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Growing up in Sacramento, California my perspective on the world was romanticized by my unreal surroundings. The Pacific ocean to the west, Sierra Nevadas to the east, and San Francisco being only an hour away set my “normal” for what the rest of world was.

It wasn’t until I moved out of state to Denver, Colorado that I realized how unique California is not only in its geography, but the culture and energy that go along with it. As I reluctantly started to build my life in Denver, I noticed myself making rash judgement calls on everything I experienced here in relation to California. While this is a natural way of seeing the world, it gave me a cynical perspective on my surroundings.

My first year in Denver was filled with negative thoughts; I hated the fact that it was a full day’s drive to the nearest ocean, and the general consensus that skiing is the best thing to ever exist. It bothered me that people said “Nev-ah-duh” instead of  “Nevada”, and that people wore Birkenstocks instead of Rainbows. I dreaded the fact that you can never really be sure if you’re wearing the right outfit for the weather that day, and that I could possibly slip on my way to class.

I was not willing to accept this new way of life I had jumped into. I missed my home, and my friends, and just wanted everything to be the same as it always had been. Instagram had convinced me that all of my high school friends had only good days, and that I should have just gone to SDSU like everyone else in my class. I only had a couple friends in Denver, and didn’t know my way around the city at all. It was always cold, and I had nothing to do.

Instead of recognizing this as a normal transition into college, I blamed the place. I made it Denver’s fault that my freshman year of college wasn’t the highlight of my life, and in the process of doing this I missed out on a years worth of everything this city, I now call home, has to offer.

My unwavering devotion to California made it difficult to see the beauty of Colorado. I became anti-Denver comparing every single thing I experienced to its Californian counterpart, and created an obstacle course on my path to appreciation. I was convinced that I was going to transfer back to a California school, it was only a matter of time.

Though I did not make it east for myself, I trudged down the path to appreciation. For me this journey  began with coffee. Coffee shops have been my go to spot to meet friends, study, and take a minute for myself as long as I can remember. They created an easy opportunity to engage with Denver in a way I knew I could appreciate. I started seeking out new coffee spots all around Denver.

I became a regular at La Belle Rosette, located on University behind the Newman center.  A hot spicy chai latte and a mini sausage breakfast burrito (with Cholula – of course) beat out any coffee or breakfast burrito I had had in California. More importantly than being delicious, this coffee shop proved to me that there are things that are better here than there are there, and it is okay to accept that.

As my horizons widened and I started to meet more people, I started to take much more advantage of the beautiful state of Colorado. Although my plan remained that I was eventually going to move back to California, I was able to break down the wall of hate towards Colorado, and stop comparing every piece of every experience to my home state.

A few weeks after I had submitted transfer applications to two California schools, I met someone living on the floor above me in Centennial Halls who was also from California and loved it just as much as I did. We started hanging out one day, and didn’t stop until we went home for summer.

As I spent time with my new found friend, I started to realize that it was okay to miss California: my friends and family. But it was also okay to make the best out of my current situation. I realized I wasn’t alone in missing the place I had called home for my entire life, and that people had the same thoughts rushing through their minds as I did. I was persuaded to give my new life a try and let myself enjoy it.

My friend taught me how to skateboard which gave me something constructive to focus and improve upon. Not only that, but it gave me something to be excited about. I had an activity that was healthy, entertaining, and distracting from what at one time seemed to be an endless train of negative thoughts. Skateboarding around campus, and the few parks I went to proved to me that I could find enjoyment in Denver, I just had to try.

This friend and I did everything together, from making peanut butter and honey bagels in the dining hall every morning to skating to Spanish, to going out with our other friends at night. He showed me that no matter where you are, there’s opportunity for friendship and time for appreciation, all it takes is a little bit of effort.

As time went on this friend and I drifted apart a bit, but I will always be appreciative of his ability to open my eyes to the opportunities around me while simultaneously being sympathetic to the difficulty I had letting go of California.

As my normal started to change, and I began to accept my surroundings I started to enjoy my time in Denver. I dove into my friendships here without fear of losing my friendships from home which I had never been able to do before, and sought out adventure instead of shying away from an activity because it was new.

