Back in Colorado Springs....

I'm already happy I'm back in Colorado Springs with friends.  After the last few weeks of being in places that didn't really suit me, then getting sick on top of killer allergies, it's a welcome relief here.


My last few shows in New Mexico were a lot of fun and there were some images that came in after my last post, so I felt I needed to share some of them now. 


The next images are from Burlesque Noir's Dangerous Show on March 28, 2015 at Launchpad in Albuquerque, NM.

Images courtesy of Max Woltman Photography.
Facebook Page for Max Woltman Photography:
https://www.facebook.com/maxwoltmanphotography?fref=ts

the FOX

Kitsune tails and all...

Lady Justice

attempting to be "good bedfellow" with the money snake

who can only be slaughtered in the end

But there were more than a few photographers present, so here are some other shots!


Photos courtesy of Match Stickmon.
Facebook Page for Match: 
https://www.facebook.com/match.stickmon?fref=ts

the FOX

image by Match Stickmon

the kill shake

a last tease.

Justice is blind... and gets a helping hand taking her place

Lady Justice and the snake's first bite...

More images courtesy of Evil Elvis Photography.
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/EvilElvisPhotography?fref=ts

Blind Justice

getting ready to reveal that leg...

I also have some good FOX video footage that I have edited from this show - video courtesy of Mega Ultra Studios.
Facebook Page for Mega Ultra Studios:
https://www.facebook.com/MegaUltraPro?fref=ts

The FOX:

The second show at Launchpad the next weekend produced some fine images as well! 

Here is the Facebook gallery that producer Kelly Fernandez posted of images from Paris A GoGo Burlesque Revue's Labyrinth into Graceland show - photos courtesy of Aaron Sweet:
https://www.facebook.com/kelly.fernandez1/media_set?set=a.10204597032818599.1073741834.1017751683&type=1&pnref=story 




And now on to current events....

I'm getting ready for my last show that I have booked.  I've not been seeking gigs so that I can be available to get a "real job" as soon as possible.  There are STILL 2 festival notifications up in the air for CO and PA, but I am not counting them until I hear an acceptance or denial.  I've had the first job interview in more than 10 years earlier this week, which was nerve wracking.  I'm not too hopeful on hearing back on that one and have many more to send off resumes for this weekend.  I'm still hoping to get a workamper position someplace that I will like and at which I can properly perform the duties required. I haven't been out working with the public in so long that I'm not sure if I can even do it or for how long or any other details, but I have no option but to try.  I've gotten a few calls from the ad I placed in workamper, but so far they are in areas that I don't think are going to work well for me.  These are very stressful days.

OK so back to the fun ideas!  The show next Saturday is at the Zodiac Venue & Bar next to The Green Line Grill.  I love these folks so am really glad to be back again!  The show producer Echo is an excellent friend and fellow performer as well as being a pleasure to be around. If you need to book some excellent entertainment or require unsurpassed stylist assistance, I highly suggest my friend Echo:
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007947098773&fref=ts

If you're in the area please come see us! I'll be vending during the show and performing my Torchwood tribute number near the end of the show.
Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/784714661613221/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

And after this show... who knows eh?  My immediate plans are to stay in this region and see about a job nearby.  The only thing I am sure of right now is that I must stay on the quest for a job.  I'm not sure where it is or when it will take me away. I'd love to know soon and just get on with it.  The dream job at the store in Jerome may call for me one day... but I feel it's not now and I must wait for it.

New Mexico

So I left Phoenix in a rather downtrodden state of mind.  I stayed a little less than a week this time, as my hopeful plans fell through.  In reality, it ended up that I didn't need to make the trip out of the way at all.  But it WAS good to visit with my friends Aida and Tom again. 

And while there, I finally started up my Etsy shop for The Traveling Showgirl.  
Link to my Etsy Shop which is still in its infancy stage:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheTravelingShowgirl?ref=hdr_shop_menu


When I rolled outta town I was determined to get away from the big city, be in nature and get away from the majority of the people.

I looked at the road map and decided to go a route that took me in the direction I needed to go but a lesser traveled path that lead to Faywood Hot Springs, NM. 
Web Site for Faywood:
http://www.faywood.com/
They had a hiring sign up so when I drove up I asked about it.  I was going to follow up on that but found out over night that the dust and the mesquite plants in the region just kicked my allergy ass too much.  I had a headache after a few hours from the mesquite alone, so it's not a place I could call home sadly... nice as it is!  I was tickled to find about a week later this video that my friends from Isis Queen from the Barb Wire Dolls had made while at Faywood!  

