Boulder ColoRADo

I have been in Boulder, Co since Thursday and I instantly felt at home. I have met so many beautiful people and seen amazing places. However, I am aware that Boulder is a bubble similar to Bellingham, and if I ever want to grow I recognize the need to challenge myself with more diverse surroundings. For now- I am soaking it all up. Prescott's mountain home is completely magical, the area gorgeous, the people friendly, fit, and attractive, and the music scene is phenomenal.

I also fell in love with the Boulder Massage Therapy School and Naropa University's Transpersonal Counseling program. It is interesting finding two programs that seem ideal for me. The decision doesn't seem to be "which should I choose" but rather "which should I attend first." It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out as I continue my road trip and explorations. I am recognizing my ability to fall in love quickly with people and places. While right now I feel at home in Boulder, I might feel just as "at home" in Austin. Or Taos. Or LA. Likely I will fall in love continually through this journey- it seems to be the way my heart works these days.

Last night I played a set at the Conor O'Neil's open mic night, running into friend Scott Leith and making several new (facebook) friends. It seems everywhere I go I am meeting friendly faces and gaining more support in this town. . . it feels pretty magical. After leaving the bar all warm and fuzzy after a night of good beer, handsome company, and amazingly talented musicians, I stepped out into a snowy winter wonderland. The snow is still falling all around this magical forested canyon and I am enjoying a day in the cabin (pretending like I am snowed in). My last Boulder goal is to spend some time with dear friend Justin today or tomorrow. He arrived in Boulder late last night on a big road trip and move back. After I connect with him, I am heading out to Taos to see dear friends Scotty and Michelle. I am excited to explore their enchanted spot on the globe. :)

Namaste!

Getting Found: On the Road

Leaving Bellingham was one of the hardest things I have done in my life. Why would I leave a town where I experienced such a great abundance of love and acceptance, freedom to explore my creativity, and opportunities to regularly collaborate with incredibly talented musical friends? I am so grateful to all of my Bellingham friends and family for their abundant support during this time of transition. So many sweet people spent extra time with me this fall, encouraged me, came to my shows, and supported my journey financially. I am forever grateful.

While leaving felt right and necessary, saying "cya later" and driving out of town took the wind out of my sails. I cried for hours when I left on Sunday, and my tears dried up just in time for my arrival into Portland, where I was warmly greeted and lovingly cared for by dear friends Will and Kai (two of my "Get Found" Burning Man brothers).

After a night of decadent food (chantrelle alfredo and epic brownies), adorable flirtation, and sauna relaxation, I headed up to the Oregon mountains to Breitenbush Hot Springs. I was a bit shakey upon arrival. . . I really felt fear during the drive up, and it took awhile to process my feelings and settle into the groove of the retreat center. I spent my 24 hours at Brietenbush in silent meditation, walking slowly through the forest, reflecting in the chapel, soaking in "healing waters", and enjoying amazing organic vegetarian food. I would have liked to stay two days, but there were no dorms available and the road called, so I headed out on Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday night I found another hotsprings in Oregon and camped out there, before waking up at dawn and driving 12 hours to crash in Wyoming at a hotel filled with hunters- tis the season. They sure love their Fox news. . .

I woke up early on Wednesday and drove the final 8 hours to Boulder, Colorado, where I was greeted by another Get Found brother, Prescott. (check out those matching shirts!)

We have been hiking in the mountains, catching shows, touring the small mountain towns, making social rounds, and playing music nightly by campfire. We saw my favorite songwriter, Gregory Alan Isakov last night, and will get to see him again on Monday- definitely a highlight of my Boulder experience. I am staying in Prescott's sweet cabin in the mountain, next to a creek. It sounds like it is raining all of the time due to the soothing water sounds, but the sky is blue, the air is warm, my spirit is light, and my heart is filled with gratitude.

I am settling into this journey and opening my heart to possibility. Boulder instantly felt like home and I am listening to this. I am excited to explore other areas and stay in Austin . . . but Boulder may draw me back sooner rather than later. I do have fears about staying in this area- mostly related to the cost of living and lack of employment. What is meant to be will come together perfectly. I resolve to spend my time setting fear aside and imagining great things.

~Daisy