I re-entered my new life with a feeling of optimism and sense of adventure, willing to accept that things were different now, and that was okay. This new headspace allowed me to enjoy Denver, and come to appreciate all of it’s beauty and opportunity.

Meeting friends to study at coffee shops or to skate around campus gave me a way to break into the natural opportunities for fun that Colorado provides. It took some trial and error to find the people I now call my best friends, but through numerous extended coffee and skate dates, I found the people that were going to change my outlook on Colorado for the better and eventually convince me to stay.

Through an unfortunately toxic roommate I met these two amazing people; one of whom is from Boulder, and loves her home state just as much as I love mine.  Through the past couple years she has shown me amazing new spots all around Colorado from the Laughing Goat in Boulder to a backpacking trail on Mt. Evans.

Since becoming friends with these two, I have come to see Colorado from an entirely new perspective. I can understand why people love it here so much. There are endless adventures, coffee shops and sunsets to see, it just takes the right group of people to bring out how special this place truly is.

Now that I have been a Colorado resident for almost four whole years, my mind and energy has shifted to accepting everything that I encounter. Instead of comparing everything back to how it was in California, I can see the value in the uniqueness that Colorado provides.

I’ve started to love driving up to the mountains instead of dreading the day-long drive to the beach. I don’t quite get the skiing thing, but I can appreciate that so many of my friends do. I now see why people have Birkenstocks, and while I will never get rid of my rainbows, I am now a Birk wearer. I now realize I’m the one saying “Colo-raw-do” incorrectly – the natives say “Colo-rad-o”.

I realize that the people are what make any place great, and I was missing my tight knit community from home and wasn’t giving myself a chance to make a new one. Once I did, I appreciated the beauty that is Colorado, and have completely revised my “normal”. I have a community and a home in Colorado that I wouldn’t trade for the world — it just took a few great people to convince me of that.

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This article was written before COVID-19. The experiences and adventures described might be closed or offer limited access at this time. Please check with local and state health protocols before planning to travel to this destination.

For as long as I can remember, my parents have taken my brother and me to Vail’s “Gourmet on Gore” every Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, it was canceled this year but I’m sure when this event is up and running again, the regulars and newbies will pour back onto Mainstreet. When we can be in crowds and show our faces again, my family will certainly be one of the first to book our reservations in Lion’s Head and snag as many “Gourmet on Gore tickets” as we can. There is so much to do in Vail during this time! I can’t wait to get back into this tradition! My brother and I love to climb down into the Gore River to watch the duck race and my parents always make sure to watch Philip Long sing live at his restaurant. We share so many happy memories and I want others to have similar experiences. Now, if you’re not sure what all this means–but it sounds fun–this article is for you!

Gourmet on Gore 2019

So, what is Gourmet on Gore?

Gourmet on Gore is a culinary festival. Popular Vail restaurants set up tents outside on Mainstreet and offer delicious samples of their foods and drinks! The samples are basically full meals. If you’re getting a burger you’re getting a whole burger, if you want tacos you’re probably getting two. If you’re getting wine, beer, or cocktails you’ll have a full serving. So if you’re over 21, you might as well buy a Gourmet on Gore wine glass to have with you all day as you sample, sample, sample!

Gourmet on Gore 2018

Please note that this is where those “tickets” come in, before chowing down you have to purchase the specific Gourmet on Gore currency to use at many of the booths. It’s simple, $1=$1, $5=$5. They do this so it’s easier for the restaurants to keep track of what they’ve made during Labor Day weekend. The restaurants do get actual money back. Also, there are some restaurants past Mainstreet that take cash or card, not these “tickets.”

Gourmet on Gore 2018

As you wander through the streets, Gourmet on Gore begins to turn into a Farmer’s Market! Local businesses and craftspeople sell clothing, accessories, jewelry, etc. Colorado artists sell their pieces and they even offer the option of shipping it to your home! There are also many more libations and food items throughout–if you’re even still hungry–and plenty of fresh produce to munch on.

 

What else is there to do?

I’m glad you asked! Vail offers so much throughout the summer-fall season. There is plenty to do no matter your age or family dynamic; here are some suggestions that are sure to fill your time here in Vail!

