Tabby Brooke Gilbert

Tabby Brooke Gilbert, Professional Model; Maryville, Tennessee:

“What I find so beautiful about the mountains I've called home for so long is how it has become seemingly impossible for me to leave them. I just have that mountain blood. Every time I move, no matter the location (Madison Heights, Michigan to High Point, NC), I can never stay away for long. I've now been living in Knoxville, Tennessee for 2 years and continuously catch myself daydreaming of home. I always move with the hope for "bigger and better" things but what could be greater than the breathtaking views from High Knob OR the peace I find at Little Stoney Falls OR the kindness in the eyes of every one in the community. I will forever be proud of where I came from.”

Judy Carmichael, Artist and Writer:

Judy Carmichael, Artist and Writer, Raised Four Daughters in the Mountains; Abingdon, Virginia:

"I just returned home from a week in the desert southwest, where I spent the first 22 years of my life. I'm 50 now, and it was dear to go back, touch base with people and places and a culture I love.

But Appalachia IS my home now. It is where I feel at peace. And if I could get one message out to the stereotyping world, it would be that most people don't know us. They don't know how fine the people are, how thinking and caring. How unexpected. How much you can count on your neighbors. The rural, volunteer fire and rescue squad next door is my favorite example. Every time the sirens fire up, I look outside and give thanks for the whole bunches of trained volunteers who drop everything they're doing and run straight for their neighbors who need help. It's especially brave. They're probably going to know the person in the car accident or a house that's on fire.

Anyway, I got home last week and flopped right down in the grass to take in a beautiful, green perfume."