Today I took a walk "on the street where I live" from one end to the other. "Does enchantment pour out of every door?" Yes, actually, it might. Certainly to a "newbie" like me. Though I hope everyone feels that way about the street where they live. 

On my new street, there are several hiking and biking trails and two parks, one with a memorial to Albert Schweitzer, which I thought was interesting. According to this article, he'd been to Aspen in the summer of 1949 – right after World War II. In fact, it was July 4th – which makes this timing pretty close. (I love synchronicities.)  He came to speak "at at a festival celebrating the bicentennial of Goethe's birth." 

Schweitzer had refused previous invitations to the US, so his decision to come to Aspen makes it all the more special. 

It also makes you wonder if that event helped spawn the constant influx of some of the most influential people on earth who come here on a regular basis. 

Here's a tribute to Goethe, with a few of his remarkable (and relatable) quotes.

There's also a street fair on Saturdays and several restaurants and shops. Here are a few more photos…

And because I couldn't resist posting a relevant song. Wish I had a video of my very talented nephew singing it, but I guess the original will have to do!

Have some songs or quotes about friendship you want to share? Post on Facebook!  

 https://www.facebook.com/365DaysinAspen/

Here's to the beginners! The first-timers! The risk-takers, the "go for it" folks! 

Today I was hiking the same trail I'd done three times before. (I know. Here I was just talking about the downfalls of routine. Sorry). Anyway, there was a teenage boy riding a bicycle up this very steep (800 ft elevation increase) trail. He was struggling a bit and wanted someone to talk with, and I was more than happy to comply. 

Yes, I became his cheerleader. I guess that's one advantage in my having done this particular trail so many times. I could help him!  

First, I told him that I was impressed that anyone could ride a bicycle up that mountain! He lamented and said the person at the bike shop said they though he could do it in 16 minutes. 16 minutes!  I couldn't imagine that! Heck, I couldn't imagine twice that! It took me 54 minutes to hike up the same trail – without a bicycle!

It made me sad for him – that this "expert" who had probably lived here for a long time – had set him – a beginner – up with that level of expectation. So I told him a bit of exercise physiology I'd been taught: 

I said, "Do you know that the more you do an activity, the more you store energy in the muscles you use a lot?"
He said, "No."
I added, "It's true. So for some people who do a lot of the same activity, it gets easier for them."
"Because they can access the energy easier?" he intelligently responded.
"Yes." I replied.  "Did you know why chickens and turkeys legs are the dark meat? Because those are the muscles used most. They don't fly, so they don't use their chests or breasts. They use their legs, so that's why the meat is richer, more dense, and has more calories."  

I'm pretty sure I made him feel better.  He made it to the top. 

We all need a "cheerleader" from time to time. Someone who encourages us, who helps us take the next step, who lets us know that none of us took our first step without faltering. And, in skiing vernacular, "no falls, no ____."  (You get it.)  No reward without risk. 

We also need to remember to be a cheerleader, too. To be there for people when they're struggling to climb whatever mountain is in front of them.

So – "Hello you long-shots, you dark-horse runners…" Two very different versions of the same great tune…

Have some thoughts you want to share? Post on Facebook!  

 https://www.facebook.com/365DaysinAspen/

This post is in tribute to friends. Old friends, new friends; Friends who are nearby and friends thousands of miles away. Friends who are no longer with me and friends who just joined my journey. Friends who I haven't seen in a long time and friends across the world who I may never meet in person. 

Thursday was such a lovely day with a new friend. Hours and hours of neverending conversation that could have continued for hours more.

The joy of discovery. 

It was almost like one of my favorite movies, My Dinner with Andre, that could have been recorded for others to watch. We covered so many topics, explored so much ground, it was exceptional. Macro to micro, discussing everything from funny stories from the past to matters of life and death. It was lovely. And not just because we were sitting outside in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. 

The magic of friendship. 