Families with small children will certainly enjoy the adventure park located on top of a mountain. A quick gondola trip in Lion’s Head–the town right next to Vail–will take you to Epic Discovery. There’s zip-lining, rock climbing, tubing,  obstacle courses, and an alpine slide! Families with teenagers and those young at heart will also find joy on this adventure mountain. Everyone should experience Epic Discovery at least once; go out of curiosity and come back for the fun.

Epic Discovery in Vail

Every member of your family, the young and old, will certainly enjoy watching the Vail Duck Race! This event is organized and sponsored by the Vail Rotary Club during Labor Day weekend. Anyone can purchase a rubber ducky and its corresponding number to be put into the Duck Race! You’ll find this booth in the same area as you would get your “tickets.” It is exactly what it sounds like, thousands of rubber duckies start at one end of the Gore River, and “race” less than a half a mile to the finish line. It is an amazing sight, by the end of the race all you can see is a giant pool of yellow. The first 12 ducks that finish–they have to feed into this wire cage in order to be counted as winners–are given back to the owner and these owners can win up to $1 million! The cash prizes certainly pique the parents’ interests, and what kid doesn’t want to see thousands of rubber duckies plunge down a river??

The Infamous Duck Race

My family would not approve of this article if I did not include Phil Long and his restaurant, the Vail Chophouse. As aforementioned, my parents always make sure to go there once during our trip. The food is delicious, and my brother and I enjoy the live music but we can never let our parents know that… Phil sings a lot of 70s-80s classics, from America to Steely Dan to Billy Joel. He sings for the old souls. An added bonus to the entertainment is Phil’s random magic tricks he takes around to his customer’s tables. And I cannot let you go to the Vail Chophouse without knowing another trick up Phil’s sleeve… If you’re going to tip him, you have to crumble the bill into a ball and shoot it into his jar from your table; here’s the catch, if you don’t make it, he’s going to make you take a shot of fireball with him. If you’re over 21 of course! If you’re underage, you’re out of luck.

Phil Long at The Vail Chophouse

Any other recommendations?

Considering my brother and I have come to Vail since we were kids, we’ve come up with some of our own traditions. I strongly encourage you to do the same, no matter your age! Vail feels like a town in and of itself, time doesn’t exist and it always feels the same, it’s comforting in that way. As I continue to grow up I know I’ll always have a childhood memory or two waiting for me in Vail.

So, these traditions… My brother and I must get candy and ice cream from Fuzzwig’s Candy Factory at least once. I always get razzles, my brother loves Push Pops and chocolate. This candy shop is a child’s dream and a dentist’s worst nightmare. There’s candy, soda, ice cream, fancy chocolates, and toys from wall to wall. Sweet tooths and savory taste buds will certainly find something to feed their cravings.

Fuzzwig’s Candy Factory

While on the subject of sweets, I make sure to head to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory during my weekend as well. I always get a caramel apple, sliced, please. There are lots of other toppings available for caramel apple lovers, and the artisan chocolates are “to die for,” as my mom would say.

After having dessert before dinner, some of the best restaurants with the best views are located along the Gore River. Up the Creek offers outdoor seating and there is open space for small kids and dogs to run around in as you enjoy another meal and another glass of wine.

Up the Creek’s Outdoor Seating

But where do I sleep?

If you’re planning on going to Gourmet on Gore, you’ll want to make hotel reservations ASAP. They are planning to have the festival again in 2021, depending on the state of the world, feel free to start booking in the winter/spring! There is a wide range of hotel pricing, from boujee to chain hotels and there are plenty of options to fit anyone’s budgets.

The most expensive option is the Four Seasons, the location is exquisite and the amenities are unreal. You’re close enough to Mainstreet to walk but not too close to hear the hustle and bustle of the town. This option is a whopping $759/night; if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, this is it! Vail’s Mountain Haus and the Lodge at Vail are smack in the middle of Vail, and also some of the most moderate options. Ranging from $200-$300/night. The Sitzmark Lodge is my family’s favorite, it’s right on Mainstreet and is less than $200/night; but it books up fast so we haven’t been able to stay there for the best 3 years! Be wary of the demand some of these hotels may have, pay attention to the location.

