devastated. (

Hurricane Helene has devastated my town and brought me an unexpected and very sad farewell. While my bookstore will likely not continue, many other businesses and residents in Marshall hope to rebuild. Support the town through local Gofundmes and organizations:
This will be distributed to all the businesses downtown through the Downtown Marshall Association.
www.gofundme.c...
This is a Gofundme to help the employees of restaurants etc. who rely on tips. We love them and know that tip-based workers don't usually have a lot of financial resources stored up.
www.gofundme.c...
CHC, the Community Housing Coalition, is a local group that does excellent work helping citizens in need with home repairs and I'm sure they will be very busy!
chcmadisoncoun...
Beacon of Hope is a local group that does amazing work getting food to people in need.
bohmarshall.or...
Thank you so much, friends.
Support the channel:
Patreon: patreon.com/use...
Substack: lidiyafoxglove...
Instagram: / lidiyafoxglove
Read my books! Thank you so much!!
Amazon author page: www.amazon.com...
(also available on Apple, Google, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other retailers and libraries)
I recommend starting with a book set in my main fantasy world:
The Sorcerer's Concubine: books2read.com/...
Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy: books2read.com/...
The Broken Queen: www.amazon.com...
Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@blallydally]

"only the vampires remember that one" Your humor shines through even through this. I'm so sorry you're going through this

[@rishalotter7129]

I am so sorry for you and your town's losses. You are not useless at all! Storytellers are how we remember, how we rebuild, how we learn.

[@WilliamBilsters]

It's unfortunate about the bookstore and the whole town in general, but I'm just glad everyone is safe. Take all the time you need. We'll always be here waiting. ❤

[@celisewillis]

It's totally understandable if you need to take a KZbin break, or at least publish videos with a little less production time, we'll understand ❤

[@constancecampbell4610]

Thank you, Lydia. I hope talking about this helps lessen the trauma. If anyone qualified offers EMDR, say yes right away! Love you. 💕🙏🏻

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

It does help. It really does.

[@constancecampbell4610]

@@lidiyafoxgloveauthor 🤗

[@benmulvey2704]

Don't put yourself down! Writers are the people who imagine different futures; their gift is one of leadership, by being able to give people hope. It also means you are gifted with communication skills, something your community is going to need a lot of from now on as it rebuilds. You are an important link for them to the wider world. We are all in this together on planet Earth when it comes to dealing with the climate emergency.

[@ACanuckinAlabama]

So glad you have checked in with us! ❤

[@intothemystic3374]

Recording the towns historical flood and sharing people's personal stories is important for future generations. Sounds like you're the perfect fit for it. Bright blessings, soothing vibes to you, Marshall and all of the beloved mountain communities ✨🌈💖

[@winterlark3986]

I’m so sorry for your loss and pain. Your bookstore says it all. I’m glad you are safe. So much love to you. Stay strong.❤

[@smeastwest]

What a devastating experience. My county suffered a large wildfire a couple years ago, and there were about 1,000 homes that have burnt to the ground, and in some cases entire neighborhoods demolished. It's a terrible trauma, and the only thing that helps (assuming anything helps at all) is helping each other out. What a wonderful town of people you have.

[@ruralangwin]

Just reading your comment of western wildfires brings me to tears. It's a tough world we now live in.

[@reginaduke7451]

Don't feel useless. You touched so many people and helped us understand how devastating this catastrophe has been. Sending you hugs and love.

[@katiereed5038]

Your community sounds so beautiful. Thank you for telling the stories.

[@mc1304]

Writers observe and record and that is profoundly important. Don't underestimate your ability to heal others through words.

[@willowingwhispers2612]

It is 100% okay if you need or want to take a break from YT. You may not have it as bad as others, but you've still been through something traumatic. You need time to breathe and gather yourself. Breakdowns and crying sessions are normal in your situation. Take things one day at a time; if you need to step away or pull back from something for a little while, that's perfectly fine. Try not to be hard on yourself for anything, certainly not for how you feel.

[@katendress6142]

Long-distance hugs from California.