Isis Queen of Barb Wire Dolls gives a tour of 

Faywood Hot Springs

Next I ended up in Gila National Forest at the suggestion of Aida.  It was a long, winding drive through many narrow roads and it took a lot longer than I originally figured it would.  But as you can see by the videos I shot, I think it was worth it.  

I hiked to a natural hot springs off the river which forced me to cross a river a few times. That in itself was VERY challenging for me... with the no swimming and all that. But I'm happy to say I did it.  I didn't end up staying too long in the springs though as the light was growing long and the trail back was not something I wished to undertake in the dark... or alone it turns out.  There was a family I'd seen in the parking lot before the hike.  I kind of followed them to the springs since I didn't really know where I was going exactly and we all soaked together.  They were a very nice bunch of 3 out exploring the Silver City region. When they left the springs, so did I.  I believe I could have managed on my own, but honestly I felt better with them there with the water crossings.  But this time I left my gym shoes ON!  They are still very muddy but at least they dried in a few days... ha!


I dry camped at a site I'd found earlier on my way to the springs hike.  It was fairly quiet though there were a few others camped there as well.  The climate was much cooler for the higher elevation, so soon as the sun went down it got downright cold.  I was in fur hat and had a long fur coat covering my fur blanket... and was still cold.  Nothing like a severe change in temps from the sweltering, dry heat of Phoenix eh?!  


I headed to see the Cliff Dwelling ruins later than intended, but I did make it so that is all that really matters.
FB Page for Gila Cliff Dwellings:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gila-Cliff-Dwellings-National-Monument/153184661361723


I documented the trip save for a few chats with volunteer rangers up at the ruins themselves. 

I didn't want to put anyone on the spot by just showing up with my camera rolling.  I talked to two nice rangers, the second named George.  When he saw me, he gave me the strangest look... and I couldn't figure out what was wrong, or why he was confused by me. Then he asked if I was Marie.  Apparently, I am a look a like for a good friend of his who doesn't even live in the country... hence his confusion at seeing me appear all of a sudden.  It sparked a good conversation and he showed me some special things that you only normally see if you take a proper tour.  I felt very special just being there but to have such a nice meeting made it even better... so I at least took a pic with him for posterity's sake.  

Talking with George, one of the volunteers at The Gila Cliff Dwellings

the stairs leading up into one of the bigger dwelling areas...

at the top of the stairs and moving forward...

and then looking down to your right....

one of a few informational placards....

and another.

 ...then this little pretty butterfly was feasting on fresh pollen on the walk back.

After the hike, I stopped at the the Gila Hot Springs Campground where I could plug into electric and hit another local spring nearby that night.  Ah... a shower too!!  Quite the luxury these days!



I had no cell phone signal at all for two days, so when I did reach the edge of the park lands I had several messages.  One of them was a follow up to my application at Riverbend Hot Springs in Truth or Consequence, NM.  
Riverbend Web Site:
http://www.riverbendhotsprings.com/
I was to stop there that afternoon and was quite rushed to press on and meet them. As it turns out, it wasn't the right spot for me after all as they have a resident cat AND are doing some renovation/expansion which involves new building materials that I can't be around for long.  But they are very nice there and the manager gave me a free soak for making time to stop and meet them... so that was nice.  SO hot though!! Turns out I'm more of a mountain springs girl at heart.  



Then I was headed to my immediate, final destination of Albuquerque.  It was a town that I had only previously driven through en route to other places, so this was my first chance to explore it a bit.  It was a bit cooler than Phoenix had been but I was again in the desert valley... and I didn't feel too well for it.  I had much last minute costume repair and updating to do so was busy the whole day Saturday leading up to the show with Burlesque Noir.  
Burlesque Noir Web Site:
http://burlesquenoir.com/


The Launch Pad is a nice venue with a good sized stage and the show went very smoothly due to the professionalism present all around.  Fun was indeed had by all and the night simply rushed by! 
Launchpad Web Site:
http://www.launchpadrocks.com/



Afterwards a handful of us headed to the Rebelle household to chill and view the video of the show we just completed.  I left at 5:30am and was more than wiped out the next day from the night's adventures.  Big thanks to Holly Rebelle, David Rebelle and ALL the members of Burlesque Noir for having me!  It was a pleasure!