The Four Seasons in Vail

The Village of Lion’s Head tends to have more open hotel options, and it’s another fun town to explore. It could be a 5-15 minute walk to Vail’s Mainstreet depending on where your hotel is. The price range is about the same as Vail, the most expensive hotel is about $780/night, Destination Resorts at Vail. The cheapest option is about $230/night, Antlers at Vail. Both are short walks to Vail. There also always seems to be a wedding during Labor Day weekend in Lion’s Head Village…that’s always some fun people watching.

Antlers in Vail…But it’s in Lion’s Head

I hope you get to experience Gourmet on Gore sometime soon, it is such a unique experience and there is plenty to do in Vail and Lion’s Head. These recommendations are merely suggestions, create your own memories, and explore your own hidden treasures!

Vail Mountain

 

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Although COVID-19 has put a stop to most traveling abroad, luckily, got to experience the beauty of Europe before this crisis. So keep in mind many of the experiences may not be available. Please check with local and state health protocols before planning to travel to this destination.

I grew up all around northern Colorado. This Colorado girl loves to experience new places and things, but my opportunity to do so has been limited because I have always been so busy with school, and sports. When my college soccer team had the opportunity to go to Europe in 2019, I simply could not pass it up. Unfortunately, right before we left… to play soccer… in Europe… I broke my tibia plateau. I questioned if I should even go considering I would be on crutches, and Europe is a lot of walking. But, I knew if I did not go I would regret it.

Europe was an important trip for me. I had committed to play soccer at the University of Colorado my freshman year of high school. This was a big decision, and I may not have realized it at the time. I struggled just to get up most mornings and get what I needed to get done, done. I went from being Colorado state player of the year, to somebody that was not seen as a person. It made me hate soccer, and honestly, I never wanted to play again. This trip took me away from all of that for a little bit.  We played some while we were over there, and even though I could not play it made me realize that I wanted to love soccer again. The people who played over there enjoyed it and had such a passion for it that I used to have. This was the first time I realized I wanted to transfer and find a different program that fit me better. It helped me realize that the game of soccer is supposed to be fun and not a job that I hate. The trip helped me to enjoy the people near me, and the beautiful places around me. Even though the Europe trip was hard for me because of the crutches, it is a trip I will never forget and will always hold a special place in my heart.

Sitting in my room in Windsor, Colorado, I had always imagined Paris as the romantic, city of light, the city of love. Upon arriving, I realized that Paris is like most cities. It is dirty and has a harsh smell. Of course, it is rich in history and has beautiful parts, but mostly, it is home to people in business suits, traffic, and the homeless. We experienced the Eiffel Tower, the Mona Lisa, and also went to many other historic places. The Eiffel Tower was certainly beautiful at night, but during the day it was all gated up around the bottom. It was also hard to enjoy it because so many people were coming up to you and asking you to buy things. The Mona Lisa was one of my favorite parts. Not only just that painting itself, but the Louvre Museum was fascinating. There was always something beautiful to look at. Most of the trip was a challenge for me on crutches, but when it came to the Mona Lisa, I got to use the handicap line which put me right next to the painting, and I got a perfect picture with it. This put me right next to the Mona Lisa, and I got a perfect picture with it. Another part of the museum was the food court. Now, this may not seem this exciting but most of the museums we went to did not have anything to eat or drink. Not only did they actually have a food court, but it was also so delicious. I had a hamburger and fries and it surprisingly tasted amazing. It almost gives you a small feeling of America.

Another fantastic place was the Palace of Versailles. The inside had so many details it was hard to pick which one to look at. There was also so much interesting history to learn. They gave us a small earpiece so they were able to explain each room in detail, and we could hear them loud and clear. There were so many rooms, and some of them even had secret doorways to different parts of the palace. This was such an educational part of my trip, and I highly recommend it. The outside was a lot like the inside. There were so many details in the greenery, and the different pathways to walk around the outside. The grass was laid out in a swirl motion throughout the whole outside, and then there was a beautiful fountain in the middle of it. There was also a bigger lake you could walk to that was further away.

The following day we went and saw all of the shops in Paris including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Supreme. Unfortunately, we did not get to go into Gucci or Louis Vuitton because there was at least an hour wait to get into each of these. We also went to the Norte Dame. Unfortunately, this was right after the fire that destroyed a large section of the roof, so we could not go in. However, it was still one of the most beautiful buildings.

