365 Days in Aspen

Brownell

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A Year Ago Today

a year ago

Wow. Here it is. 365 Days Later. Does that mean zombies will come out of hiding? (Sorry, I never saw the movie 28 Days Later but I think it was about Zombies). Or perhaps a more appropriate relator would be the beginning line of Sgt. Pepper's. "It was a year ago today."

Makes me think… if I started the blog 20 years ago today, I would start with the fact that I was planning my last trip to Aspen before moving here. Wow. Pretty cool, actually. A lot has happened in 20 years. 

But let's just look at the past 365 Days, shall we? 

The other day I was pondering this question: "What's the difference between Accomplishment and Success?"

Most people would respond that they're the same thing. I'll offer a different perspective (as I am wont to do) and how it relates to me. By all accounts, I would be considered an "accomplished" person. I've written and published 5 novels (one in the past year), two nonfiction books (one in the past 365 days), two children's books and multiple screenplays and scripts. I have co-written a number of songs, including one I wrote all by myself – lyrics and music! (For me, this was a BIG deal! See below if you want to check out the song – still VERY rough). I also have a patent and multiple copyrights and trademarks. 

Blah, blah, blah. Does that mean I'm "successful?" Depends on your definition of success. But let's just say that on most people's scales I wouldn't rank. Does that matter? Again, it depends on you and what's important to you. 

But I digress. I haven't written here in a long time, mainly because I felt the blog was getting stale and readers (if there were any) were bored. And I have been busy. Writing, mostly. 

So let's chronicle my accomplishments from 365 days ago. A year ago, I drove into town with a full car and no promises or commitments beyond a one-year lease. The next day I met a new friend and we subsequently started the Aspen Screenwriting and Playwrights group, which has been a lot of fun and growing. Pretty cool. 

As far as screenwriting goes, in the last year I've written one feature film, two short films and a treatment with a few episodes of a TV series. I also wrote the song for the closing credits for one of the short films. (See below). 

While I'm talking about writing, I've also released the anthology collaboration "Fifty Shades Deeper." A year ago it wasn't even on my radar. Not bad. I was recently featured in Aspen Magazine (see HERE) and did a talk at Explore Bookstore a couple of weeks ago. 

I skied 32 days this year, which wasn't bad. I also hiked up Buttermilk this summer, which is 2000 vertical feet. And I've been up Smuggler's Mountain more times than I can count. (On average 3-4 days a week). The most fun was the winter hikes through 3-4 ft. drifts of snow.

Regarding health and fitness, I spent 4-5 days in the hospital after nearly dying from the altitude. But that was just a blip – and an opportunity to experience Aspen from the inside of a Hospital with extraordinary care. And, yes, my ticker is working just fine. All's well. (Though I did have to cut my thyroid meds in half, which resulted in a counter-productive shift in my weight, which had been going in the right direction and now continues to be a struggle. But you know what? I'm tired of worrying about it. Health and vitality is a more important goal than vanity anyway).

I've done some volunteering, including Aspen Brain Lab and the Ideas Festival (which starts today). More to come, I'm sure. 

And to save the best for last (which reminds me of that song, which I love and need to listen to again), I have met some incredible people. A year ago I didn't know a soul in Aspen. Now I'm honored to have some beautiful souls I call friends. heart

If you're reading this, you might have some questions… 

Will I continue to live in Aspen? Yes, at least for the foreseeable future. I've renewed my lease. Could something or someone come along to change that? Perhaps. We'll see. I'm open to following the breadcrumbs the Universe sets out for me. 

Will I continue to write in this blog? I'm really not sure. To be honest, it would depend on whether anyone is reading these words I'm writing right now.  I do know I have some "before" friends who have asked me to continue. Or I might switch to another message. We'll see. I did like exploring my "who am I today?" questions. (I'm naturally introspective as it is). But I'm not naturally publically expressive. Not a "look at me" kind of person. So I don't know. Ultimately it would depend on the answer to the question, "Who cares?" If I can help people, then every other obstacle takes a back seat. That's just my vibe. 

What do I think will happen in the next 365 Days? With my mantra of "I desire to not desire" this is a tricky question. There's only thing I can say that I truly want and crave. The movie "Eat, Pray, Love" had a brilliant quote. Felipe (Javier Bardem) says to Liz (Julia Roberts), "You don't need a man. You need a champion." I would love to have a true champion in my life. If you, dear reader, wants to send out vibes for anything for me to find "the one," (the champion, that is) I'd appreciate it.  Otherwise, I don't know. I'll keep "accomplishing," for sure. I am focusing more on my screenwriting than anything right now, and am working toward getting a short film made by the end of the year. As usual, I'll do anything and everything in my power to make that happen. But at some point, it's beyond my control. And who knows? The breadcrumbs might lead me elsewhere. Whatever I can do to combine my interests and passions in order to help people will be worthwhile, I'm sure. 

Sgt.Peppers… . 

The song I wrote for my short film: The Journal: A Transitus Story. Still VERY rough – needs real musicians and singers…

 

In like a lamb, out like a…

Welcome to Aspen in the Spring. 

For several weeks it's been warm enough for shorts and t-shirts, if not tank tops. It was nice – but sad, because it was too soon to have such warm weather while it was supposed to be ski season. 

Then we have the last day of ski season and BOOM! Snowy days.