[@LedgerAndLace]

It's the creatives who can tell the stories and preserve history with their art. It's the creatives who inspire and uplift others in despair. We all come into this world with gifts. Not everyone is born to hold a shovel or build things, just like not everyone is a visionary or artist. Some people are going to do the very physica work of clean-up. Some people are there to feed them. Some people are there to provide comfort and support and healing. All of it happens in different stages and requires different skills. For people thinking that this hurricane was far away and they weren't affected by it, you have just shared your very personal story. I can't imagine that anyone listening to you could get through this without feeling a deeper sense of empathy and connection to a community we're not a part of. When you felt helpless and though you couldn't do anything to contribute, you made this heartfelt video. That IS doing something and contributing. ♥

[@kristycherry3356]

I saw a post where someone had put flowers in a jar and hung a shopping bag with something on the door. You might have a book you could share with someone. Sometimes in horrible times simple things can make a difference.

[@aggierowe9574]

Beautifully stated.

[@heidischmid5947]

I’m so sorry for everything you and your town are going through. I just donated to the first gofundme. You are not useless!!!! ❤❤❤❤. Your videos have given me so much comfort. Thank you so much! 😊

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

Oh thank you so much!! I'm so appreciative!

[@iko5220]

I am so sorry you and your community have to go through this, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@warcraftaddict117]

Hey there (Eric's wife here) When/as you rebuild, I am more than happy to donate or gift a few copies of my own published book as an author. I love local bookstores. Happy to help support and spread the word if you want. I know a lot of and have a large network of artist and writers. Happy to tell everyone I know. Support, encouragement, strength and prayers from Texas.

[@thesincitymama]

Thank you for telling this story now and already making it part of the public historic record. We can’t imagine what your community has been through, and we all must begin to understand.

[@ElaineFoster101]

So glad that you're alive. And so sorry your world was rocked so hard. I'll be thinking of you every time I see a report of the flood. Love from Elaine in Colorado

[@curiousandcreativewithwand8515]

Oh Sweetheart, I'm so sorry you and your community are going through this horrible time. I want to remind you that being a writer IS valuable. A lack of writers is why no one knows what exactly happened in the 1916 flood. History is written by writers big and small. You are very valuable, don't doubt that. ❤

[@q_estionall7424]

I think you DO need to record the story of recovery. What a treasure that IS to your town!

[@OverTheSevenSeas]

So glad to see you. Hang in there. Xxx

[@Broodybeans]

I am so glad that you are ok and wish you well in healing those invisible wounds that this disaster has no doubt created. When I imagine what has happened and how it must feel I am overwhelmed instantly. Being one of those practical people with skills (thanks to 12 years in girl guides) I have to remind you that we desperately need creatives like you to provide escape and distraction, especially in times like these. Reality at times can be crushing. Big hugs

[@StarShine100-e7g]

I know you. I was in your bookstore a few months ago. I'm glad you're ok. We have our hands full here in East TN, but I know help is coming to Marshall from this direction.

[@dls9437]

I'm glad you are safe and your home was spared, but I know your heart is broken. Thank you for posting and sharing info about Marshall and its wonderful people. External things are changed now, but the spirit remains. Love from Middle Tennessee.

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

You're very right. I love this town more than ever. The people are what make it the most special of all. But it'll be hard to look at where the bookstore was if it can't come back.

[@dls9437]

@@lidiyafoxgloveauthor If it helps at all, I am now picturing you sitting in a bookstore, happy and smiling. May it soon come to pass.

[@billyalarie929]

@@lidiyafoxgloveauthorI’m not a praying sort but I’ll figure something out that is equivalent to that. Either way you’re in my thoughts. I’ll keep you in there.

[@unstopitable]

"Everything was river." I know that feeling, especially that sound of unstoppable water. It puts the entire universe in a whole new perspective. Thank God you're all right. It's almost unheard of that a storm system like that should makes its way that far inland and stay so strong. Usually, they just hug the coastline and then come in. It's almost as if there were a bullseye painted on Asheville. Scary.

[@chillbaby5000]

I tried a practical career bc of the same sentiments. I wanted to be of use, but bc I was not made for it, I permanently hurt my body and my mental health collapsed. It took me 8 to 10 years to reintegrate gently back into society. We are all made to do what we are made to do.✌️

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

It's true. It's too bad I can't volunteer to help staff the grocery store, now that I could do, but that isn't really a thing you can just pop in for!

