested in future generations - but I do mind if all we are attracting is million dollar second homes to people who have no sincerity to our community and just drive up land costs, keeping our future generations of artists, freaks, spiritualists, thinkers, ponderers, innovators, creators, and whatnots from being able to buy homes and build families here.

So does that mean more unhappy people are going to come here looking for wholesomeness? We are unable to deny anyone their right to pursue personal happiness, but do we get a say in how our community and city grow and expand?
I guess that is my query to you all -

And if you feel like answering in a public forum to be shared amongst the city, maybe you'll consider participating in my photo documentary project: Faces of Asheville - A Portrait Documentary Project
Celebrate you're individuality within the community.
I could certainly use a few more sign-ups...

And if you're shy, no worries - your answers are still just as valid here