The Playground

When considering moving to another town, one aspect that I did not fully contemplate was that I would not have my circle of friends going with me. I was going to a new city full of STRANGERS... and I was going there all by myself.

"Strangers are simply friends you haven't met yet."

Once the novelty of the move to Colorado began to wear off, I actually began to get a little homesick.  Okay, a lot homesick. I found myself getting lonely -  I missed my family and friends so much!  There were plenty of phone calls, but I began to miss the social activities and interaction with others that was such a big part of my life.  Expecting Peter to be my "social director" was a bit of a stretch for both of us. (Trust me, I was extremely high maintenance there for awhile!)  All I can say is, bless Pete's kind and compassionate soul, as he slowly but surely helped ease the transition from my community into his, and today we are enjoying creating "our" little community of friends... 


I guess moving is hard for everyone.  For me, I didn't have a way to meet anyone as I wasn't involved in any social circles outside of the home: I didn't have kids in school or who were involved in sport activities and I wasn't working outside of the house.  So, how in the world do you meet people and make friends? 


One day I was expressing my frustrations to my dearest friend, Stacey, and giggled at her response: "Yeah, I bet [you are having a hard time].  But you are fun so I know you will make friends fast.  You can be like the little kids on the playground that go up to other kids and say..."Hey, will you be my friend?" And they will say, "Of course!" And I will ask you their name and you will say "I don't know, but they're my friend!""


That day I gained a new perspective:  I'm just playing in a new playground, full of potential new friends.  I just had to connect with a few...


When I went out to visit Peter for the first time last January, we joined a group of Peter's friends and acquaintances at a local brewing company, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, for a get-together.  However, we didn't realize that it was actually a birthday party for this sweet woman, Cindy Jo. I didn't know anyone, but I sure enjoyed watching the interactions among this handful of friends and found myself laughing hysterically at the comedy being played out.  Yes, I laughed so hard I even snorted... several times.


Really? Yes.


My snort made Cindy Jo laugh even harder... And then, she honestly said, "I love your snort!"


Really? Yes.

"Most friendships begin with a compliment."

- Peter M. Brown

I liken that night to my first time playing on the Glenwood Springs playground.  I was eager to be included, yet not sure how exactly to become accepted into the game that is being played. You realize that it only takes one person to extend a hand  to make another feel welcome; and then the playground explodes into a kaleidoscopic of epic adventures and the exhilaration of new found friendships.  The playground - with its magical flying dragons, cowboys, princes and princesses, magic wands and monster trucks - offers such incredible opportunities to enjoy and explore!  To the newcomer, every word exchanged fills the inner child's desire to play together again... and soon!

"Each friend represents a world in us,

 a world possibly not born until they arrive,

and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."

~ Ana Nin

In May, we joined this group of friends again. The table was filled with lively conversation and much laughter and I found myself enjoying the evening so much! It was that night when Cindy Jo leaned over and asked me, "Want to go on a hike with me tomorrow at 2:00pm?" Whooohooo!  I made a friend on the new playground!  Of course, I wanted to go!

Grizzly Creek Trail
Glenwood Springs, CO

We headed out Saturday afternoon to the Grizzly Creek Trail, which is about 15 minutes East of Glenwood Springs in the Glenwood Canyon.  The trail follows alongside Grizzly Creek and was so amazing! The sounds of the rushing water mingled with the beauty of the wildflowers alongside the trail that were beginning to blossom, all overlaid with the birds singing made the hike so very magical.


We hiked up about two miles to Cindy Jo's favorite place... several large flat boulders sitting on the edge of the creek, at the base of several small waterfalls.  We sat peacefully on the big rock enjoying the sounds, smells and sensations of the moment, while munching on several tangerines.

Grizzly Creek

That is until we heard the thunder roll. Looking up, the sky was darkening... a storm was rolling in.  A few raindrops fell.  Then, we saw the first flash of lightening.  Again, the thunder boomed loudly, echoing off the canyon walls. We continued to sit there on the boulder at the water's edge, calmly enjoying our snack when the second lightning flash illuminated the sky.  Looking at each other, we decided this was not the safest place to be in a thunder and lightning storm... We best run for the car!


And, run we did!


What an fantastic adventure that day held for me... from eating a tangerine on a rock alongside a beautiful waterfall in the middle of a thunder and lightning storm to sharing laughter with a new friend. This new playground wasn't so scary after all; it was actually quite entertaining!

Cindy Jo and Cheryl

Isn't it fun, isn't it extraordinaire - 

friends are found most everywhere.

I am thankful for all the friendships I have - both old and new - in the playground of my life.   

-Cheryl