Hello from 8,400 feet! I’m not posting often, as my energies are going more into writing, keeping a log of my move to Colorado and my adventures here. And napping.
I landed here in a big dusty slide into home plate. I was tired when I arrived and got even more drained as my poor nasal passages were assaulted by the thin, dry mountain air. So I’ve been taking it easy while getting used to life here. Afternoon naps are heaven. Because why? It’s dead quiet here! Loving it. I so enjoyed living in a floating home, cheek-by-jowl with neighbors. Now that I’m out of that sometimes-noisy environment, where I can snooze on my couch without hearing my neighbor a few yards away on her front porch having conversations on her phone with the speakers turned up, I am filled up with gratitude. I feel more relaxed every day.
And I’m adapting, slowly. I can breathe better (humidifiers are life-savers), and sleep better. I am resting as much as my body tells me to and it’s helping. A few days ago I hit the lowest point since I have been here as I realized my landlord isn’t, well, helpful. Lots of friendly words on the phone but once I’d moved in, I realized I was on my own. Another adjustment. (Have you ever had a job where you had to manage your manager?)
But let me sing Colorado’s praises.
There’s a very cool culture here. Outdoorsy folks, friendly neighbors, a love of being out in nature. The proximity of Rocky Mountain Nat Park is heaven; the park roads don’t open completely until Memorial Day but you can drive up to where the road is barricaded and walk there. When I first arrived and explored, there was still lots of snow. It was fun trying to ID animal tracks and now I know what moose poop looks like (piles of Cadbury milk chocolate Easter eggs, the foil-wrapped kind).
Speaking of which, as my energy starts to ramp up a little I set up a little painting table in the extra BR by a window. I was painting away as snow flurries danced around outside. I looked out the window and there was a new friend — my first moose! I named her Snowflake, and I keep her off-leash as she likes to roam around.
There is a network of trails just off my parking lot, and I found a bog where the frogs sing, more moose poop, and a pile of large bones under a tree that clearly had been there awhile. Maybe an elk or deer? Anyways I took one of the bones and this painting is the result.
Now that I’m breathing better, I’m realizing what a marvelous place this is. My friend Amy isn’t far away and we get together for dinner and she’s wonderful company. In this little resort town there is a lovely library, and I so enjoy going there to read and write in my journal. Cozy window seats. Large stone fireplace.
I’ll end with this story. A few days ago was the anniversary of my sister Diana’s suicide. Always a rough day (she died four years ago). So I found the comfort of the library and I sat there writing in my journal, listing the things I loved about my sister. Cried some. The friendly librarian walked by and in a very kind, non-intrusive way, asked if I was OK and was there anything I needed? (I suggested a martini.)
As I left to go home I stopped to thank the woman for her friendliness. She could tell, she said, I was having strong emotions as she’s sensitive that way. I explained what the situation was and she hugged me while I cried.
Well as I feel better I will probably post a bit more. Thanks for reading this, my dear friends.
9″ x 12″ watercolor, ink on paper = $150 SOLD
