That isn’t a stretch of my imagination. Sometimes, what we have in common can be as simple as being in the same 50 square-foot area at the same time. When I’m exploring Denver, what I have in common with others can be a hindrance or a benefit. I tend to do a bit of wandering when I’m out and about. Getting somewhere by the most direct route saves time but doesn’t always work for me.

An indirect route allows me to take in experiences I might otherwise miss. Yesterday, while visiting a friend so that we could attend an event together, we took a very indirect route to get where we were going. As a result, I took several photos on the way that I wouldn’t have otherwise. At the end of the day, we took a direct route home and I didn’t take a single photo.

For me, getting photo opportunities is a paramount motivator when I’m out and about these days.

Taking photos makes each and every day memorable. And when the day has passed, I can still enjoy the day because I captured it and can experience a moment, a day, a feeling, people, or a place over and over at my leisure each time I revisit my photos.

Some places don’t inspire me to take a photo. While that may be true on a hot summer day, it may be completely different with two feet of freshly fallen snow at sunrise. This is one of the reasons I frequently find myself visiting the same places and wandering when going to a specific place.

At times, I really enjoy seeing Denver by myself so that I can be free to move about in an erratic way or spend several hours in a general area to get more photos or that special photo that is obtainable only with patience. When I’m tired or my feet hurt, I find a place to rest. At other times, having a friend helps me to see things differently and be aware of capturing the moment from multiple perspectives.

It’s interesting that photography is a social activity as much as it can also be an anti-social activity. There are times I’ve wished I could have the entire location to myself. There have been numerous times I had a great photo opportunity and out of nowhere I see someone standing in a place that totally blocks the subject. So, I’ve had to learn to be patient. This moment will pass and I’ll get the chance to either have a good photo, or I’ll move on to someting else. Sometimes I return at a later time or day.

Everyone has different reasons for being where they are at any given time. That’s a nice thing about Denver – if it weren’t for all the people, it would not be the lively place that offers so many places to take photos. If I’m in a hurry, I miss out. But I try to respect the space of others so they can do what they need and want.

The other day, I wanted to take a photo near the 16th Street Mall downtown. I’d taken photos on the same block many times. But when the sun shines down in such a way that is inviting, I do not want to miss the chance to have a different photo. Unfortunately, a young teenager had been left in charge of his baby sister while the parents disappeared into a nearby store. The young boy decided that he could entertain himself by pushing his sister’s stroller down a ramp over and over.

The top of the ramp was exactly in the middle of where I was trying to capture a photo. Each time other people would move out of the way, the boy was at the top of the ramp ready to push the stroller again to make his sister giggle gleefully. He wasn’t in a hurry to descend the ramp, and the ramp was too short for him to be out of the way for long. I waited almost 15 minutes before finally giving up.

I could have made the most of the moment and asked if I could take his photo. However, I’m not usually very interested in taking photos of people downtown unless it’s in such a way that they are a small element in the composition, not the focus. When I don’t know the person, the photo means less to me. I have photo-editing software that allows me to remove undesirable portions of photos, but if I can’t easily crop an edge off the photo, then it becomes too much work for the end result.

So, I wander about from place to place, letting the moment inspire me but learning to be patient and flexible when I’m by myself, with friends, or when in the same space as some of Denver’s other residents and visitors. If I don’t learn to yield than I’m forcing myself into a box – who wants a photo of a box?

My impression was a surprise to me because I expected to find a different and relaxed charm about the southeast area of Denver. But what I saw lacked charm altogether. While it wasn’t aesthetically distasteful, it just lacked appeal. Shopping can be pleasurable to take in visually and with other senses, yet I found very little spice, attitude, and personality.

It reminded me of a PBS special I saw where turtles learned to take oxygen from the underwater depths rather than surface to get oxygen from the air. Even shoppers need more air than can be provided in some retail clusters.

With the price of gas and a desire to make the most of my visits around time, I expect that future visits won’t leave me any more anxious to explore the lack of attractions in any more depth than I just encountered. There are interesting and unique shops to while away time and drain money from the pocketbook, so it isn’t barren of shopping opportunities.

It would be nice to see a sprawling Mall centered around beautiful gardens. The buildings aren’t tall and the area is generally flat visually. I think this area would greatly benefit from more trees, even more container gardens to counteract the bland squareness. I felt a lot of emptiness that needed to be filled. I don’t mean the addition of another building or throngs of people – I mean it’s missing that quiet yet palpable part of life because it is so enclosed in brick and mortar retail. If you like the feel of concrete and pavement to be all pervasive, you might not notice that it’s almost lifeless.

