My 10 year college reunion is this weekend. I'm going to take a moment and think about that.
California Day 11 (really Ft. Collins and Denver)
Yesterday started off with a jog past some cows! I thought that was a pretty great way to start the day.
After singing at a local Methodist church (one that just organized a counter protest to the Westboro Baptist church- so yeah- they're pretty great!) I got to share lunch (an awesome falafel) with my friend Christy.
It is so cool to connect with people that knew me when I was still a teenager. There's something fun about being with someone who's seen you grow up. And has grown up with you!
I finished my last concert last night- a nice low-key living room show at my friend, Karissa's house. The conversations with guests went late into the night with a lot of laughs. It was the perfect way to finish up the trip.
I'm blogging from the plane, and will keep you posted on my upcoming shows in Green Bay!
Thanks CA and CO friends for an amazing trip, Kristen
California Day 10 (really Fort Collins, CO)
Yesterday was yet another great day on this trip. I spent time walking along a beautiful river with my friend Karissa (after we all slept in, which was awesome) and then made it to the big REI store.
For some reason, I feel the need to go to REI every year. And almost every year I buy a new water bottle. I really don't know what the deal is with that, but I decided to share.
Then we all took off for Fort Collins, where my friend, Christy lives.
Christy and I reconnected on my tour last year (we went to college together), and I'm so happy that we get to spend time together.
Her family is awesome, she lives in a beautiful spot, and we always have a great visit.
This morning I'm singing at the church where she works. We'll be doing some sing-alongs (one of Pete's), and I'll perform some of my songs before heading back off to Denver!
Have a beautiful long weekend, Kristen
California Day 9 (really Colorado)
So yesterday I got up at 6:30. For those of you who know me at all, what I'm going to say next will shock you.
I popped right out of bed!
Why?
Because I got to sing at a wedding. I was going to sing for my friends, Holly and Josh, and I couldn't wait!
Their wedding is the entire reason this California trip ever happened. I scheduled it around them, and I was so happy to do so.
There were so many wonderful things about this wedding that I loved...the location, the readings (we're all a little bit weird), the song choices, their dog Sammy was the ring-bearer (and was perfect), the low-key BBQ reception, the list could go on and on.
But what I really loved was that the day was all about the love.
I've spent time with these folks, I've know them for years. And seeing two people pledge their love for each other when you've seen this love in action for so long- it was just a beautiful thing.
I feel so honored that I got to be a small part of the celebration.
Love, Kristen
California Day 8 (Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Colorado!)
Yesterday was a day full of driving and beautiful views. So this post will be mostly pictures... First up, I left my casino hotel in the morning (it just made me sad, there were already people sitting in the chairs punching buttons...I wanted to yell, 'It's morning! The sun is out!' But I needed to hit the road.
About five miles after starting out I crossed into Arizona- the rock colors were amazing...
I realized it was going to be a long day, so between snapping photos from my car window, I was also listening to Sarah Silverman's audio book, which is hilarious and offensive and wonderful, and I highly recommend it.
Before I knew it, I'd crossed into Utah!
Since I've never been to Utah, I took a lot of wrong turns to check things out.
My first wrong turn led to some cutie pie sheep and an amazing snow-capped mountain.
My next wrong turn took me down a dirt road because I wanted to try running at 8,000 feet. (It is hard.)
Here I am post-run. How could I not smile? Do you see where I was?
After that it was a stop at Devil's Canyon.
Then Ghost Rock.
Then this is the coolest jog I've ever taken- I was at The San Rafael Reef, where I jogged down this path...
To take these photos...
It was pretty windy, so I was afraid that a gust might knock me over (and therefore off) so I hustled back.
My last jog of the day was after I'd crossed into Colorado...
One last crazy thing...it was super cold in Vail- so cold there was a bunch of snow! So I obviously made a snowball.
And that was my Thursday! Now I'm off to song at Holly and Josh's wedding. Hooray!
Hope you get to celebrate love today too. :) Kristen