A Post

Photo by Dawn Boudreaux Photography - Menil - Houston, Tx

I must confess that I am exceptionally uninspired to write these days. More than I have been in a long long time. I returned to Denver, Colorado at the end of April but plan to be back in Houston by mid-June. At that point I’ll asses my finances, choose a direction, and proceed to somewhere. Two more weeks and my mother will be done with chemo. She’s doing much better since the Doctors discontinued one of the chemo drugs that was particularly nasty. Mom’s spirits are up and things appear to be much better than they were over the winter. As soon as chemo is done the Doctors recommend simply getting on with life as they periodically monitor the situation. Cancer is one battle I hope I never have to fight.

My work situation has been kind of tough lately. I’ve been putting as much time into it as I can but the fruits of my labor have not been too fortuitous. The harvest has been thin as I find myself in a bit of a dry spell. Gas, time, and fees coupled with weak buys add up to food and necessity money but not much more. I’ve been unable to locate a crystal ball that really works and the competition usually seems to have the upper hand. I’m patiently waiting my turn in receiving the lucky break that always mysteriously appears when dumb luck chimes in. I’m not a gambling man but I roll the dice when I’m dealt a weak hand. Sometimes I get lucky. However, the reality is that it generally works like this: one dime + time = two dimes minus taxes and fees = 15 cents with expenses eating profits. However, my situation does come with benefits. No debt + No boss + Low cost living = Ultimate Freedom. That’s what it’s all about for me but as the cliché goes, “Freedoms not Free”. It’s a matter of how one chooses to live. As always I feel extremely lucky to have the choice. Most of the world doesn’t because of the economic and political situation they are born into.

Today is kind of an easy going day. I made the 45 minute drive to Boulder and went for a nice 9 mile trail run amidst the foothills decorated with large rock formations known as the Flatirons. The rocky mountain backdrop to Boulder has got to be one of the most attractive of all American cities.

Boulder seems a little quieter with the students of the University of Colorado off for the summer. I use to live in Boulder and worked at a running store in the early 1990’s. Boulder is an odd place. It’s a college town which makes the overall median age quite young. By time one exits their 20’s they may feel as though they have outgrown the majority of the social demographic. It’s also as town of extremes. It’s a world renowned training destination for runners, cyclist, and climbers testing and exploring their limits while being all pumped up on a double sot of ego. Boulder has always been an attraction for those of alternative lifestyle, odd spiritual persuasions, and hippie attitudes. Obesity is rare and fat people are uncommon. I think there is little arguing that Boulder is more than likely the fittest city in the nation. However, with the recent state legalization of Marijuana the pizza makers are more stoned than ever. Be sure to double check your order when it arrives.

Boulder prides itself as a conscious, progressive, and open community but I kind of see it trapped in an alley of one way thinking. Liberal thought is the norm and those who disagree with an issue and offer an opposing opinion are not likely to be accepted favorably. The homogenous community is highly educated, prideful, and most are pretty well off. The parks are beautiful, the neighborhoods nice, and Gluten free living comes easy. Those who fall into the fold and lifestyle brand of “Boulder” might feel as though they have arrived in a Utopia of sorts. However, for me I see it as a place of extremes, oddly out of balance, and blissfully self-absorbed. When I was in my 20’s I Loved living in Boulder. Now? It’s a nice a place to visit and the natural beauty cannot be denied. I also must add it’s a great place for a young person to go to college.

Well, I guess it’s time to get back to Denver. In the meantime I’ll be working on a new angle as I navigate my way out of a rut of sorts.