Picking up the thread of last week’s theme I am to regale you with my mighty daring in the spontaneous spur of events that led to my artwork gracing the shelves at the cute and cozy local café called Craft Coffee House. I’m still shocked each time I step into the café that I was able to wiggle my way onto the display from a sheer spontaneous burst of bravery.
To set the scene, picture springtime in the Rockies when the snow has decided to throw on its long-forgotten swimsuit and run to the river for a much-deserved beach vacation. Now picture a group of 3 rafting down the river trying to harvest its plentiful short-lived rapids but, most unfortunately, finding themselves pinned against a rapid trying with all their might to find a proper escape route that does not end in death. Great, now think of the relief the party feels once they realize they have fought the battle and won this round. Shaken, and in need of refuge, this party of three made their wet way to the downtown streets of the bustling Basalt in search of refreshment. It was here they came across the cutest nook in the entire town, a beautiful building with large windows that led into the sanctuary of safety and loving arms of the most incredible coffee. Thus far I am sure you believe that I am among the 3 tortured souls in search of salvation. Indeed, I am not. In this scenario I am very safely planted elsewhere doing whatever it was that I was doing that day. It must have been a fairly mundane activity that had stolen my time because I do not have a single inkling of where my whereabouts would be at that time. My partner, however, was one of these soggy bottom boys and he is the one whose heart was changed and first chained to this quaint Basalt Café called Craft House Coffee.
After being told of this magical place, I naturally was very eager to claim some of its charms for my own greedy coffee coffers. Off to Basalt we drove, Connor with an extra twinkle in his eye ready to share his newfound oasis. He had also mentioned that the café supported and displayed local artists and vendors alike and that it might be a good match for my own artwork. Unfortunately, Connor’s excited steps came to a screeching halt as the realization that we did not actually check the hours of operations for the café before embarking on the hour journey to reap their rewards. As such the hours were not operating and we found a very firmly shut door. So, we made do with peeking through the windows to see what lay beyond the locked door. It was just as Connor had described it, a haven. I confirmed with extra zest that we would have to make our way back to taste their delights. When the time came to return, we once again, we saddled up our Ford Escape and powered through the hour drive only to find the door just as firmly put in place as it had been the last time. We had messed up the opening hours once again. It appeared that the third time would have to be the charm.
The third attempt was made with what must have been our good luck charms in tow, Connor’s parents. With a party of 4 we were able to finally find ourselves across the threshold. Perhaps it was the victory of successfully opening the door but stepping into the café was even better than I could have imagined. As I looked around, I could see the evidence of local businesses everywhere. The walls had fun and funky artwork, the shelves had pretty pottery, and the baristas exuded brilliance. As I stood gaping about, one of the ceramic mugs caught my eye and spoke the right sweet nothings to my soul. I found myself clutching the mug determined to share many future morning suns with it. For this next part, I honestly do not know where the courage came from, perhaps it was summoned by my new mug, but in a moments time I found myself speaking a jumble of words that you could unscramble into the gist of “I’m a local artist in Eagle County and was wondering if I could showcase some of my artwork?”
There were a couple of strokes of luck that came from this blurt. As I was finishing my query the owner happened to walk through the door with a fresh batch of housemade Chai. The question was then transported to her ears and she kindly, and excitedly, said that I was more than welcome to bring in some of my pieces and add them to the shelf. She loves supporting local artists and welcomes whatever anyone is proud enough to bring through the doors. Immediately, I was jazzed up and planning which pieces I should bring in to add a touch of my own offbeat charm to the shelves.
Later on, as the excitement began to settle, I realized that in a matter of minutes I was able to secure another awesome opportunity to share my artwork with outside eyes by simply asking for the opportunity. Granted, I took quite a bit of a risk using that exact moment to shoot my shot. I am so glad that the outcome of my burst or bravado was positive because I have no doubts in my mind that the car ride back to our humble abode would have been quite dreary and awkward for Connor’s parents to witness a blubbering mess that would have been me. Luckily, instead it was a jovial time showing the rest of the sights and ducking from the mass of painful pelting hail that chased us from our outdoor endeavors.
I still have some of my pieces nestled in the Craft Coffee House shelves and love the days we meander in to delight in coffee and welcoming boho atmosphere. I hope you enjoyed this little tale of my first shot in the utter darkness and hope you tune in next Sunday for another.
As Always,
Keep it offbeat!
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