By the way, I can't let mention of the Launchpad go by without noting that my good friends from West Virginia - Karma To Burn - played there recently.  It's amusing that in the last few months we've separately performed on the same stages in different towns.  So in fond memory of the recent Denver, CO show, here is a snippet of their show - the 3 new songs on the set list:

Karma To Burn Web Site:
www.K2Burn.net


On a totally separate note, yesterday came the announcements of who got accepted or not into BHOF.  My Monarch routine sadly didn't get in.  My mistake I'm still working on getting over is that I should NOT have entered it for competition but simply to perform.  There were over 500 applicants and less than 20 competition spots.  Still, even knowing it was a true long shot, it still got me a bit down seeing the news.  

I'm currently awaiting results for the Colorado Burlesque Festival submissions too... so fingers crossed they want pro butterfly, burlesque style activism at their event! The Pennsylvania Burlesque Festival notifications are yet to come out but should be coming soon.  I have chosen to NOT apply for more festivals or actively try to book gigs in lieu of finding "real" work that will regularly pay bills.




At the moment, I am killing time just outside of town where I can park for 3 days without being asked to move I'm told... it's kind of a busy stop though, with lots of other people.  But beggars, and believe me I am a broke bitch, can't be choosers.  I'm trying to live cheaply for a few days until the show this Saturday which is again at the Launch Pad funnily enough.  This time I play with Paris A Go-Go Burlesque Revue on April 4th so if you're in the region please stop and say hello!

Event Page on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1560120114237155/?ref=22&feed_story_type=22





My next stop is Colorado!!  Which makes me happy for many reasons.  

I will meander over mountains and through Pagosa Springs as I have a job interview at The Springs Resort! I just got the call today and am hopeful it might be something right for me... we'll see!
The Springs Web Site:
 http://pagosahotsprings.reachlocal.net/?utm_source=ReachLocal&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=HotSprings


After that brief visit, I'll be working my way towards Colorado Springs where I have my last booked show of the moment with the lovely Echo at the Zodiac Venue & Bar!

Event Page on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/events/784714661613221/?ref=22&source=22 
Zodiac FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/zodiacbar?fref=ts


I can't wait to see all my new friends there again!  I'll be working a vending table until I do my Captain Jack Harkness/Torchwood tribute number near the end of the show. I have the goods that I have made for sale but also lovely, sparkly jewelry my sister Jeanette has crafted (I'm kind of a traveling sales girl... but I'm not very good at it yet/so far).  I'm hoping to have a link to her new Etsy Shop to share with you all SOON!

Colorado and the drive South West towards Arizona

My first stop was a long anticipated one at The Orient Land Trust's Valley View Hot Springs in South West Colorado.  I got a campsite for the night with electric and was allowed to stay the whole next day as well to use the hot springs until close... it was glorious!  It was a grand experience and one I hope to repeat soon.

Orient Land Trust

One of the springs at Valley View

Web Site:
http://www.olt.org/vvhs



Then it was on towards AZ and the path lead my right through Pagosa Springs which is another mountain hot spring town I adore.  I stopped at Overlook Hot Springs for the second time as I knew it'd be more quiet than the bigger spring in town that I still have not chosen to try out due to it's family resort draw.  

Web Site:
http://overlookhotsprings.com/


The park there is unique in that they have 3 little pools along the river where the hot springs run off and then into the river.  I took a last minute, late night, hour long soak there and was very tempted to shoot some video, but did not want to draw any extra attention to myself, though I saw no one while soaking.  Perfect end to the little stopover.

I kept heading South West and finally ended up in Jerome, AZ for what I thought was only a day stop.  But there were developments afoot and an acquaintance that crossed paths with me again so my time there was happily extended.  I applied for a dream job and went camping a short ways from town at a spot the locals know and frequent with my friend Christopher.  All in all, a fine weekend passed in one of my favorite places and I may be returning more often than I could have imagined... but I'm only hoping at this point.

found at the campsite by Jerome... a nice cactus heart

I traveled through Prescott Forest for the first time but was too low on fuel for me to consider driving the 6 miles on the rough, dirt road to get to campsites other friends had said I should see.  Instead I headed to Prescott and spent the night in a more boring fashion at a Walmart.  

I had no idea how it would be in spring here in Phoenix, but man soon as I arrived my allergies knew it was bad news!  So many blooming plants, trees and bushes - the gardenias being the worst surprisingly. And I admit I was not ready for the valley heat here, since I'd been at higher ground for a while and spoiled by much more temperate climes. I will not be lingering long here but have a few friends to see yet and some plans to hatch.  

