ESTES PARK - At the beginning of autumn, a friend from the Netherlands came to visit me. We didn’t have much time together but made the best of it. One day, unable to decide where to go and what to do, we opted to go for a stroll through Estes Park. 

The town was alive with seasonal colors, while excited tourists crowded the shops. With no real plan in mind, we entered nearly every store, looking at souvenirs and finding intrigue in eclectic items.

Nonetheless, it was an easy afternoon and very enjoyable, since the busy season was ending and the bright Colorado colors lined the streets like a picture-perfect postcard. A window caught our attention and we stopped to chuckle at what we saw.

Many images of times past decorated a large window. We saw couples and families who were dressed as if they had lived long before us – from the Old West to the flapper and progressive eras.

I was surprised when my friend, without looking at me, said, “We should do this.”

In case you didn’t know, I’ve been performing since the first grade. I’ve been on so many stages I lost track of them. My favorite part about performing was always the costumes, so I didn’t need much motivation to agree with my friend.

Without hesitation, and with no response, I skipped to the front door and swung it open. They had no idea who had walked through their door. My eyes wandered to all the costumes hanging on the wall and I practically flew through the chain separating us from the back room to take a look.

Given the opportunity, I would have tried all of them on. However, with roughly only a 30-minute time limit, we had to decide on an era and a handful of costumes. The Old West it was. 

I couldn’t wait to get into my attire. The proprietor barely got her words out before I was already in the dressing room, practically undressed, within reason. I dressed in my new-old garb, and with purpose, I pranced all over the set, ready for my close-up.

Several laughs later and a handful of shots, it was time to return the costumes. Reluctantly, I did. But now I can say I’ve lived in the past, even for only one moment, and I have the proof. More importantly, I have a cherished memory.

Memories Old Time Portraits is located at 132 W. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MemoriesOldTimePortraits or call them at 970-586-5568.