We scootered around Paris for the most part, and that was probably one of my favorite parts. Traffic is so different there compared to Colorado, I would compare it to New York. So, while scootering you were able to weave in and out of traffic and scooter in the road instead of on the side walk. There were times it got a little scary because we were so close to so many cars and big trucks. We also were there during the World Cup, so we went to a game at the Stade de la Mosson. This stadium was absolutely gorgeous, and was easy to get to. This game was also a good time because the United States was playing, which made it feel a little bit like being home. I also got to watch my team play three games. It was life changing to see my teammates, and the other team having so much fun playing the game we all love. We also went to Montpellier and stayed in a hotel right on the beach. Montpellier is beautiful and walking the streets there was like a dream. The beach was had the softest sand, and the water was so clear. We sat out here for hours and played games and had drinks. The little beach town we stayed at had cute shops and restaurants that were delicious. They also had stands everywhere for ice cream and churros. All of the buildings were a cream color, and they all matched in a sense. We ate at an Italian restaurant, and watched one of the World Cup games.

This shows the beautiful greenery at the Palace of Versailles
This photo is taken outside of the Palace of Versailles. This is the greenery and you can see the swirly motions that I mentioned above.
This is me standing with the Mona Lisa.
This is me with the Mona Lisa. You can see the great detail it has.
This is the Eiffel Tower at night.
The Eiffel Tower is beautiful at night. It has so many lights, and will sometimes even blink. You could see it from miles away.
This is the inside of the Palace of Versailles
This shows the great detail of the Palace of Versailles. This was just one of the rooms, but there were so many that had the same amount of detail.

For those of you wanting to travel to Europe, here are some tips that I wanted to share. First, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get a passport. Second, an adaptor for plug ins is also a must for traveling to Europe. Third, bring a water bottle, preferably one that collapses so it is easy to carry around. Fourth, bring comfortable shoes because you do a great amount of walking. Fifth, bring a portable charger is also a great thing to have. This will allow you to have your phone charged at all times. A cross body bag is an item you want to insure safety. This makes it harder for your personal items to be stollen right off of you. Sixth, and the biggest suggestion I have is to exchange American money for European euros before leaving. It is a lot easier to exchange them before you leave compared to when you get there.

Overall, this trip was life changing for me. I got to experience so many different places, and I found my love for soccer and life again here. I may forget the places, but I will never forget the eye-opening experiences I had to find my love for soccer and life again.

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Hays, Kansas.

Not many have heard of this small town in the middle of Kansas, but for me, it means a lot of things.

I have driven the 5 hour road trip from Denver at least once, if not 2 or 3 times, every year of my life.

This random town to a common passerby had become a 2nd home to me.  My mom was born in Hays, Kansas, and eventually moved to Denver, but my Grandma stayed put in this little town and resided there her entire life.

When my Grandma died this past summer, I started to think how this town my family and I have been visiting my whole life, will no longer have a reason to bring us there. Visiting my Grandma took the place of “typical” family vacations because it was the only time the whole family had a few days off, so we used them to stay in Hays and check in with my mom’s mom.

As a kid, this was always annoying and I wondered why we couldn’t go somewhere cool like California or wherever my friends were going for school breaks. However, as I got older and the trips to Hays multiplied, I saw new characteristics associated with this dreaded place.

I started to see the storefronts as unique, the quiet streets as charming, and the people as kind-hearted. I realized you don’t get this same community of local, tight-knit business to resident connection in a big city like Denver. The air was fresh, and sometimes smells like the nearby cattle. The sunsets were worth watching because there were no tall buildings to block the dwindling glow of the sun’s goodbye on your skin. And the sounds of the earth were reserved and calm. All were much needed senses as my Grandma grew older.

The sun setting on Main St. in downtown Hays.
The sun setting on Main St. in downtown Hays.

As my Grandma’s health declined, our trips to Hays increased. My mom went for weeks at a time, and my family tried to visit more frequently. With each visit, we said goodbye like it would be the last time. The Coronavirus pandemic quickly worsened and restrictions were put in place, making our visits shorter and weirder.

Talking to my Grandma through a glass window.
Talking to my Grandma for one of the last times.

