What happened to me at the first SLV Chautauqua, (June 2-4, Beaver Creek Youth Camp) which was also my first Chautauqua.
- I learned there are 19 species of owls in Colorado, and we have 14 in the San Luis Valley. (Thank you, John Rawinski.) Also, that a human vocal system (John’s, at least) can make a lot of weird bird sounds.
- The Rio Grande County Museum might be a final resting place for the memorabilia of my great-grandparents who ran a boarding house in Del Norte for decades. My grandfather grew up there and went on to serve in WWII. I’ve wondered what to do with the items from that family, and after the presentation about early Del Norte history by Lyndsey Ferrell, director of the museum, we agreed I could bring the materials to donate there. For me, this feels like part of my past has found a home.
- Also, because of John Rawinski, for the first time in my life, I hugged a Doug … douglas fir, that is.
- I had the privilege of enjoying the musical and
jazz virtuosity of Caleb Clark, our former pianist at FUMC Alamosa. Although he
is very skilled at riffing on almost any song, our musical experts, David Schneider
and Nancy Meade, were able to guess when he played hymns. I think once or twice
he defeated them. So much fun!
- Two women from Del Norte, Lorraine and Amy, make an awesome singing duo if you need music for an event.
- A rousing game of Trivial Pursuit showed us how much we have forgotten from times past—that we lived through!
- I made a new friend who attended with her mother
but lives in Colorado Springs. We went for a short walk and talked non-stop. A
blessing!
- Although I was already familiar with the fur
trade history shared by Jack Rudder, I learned about color symbolism in the
native traditions. I was especially moved by his story about the man who made a
beaded gift which showed Jack’s radioman career in the service. Powerful magic,
indeed!
- Thoughtful sermons by Steve Dunkel based on one of my favorite folktales, stone soup, and by Nancy Meade sharing a very personal and powerful moment in her life and family. Special applause to both of them.
- Walking outdoors in the mountains, which reminded me of my family’s camping adventures: fresh air, tall pines, rocks to climb on, moments of solitude.
If this is what happens at a Chautauqua, I’m ready for the next one!
