Whew! This summer is passing quickly! Here's some of the things I've been keeping busy with.... Picking up where my last post left off, these are some wildflowers I saw in Crested Butte during the wildflower festival. What a beautiful town, spent a few spectacular days there.

This is me standing on the Royal Gorge bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the world. I was treated with a trip to the park by my sweetie for my birthday. We had a great day!

This is the view of the bridge from a distance.




Here I am playing my Chapman Stick during open mic night at the Salida Cafe. Lots of great local talent, looking forward to playing some more. Last night we went to a house concert sponsored by the fine folks at Weathervane Farm. It was awesome, rootsy acoustic music, with a twist, the theremin! Great performances by Cahalen Morrison and Sven Hoosen.


Today is the Salida Omnium. The house is on the race course, so cycles go whizzing by every few minutes. Thats all for now....

Time to catch up. I've been super busy lately. I've been working a lot trying to make $$. In between I try and get out and explore my new surroundings. The UFO Watchtower in Hooper, CO. is a must see destination. Nice folks, lots of Alien memorabilia available there.

A couple of photos of me playing my Chapman Stick out during Art Walk in Salida.

I've been getting out and hiking in the mountains, awesome views, loving it here in Colorado.

Finally, on 4th of July, me standing in a snow patch in the mountains. Never got to do that in Ohio!
For the next few days I'm in Crested Butte, CO, for the wildflower festival. Awesome place, I'll write more soon.

It's a parade!

The 60th FIBArk Whitewater Festival took place here in Salida this past weekend. There was food, rides, great music, and lots and lots o'people! Ohh yeah, and a parade!!

"S" mountain overlooks the city. They have an annual race, up and back down. Those spots are people running. I think its much more enjoyable to observe from down below.

My favorite event was the "Hooligan Race", this is where anyone can build a craft that is not worthy of being on the water and float downstream to their certain demise : )

Hiking Day!

Yesterday (Sunday) I got a chance to hit the trails and go hiking. It was fantastic!
Since we weren't sure about the weather conditions we stuck with a close and easily accessible trail. Greens Creek Trail is located about 13 miles from town. It turned out to be a beautiful day, it was great to be outside. The only snag was finding 4 ticks on my clothes. Afterwards we ran home and did a thorough inspection of our clothes, and selves. Happy to report, all were tick free, whew!

After hiking, tick inspection and lunch, we decided to take a drive to Buena Vista. Along the way we stopped at St. Elmo a historic "ghost" town. Lots of beautiful scenery along the way.

Things have been going well, I have my first paying gig on Friday June 27th, at a gallery as part of Salida Art Walk. I'm also awaiting word on a possible job, I've had a couple of interviews, keeping my fingers crossed! Lastly, a funny story. Apparently when my mother was asked what my blog was called, her response sounded like " Optimistic Bitch" to the person asking. Too funny!

Rushing water...

Over the last couple of days I've stopped down by the river (the Arkansas River),which flows through town here. The locals tell me they haven't seen the water so high or fast in quite some time. Boaters seem to love it. In a couple of weeks is the start of FIBArk, the nation's oldest whitewater festival and Salida's signature event. Since 1949, every June during the Spring snow run off, Salida has hosted FIBArk, "First in Boating on the Arkansas".
Lots of great events planned and music, I plan on soaking up as much as I can.

It's official!

This week has I've been addressing all the details that follow moving, such as getting my vehicle registered and new plates! I also got a new wireless plan since my previous carrier has no coverage here. A local bank account, new driver's license, you get the idea...
This place is starting to feel like home. So many kind, gracious, interesting people. I've started looking for employment in earnest, I hope to find something soon since funds are rapidly dwindling, moving ain't cheap no matter how you do it! I've managed to work some odd jobs but need that steady flow!
I'm really enjoying small town living. It's funny, I think many things are actually more convenient here than when I was in Cleveland. I can walk just about anywhere, for groceries, bank, library, etc..
I also have managed to get my studio mostly together. Last night I played my Chapman Stick for the first time in quite a while, whew, a bit rusty but it felt good. Time to get back to practicing, gigs await!

Getting Settled...

Yay!!!! The move is complete. We've managed to get all our stuff moved into this charming old Victorian home. On Saturday morning the crew started arriving to help. I couldn't believe it, in total 12 wonderful people took time from their busy lives to help an old friend and a new friend start on a new adventure together.


Prior to the move we had been busy painting, this is the Master Bedroom in its original "Smurf" blue glory.

We like it much better now, a tinge of yellow. Each morning the sun fills the room, making it seem enormous.

Of course the most exciting part of the move is sharing a place with someone I truly adore!