I'm not complaining. Okay, I am, but not for the reason you may suspect. Yes, I would have loved to have had another month to ski. No question about that. But I did get a fair amount of skiing in this year and I also enjoyed the warmer weather for hiking, so I went along with it. 

And I'm not complaining about having a few snowy days. I'd rather hike in the snow than the rain for sure. And it's been quite interesting to see snow on a sunny day. If I were in Atlanta today I'd be "enjoying" 77 degrees – and oppressive allergies that force you to stay inside. Instead, I get to still cuddle up in a warm bed and sleep like a log. 

Besides, it'll be warm soon enough, for long enough.

So, no. It's none of these things to complain about. It's the implications for this planet are worrisome. And the fears of their getting worse due to the massive corporate and poliitcal corruption rampant in today's society. 

crying

spring2017-04-25 08.35.54

April aspen

What a Ride!

Iwork or not'm baaack! 

Of course I have no idea if anyone ever reads this blog or not, so I don't know if it's been missed. But maybe that's the point. You do something and it shouldn't be about the outcome, it should be about the process.

When I was identifying my archetypes, I added one that wasn't in Caroline's arsenal, which was Strategic. I've always been very goal-oriented, which is usually considered a successful trait in a human being. Certainly it's supposed to be the first and pivotal step for success, right?

Well, maybe not. Maybe it is about the journey and not the destination. Maybe it's about appreciating the process; enjoying the ride.

I've experienced some fears lately. I'm not usually a trepid person, so this was especially profound. 

Yes, of course, I carry the burden of my prescient nature, seeing the horrors of what I predicted after the election coming true. The further destruction of our planet, from values to the environment to the impending threat of nuclear war. 

But other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play? 

Seriously (or perhaps more accurately, Less Seriously), I usually just proceed with the things I need to do, fear or not. 

But these two things have been daunting. 

The first project has played out my fears. I was right to be concerned. It's been arduous, to say the least. And certainly far from fun. It's the process of getting my books into a distributor – from ISBN numbers to uploading the myriad of complex files and more. Ugh. Exhausting. And with a deadline of the end of April looming, I had to bite the bullet and do it. Add to that my "positive pessimism" mindset and, well, let's say it shouldn't be surprising that (a) I've been busy and (b) I've been down-in-the-dumps. 

Enough said about that.

The other fear? I'll table that reveal for a future post. It might be another failure, but here's to hoping it's more fun in the journey. 

We'll see!

Dichotomy

Buzz flowerswoods2One of the pleasures of living in Aspen – or any location surrounded by mountains – is the glorious dicotomy.  

You can go on a walk in the valley and the weather is warm, spring flowers blooming, trees budding.  And then climb up a few hundred feet in elevation and the season is more winter-like. Drifts of pristine snow, bare trees and cooler breezes. 

As a typical Gemini who enjoys variety, it's a lovely existence.  

 

Rite of Spring

This is a good news – bad news post.  What do you think the Good News is?

What's the bad?


Buzz flowers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snowy Afternoon

FrostThese photos were taken the other afternoon – on a beautiful, warm spring day in late March. 

Enjoy!

woods1 woods2 woods3 woods4

Dream a Little Dream

swdreamI've been into dream analysis for most of my life. My dreams often provide insights into my subconscious – and sometimes even offer prophesies for things to come. 

The other night I had a dream with a symbol I've seen several times before. I'd always dismissed the message, but this time it stuck with me, forcing me to see things differently.  

The dream symbol was a book. Okay, I admit – not that big of a deal for a writer, right? Before I tell you what my Dream Analysis book says, what would you think the symbol of a book would foretell?  

The truth is, often a symbol denotes something very different from what you'd expect. 

Here's what my go-to book on dream analysis says: 

You can anticipate slow but steady progress
and a calm, pleasant life ahead
if books were the main feature of your dream.

Hmmm…

When I read this prophecy before, it seemed boring. And certainly not exciting! Who wants slow but steady progress? I want it all and I want it NOW! And even though a calm, pleasant life sounds, well, nice, it also sounds uneventful. 

Or is that just me?

I'm reminded of the "Tortoise and the Hare" fairy tale. And then I look at my life. Not sure if I've had that much "progress." Would I have had more if it had been "slow and steady?" I have to admit; yes. 

It's just that darned word "slow." Still, there's a lesson in it for me.

Now to the next part. "A calm, pleasant life." I kind of have that now. Yes, I'd like more "progress." Yet one thing I've been contemplating – a lot – are the perils that go along with "exciting."

Then I asked myself: Could I achieve my goals if I had a "calm, pleasant life with slow but steady progress?" 

Why not? What if I was able to achieve my dream of getting my script made into a film/TV show? Slow but steady progress would mean that yes, the script gets optioned; yes, the funding is raised; yes, the director and actors signed; yes, the movie/show made. Sounds good to me!  

How about the "calm, pleasant" part? Also, why not? What's so wrong with calm? And pleasant? What if it all came together with no drama, but instead with ease?

Oh, what a fool I've been…

(Now let's see what happens). 

Here's the "fractured" version… wink

A favorite lullaby of mine…

Can You Guess? #2

Here's another one… though I don't have the answer. At least not yet… What is it? whatisit4

whatisit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

whatisit3

Can You Guess? The Answer

Here's the answer to yesterday's "Can you guess?" post.

No wonder I'd never seen one before. I hadn't been to Aspen in the Spring.

canyouguess2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

aspen tree spring

 

 

 

 

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