[@annehedonia156]

Were you a nurse like me?

[@camille4021]

Oh sweetheart, that town is lucky to have your spirit there.

[@SamanthaPajor]

Thank you so, so much for sharing. Your storytelling makes a difference. 💚

[@RichardSpenceSSM]

Be well ❤

[@Alex_0823]

Big hugs ❤

[@notdeadyet-creative]

You are doing your part to help by using your platform to share the story of your town. I have donated to 2 of the places you listed.

[@carolbenavidez2228]

I was sooo worried about you!! Thank you for the update. I'm glad you and your home are fine. I'm sorry to hear about all the devastation. What a blessing that you have such a caring community which will offer a great start to rebuilding your lives. 🙏🏼❤

[@sirenxoxo3]

I cried watching this😢. I'm so sorry about the bookstore. Sending a virtual hug. I hope things get better.

[@lucy14981]

😢I am so sorry. That has to be so difficult to see so much destroyed, esp. At the bookstore.

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

Very hard to see it all ruined. 😢 I, and especially Jamey, put so much work and care into it.

[@billyalarie929]

I gasped when the bookstore’s fate was mentioned.

[@kadethomasphotography5800]

You did a great job explaining the situation here. I’m sorry about your book store. You obviously really loved that place. That’s a big loss. I’m glad you have water, power, and communication now. I also get panic attacks. During the storm and for days after I just kept trying my best to keep it together and do what I could. It’s like a bomb was dropped on Asheville. Everything is messed up. It’s just so noisy and chaotic now. Everything Asheville isn’t. Thank you for the video.

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

I'm sure a lot of us are struggling with mental health right now. It does feel like a war zone, at least it did at first, but at least there are a lot of helpers.

[@hartlinerealm2015]

You are a beautiful woman. I am glad he is safe. I really appreciate your human story.

[@123gorainy]

My heart and prayers go out to you and your family and friends. I am so sorry for your troubles and loss.

[@mikel2044]

My first time on your channel. Your description of your town, local people, current conditions, concerns and sense of loss was touching. You are helping others by sharing your insightful assessment of your life now. That is hard work…job we’ll done.

[@9FatraBbits]

Your town sounds wonderful and full of wonderful folks! I hope you can all recover and help each other. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@billyalarie929]

Oh hey fellow native Floridian here! *feels the air deflate*

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

LOL...it's something I hate to admit sometimes...poor Florida

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

@@lidiyafoxgloveauthorI moved to WNC from Florida too, started pretending I was from somewhere else after I heard the word “floridiot” 😂

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

@@Pluralofvinylisvinyls I swear half the people we know here lived in Florida. One of our friends here worked at the Barnes and Noble where I had my first author event! I'm sure I must have gotten coffee from him years ago! But it is for sure a good way to get a glare from a long time resident sometimes 😂

[@victoriaarico2753]

Thank you for updating us. I'm so glad you are okay. Your community sounds like a wonderful group of people and my heart goes out to them. About feeling like being a writer is not "useful"... every profession has its time to shine. Your profession is a wonderful one, and you are excellent at it. Best wishes to you... and your next bookstore. I wouldn't be surprised if you find yourself owning one.

[@phoebs987]

Glad to see you’re alright despite everything! I’m really sorry to hear about your town and bookstore, I hope things get back to normal and you can find a part-time job just as fulfilling. Take care! ❤

[@hmadrone]

Oh, Lidiya, your description of your town right now brings me back to our local disasters (huge flood in '82, major earthquake in '89, CZU lightning complex in 2000, and big atmospheric river wind and rain storms every 5-10 years). I'm in the Santa Cruz mountains in California, and every single disaster brings out the best in our community. We look after our neighbors. We roll up our sleeves to clear away debris. We pitch in to help people rebuild, and we work together to try to mitigate future disasters with the information we learned from past ones. You are helping by publicizing what is going on in your town. You might be able to help in other ways with the skills you have. Fundraisers might need help with publicity, displaced animals might need care, someone might need a place to park a trailer while they sort out the basics on their destroyed homes. You might be able to listen to people tell their stories, which can be very healing. These disasters are horrible, but they can bring communities together and make them stronger (as well as improving drainage and infrastructure for next time so that it can better withstand another event of this magnitude).

