Happiness, sadness, and all of the in-between

GOLD HILL — Today, I reflect back on the past week and think of the biggest things that happened around me. I had a key employee out of the office most of the week, so it was harder for me to complete tasks related to specific projects. This week, when the employee is back, we will have a ton of work to do, to catch up. I’m looking forward to the steady flow of work.

I’m a bit worried we won’t get it all finished before the Colorado Press Association (CPA) Local News Solutions. I had originally planned to head down early Friday morning, but decided I need to be there Thursday for the beginning of the conference, when important discussions and opening events are happening. 

So while you are reading this (if you read it on Thursday), I’ll be on my way to the conference, setting up our table, checking in and preparing to learn everything there is to know in the ever-changing world of the news business. I look forward to this event every year—and especially this year, which has had a lot of change for us at Mountain Vale Media. We also have a booth during the event, as a sponsor.

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of enjoying Ned Jazz Wine. The event celebrated their fifth year and I have to say, this one topped it for incredible jazz music. 

The vendors were awesome, including our booth, of course (we are also a sponsor of this event). I met so many new and amazing people. I tried a few of the wines, bought some bottles to take home, and had delicious food from Temaki Tornado, as well as some other treats while wandering around. 

Saturday night, my oldest daughter came to visit and brought my grandbaby for a visit. This is the time I cherish most. As the baby grows, I realize how much I am missing my kids and now grandkids. I don’t want to miss the magic moments of seeing all of my family grow up.

Sunday I attended a memorial for a woman who used to live in Nederland, many moons ago. The wind brought a gentle breeze full of fall wonder as the leaves started trickling off the trees close by. The brilliant blue sky was a silent reminder of Mother Earth surrounding us with love while we grieve and move forward from a life lost too soon. 

Our family was lucky enough to have the company of her daughter for many months, while the mama went through some life transitions. While the memorial was for the mama and was focused on the hole she left in the hearts of the people she was closest to, it was also inclusive of the fond memories people have of the daughter and her time in Nederland. For that time, our family will always be grateful. 

Now, I see this beautiful woman, who has grown out of impossibly difficult circumstances, into this thoughtful, kind, loving, funny (she is one of the funniest people I know), strong, competent young woman. Stasia, you are amazing. And may Brooke fly free from the burdens of the earthly world. 

We were also blessed to have three of my kids in town, at the same time, for brief moments. 

After the memorial, some of the kids and I went north to the Gold Hill Inn, sat outside, and listened to music for a bit, caught up with a few friends I hadn’t seen in a while, and shared a lovely dinner. 

Thanks to Brian Finn for the glass of wine that was a mis-pour and I was the lucky recipient of the delicious treat  (I love these little gifts when I’m out and about). 

As I left the venue, I had a sense of peace that has been missing lately. I had a wonderful drive home and great conversation with my son, who heads back to college in a week. 

Overall, a stimulating weekend, a lot of interaction with amazing humans, and an entire day off work, which was much needed. Next week I’ll tell you about the CPA convention and all of the excitement that I am positive will happen there. 

In the meantime, I’ve rambled enough. Remember, if you want to read my column every week, you can subscribe here for just $60 per year (includes print and online): bit.ly/MtnEarSubscribe

We are hard at work on our Studio Tour map, with an expected distribution date of September 1. These will be shared at all of the studios that are participating, as well as through our stands across the Peak to Peak. And it will also be included on the back of The Mountain-Ear on September 10. 

Visitor’s Guides are on stands now. We have plenty to share and have had quite a few Airbnb hosts pick up a few handfuls each to put in homes rented to folks visiting our region. Stop by the Ned office or arrange pickup in Gilpin by contacting us at info@themountainear.com. They’re also available online through this link: bit.ly/VisitorsGuideP2P

Body Mind Spirit is also out on stands at the offices of local health and wellness providers. You can find that online here: bit.ly/P2PBodyMindSpirit

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