If you want to recapture some sense of life, there is a park that runs east and west along the south side of Hampden, behind the office buildings. It’s almost formal with manicured lawns, but it has several evergreen trees and even berry trees for the birds to enjoy. (I tasted a berry and found it very bitter and it reminded me of chewing aspirin tablets.) I found a basketball court that didn’t appear out-of-place on the edge of this strip of nature. In the short area I explored I didn’t find flower beds or an abundance of wildlife, but nonetheless bikers, joggers, lunchers and a few butterflies all seemed to enjoy the little spot of peace not far from the concrete world of retail.

There are several dining choices and even a small place to enjoy Italian gelato along Hampden Avenue. If you are on foot or taking the bus, expect to be without protection from the elements. The sidewalks along Hampden are totally without shade from trees or buildings close enough to keep snow from drifting. Several bus routes criss-cross through the area, so summer visits are possible if you don’t mind the beating sun. A small cup of gelato when you detour from the hot path is a good way to end – a gentle way of putting it behind you and looking forward to exploring somewhere else.

Don’t forget the FREE admission day at the Denver Botanic Gardens on Monday, September 17 for Colorado residents.

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.

It’s also time for predictions of the first snowfall in Denver. I think the first snowfall will be October 30. That’s not counting the snow that falls but melts when it’s a foot above the ground. I’m talking about the first snowfall that will actually stick to the ground in Denver.

For gardeners, we will spend the next few weeks harvesting all our crops and preparing our beds for next spring. There is a lot of work ahead. Some of us will also begin planting our fall bulbs and covering our delicate plants so they will be safe and cozy during the winter. I’m hoping to find some good garden sales in the next few weeks. Most importantly, I need resources for mulch. I planted blueberries this year that will be happy for a good layer of mulch when I mulch the fall bulbs I’ve ordered. Hopefully, I can keep all the weeds pulled so they don’t take over under the snow. In the spring, the weeds had a strong foothold in my garden, so I really had to work hard to clear them out.

Now is the time to make plans for weekend getaways, a few hours being lazy in the sun, or enjoying other summer activities a few more times. We get a lot of sun all year round, but there are quite a few activities that aren’t as pleasant in the sun with the snow on the ground and a chill in the air. One of the things I’d like to do a few times before the summer ends is to sit outside at a restaurant that has an outdoor seating area. I know there are a lot of choices all over Denver, but it’s nice to think about which will provide the most enjoyment of the last few days of summer.

Soon enough it will be time to get the fall sweaters and jackets and winter clothes out of the closet. We’ll have to bundle up soon enough and begin looking at indoor activities. Of course, there are a lot of people that enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports, so they’ll be quite happy with the cold and snow. I will be sad to see my garden go. I will also be sad to see less daylight. Maybe fall and winter will pass quickly, then spring will be just around the corner.

Upcoming events: The Denver Botanic Gardens will be having a FREE admission day on Monday, September 17 for Colorado residents.
Here’s one I’ve missed, but hope to check it out this week. At the Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax, there is a Civic Center Cafe and Outdoor Market. It features live music and outdoor cafe every Wednesday at 11 a.m. until Sept 26.

Another reason I look is to see if I remember what was there before the construction. Will there be improvements to an old place or will it be a completely new place with modern architecture and technology. New places might result in an additional parking garage or a new restaurant run by a world-famous chef. Sometimes both and more.

Change is inevitable for a large city. When I think about it, I imagine that each and every day during the week, someone is making a business decision to start, maintain, sell or improve a downtown business. There are over 500,000 people living in the county of Denver. People from Denver and other counties visit or work in downtown Denver on a regular basis. All work and no play makes for a very dull life. Denver doesn’t have the high-energy of some other major U.S. cities, but there are certainly many places of interest when “all work and no play” gets a grip on your life and you need something that is smile-inducing. When I go downtown, I hope to see something new or interesting and have the time to experience it.

Wherever I go, taking photos makes the memories last longer. I may quickly take photos of several different locations. But generally, I like to spend time at one or two places. These are places that I have passed by frequently but only recently discovered something that resulted in my wanting to spend a little time to take a closer look. We all should have those places. Especially the places that look appealing and calm when life is hectic. Or maybe it’s the place that showcases something in the window that makes you long to make it your own. It could also be the most interesting statue you have ever seen, the one that has you dreaming of far away places and people.

Finding those places in Denver lets me feel like a child for a few moments. I sink down onto a blanket of being totally in the moment. I’m not overly worried about the traffic or the people who get in my way while I’m trying to capture the place to take home to add to my photo collection. My stomach will settle down even when it hasn’t enjoyed a morsel all day. Even when I’m tired and my feet ache, I need to enjoy this moment for a few minutes, maybe an hour. In the summer, I crave finding a place outdoors that gives me a reason to put everything on hold. The other day I found just such a place.

