remembering Conifer

Today Cyn gave me a folder full of treasure - photographs & memories.  I've spent a day flooded in "remember".

I remember my bedroom in the basement, waking up to shuffling, opening curtains to find elk 10 feet away

I remember "celestial Safeway", where everyone was uncannily kind

I remember parking at the bottom, trudging up the mountain in heels (always heels) when the purple camry stationwagon just didn't have enough

I remember running out of gas at 6am in the snow in the 4-Runner, cursing Megan, a half mile (in heels) from the nearest station, warming up to smiles & donuts in "celestial"

I remember retreating from the world, vowing to be the next hermit, nature-loving Thoreau, but realizing quickly that it just wasn't me

I remember our dog neighbor Guy Smiley, endlessly matted fur, but endearing grin, who liked me, dogs don't randomly like me

I remember easy friendships & real people 

I remember missionaries stuck for hours at the house, Elder Fordham wanting to name a daughter Canta, Megs wanting the daughter to be hers

I remember warmth & love & magic & refuge...

I'm not sure how much reality weighs in with this - or any - memory, but I am sure this is how I want to remember this time that honestly felt removed from normal time.

Comments

[Megan]

Why didn't I get that picture in my packet of memories? I miss Conifer, it was like a time removed from reality. I think back and am not sure if I'm exaggerating the happiness I had there or if it really was like that. Life was fun and I had friends. Lots of friends, that was something new!

[Kelly]

I remember you being in love with Conifer. Who cares if the memories might not be complete reality. How fun to get a packet of memories from Cyndee!

[rebecca]

Where/when was this? You remind me of me talking about my cabin in MT.
Oh, "celestial Safeway" - are you kidding me? That is hilarious.
I really enjoyed your memory lane trip. So soft.

[Amy]

Conifer, Colorado. I lived there between D.C. & my mission for about 8 months...truly a timeless time I'll forever love. The celestial Safeway was honestly & truly insane. You walked in the door & everyone was so helpful & friendly...beyond normal, and that would usually scare me, but somehow it was normal there. Thus, my fam deemed it "celestial Safeway", and anyone we said the name in front of didn't question or ask why. It just was & they knew.

I'd love to see pics of your MT cabin, Rebecca. You & Kel seriously need to meet up sometime - with the Oregon & Montana connections!

[Mandi]

I never lived in Conifer, but I loved coming home to it for Christmas vacation from BYU. It was amazing!