I head to Albuquerque to perform for the first time on March 28th 
Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/513761335428587/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

and then again on April 4th
Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1560120114237155/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular



Next on the schedule... NO shows sadly as I am trying to get at least a seasonal Workamper job soon or ideally the Jerome spot so I can "settle" for a bit and get writing done.  Stories need telling.

Colorado Springs

It's been an interesting and very fun time here in Colorado Springs!  I have only a few days left to enjoy it.


First of all, I have a debt of gratitude for the two businesses here that have allowed me their hospitality while in town:

The Zodiac Venue & Bar 
FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/zodiacbar

and 

The Green Line Grill
FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Green-Line-Grill/172900549560923

Both of these fine establishments work in conjunction with one another and foster a very friendly, happy atmosphere.  They have a regular base of patrons who love them of course, but they can always find room for new faces and friends.  So please stop and visit them if you are in Colorado Springs!!

The show on Feb 7th with Echo at Zodiac Venue & Bar was so much fun!  I offered to record it and am working on getting those videos out currently to my fellow performers.  

You can see images of the show courtesy of Krieg Photography 
https://www.facebook.com/PhotoKRIEG?fref=photo
Show Image Gallery on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1565395723719665.1073741843.1472106873048551&type=1



I've made several good friends here, with the promise of more to follow this Friday at the next show here at Zodiac with the Peaks and Pasties troupe. 
FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/peaksandpasties
Show Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1411858579107580/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

The show is a fundraiser for the Colorado Burlesque Festival which is July 9-12th 2015.
Web Site:
http://www.coloradoburlesquefestival.com/



I'm excited to be starting a costume project for my new good friend Echo and possibly for a few other fellow performers here in town.  I am very appreciative for the work!  Making the cool gear is what I really dig after all.


There have been yet more technical difficulties with the Timorous Beastie here... I accidentally helped to short out the main power plug because I didn't realize I'd turned a heater on a higher setting... so that isn't helping anything.  I have an extension running out now from where I'm thankfully able to park (SO grateful for that!!) so I can run a little heat cause it's cold in CO in Feb... go figure!  


My next stop is Seattle and I head out after the show on Saturday AM.  Looks like more snow is on the way too... but time mandates I head out anyway.  I am forced to take the more boring route to save time and fuel (less mountains) and head up 25 North.  Praying the winds will not be too strong, but I've driven up that way before once a long time ago.  Planning many repairs on the RV while in Seattle as well as much needed time to visit with an old friend.  


Then I am not so sure as I was yesterday about where the path will lead me. Lack of funds is quickly becoming an issue. Regardless, I must press forward as long as I have money for gas, propane and food for myself.  Of course there are many other costs of living and bills which need maintained but those can, if need be, fall to the wayside.  I am looking for a seasonal Workamper job if I can find one - that would aid me in RV hookups at least, but at best would offer a wage too... and put me in one spot for several months.


My next definitive destination lies South in New Mexico and the 2 shows I have in Albuquerque on March 28th and April 4th. 

March 28th with Burlesque Noir:
FB Burlesque Noir Page:
https://www.facebook.com/BurlesqueNoir
Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/513761335428587/

April 4th with Paris A Go Go Burlesque Review:
FB Paris Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ParisAGoGo?ref=br_tf


I know I am going to stop in Phoenix on the way to NM regardless as I have unfinished business there with a friend and will happily see it done.... or begun... either way, it's set in motion. 


On another note, I have very exciting news in the works for June and July but it's early days yet so am not at liberty to go into the possibilities, but they are great and uplifting.  Fingers crossed I have much good news to share soon!  In the mean time, trying to keep on keepin' on. It's cold out here and flying solo is lonely... but also offers much freedom. Now it's what is done with that "freedom" that matters.....

Leaving Las Vegas, the road to Jerome and Colorado meanderings

Las Vegas... it is called the city of Sin for good reasons.  It is certainly not a town that is suited to me, but it is useful for work and to see friends.  The leaving of it this last time was something surreal indeed....

More to follow thru on my word to myself to do it far more than any desire to actually make money off the endeavor, I did go to Fremont St dressed as a showgirl on the last two days I was in town.  The idea being to allow tourists to take pictures with me and tip me for that. Many regular buskers out on the street were super kind to me and even told me some of the regulations and tried to help me out.  

