Did I mention that we Thanksgiving ended up being a Perfect Day? The kidlings got dropped off at 9am and we shoved a few blueberry pancakes in their mouths before suiting up and catching the bus to the ski area.
The snow was surprisingly good for man-made, and we skied for several hours, despite the crowds (only Misty Maiden and Village Bypass were open). Frances ditched us on the first run and then I broke away from JC and Little Rose because I just wanted to ski a lot of runs fast, which I just can't do with them.
It was a glorious day, around 50 degrees and sunny and it sure felt good to be back on skis again!
Once home, the kidlings hopped on the bus to ride down to their aunt's house for their Thanksgiving dinner and JC and I relaxed at home before going to La Marmotte for a lovely dinner at the bar... and here is where I realized not what I am most grateful or thankful for, but for what I appreciated most: being a part of this community.
In some ways I am fortunate to have left and lived elsewhere for many years and to have made the decision to return. Not only did I change a lot in those 8 years that I was gone, but some aspects of Telluride changed as well. We all know how much I loved Hawaii and how delightful so many aspects of my life were when I was on Maui - especially the friends I made when I was there.
But the Hawaiian culture and the Hawaiian people are not my people. I often describe my time there as feeling a bit like when you are a visitor in someone's home. You take your shoes off at the door and are always a little too careful of where you sit and where you put your feet, and in the back of your mind, you are wondering if you have brought enough of something or if you are staying too long... you get the idea.
Moving back here, I knew my two biggest challenges would be finding a good job, and finding where I would fit back into the community.
La Marmotte was full of locals on Thursday, and I was a little overwhelmed with how happy I am to be a part of the fabric of this community. People here that we know all lead somewhat similar but also very independent lives, and the common thread is a deep acceptance of each other - it is a very forgiving community.
We ate at the bar, chatted with some friends and acquaintances and I left feeling a deep appreciation for the Telluride community. I found a way to fit back in, and although it is different now than when I lived here before, it is more fitting and I feel a stronger connection to the town, the people, the mountains, and ultimately, to myself.
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