Summertime in Colorado is magical. The sky is perfectly blue, and the days are endless. Then it is mid-August, and you are scrambling to enjoy the last days. It happens every year. So instead I count the moments. This summer had many moments to savor. Going back over my photos I realize just how much has happened. My friend and I met for a Sip and Snack at a favorite spot, Eat in New Castle, and she asked what I did this summer. I remembered the most recent, but forgot the rest. Once I looked back it was packed.
May Flowers & Commencement
The first part of May brought a work trip with Namrata to Cherry Creek to present West Mountain Regional Health Alliance (WMRHA) and our efforts with Community Resource Network with the Copic Medical Foundation Grantee Summit. We were one of the smaller organizations awarded a grant. Other organization's included Children's Hospital in Denver, organizations from New York City, and state organizations. It was an honor to be included.
Next was a trip to University of Missouri in Columbia, my alma mater. My family all went there to see my nephew Luke graduate. It was so fun to be back in my college town. It brought back so many memories of my friends, Journalism School, and the life of a college student. Seeing Luke get a degree in Business at MIZZOU was so amazing. He followed in the footsteps of his Mom and Aunt. Next we headed to the Lake of the Ozarks for a wonderful visit, fishing, playing cards and cruising on the boat.
June Culture & Ideas
In June I went to Chinle, Arizona, located in the Navajo nation as a Glenwood Springs Rotarian volunteer for Chinle Planting Hope, a nonprofit that GWS Rotary has adopted. Being there with fellow Rotarians, Charlene, Debbie and many others just reinforced why Rotary is such a special organization. This was my first visit, and I was impressed by all CPH has accomplished to provide a library, thrift store, bike giveaways, food for seniors, a community garden, and more. The Glenwood Springs Rotary Club has made a great difference in Chinle and will in the years to come.
What was the most special about Chinle was the people I met. I got to hear stories of life on the reservation. The close-knit community and the experiences of extreme hardships. More than 30 percent of people in the area don't have water or electricity. I then met young people who are embracing their culture and heritage while expanding their horizons. Seeing a woman weave a rug, while her granddaughter strings beads for a necklace and taking a jeep ride in Chelle Canyon to see stories on rock from the Ansari, Hopi, and Navajo was really impactful. Learning about "Walk in Beauty", which is the translation for the Navajo term for the spiritual path of celebrating the sacredness of life.
Next in June, the WMRHA team got the opportunity to go to Aspen Health Ideas, which is a place where health ideas spread. For me the best session was hearing from Dr. Jim, a doctor in Boston who took a fellowship for a year to work with the homeless population, and now 30 years later the program is thriving, and he continues to make an impact. The conversation included the author Tracy Kidder, who wrote a book about Dr. Jim and the program. The book Rough Sleepers really spoke to me as WMRHA and partners continue the journey to transform homelessness in the region.
July/August Fun With Family & Friends
All the months brought moments with family and friends from Music in the Park in Glenwood Springs to hikes, to trips to other mountain towns, to enjoying Slow Grooving BBQ. Another work trip was attending The Colorado Health Foundation Symposium. This event was great to connect with people from the front range, funders, other nonprofits, and local people who I hadn't seen from my own community. It helped to fill my cup after a month of grueling grant deadlines. July also brought seeing my friend Karen who was back from Alaska. That visit warmed my heart!
At the last Music in the Park Nicole and Emily surprised me with a surprise birthday party. That was so cool. I knew we were having a picnic potluck, but they also invited everyone to celebrate my birthday. I felt so loved. Then Mary Beth came on Thursday before my birthday, we went wine tasting that day in Palisade, then to Tennessee Pass Cookhouse and stayed in a yurt. Saturday brought brunch in Leadville and then back to Glenwood Springs for time at the Ironbridge Pool and dinner with my Mom and Dad for my actual birthday. Sunday brunch and shopping, and then Iron Mountain Hot Springs that evening. Overall, an excellent birthday, and yes it definitely was a week plus celebration!
Today it's August 17th I have an end of summer cold. Not my favorite, but it is forcing me to slow down and reflect. I hope you look back at your summer and see the moments to remember Now it's time for hiking, falling leaves, and hot cocoa. I am ready for a long autumn.