I went out at the urging of my friend Dr Brian King who was interviewing me and taking photos.  

photo by Dr Brian King

photo by Dr Brian King

Brian is a comedian, he holds a Doctorate, he acts, he is a photographer and much more.  He travels to perform and takes time to do interviews with interesting friends and new acquaintances for his YouTube channel. 
You can find him here:
Website:
http://www.drbrianking.com/ 
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdiYuVzngz2RUBlezRO-_Q

photo by Dr Brian King

photo by Dr Brian King

photo by Dr Brian King

Brian wanted me to go onto Fremont St to keep challenging myself and to stick to my word.  I was happy that he would be there with me the first time venturing out.  He followed me around a bit and shot stills and video but also left me to my own devices now and then so more people would approach me.  People really dug "the weed girl."

I only wish Brian had been there with me the next night when I was only out for an hour until I left in haste.

The way I left the street was dramatic and not something that I would have chosen to do. Rather the choice was made for me and I allowed it to be so. Again, this town is NOT my kinda scene at all, nor the bustling touristy action of Fremont St in particular.

I was "run off the street" by a regular busker there who is also a former burlesque performer.  Names will not be used... she knows who she is and so do a lot of other people.  I knew OF her before meeting her and was told she was not to be trusted... but I am kind hearted and tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. Alas, such generosity is not always warranted and this was one of those situations that was just going to go poorly. 

I was told I should stay in burlesque and OFF Fremont St (as if it were privately owned).  I was told I needed to have my tits and ass worked on too if I intended to "get anywhere in the local scene."  Mind you all the while I am being yelled at by a very sad and angry woman dressed as a pirate while I am calmly standing in disbelief dressed in my "weed" costume. It was quite a laughable sight I am certain and the tourists were eating it up.  

So I take all that she has to sling at me yet still try to take the high road and speak with her calmly... which she does not allow.  In future, I will simply pick up my gear and walk away from such stupidity and blatant projection of one's own disappointment and shortcomings thrown onto an outside source.  Lesson learned.  

She, however, will have learned nothing from our encounter... only a deeper love of her angst and more reasons to be bitter about the loss of her dreams.  

After she stormed away, telling me to fuck off as she did so, I too returned the instruction but to deaf ears.  Then I headed back furiously to my RV, ranting all the while to myself while dressed in huge feather headdress, long fur coat and almost no clothing otherwise.... thankfully I brought my sensible boots for the walk back.  

I utilized FasterEFT to work on the incident as soon as I got back to the RV. By the time I was ready to leave, I was at peace with the whole ridiculous scene. I was very happy to leave her to the street she coveted so much, as it suited her far better than it would ever suit me.  

For me, the two ventures out onto Fremont were a personal victory over my issues with chemicals and people - so I won regardless of anything else that occurred.  

From that hotbed of hatred, I went to my happy place... Jerome, AZ.

BUT... the RV wasn't having it all happen so easily.  I'd just spent $1400 in Vegas on her but she ate up another $800 in new shocks all around in Kingman, AZ.  I stopped for gas, a low tire led to news of the totally rusted on original shocks which had to be CUT OFF.  3.5 hours later, I was on my way again.  I was able to stop in Sedona, AZ at a great health food store then parked in Cottonwood at a Walmart for the night.  I spend SO much time in Walmart parking lots these days, and I really do not like supporting that store... but have done so since being mobile because there are pluses I can't ignore.

The next day I head up the hill on a very nerve wracking, tight drive into the tiny streets of Jerome.  I called ahead to make sure there was a spot to park my big ass, which there was... and it was a paved, fairly flat parking lot that I was able to stay at overnight so I could spend the next day in town too.  Sunday and Monday were glorious there.  The energy on the hillside is like a tonic to my soul.  

While there, I met a man named Markus who has many talents and skills: musician, artist, film maker, talent agent, etc etc... but one of the truly divine skills he possessed was the ability to channel information from intangible sources.  I spent several hours talking with him, getting in touch with what I am meant to be doing and getting tips on how to proceed forward.  It renewed my sense of faith and drive.  I am acting on the information and will continue along the prescribed paths as they come along and enjoy the process and the ride.  It's good to know I have a posse of souls on my side looking over me... 15 spirit guides to be exact.  It is a great comfort and I never feel alone now.

Then I moved on from there to Phoenix and Mesa.  

