Where the Universe Brings Me Back, Estes Park, CO

Good morning, my Rocky Mountains!

Who knew that writing with my eyes closed would be impossible :)

It has been four weeks since I arrived at the YMCA. It took a bit to settle in. I usually write in real time as I move through life, but this time I needed space. Adjusting to a familiar routine, new people, and a new dance. I am learning to be gentle with myself. I arrive with no expectations this time, and that simple choice eases the transition. Still, my body reminds me that high altitude requires patience, and I listen.

My usual process of recording my emotions so I can capture them in words just did not happen. So now I let the few photos I took bring back the moments that help me type away in my journal.

I sit with an open heart at my desk and take a deep breath, open my eyes, and begin…

Mount Ypsilon stands in front of my window like an old friend, its soft white peak gently glittering. Something about its stillness helps me melt into myself and let my fingers dance on my laptop.

I am excited to be back in the glass fusion studio. There is something magical about the process of glass softening, melting, and transforming into a creation of love. It teaches me things about myself. It teaches me to surrender, to trust, to allow the fire to shape what I cannot control. I chose a part-time position so I can give myself the space to create with a full and open heart.

Each glass pendant I create is born from love and intention, a union of color, light, and emotion. Every piece carries my yearning for peace and kindness, shaped through the gentle rhythm of my creative journey. Beyond my own story, I hope each pendant becomes a vessel for its owner to find peace in their heart.

As I traveled through Colorado, I stopped at a few galleries and gift shops to introduce myself and my glass fusion art. Their excitement surprised me. Their compliments touched me. But for now, I honor my instinct to wait. I still feel that I need to listen to the glass as I discover my voice in this medium.

I remember experiencing something similar years ago, in the early 2000s, when I faux-finished our powder room. My friends’ genuine admiration for my work gave me the courage to listen to their advice and turn my skills into a business. However, before I ever charged a single dollar, I went to school so I could offer a true level of expertise. My business grew beautifully until 2008, when everything changed. Now, once again, I remind myself that learning takes time, and that pride in my work matters more than anything.

I am happy to be back under Andria’s leadership. She has a way of creating an environment that feels supportive and joyful. I feel very fortunate. Through all my jobs, I have been blessed with kind and respectful bosses, and I do not take that for granted.

Coming back to my mountains and to the presence of my YMCA friends feels like returning home, even if it is only for a short season. I cherish the opportunity to work again with Jamie, Flora, Olivia, Alyssa, and Kayla. I am also looking forward to meeting new faces and new stories.

The nature of seasonal jobs means that people come and go. So I am sad that I only had a short time with Holly, I was looking forward to working with her. We were so compatible playing ping pong that I know I found a new friend. I do hope our paths will cross again.

I do love the fact that I do not need to cook my meals. To my delight, the food is much healthier in the winter season. I eat breakfast in my room, however, for lunch and dinner, I walk to the dining room to share a table with old and new friends.

I do have a fun and busy winter ahead, as I plan to put together my third book, play with glass, and find time to hike.

The weather so far has been cold, as expected, but with often sunny days. I have been tricked by the feel of warmth and the bright sun. It has not snowed much yet, so I am patiently waiting for the winter wonderland that I have learned to love so much.

Betty is coming for a visit!!!

Yes, I know… which Betty?

Remember my visit to Custer State Park in September? That is where I met Betty at the campground, and after spending the evening bonding around the fire, we kept in touch. Betty is a travel lab technician, and right now she is only three hours away in Wyoming.

I appreciate the opportunity to deepen our friendship and to share the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park and my love of glass fusion. Right away, Betty shows her artistic side as she starts to play with the glass like a pro.

We hike to the majestic Emerald Lake. Actually, we slid, which is a better way to describe the icy trail. It is time to pack my spikes. The lake is frozen by now, and its blue water has been transformed into a mirror reflecting the quiet beauty of this place.

Being hugged by the mountains again feels like stepping back into a conversation I had paused but never finished. Feeling my soul melt into the beauty around me reminds me that the universe has a way of bringing me where I need to be, exactly when I need to be there. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and fully trust the path ahead.