I spend a lot of time alone. It's a choice, really. 

I woke up this morning thinking, I wish someone had told me early on, "You're going to live an unconventional life. You'll never marry or have kids like most people. You'll have a lot of challenges you will have to face alone. But it's all good. It'll give you freedom to create, to explore, to invent, to learn."

Like this Dr. Seuss quote from an exceptional book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"  In many ways, it was the inspiration for my own children's book, "Sometimes I Wonder." 

Yet even when we spend time alone, it's still all about love…

As Wise Men Once Said
What Matters in the End
Does the Love You Receive
Match the Love You Spend?

So here are some songs in tribute to friendship, from Bette Midler to B.J. Thomas, Randy Newman and more. 

Bette Midler classic… 

Randy Newman and his songs with Toy Story:

And his commentary… (I love hearing his stories about writing songs!)

Have some songs or quotes about friendship you want to share? Post on Facebook!  

 https://www.facebook.com/365DaysinAspen/

Yes, the typo is a pun. Explorers are less likely to "unite" than they are to "untie." To let go than to band together.

Isn't that what being an explorer is all about? Releasing the bonds of expectations?

Are you an explorer?  

Many years ago I was talking to someone I'd just met, explaining my view of how the world works, and his response stayed with me to this day. He said, "Brownell, you're an explorer. You'll always be an explorer." 

What he meant was that I'd always be searching. That I'd never be fully satisfied with one answer. 

How he was. 

Every experience of life opens up the opportunity for another lesson, another chance to grow, another world to explore. 

To be a true explorer, you need to be ready to get lost. To find the answers, you need to be open to asking questions. 

This song by Mary Chapin Carpenter is one of my favorites. 

And this one – by another favorite artist – was at one time an anthem of mine – a cautionary tale not to miss out on life. 

And another Mary Chapin Carpenter song – with deep, thought-provoking lyrics:

And since I'm on a Mary Chapin Carpenter kick today… 

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/marychapincarpenter/aplaceintheworld.html

Offer your thoughts on the 365 Days in Aspen Facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/365DaysinAspen/

Sunrises. Symbolism for new beginnings. An opportunity to start fresh. 

It's easy to get complacent and bogged down in everyday routine. I think that's what makes moving to a new place so gloriously disruptive. It makes everything you do more conscious, and it gives you a chance to change things you used to do on autopilot. 

A Mayfly has the shortest lifespan of all creatures – living, on average, 24 hours. According to this article from The Mysterious World, "… Mayflies spend most of their lifetime as nymphs. The one and only purpose of Mayflies are reproduction. Within this short period of life, they form groups and dance together on all available surfaces."  So they spend the day dancing and reproducing. Sounds like a lovely way to embrace each moment. 

Here's a beautiful song from an oft overlooked group: Over The Rhine. My favorite lyric is: 

It's our favorite time of light
Just before the day kisses the night

And the closing verse:

When they lay me down at last
And this life is finally past
Just remember me this way
And don't forget to say
It's our favorite
Our favorite time of light

And, considering the title of today's post, here are some covers of the classic song, Feeling Good, both with the (not so coincidental) lyric:

Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun, you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when the day is done, that's what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me
For me

The classic Nina Simone…

George Michael crushing it…

And Ed Sheeran in his low-key style:

As Synchronicity would have it – a song called "Mayfly" popped up on my songlist.  

Offer your thoughts on the 365 Days in Aspen Facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/365DaysinAspen/

I can't be in Aspen and not think of John Denver.  Although the "Almost Heaven" lyric is talking about Western Virginia (and West Virginia) and not Colorado, it seems like an appropriate title for this blog in tribute to the singer/songwriter and actor.  

I'd like to start with a couple of personal stories about John Denver. The first is the time I spoke with him. Yes, really. It was my Sophomore year at the University of Georgia, and (to steal from another blog title), I remember it well. I had a friend I'd met the previous summer who'd been seriously hurt, and I wanted to do something for her. Sally had been jogging and tripped over some kind of city plumbing pipe jutting out in the sidewalk; her jaw was broken and had to be wired shut for months.

