THIS BOOK IS FOR ANYONE SEEKING TO MAKE A CHANGE IN LIFE, THOSE SEEKING TO TAKE RISKS, LIVE AUTHENTICALLY, MAKE A CONTRIBUTION IN SOME WAY TO OUR GREAT NATION AND TOWARD PRESERVATION OF OUR LAND AND GREAT VALUES. The move or return to rural America has been gaining in popularity over the last several years. Additionally, COVID brought reflection, existential angst and the quest for many to make changes. Appalachia is a part of America that is disappearing; its culture, history, land and economic sustainability are vital to preserve for future generations. Fortunately, there is a movement leading the way attracting folk who seek to make a contribution and live sustainably. "I Say to This Mountain" is a guide. "Although I have spent the better part of my life listening to, reading, and writing Appalachian women's stories, I have NEVER READ THESE STORIES----any of them! or any like them. Yet these writers are our neighbors, our friends, our sisters....they are US! Join me in welcoming them with open arms. This is a publication to cherish and celebrate."-Lee Smith, author of Blue Marlin "I Say to This Mountain is an inspiring anthology about the meaning of place and the evolution of courage as experienced by six strong women who discovered home in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. While from disparate backgrounds, each writer reveals in a personal way how their love for these intimidating, rugged and remote mountains and hollers contributed to self-discovery and personal happiness."-Charlie Brady, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Conservancy "This is rich food for the soul. Six modern, courageous women escape the blaring world in a mountainous corner of North Carolina. They have an uplifting message for all who would listen, and have the nerve to allow."-John Rolfe Gardiner, author of several book including The Magellan House "Here reads great stories of modern day dilemmas of journey. ...These stories are of longing, looking in the windows of hearts and minds, moved to a knowing to be of belonging here."-Ed Snodderly, Appalachian Artist "Reassuring and stimulating, this book will give you support you didn't know you needed."-Tina Chancey, nationally recognized folk singer "...This is a book of the women, the mothers of Mother Earth, who speak in a symphony of silence, wood stoves, cool evening air and the soft melodies of rushing creeks."-Michael Johnathon, folksinger "This is a lovely and heartfelt collection of self-narratives from six women who have found themselves settled in the mountains of Ashe County, North Carolina..."-Emily Paxton Spencer, Old Time Musician "Here are the vivid stories of six contemporary women pioneers who point the way to a different kind of progress in Appalachia..."-Georgann Eubanks, author of Saving the Wild South