I pass the State Capitol frequently. As often as possible, I look up at the golden dome just to see the rays of sunshine caress it enough to make it gleam. I often think it would be great to look so brilliant even on a day when clouds loom above. I didn’t linger for long because I was on a mission. I crossed Lincoln Avenue to take a shortcut through the Civic Center Park.

There were several people sleeping in the park. I don’t think I could sleep in a busy park, because I’m a chicken. I prefer to sleep where I don’t feel my life depends on keeping my eyes open. There are far too many places that provide that feeling of safety – even if it’s just an illusion. I’ll take the illusion, thank you. If a sound wakes me in the middle of the night, I can rest assured that it’s one of my dogs. If it’s something or someone else, my dogs are sure to let me know they are alert while I am sleeping. In the park, my eyes would probably open to the sight of a drunken, dissheveled person babbling and relieving himself around or on me.

Well, I had almost walked to Bannock Street when a noise made me turn around. It was just a squirrel. In my mind, squirrels are overgrown rodents. We put up bird feeders a few years ago to feed the neighborhood birds. We have had squirrels in our backyard for as long as I can remember. They teased my dogs by running up and down on the top of our fence. They were smugly showing that they were untouchable. I secretly hoped my dogs would catch one just to take the squirrel’s ego down a notch. It never happened. But the squirrels became a constant presence when we put up our first bird feeder.

We spent a lot of money buying feeders to replace those that the “destructo” squirrels had to get into. They weren’t satisfied with the bird seed that fell to the ground from the feeders, the small dishes of nuts or seeds I left about to entice them away from the feeders, or the old bread I tore up for the birds. No. They were much more happy when the feeder was broken and pieces of plastic lay strewn about or when the cord was chewed so the feeder fell and spilled it’s contents. We had no choice but to spend money on feeders that the squirrels couldn’t destroy. Lesson learned. Yet they still try. The squirrels no longer attack the feeders, so I’ve adopted a live and let live attitude. In other words, I try to ignore them. Once in a while, they force me to acknowledge how cute they can be, but I don’t envision I will ever step up to a podium as a squirrel advocate.

After assuring the squirrel that I thought it was cute but really had no food to offer him, I turned to walk away. At that moment I was looking toward the Capitol. That is when I knew that I would be staying right where I was for a while. The sun has an amazing ability to give me a reason to stop and admire something it had a hand in. I often see the Parks and Recreation vehicles or city workers tending the landscaping between the Capitol and City and County Building. The gardens are usually too formal for me, and I don’t want to interrupt people at work in the gardens so I don’t linger. My husband tells me that I should be careful taking photos around governement buildings of any kind because Homeland Security will keep watch of me as a potential threat. I hope he’s happy knowing that I take my photos while looking in fear for anyone approaching in uniform or a dark suite and dark sunglasses. But this was one of the days that the sun had me open my eyes to see something I had just passed by and would most certainly regret overlooking. I would be using my camera. Shhh!

How many times had I made a mental note to stop and see the flowers and didn’t? I love pink flowers and golden yellow flowers and purple flowers. I also love the many varieties of ornamental grasses I see in landscaping around Colorado. Most of the ornamental grasses are at their best in late summer and early fall. Thanks to the sun, I enjoyed walking in the wet grass around the flowerbeds. No matter what day it is, I can count on feeling the wet grass in my sandal-clad feet in the gardens infront of the Denver City and County Building. It is sometimes very wet.

But I didn’t mind the wet grass while I admired the flowers. I didn’t know if it would be the last time I’d see the flowers so beautiful before the fall weather and winter freezes took their place all around us, with no trace of the summer to warm our thoughts. I expected to see a lot of bees, but there were only a few. That was enough to make me look carefully before I bent down for a closer look. The tall ornamental grass really makes an outstanding display when combined with other tall flowers. When the sun shines on them with just the right intensity, it’s almost tempting to bring a shovel and dig up a few for my garden. Of course, I haven’t done this, but I would without a doubt like to talk to the gardener(s) who planned the landscape and the interesting combination of bright colors. My garden has yet to look so lush.

Gardening is a recent hobby for me. I’ve planted a few flowers over the years that I enjoyed but until recently, it was a passing fancy. It’s not easy to find the time and energy to give proper care to flowers, but I’m trying to get my garden a place I can spend hours just enjoying it. When I am out walking in my neighborhood, it is nice to slow down to enjoy the gardens others have toiled over. One of my neighbors has a thin strip of flowers I enjoy at the end of the walkway to his house. I pass his house frequently, even crossing the street to see how the flowers are doing. I don’t have any of the varieties he has, but I like them just the same.

