Jennifer Livingston, Nederland. The Dulude family is relatively new to the Nederland area, having only lived here about a year. They were coming from the Big Apple, on a search for their new home, a natural place, a community where the kids could be immersed in nature and the fabric of a safe and loving community. Along their way they stopped in Nederland and realized it was the village they wanted to be in. Shortly thereafter they self-published a children’s book called Adventures of Indy, illustrated by Amy Smith featuring a beautiful Indian Paintbrush as protagonist, the famous wind as her helper and images of Nederland, Diamond Lake.

Mom Kadi and daughters Skyler and Sandra Dulude then seven and six years old respectively, were sitting by Boulder Creek in Nederland imagining the fun it would be if plants could go on vacation. Where would they go? How would they get there? Ideas flourished and the children suggested writing a book about it. 

They had recently learned about Indian Paintbrush and this iconic flower became the protagonist in their story telling. It was taken to the next level when Skyler suggested they put their storytelling into print. 

Kadi Dulude had always wanted to be an author with a love for art and the written word. For her art is a “way to relax and come back into the self from a crazy world.” She was inspired by children’s books as they “have many more opportunities for creative expression.”  Quickly, a first draft was written with subsequent revisions made as a team. Then they needed illustrations. 

At the same time, a beautiful painting of a grandmother tenderly feeding dogs from her front porch was displayed in Salto’s. Dulude reached out to artist Amy Smith and was overjoyed when Smith agreed to work with them. Sketches came in and the team made tweaks always with an eye to the desire to give back to the community by representing the way it is now so that in years to come it can be remembered. These sketches emerged as beautiful paintings depicting local landscapes around town and Diamond Lake. 

As this process was reaching completion Dulude happened to pick up Lisa, last name unknown, as she was hitchhiking here and there. Lisa is a poet and encouraged Dulude to move forward with the project and self-publish. Dulude did, and though she hasn’t seen Lisa since, remains grateful for her encouragement. 

The book is available for sale at the Visitors Center, Rustic Moose, and on Amazon. A sequel is also in the works. Peak to Peak residents can look forward to a book signing and reading event possibly at Wild Bear and Dulude is considering forming a working group for others who would like to bring their art and stories to the world. Email kadidulude@gmail.com for more information.  

(Originally published in the October 3, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)