She was a huge John Denver fan, so I sought out his fan club and reached out to him. I told him what a big fan she was, and how much it would mean to her if he could just call her. He called me first, giving me a thrill – and filling my heart with love for him as a person, beyond the music I already enjoyed. And, needless to say, it meant a lot to Sally, too. 

So – John – wherever you are – Thanks.  

Another of my John Denver stories is a memory I had of when I was in high school and used to go to a place called "The Ground Round."  It was a fun restaurant/bar that often had a singer singing live music. Every so often, I'd join in and sing backup, including "Country Roads" and "Rocky Mountain High."  Such a lovely memory. Now, when I listen to the songs, I still sing harmony.  

There's a park here in Aspen called the John Denver Sanctuary. I visited it today – it's quite a sight. Hope you enjoy these pictures – and the songs below.  

My favorite John Denver songs:

And don't forget – one of my favorite movies of all time.  I can't find a full video of the scene I love the most (in the hotel room where God answers the questions), but there is a small (but important) clip, with an article on the topics covered – and some others:

http://www.gods-word-first.org/ohgodmovie.html

Offer your thoughts on the 365 Days in Aspen Facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/365DaysinAspen/

Yesterday was the Fourth of July. Independence Day.  

Symbolic for Freedom and Independence. 

I won't get into politics here, other than to say that I believe in peace and love. You can figure it out from there. 

When I told friends I was coming to Aspen alone, many of them couldn't imagine it. Leaving behind friends and familiarity to go somewhere I didn't know a soul. As I said in my post on change, there were a lot of reasons. And one of them was to celebrate Freedom and Independence. 

I've always said "the other side of relationship is freedom." So many single people lament their lack of a partner, but they fail to see the incredible freedom that goes with it. Loneliness, you say? I would counter with the quote attributed to Amelia Earhart: "Being alone is scary, but not as scary as feeling alone in a relationship."  Or Robin Williams' "I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone."

As Dr. Seuss suggests in his classic, Oh, The Places You'll Go!, “All alone! Whether you like it or not, alone is something you'll be quite a lot!” 

So yesterday (and every day) I'm celebrating the freedom and independence that allowed me to move to Aspen.  And, in the spirit of the holiday, here are some pictures I took. There's nothing like being in a small town, seeing people of all kinds and ages celebrating the holiday!

Offer your thoughts on the 365 Days in Aspen Facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/365DaysinAspen/

You can't have this kind of verdant landscape and not get rain from time to time. And I'd much rather live where it's lush and green vs. a desert mountain where, as a friend said, "makes you appreciate the different colors of brown." 

Given how beautiful this place is, it's breathtaking even in the rain and clouds. And even if it's raining, you still feel a compulsion to be outside. 

Yesterday I went hiking and it started to drizzle. Instinctively I thought maybe I should turn around. But I fought the instinct and kept on. Guess what discomfort resulted? No, not being wet. I got a sunburn on my neck! I should have worn sunscreen even in the clouds. Live and learn. 

On a less literal basis, I faced some "rain" the past few days. Cigarette smoke was emanating from the person living below me. Now, I'm a very open, accepting and non-judging person, but I draw the line when one person's "rights" conflict with another's health and well-being, and this smoke was not only infiltrating my place, it was settling into my lungs and sinuses. Oh, no, I thought! Will I have to move? I've only been here a week, so the person below has probably been here longer. I love my place! Love the location, the view, the everything. Even how small it is! And especialy the clean, mountain air. 

Thankfully, I found out this is a nonsmoking building. And I also found out that it's illegal. Yay! Problem solved. I hope. 

Some more pictures taken yesterday:

Here are some songs and poems about rain, covering a range of emotions:

The original poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

The Rainy Day

The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.

