what-i-saw

THAT COLORADO AIR










I spent a good two weeks taking in as much of the Colorado mountains as I possibly could and it was just as awe-inspiring as I imagined. For my birthday, we drove the winding and no-safety-rail byway all the way up to the top of Mt. Evans. The views are insanely awesome and it was also insanely cold (duh, on the top of 14,200 ft mountain will do that) but it was so, so worth it.


A huge trip highlight for me was going to see Red Rocks. I've dreamed about this venue, the drive up, the atmosphere. And it was...everything. It's incredible to see something natural preserved and enhanced for people to appreciate and enjoy. Now all I have left are the Gorge and Hollywood Bowl. But I have a sneaky feeling Red Rocks will always win.


On one of the last days I begged to go on the Estes Park Tram and when we got there I almost completely chickened out. The IDEA of seeing the sights from way up is great in theory, but getting into this old tram with wobbly cables was nerve-wracking. Once I was in though, it was amazing. We could see the mountains for miles and miles and even spotted a bald eagle in a nearby tree. 


I'm lucky to have a few friends who have made Denver their home and just going to all their spots, experiencing their routine, and seeing them all settling into this scenic city made me so happy. I love that all my friends aren't afraid of taking risks, moving to new cities and just making it work. After seeing the art museums, delicious restaurants, and just the heart that folks have there, Denver will always be a place I want to go back and visit again and again.

SUNDAY SUPPERS

My wonderful friend, Allyson came to town and we spent a few packed days wandering around Nashville, record shopping, drinking whiskey and of course, eating tacos. I've officially converted her to a Mas fanatic but still have work to do on Robert's baloney sandwiches :) Ally is also a big Shovels & Rope fan, so it was such a good night seeing them up close at the Mercy Lounge. 


Since I've been here, I've had a friend come visit every few weeks. This is kind of amazing in that I rarely get lonely and it gives me a good reason to plan little day trips around town. I'm happy we got to spend some time in the small but mighty, Third Man Records and I can't wait for more friends to come see why I'm always gushing about this town. And for City Houses' Sunday Suppers... it's almost not right how good that place is.



JANUARY 2013

This month was filled with crazy weather with temperatures reaching the low 70's, then immediately heading into chilly winds the next day. I debated scarf etiquette, wandered around my hood, job interviewed, got lost trying to find the post office for an hour, made delicious banana bread, and smiled at seeing the pool open like a summer day. But last night will be remembered as the night I unintentionally slept through multiple tornado warnings (and sirens? what?) and woke up to a bright sun peeking through the clouds and quite a few missed calls from concerned friends and family. My building is an renovated old warehouse, so I feel pretty safe against bad weather but since I'm sleeping next to 15 ft. windows I might have to abandon my love of ear plugs when the skies start lookin' grey.



WEDNESDAY NIGHT HONKY TONKIN'

One of my very best friends Amanda is in town to visit and we've spent our days catching up, honky tonkin' at Robert's, going to Bluebird Cafe, watching Shameless, eating incredible meals, and of course getting her some cowboy boots. It's amazing what quality time with an old friend can do to lift spirits and keep you focused on what's important. After hours at the Country Music Hall of Fame looking at Patsy Cline memorabilia, Elvis' gold car and piano and too many framed platinum records to count, I found a new favorite place here and started to feel a little bit more at home.

Amanda has said more than once that one of her hobby's is going to restaurants. To say she loves food is an understatement, so from the airport (after a quick pit stop at my place) we went to Mas Tacos for a meal so good we went back again later in the week. I knew City House had to be on the list for their belly ham pizza and top notch cocktails and they didn't disappoint. The Catbird Restaurant (look out for an entire post on this meal....) had to be our highlight though, with its 10 courses, savory & sweet oreos that bookend the meal, and impeccable service. 

This city is booming with food so delicious and sights so fun you don't want to leave. I'm so happy Amanda has gotten to experience the best Nashville has to offer at the moment and I'm counting down (and making reservations) for her next visit in June :)