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

I do wish I could help some displaced animals but I already have too many formerly displaced animals that have now been permanently placed with me, haha. I've been trying to help how I can, donating some supplies and money and trying to just spread the word on social media about what is needed and where. Maybe more opportunities will arise. Thank you for all your reassuring words!

[@veronicaeugenia2231]

I live in asheville. (Still no power or water.) I'm so sad about your bookstore! I loved that place!! Marshall is my favorite town in the Asheville area and I've spent a lot of time there. Sending you so so so so so so much love and light. I'm glad your channel crossed my path today. 😥😘🙏🌻

[@melindamcc1652]

You say you don't have practical skills, and I understand that, but you are using your creative skills in making this video and raising money and awareness, for sure. I'll send a donation. Thanks for posting this! I'm sorry you and everyone there are going through this.

[@NeuroSeasoned]

First time viewer here, this was so validating for me to hear the perspective that not everyone is some superhuman out to save the whole town with their handyman skills, brute strength, Leslie Knowles-like efficiency (from Parks & Rec, right?). I think we are oversaturated with stories of "regular" people becoming superheroes. As if they're the only people who matter!

[@biteofdog]

How terrifying, I'm glad that you are okay. It's so sad what happened to your beautiful town and your bookstore. I looked up Marshall, NC and I was amazed by all the brick buildings, it looks like they survived and that stores could come back. ❤❤❤

[@ARA-yq6jg]

God be with all of you

[@ValeVin]

I'm glad you're okay, and I'm so sorry about the bookshop and town.

[@juliakneebone5742]

Thank you for taking the time to inform the public about this awful crisis!!!you are very brave!!wishing you srength to deal with the loss ..

[@bernsky]

i will put on my shostakovich record i bought at your bookstore in remembrance. i am rooting for marshall. this is very disheartening. we moved away 2 years ago and are just watching the news in disbelief. seeing the coop like that killed me. glad u are ok.

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

Aw, that's so sweet. I am comforted to think of all the books, records, and vintage clothes that are out there bought from our store, still bringing their owners joy.

[@AJBell-dh6ry]

Thank you for the update. Glad you're ok, all things considered. Sending hugs from Colorado.

[@summerrain7466]

Who would expect a hurricane to hit western NC or TN? The thought would have been ridiculous! And when it did hit, the devastation is just so overwhelming.... but you are not alone! The whole country is responding with donations and sending love !

[@cedarmccloud]

Tearing up while hearing you talk about the kindness and closeness of your community 🫂💜 Good words feel hard to come by in a tragedy like this, but know we're all thinking of you and everyone in the area, and I'm certain this video (which must have been so hard to make) will lead more folks to donate and help out 💜

[@wayloncapps9480]

Hello neighbor! I live in Mars hill. Best wishes to you and everyone in our neighboring town of Marshall!!

[@wolfmechanic]

I’m glad you’re safe. I left Asheville a couple of years ago, but lived there for more than a decade, and it still feels like home. Thankfully, it seems everyone I know down there is ok, at least physically. It’s been devastating to see all the destruction.

[@HeartDrivenTarot]

Thank you for sharing this story and being so thoughtful and authentic.

[@r.l.howard8459]

Lidiya, I am so glad you and your family are ok. I worried about you a lot. The way you describe the experience really puts it into perspective for those of us on the outside. I am wishing your community the best during this crazy crazy time.

[@markbenedict9126]

Sending all the hugs back at you!! We're so sorry that your community was hit so hard.

[@sidilicious11]

My friend lost her whole building in Marshall. I’m feeling for you guys.😢

[@Book_of_Mormon]

Thank you for sharing a video of what's happening in your area. You are the eyes and ears to the rest of the world regarding what's going on there. I look forward to your next video, shalom.

[@dukeofdenver]

I'm so sorry about the loss of the bookstore😢 May God be with you in this difficult time

[@pipersall6761]

You did a fine job telling your story. Marshall should be proud of that bright friendly helpful girl at the book store.