My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the mouldering Past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,
And the days are dark and dreary.

Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.

The song performed by Ella Fitzgerald and the Ink Spots:

Sad and beautiful Joe Cocker cover of a Randy Newman tune. It makes me so happy I'm not mourning the loss of a relationship right now…

And both a live and studio version of one of my favorite songs by one of my very favorite artists, Sara Barielles. Sing it – Sing it LOUD. Like an anthem!

And – in anticipation of the Fourth of July tomorrow (and because it's a metaphor for the smoking incident):

Thoughts?  Comments?  Check out my Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/365DaysinAspen/

Like the classic song from the movie "Gigi," reflecting back on my first time in Aspen, my memories might be a bit jumbled, but still, "I Remember It Well."  (Video below.)

This is a picture taken during my first visit to Aspen/Snowmass. (I'm on the right). It was in April, 1987. I had skied a few times before. That is, if you can call skiing in Georgia, Tennessee or Kentucky real "skiing." But at least I wasn't relegated to only green slopes when I got here. 

Why did I choose Aspen as my first trip out west? A few reasons, I guess. A few years before I had dated a guy who'd been a ski instructor in Aspen, and his stories had captivated me. Also, I had a timeshare week where I could put in some options and then take whatever came available. Snowmass in April was perfect. 

The things I remember most were someone playing Bob Marley music on an outside deck (which I heard here the other day, too; Marley is timeless), how much fun (and warm!) spring skiing was, and, of course the majestic beauty of the place. 

It made an impression for sure. So much that I made several other trips out here, too, in both the winter and the summer. Which do I like better? Kind of a "Sophie's Choice" kind of decision. Don't make me choose. I love both hiking and skiing. And let me live through the rest of this year to let you know what I think of fall and spring, too. 

Thoughts?  Comments?  Check out my Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/365DaysinAspen/

I've had a lot of people asking me what I'm doing here.  I want to reply, "Why I'm here on the planet?  Or why I'm here in Aspen?"  Or do they want a more specific answer, like, "What do I do every day?  What do I do for work?"

I'm not sure if this post wil answer – or prompt – more questions, but here's an attempt.  

First, I was able to move here because I inherited a little bit of money and wanted to use it to enjoy life, even if it only lasts a year.  As I told my financial advisor, "I'd rather live 5 years living a life I love than 25 years in mediocrity."  Does that sound irresponsible?  Or enlightened? I don't know.  And I don't really care what anyone thinks.  It's my life to live.  As I explained in a previous post, I started this year thinking I wouldn't live through the rest of the year.  If that's not an incentive to go out and "live life" I don't know what is.  

So I'm "giving up" the attachment to earning income.  I've struggled financially for so many years, so now that I can breathe, at least a little, I will.  Besides, my definition of "giving up" isn't how most people define it.  To me, it's "releasing to a Higher Power."  

That doesn't mean I'm not also doing my part in co-creating my reality.  I'm just not worrying about the outcome.  As one of my favorite philosophers/teacher Anthony de Mello would advise, I'm releasing the attachment.  And I agree with him that attachments are the source of unhappiness.  So, now I'm "working," which means that I'm still doing what I do – writing, inventing, creating, helping.  I'm just not going to freak out if what I'm doing doesn't produce an income.  

Paradoxically, it could just end up being that by releasing this attachment/fear, I might actually open more doors to success.  Who knows?  And though it would be nice, I also say, "Who cares?"  

For a more specific answer to the question in this post, other than working on this blog, I'm working on the script for a movie screenplay.  It's VERY exciting!  And, like just about everything else I do, it has the potential to change the world.  

So, on days like today (this picture was taken this morning, even though I could still be outside enjoying the day (and I will, later), I can enjoy life through writing.  

Sending much love,

Brownell

Offer your thoughts on the 365 Days in Aspen Facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/365DaysinAspen/