Mom and Dad came the following week and thoroughly enjoyed the splendor of the Rockies as well as the magic of this mountain town with its special theatre. They loved it and hope to visit again and again (as do I).
Once they left, summer truly began. By that I mean, we weren't spending eight hours a day rehearsing, three performing, and two changing sets. We performed at night and had the days to ourselves. Well, that is if we weren't working the box office or youth theatre. I was working the latter. It was an absolute (exhausting) joy to work with forty eight-year-olds on an hour-long song-and-dance show. They were adorable. It was fun to feel like a rock star, the way these kids look up to you. Tiresome, but worth it. After that ended, I actually got to spend time at the Grand Lake Lodge pool, which is conveniently located on the side of a mountain over-looking the lake. Heaven? Heaven.
I've gone white-water rafting and horseback-riding, both of which I would do over and over again. I've gotten a tan for the first time in several years. I had a lovely summer romance which ended well and I feel confident saying we'll keep in touch. I've made lots of fantastic new friends, many of whom are heading to Chi-town, so I know we'll keep in touch. I've discovered the glory of the outdoors. I've discovered a deeper pleasure of solitude and a greater need for social gathering. I think I can say that this has been, without a doubt, the greatest summer of my adult life, thus far. As much as I'm feeling the tug to change and go home for a bit, I feel utterly changed for the better by this place. It will forever hold a special place in my heart.