We could only say hi to my Grandma through a window and we spoke through the phone. It felt very much like just watching scenes go by on a television screen. We couldn’t hug her or comfort her. We just stood and watched our own interactions, without physically feeling them. She got tired and frustrated quickly, so after chatting, we would have the remainder of the day on our own in Hays. We ate at the local  restaurants, walked around Main St., stopped into the shops, and frequented the Dairy Queen drive-thru. Even though I had been coming to this town my whole life, it was just now starting to make a home in my heart.

The fact that our time was running short in Hays may have contributed to this, but nonetheless, I was glad to have my eyes opened to the beauty in such a small town.

With about 20,000 residents, Hays is not the smallest town in America by, but compared to my hometown of Denver, it has that small town feel to me. The green sign off of I-70 saying “Exit 159” has become a trigger for my muscle memory to put my shoes back on and gather my things that were spread around the car in the 5 hour drive. Depending on who was in town at this time, my family and I would either go straight to my Grandma’s house to say hello to my mom’s side of the family, or we would check in to the Marriott hotel we would be staying at.

What once used to be a chore to say hello to family I didn’t know very well, and to unpack my stuff at a chain hotel room that I am sharing with my siblings, had become a time of love for the people around me and the town that held me.

A painting of a sunflower on a wall in Hays.
Taking time to stop and notice the things around town I had missed in years past.

After my Grandma passed away, my family made the drive to Hays like we always had, but this time it was different.

My mom was already in Kansas and luckily got to see my Grandma the night before she died in her sleep. My dad drove, which was typical, but without my mom, the trip wasn’t the same. We stopped at Subway for lunch and everyone got fountain sodas, which my mom never allowed, but hey we were working through a loss in the family right? We listened to different music, no one had to stop and use the restroom, and the kids watched several movies. When my mom was with us, she always wanted to listen to her radio stations, stop at rest stops, and didn’t want the kids glued to the screen the whole drive. But, again, this trip had a different purpose.

I thought about how my Grandma and my mom have made this same drive many times in past years. I wonder how many times they had to stop, and if they would get Subway or sodas since it was just them.

For me, I looked out the window a lot more. I soaked in the views of the Kansan prairie grasses that I used to despise so much. For once, I was happy to see the cattle grazing and the flatirons spinning.

A snapshot of the views taken for my Instagram story on a drive to Hays.
A snapshot taken for my Instagram story on a drive to Hays.

When we arrived in Hays, we went straight to my Grandma’s house. Though she had been staying in a nursing home, my mom and her siblings were staying at the house. This would be the first time seeing my mom after receiving the news of my Grandma’s passing, so of course we wanted to see her and the family as soon as possible. Hugs were given, the small talk wasn’t the same as it had been all those years. There was a comfort in the air being with people who all loved my Grandma. It was more joyful than sad because my Grandma had lived a long and fulfilling life of 89 years, and the family was happy to be together. No one else was really dwelling on how this may be the last time we all gather in Hays now that my Grandma was gone, but I was thinking it.

This trip would include organizing my Grandma’s things, and a funeral, and seeing people I hadn’t seen for a bit, and though these things carried a twinge of sadness to them, there was a sense of calm and stillness. Hays had never looked better and I was grateful for the years of coming to this small town. In addition, a coffee house opened up and as an avid coffee shop lover, this just made Hays that much better. Having a nice place to go to with family members to chat and grab a coffee made the difficult time a lot easier, but I was sad to leave it.

Pictured is the local coffee house in Hays, named "Breathe."
The local coffee house in Hays, located downtown off of 9th and Main.
My younger siblings sitting in the coffee house.
My siblings posing with the decor in Breathe.

Though I had attached resentment to visiting my Grandma as “vacation” as a kid because I wanted to go to the beach with my friends for spring breaks, without these yearly trips, I would have not grown to love this small town as much as I do now.

On the drive back home from Hays, I said goodbye to my Grandma’s house, but everything else I said see you later to. Though we weren’t sure the reason my family would ever be back to Hays, I knew that I would want to come back because it became a destination in my heart.

Photo of me enjoying Kansas' beauty in a sunflower field.
Enjoying Kansas’ beauty in a sunflower field.

The simplicity of the streets, the laughter and community at the local coffee shop, and the pureness of nature fell upon me as I was in Hays this latest time. I promised myself it would not be the last.