[@trixieandthenest]

Sending lots of love- I’m so sorry for all the losses! ❤

[@writerwithadayjob]

I just recently found your KZbin channel a few weeks ago, and I have enjoyed watching your videos. I am starting to seriously pursue my dream of writing and your content has been helpful. I am also from Florida and lived in Macon County for many years before moving to the eastern part of NC. It breaks my heart to see that many beautiful places I loved exploring may be gone. I was active duty military and deployed to Homestead when Andrew hit back in the 90s. I remember the devastation. I am so sorry that this is happening to you and your home. I am so glad that you and yours are okay physically. I know that the emotions and heart take a while to right themselves. It sounds like you have a wonderful community...you will come out from this and move forward, but you will remember.

[@Sophia-jo8tv]

I'm so sorry, how devastating :( All my love to you and your town

[@Helena-ou8ry]

Don’t discount how important having a job that sources income from outside your community is to help your community. It’s a major factor in how long it takes to rebuild an area after a disaster. ❤

[@johannamelaragno2060]

I have a few friends in the Asheville area. They are relatively safe as well. My heart breaks for you all

[@mrsh2167]

love your perspective, praying. Love to all

[@EvieReddingWrites]

I am so sorry for what you and your lovely town is going through. I teared up listening to this video, and I hope things begin to look up soon for everyone. I understand deeply the kind of helplessness or powerlessness you spoke of as a writer during a natural disaster. Having cerebral palsy and living in Louisiana, I've gone through the major hurricanes as well, and I've always felt that I could not be "enough": not resilient enough, not strong enough, not mobile enough, not helpful enough. But your books and stories bring hope to people. They allow for solace in what could be the darkest times. The words you have worked so hard on are now a light for someone else to get through their day. And bringing awareness in this video is so needed as well. I was so sad to hear about your beloved bookstore, but I am glad to hear that you, your family, and your bookstore family are safe. Please take all the time you need to recoup, and we will be here. Thank you for sharing and take care.

[@dianelodico2166]

My prayers are with you during this healing time. Your creative spirit is a healing balm for others. Be well.

[@ardenseyefineart]

“Not having the band width” to rebuild the book store makes total sense. I feel for your devastation, the loss of the treasures, curating a new set of used books, the art work, it blows my mind. I love my personal library, and I’m moving, so I’m thinning out my library. Do you want me to ship books to you? I’m also an artist, so I feel for you about the creative work. I think people need authors all the time. Blessings on you, your boss, the town, it’s so terrible how totally emptied out the stores are from the power of the water. I saw the shocking videos of the town. Whew. Love from Berkeley, CA.

[@CircusStellaShow]

I'm so glad you're okay and so so sorry all of this happened. I'm in Piedmont, NC, north of Charlotte and have many happy memories of family trips and hikes in the mountains. I can't believe how hard it was it. Unfathomable.

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

Yes...I'm almost afraid to go anywhere now and see how different all these places look. I can see the images online but in real life it hits hard.

[@jr3474]

As long as there is life, there is hope...

[@coffeemountain356]

Glad you are ok. I live just a ways upstream on the French Broad. Always love my trips to Marshall and go to the bookstore every time I can. Wishing you the best in this long recovery process.

[@roxannemaguire5826]

I'm so sorry that you are going through this tragedy. As a writer, though, you have the perfect opportunity to document how this affects your beloved community, how the resilience of the people conquers the hopelessness of the situation and how they rebuild! This is so valuable! You are certainly not useless!!! My best wishes for you and for all those affected! ❤❤❤

[@KFoxtheGreat]

Sending good vibes and whatever support I can from ENC ❤ We're heartbroken for our WNC friends and families and trying to repay the support you've given us in the past. 19:16 reminds me of that Mr. Rogers quote, "look for the helpers." I'm glad your community has so many helpers and hope that can continue to bring you comfort.

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

Yes, I think about that Mr. Rogers quote a lot this week! There are so many helpers!

[@dalestorms911]

A hug through the internet. Stay strong. ❤

[@deskcamera]

What a story! Keep your chin up, you're a wonderful person,

[@houseofeducation411]

I'm glad your safe. Thank you for the writer reminders and sharing links to places where donations will actually reach those in need. I'm look forward to your upcoming videos.

