This evening I had the pleasure of attending a block party in the cul-de-sac of my old neighborhood. Block party? I didn't even know there was such a thing anymore... especially in Boulder.

All in all, it was a great time. Everyone on the block was there - old and new neighbors alike: the Latinos, the Fischers, Mr. Bell, the Davids... even the Zolnicks were in attendance!

The highlight of the evening came when I received a guided tour of my old childhood home by the current residents. They have done an amazing job of renovating and updating the place while keeping the soul of the house intact. They reused much of the original layout, including the font door, the kitchen countertop, the laundry chute, my old wallpaper, and my favorite - the oversized mailbox in front of the place. That thing could hold a large child.

Feeling nostalgic, I walked out to my old school, Eisenhower Elementary, while the sun was setting. I stood there dumbstruck. It was pretty amazing. It's a view I'd seen so many times walking to school every morning, but this time it was different. I saw a phase of my life closing, softly and graciously, setting as the the sun did behind the mountains.

Who knows what is next.

posted by Jake B. @ 9:22:00 PM