I was able to visit with my new good friends Tom and Aida in Phoenix who let me park and plug in and use the shower... for which I adore them even more.  Tom has a blog and was kind enough to make mention of me stopping on NYE:
https://aztommycat.wordpress.com/2015/01/26/ringing-in-the-new-year/

I also had tea with my excellent friend Scooter Harris.  
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/scooter.harris.33?fref=ts 
Etsy Shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/StudioHadra?ref=l2-shopheader-name
Website:
http://studiohadratimes.com/
We met at a comic book shop/coffee shop called Gotham City Comics with this nice T.A.R.D.I.S. mural for the back door entry:

back door to Gotham City Comics in Mesa, AZ

Find them on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/gothamcitycomics


In between those things, was the Karma To Burn show that I came to Mesa to see.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karma-To-Burn/118432638215095 
Website:
http://www.k2burn.net/

It was a strange basement venue that was all ages and had NO liquor license... this was not happy news for my friends I can assure you.  I made my RV available to them as a refuge and a place to drink and chill.  It was lovely to see them play regardless of the odd vibe in the place and the rules of Mesa... they had to be done playing by 10:55p!  

no time for a long set list....

I parked in the hotel parking lot where the guys stayed and made us all no bake cookies (which were a big hit) while we got to hang out a bit.  They left without a goodbye in the morning... which is not shocking.  That whole adventure is not done yet though... I'm catching up with them again in Denver on the 9th.  Then it will likely be a long while till I have that particular pleasure again.... so I'm gonna soak it up! Good metal in person just can't be duplicated.

From AZ I traveled up north to Colorado... in the rain and snow.  The cabin over head still leaked of course, so it smelled of wet particle board and mold... and was starting to make my feel physically unwell. 

I made it to Cortez, CO where I stopped to sleep for the night and hit a dispensary the next day before going further into the mountains.  I was talked out of going to Durango simply because I didn't like the words "sheer cliff" when asked if I was going over a big pass to get to town.  So I altered plans and took the advice of the guy at the shop (who recalled me from a prior trip last year!) - I went to Ridgway to Orvis Hot Springs instead. 
Facebook:
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Orvis-Hot-Springs/111966142180026

The Hot Spring was great!  I "camped" over night without a place to plug in but with all night access to the springs... totally worth it. But it was super freaking cold in the RV cause I have been trying to not use the furnace and burn thru propane like water.  But between 2:30a-5a NO ONE was out and I had the whole place to myself.  Pure magic.  

my new Orvis Hot Springs T-Shirt

The next day my pal Brent came to check out the springs since he just moved to a town only 36 miles away. He is the reason I was heading in this direction, as he is helping to rip out the moldy wet nastiness over my head in the cab... such a very nice guy and a good new friend that shares many interests.  I am currently typing and looking at the ripped apart mess and feeling like hell for it... but there is no choice as that has to all be removed or I will just get sicker and sicker by the day.  It's gonna be a rough week at least due to all the upheaval and physical challenges - and I can't even do ANY of the work or I'll really be ill.  I'm very thankful he is willing to help me out! 

So I'm here in the Montrose area until Friday morning when I must head to Colorado Springs for the show on Saturday.  I haven't been able to book a lot of performances, so it's a special treat to look forward to at the end of this week! Here is the event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/817617314961231/

It's a lovely area here in the SW part of the state and I'm happy to be able to go to new places I've not seen yet. I'm meeting all kinds of nice and interesting people along the way.  Ridgway CO is a great little town with a lot of cool history - True Grit was filmed there and a cafe bears its name today.  

view from parking lot at Orvis Hot Springs

view from parking lot at Orvis Hot Springs

the park in Ridgway, CO

parked at the public park in Ridgway, CO

And there is a nice but pricey, organic dispensary in town and I had to stop.  3 lovely ladies greeted me.  One of them was interested in costumes and burlesque which was cool.  They were all very sweet and they even tipped me off about a Russian dancer/producer in Telluride that I should try to meet... so I have a new task in locating this person whose last name I don't have. 

lovely sunset upon arrival....

when i walked out the moon and clouds made it even more beautiful

There is a lot of Old West charm here and fine local artists like Lucy Boody and Mike McCullough.  I had to buy a piece of her fiber art, a lovely flower which will be part of a Mother Nature # one day. 

fiber art rose by Lucy Boody

Check them out here:
Kings Armor LLC on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/kingsarmor
Lucy Boody on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/lboody?fref=ts
Michael McCullough on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/michaeltimothymccullough?fref=ts 

The kind and creative people you find in mountain towns are icing on top of a lovely natural cake.  I can't get enough. I shot a bit of video in town: