October 2nd, 2005 - filed in Play
I Did It.
I’m not very good at doing things alone. (so for sure, I’m NOT also known as the Independent!) But I’ve decided that I have to overcome some things and accept some others. This weekend I overcame. For most people, driving from Denver to Aspen would be no big deal; they would never even hesitate (and I feel that fact has been made quite clear…). And the thing is, I would never hesitate if someone wanted to join me. But to make the journey on my own was unheard of, but really, was so exciting. I did it. One of my best friends, Riley, recently moved to Aspen. I knew it was important to visit now, not only because my fear of driving in the upcoming snow (Yes, I know, I am from the midwest…), but also because it shows I am making an effort and that he is important to me. And he is.
And as I drove along I-70, I found myself making an effort to keep my eyes on the road and not on the colors that were flying all around me. It was as if flames shot out from the trees - the colors seemed to be individually placed to make the perfect combination and I fell in love with it. I felt so lucky to be able to experience how beautiful it was, even if I was driving…
After spending four years in Boulder, I grew sick of hearing how it was "a four year escape from reality." But as my time there passed, I grew to recognize, and even accept that idea. After this weekend, I decided that if Boulder is a day dream, than Aspen is the fantasy. These places are unlike anywhere else on earth.
As I turned onto Colfax and was back in my neighborhood, a sense of relief came over me. I had troubles sleeping at night in Aspen because of the silence, and my brain did it’s best making lots of noise, even if it was contained in my head. I think it’s easier for me to hide with the craziness all around than face it in the peacefulness of nature. I will overcome that next. Promise!
My sister once told me to do one thing everyday that scared me, and I would be happy. So true. So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?
Kristen, here’s your next thing that you can do that scares you… Drive to California. You don’t have to do it alone, and there are plenty of couches and soft carpets and sleeping bags for whoever you can convince into coming with you.
love,
your cousin.
Hey Kristen!
What a name you have carved out for yourself! I read recently about a man that was ordered to carve a scuplture from rock. The king asked what the scuplture was of since there didn’t appear to be any direction. the artist said the scuplture is already inside the rock and he was just removing the extra pieces from the outside, and when finished, the scuplture would be revealed. I thought of you and thought i would check your site. It’s wonderful really! You’ve done some much work on this, and it shows! Keep up all the good work. I also want to play the finished version now!
take care,
love,
Sara