Between Seasons, Between Homes: Goodbyes Wrapped in Gratitude, Estes Park, CO

It is time to say goodbye to a place, people, and experiences that found a loving place in my heart.

Am I sad? Yes and no.

You’re probably wondering why the mixed feelings.

The truth is, I made an interesting decision to return for the winter season. So, although I am saying goodbye now to the Rockies and the Craft Center at the Y, it’s only temporary. However, I will dearly miss my group of friends, whom I’ve grown to love and cherish. I have a feeling, though, that I’ll be back at the Y in the summer months to spend memorable times with the women I have the honor of calling dear friends. So again, my goodbye is only temporary.

Yes, I will miss Diane, but I trust our friendship will continue to flourish—even without our early morning coffee together. :) Meeting her daughter, Tammi, is an unexpected gift, a glimpse into the beautiful family ties that make Diane who she is.

To Betty, Diane, Brenda, Tammy, Cheryl, Gail, Trich, Ania, Mark, Sheri, Janice, Susan, Randi, Linda, Nora, Jamie, Abby, and Bella (I hope I am not missing anyone) thank you for filling this summer with kindness, laughter, and memories I will carry with me always.

My decision to come back is driven by my newfound passion for glass fusion. Teaching it fills me with joy and curiosity for what lies ahead. I am deeply grateful for my amazing boss, Andria, who inspires me with her leadership and energy. She is my hero!

Yes, the earnings here are low, but this place offers other kinds of value. One is flexibility — the chance to work for just two months, which is priceless for my wandering soul. After working six months at Winter Park Resort, I learned that even when the people, the job, and the landscape are wonderful, six months in one place is simply too long for me. I need the freedom to travel between jobs. Besides, summer travel among big crowds is not appealing to me. The weather in Estes Park this summer was wonderfully comfortable.

Another important factor is housing. Finding jobs that provide a private room can be challenging. At the Y, I have my own room with a shower. The kitchen is shared, but I hear the food in winter is healthier, so I may not need to cook much.

I am excited to see these mountains I’ve grown to admire dressed in their winter coats. Winter is my favorite season to hike. The wind may be a challenge, but I want to give myself the gift of experiencing winter in the Rockies.

Until I return in November, I have four and a half weeks of travel across Colorado. After that, I’ll just drive and drive until, in October, I reach a place I still call home — because my chosen family is my home.

Last note:

It’s my last night in my little cabin in the woods. I am sitting at my small desk, reflecting. My last day was full of exploration and fun. I tried to stretch the hours and savor every moment with the little family we created at our circle around the rock. Now, as the dark night settles outside, it reminds me it’s time to move on. Tomorrow begins a new adventure.