On my way home today, I wasn’t anxious to leave the downtown Denver area, so I decided to prolong my return home by going for a walk. As the last days of summer seem to pass more quickly, I already feel the confinement of winter began to threaten the freedom I feel all summer. Once outside, I don’t want to return home too quickly – in Denver there is always so much to see.

My messenger bag was heavy on my shoulders as usual, but I didn’t mind too much because I would rather feel the weight of my camera then miss the chance to take photos. I walked slowly, looking all around for something to capture. The itch was there, but the inspiration was evasive. At street corners, I found myself turning north, south, east and west in an effort to determine which way I would head today. I wasn’t being indecisive, I just wanted to be open to all the possibilities I might miss by planning every step.

While exploring Denver, I’ve learned that I am more of a creature of habit than I thought. It’s not uncommon to eat the same things, drink the same sodas, make your bed a specific way, even brush your teeth for the same time. I’m also in the habit of passing by the same places over and over without really looking. If the place has several doors, I always use the same entryways. I will ride the 16th Street Mall shuttle when I’m only going a few blocks. The shuttle is crowded more often than not, but still I choose it, or am in the habit of choosing it more often than not.

Riding the mall shuttle is very convenient when you aren’t exactly sure what street you need. It will prevent having to walk more than you want, or have the energy for. There are times my body needs the walking but I have to let it know that the majority body parts are lazy. But today was a day I ignored my aching feet and pushed myself to walk and only catch the shuttle when I was ready to go home. I meandered about and finally ended up at the Tabor Center’s 17th Street entrance. The walk was a good thing because I really can’t recall the last time I’ve entered the Tabor Center from 17th Street. The reason I usually go to the Tabor Center is to dine at The Cheesecake Factory so entering from 16th is a more direct route.

A glance at my watch made me realize it was too late to have a late lunch – too close to supper time. So, I made my way out to the 16th Street Mall. I had time for a detour, so I dodged the mall shuttle as I made my way to the Writer Square just across the street.

A few steps later, my eyes lit up when I saw the window display of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. I’m a major chocoholic and the Chocolate Factory is at the top of my list for great chocolate in Denver. It’s really impossible to describe how weakening it is to stare at several trays of caramel apples dipped in oodles of chocolate-loving goodness and nuts. It wasn’t just mouth-watering, it was stupefying. The devil himself would have to be in the store for me to leave downtown without some Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory chocolate today.

Now I remember why I’ve been avoiding Writer Square. There are many temptations that are easy to overcome; sex, drugs, alcohol, but I’m doomed when faced with quality chocolate just a few feet away. I managed to avoid tripping over that one step that gets you to the doorway. You really can’t look at the goodies in the window at the same time as you move to the doorway to enter or you will end up flat on your face – someone should make that a ramp. I watched someone else stumble over that step, so I was forewarned.

Once inside, I chose to take a good look around the shop. I didn’t want to be too hasty or appear too desperate. There were a lot of choices. I really wanted a caramel apple but convinced myself to return with a friend to yield to that indulgence. Great things are better shared, no? Truthfully, I wanted something to take home and savor in private. I couldn’t imagine looking more like a crazed fiend then I’d look devouring a caramel apple. The image was far too crystal-clear in my mind for it to not happen, so I knew it would not make the trip home unmolested in my bag.

I circled the glass displays at least a dozen times – very slowly. I watched a group of people hovering around the caramel apples. I had to look away. Even the mention of the caramel apples was like a magnet because I wanted one so much. There was a major battle going on within me. I had only had a light snack to stave off hunger not long ago – packaged peanut butter crackers that weren’t very satisfying. Another customer was buying a gift of chocolates to be delivered. I never get gifts from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and was feeling both jealous and deprived and more determined to have my chocolate.

My taste buds were feeling very neglected lately and chose this moment to be devilishly demanding. The part of me that was still able to think logically tried to cajole the taste buds with promises of a caramel apple feast in the not too distant future. But we’d have to plan a complete meal with the decadent apple as dessert. I think my tongue was kept busy from then on trying to decide on the winning meal combination for that very yummy dessert.

Finally, I decided to buy a couple truffles and caramel fudge instead of the 50 pound box I was craving in my imagination. The fudge is to share with my husband. I took a few photos of Writer Square – I love the statues there. I also visited a few other shops, but as you can imagine I really wasn’t at the peak of my concentration due to the edibles I carried, so I was soon on the bus for home.

It’s been difficult to write this blog because while I didn’t start eating the truffles until I started talking about the caramel apples, I just wanted to write “mmmm … yummm … mmmmm … yessss … mmm creammmmy” but I can’t imagine anyone thinking I was sane. Also, with all the words in the dictionary, I just can’t iterate enough that chocolates from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory should not have to be described – they should just be enjoyed. And enjoy them I did! So, decide for yourself which chocolates are the best. Then try to write something intelligent while eating them.