The world would be a dull place if we didn’t have change. In early summer, we have seedlings pushing up from the earth. The seedlings grow and become leaves and develop flower buds that leave me waiting for the treasure that will be revealed. The flower buds take their time exposing their treasures and when they finally blossom it’s a shame that I don’t see more people enjoying the beauty. I keep hoping to see my neighbor tending his flowers, but the flowerbed is well-established and needs little care. When I do see him, I will be sure to let him know how much I enjoy them in passing and that I have stopped for a closer look many times.

I will return to the gardens downtown and if I’m lucky, I’ll get to compliment the people that labor in the gardens to make them nice for all of us passing by and those of us that will stop for a closer look. Inwardly, I’m hoping I will learn what those flowers are for future visits. I will also enjoy looking at the photos I took during the winter when it is cold and there isn’t a bloom in sight. It’s easy to wait for the big changes, but sometimes the little changes that are happening all around are just as interesting when you stop to get up close and personal with the moment.

Look out for Free days!

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science will have a FREE admission day on Sunday, September 9 – for Colorado residents. The Denver Botanic Gardens will be having a FREE admission day on Monday, September 17 for Colorado residents.

In downtown Denver, the buses are as dependable as you can get for a metropolis of Denver’s size. The bus system is called RTD (Regional Transportation District) and they have route and scheduling information online at the RTD web page. All of the main thoroughfares have one or more buses I can take to get in and out of the downtown area. I often take the 15L into downtown, then I either transfer to the free shuttle that runs the length of the 16th Street Mall or rely on my feet to get me around. Some days, it is a combination of both. It beats checking my watch frequently to make sure I haven’t exceeded the parking meter’s time and ending up with a parking ticket.

Today, I wanted to visit the library, located at 10 W. 14th Ave Parkway downtown. Because it’s the Denver Central Library, it is open 7 days a week. I visit this branch of the Denver Public Library because of convenience. There are other branches closer to my home, but each branch has different hours and days of operation. Every branch also doesn’t have as many books as the main branch downtown. I can place books on hold and pick them up at any branch, but sometimes, I don’t want to wait. Sometimes, I just want to browse a section that has a decent inventory. At this branch, I could spend hours browsing when I have the time.

The Central Library is huge. I have never felt like there were too many people and the staff members are friendly enough as well as very knowledgeable. The person at the information desk was going to lunch, so I made an inquiry at the Reference desk. The directions I got were specific and accurate – important in a multi-story library. I didn’t even have to wait in line to get the information I was seeking. Yeah!

Once I found the books I wanted, check-out is back down on the first floor. If you need help with check-out, it’s located right next to the self check-out and I always see someone there waiting to offer assistance. I was surprised this visit when assistance was offered to me as I approached the self check-out. I didn’t need assistance but I was impressed with the customer service during this visit. Again, no waiting.

When exploring Denver, there are a lot of books written about Colorado’s history. I wanted to mention the Denver Public Library because I think it’s important that people should know that it’s a resource paid for by our tax dollars. It isn’t the only resource, but it should be near the top if your bookstore expenses are high. My husband and I are avid readers and enjoy the variety of books available through the library. During check-out, the system let me know I have previously earned fines due. I had completely forgotten! But don’t worry, you can still check out books if your fines are small.

My visit to the library was completed in about 30 minutes. I planned ahead; checked the bus routes and schedules, checked the library hours; checked for nearby places of interest and took my camera with me. I left home with enough time to take photos before going to the library. I wasn’t sure how many books I would check out but knew they would be too heavy for too much movement around downtown Denver after my library trip.

I buy a monthly bus pass so I can easily get around in Denver without worrying about having the correct spare change each time I take the bus. Guess what? Part of our taxes helps pay for the RTD bus system as well. We pay 1% for RTD out of all sales taxes, short-term car rentals, lodging, food and beverage and alcohol. The Colorado Department of Revenue has more information about the breakdown of taxes. If you want to get more out of some of the things your tax dollars pay for, check out how you can be mobile, save gas money, cut down on pollution by riding the bus.

Many explorers throughout history planned ahead. I take a drink container with a tight-fitting lid on my excursions so I don’t have to find places to stop for food each time I leave home. A simple park bench or bus bench gives me a place to stop and rest and many places have public restrooms. I have a digital camera, a Sony DSC-W7 for now, that helps me remember my excursions and note places or things I want to check out in the near future. Today’s sojourn into downtown didn’t cost anything because I used what I already had available. But I had fun and the memories I was able to capture with photos – priceless.