Day 45: A GOATed Day

Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

Gunnison, CO

0 miles, 0 ft elevation

When our days are packed as they are, it can be hard to sort through my reflections and what I've learned. But today was a little slower, and gave me space and time to take in my surroundings.

Like this morning when Thalia and Jeff cooked us breakfast. A warm, steamy frittata with crispy hash browns layering the bottom. A toasted, buttered bagel with cream cheese and cinammony apple butter. Coffee with honey and creamer. Food is my love language.

Breakfast of champions

Do you know the scene from Ratatouille where Remy eats the strawberry and cheese together and fireworks go off in his head? That’s what this apple butter, cream cheese, and bagel combo did for me.

Or the moments filled with the animated chatter and laughter from our students when they get to make their concrete sharks and speakers during our learning festival (or in the case of one kid, designing a 3D-printer chicken nugget with a smiley face on it).

Or the post-learning festival afternoon, where puffy cotton ball clouds dotted the blue sky and the sun’s harshness was softened by the approaching evening. We found live music in the corner on the block, and a small baby goat wearing a diaper. We’ve designated her as the (un)official Spokes pet.

Or the evening spent in Thalia and Jeff’s backyard, fairy lights shining softly against the Gunnison dusk. A meal of creamy pasta sat in front of us with shreds of parmesan, chunks of sauteed chicken, and freshly buttered bread. Greens picked fresh from their garden, lightly acidic from balsamic vinegar. Bubbles from La Croix and sweet homemade mead (don't worry parents, it was just for people over 21!). We belly-laughed over dinner, going over the results of our latest Spokes quiz and sharing silly stories with our hosts.

Dinner and drinks!

I am reminded that joy and happiness can be found in smaller moments, that the greatest gift can just be appreciating the now.