Embodying Freedom

Peace, rest, relaxation and pedicures involving American flags! It’s Fourth of July, Colorado family-style.

Woken up by the dapper feline Kramer, Independence Day started with a deep long meow. It was a good thing too as top on the day’s itinerary was Om Time‘s Firecracker Flow, a strenuous two-hour yoga session in one of Boulder, Colorado’s top reviewed yoga studios. The class started early and required a 40 or so minute drive, plus getting lost time. After days of my daily movements consisting of pressing the gas and brake pedals, my body was all out of whack. The instructor, who had traveled in from Kansas City, spared us no mercy. Her yogi schpeel included many connections to embodying freedom, both in mind and in movement, and celebrated the joy of liberation and independence. Anyway, I barely survived. But in the end, a yoga class was just what the doctor ordered and justified, finally, a hearty meal.

After the class, which was very challenging, it was time for Boulder’s best vegetarian restaurant, Leaf. Like WaterCourse the day before, I had been to Leaf last time I was in Colorado. This time around we ordered a delicious appetizer: blue corn empenadas stuffed with a butternut squash vegetable medley. The empanadas sat in a delicious pool of Indian-spiced sauce and bright red chili oil. They were fresh, fragrant and knocked on the doors of almost all sides of my tongue. For an entree I had to again choose the vegan French but I will call Freedom Toast! I had had this dish before but this time the portion was nearly doubled! The stack of four thick slices of bread sat in a puddle of soy margarine and berry juice. Only eating half, the dish will make a great breakfast before heading out towards Wyoming tomorrow, where veggie options seem a bit scarce.

Back at Andrea‘s the kids were pitching in on making some sweet 4th of July-inspired desserts for the neighbor’s shin-dig. Little K was doing her part by making sure the food remnants around her mouth were festively colored and matched her blue and white striped shirts. Everyone was excited for night to come and the fireworks to be set off, including me!

After a long morning of working up a huge sweat and then pumping my body full of pure maple syrup during brunch, the ride back from Boulder had me a bit queasy. Couple that with the altitude difference and erratic weather around the Rockies, I needed a shower and some R&R on the sap. After lounging and being entertained by the kids, CP and I finally focused on preparing some goods for Independence Day dinner. We headed to Sunflower Farmers Market for some festive ingredients. The result: grilled Tofurky Kielbasa, grilled red pepper and onion and blue potatoes… with a side of fire crackers.
Nightfall and fireworks time finally! I haven’t smelled that burning after-smell in years. Happy Birthday America!

To the cutest family in Colorado, many thanks for everything! Tomorrow morning we will be heading north to cut through Wyoming and into Utah. Sleep tight, America.