[@ourgracefulearth]

I'm a creative who survived Katrina, and everything you're feeling is so relatable. It's scary and heartbreaking but the humanity that shines through is remarkable. Having to adjust to the aftermath brings so many emotions... Maybe one day it will find it's way into your stories. Sending you so many hugs and so much love!

[@TeresaB.A-r7h]

a big hug ❤

[@Jaddaprog]

I'm heart goes out to you and everyone else there.

[@Marcus-rg7bg]

Help always shows up. Thanks for udate. Glad yall ok.

[@tcatzmeow]

My heart goes out to you and your town. Take care of yourself it will get better.

[@heidimousegarcia]

I’m so sorry. 😢 I will share this video and hopefully myself and a few others with donate to your town!

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

Aw thank you so much!!

[@jeanniemoreland9678]

Thank you for doing this. Blessing s to you. Healing takes time

[@ComedorDelrico]

Your description of the river brought to mind the videos I saw of the Nolichucky River in Erwin, where I used to live. The massive amount of water, and the speed at which it traveled . . . my mind still cannot comprehend what I saw. And that was from a video. I can only imagine what it was like in person. I imagine you could feel the vibration through the ground. For people who aren't familiar with the area, it is difficult to comprehend how bad the situation was/is. The scope and magnitude of it all. To most people, those videos of the Nolichucky River wouldn't mean much, because they don't know what it normally looks like. They might see videos of flood water in Elizabethton TN and Henderson NC without realizing that these places are 100 miles apart, and that nearly everything in between was equally devastated. They don't understand the terrain, how many homes only have only one way in or out, and how one little bridge being destroyed can leave dozens of families stranded in a remote location. And many, many bridges and roads have been destroyed. This is why storytellers are important. People need to hear the stories to understand the impact. They may not understand the significance of a washed out road, but they will understand heartbreak. I know it was painful to share your heartbreak with us, but I also know it will bring much-needed support to your community. Your voice matters. I am sending so much love and a great big hug from afar.

[@greenroseirena6788]

I came here for a storm story, and subscribed for your writing and publishing videos. Sorry for you and all who have faced devastating loss.

[@leslieiannottacronin2176]

I’m so sorry. I understand your anxiety. I hear that you’ve lost so much, the dream job. I pray somehow you realize your dream job again in the future, different, but even better.

[@tdhawk167]

I'm so sorry for what you're going through and what your community and the other communities are going through. I have loved spending time in that area and it's my favorite place to be. My prayers and love to you all

[@webbsamples]

Very touching.

[@ggcruise]

I'm so sorry that you and your town are having to go through all this. Please know that people all over the country truly care.

[@learningkeys21]

You will tell this story for the rest of your life. It’s part of our collective responsibility. As someone who rebuilt after Katrina, which also intensified and changed all expectations. Much love, it’s a long haul.

[@CondorHeart]

I understand feeling useless in times of great peril and recovery, but as a creative the work we do is what feeds the souls of those people after a long day of breaking their backs from labor. That’s your invaluable skill. They need you just as much as you need them.

[@helenmeadows4157]

I am so sorry. I live on the coast of Ga and while my town was impacted we fared far better than many places around us. It is such a strange combination of gratitude and heartbreak. I guess what I am trying to say is, in a small way, I understand and I am so sorry. I will be hoping, praying and believing that there are better things around the bend for you and yours. I will also be donating and posting links so that others can do the same.

[@lidiyafoxgloveauthor]

Thank you so much. Yes, I understand...there can be a lot of survivor guilt type feelings when there's a brush with disaster. And the woman who lives near the bookstore--she's such a sweet person--whose house was in the flood zone was shamed by someone online because "some people have it worse", which...doesn't help!!

[@anna-mariewoodcock9086]

Thank you for sharing the story of you and your town, I'm so sorry for all the loss that has occured through this terrible hurricane, sending hugs

[@tiegrsidesignsandstudio4794]

Oh my gosh SO many channels I follow are based in areas that got hit hard. I'm glad you are ok. I hope everything improves for everyone! If you need a break, you absolutely deserve to take all the time you need.