We kicked off this morning with a 2-mile hike up Castle Rock ā because nothing says āgood morningā like gasping for air at altitude. I tell myself itās invigorating, but really, itās just hard. Why is it so difficult to get moving in the morning, even when you know itāll make you feel better?
Spoiler: I did it anyway. Rhapsody? Slept in a bit.
š Drop-Offs and Daydreams
Today was Rhapsodyās first day of her intensive at Colorado Ballet Academy. I dropped her off with everything packed, prepped, and tucked into place. Her confidence calmed me, even as I watched other dancers glide through the door like they were born in pliĆ©. The energy was focused, fierce, and full of potential ā exactly where she belongs.
š Wandering With Purpose
After drop-off, I took myself on a bit of a solo adventure downtown to scope out transit options. Walking the streets of Denver reminded me of city life ā the rhythm, the grit, the beauty in the mix. I saw a few folks struggling and paused with a moment of gratitude for where we are right now.
Then, I strolled over to Larimer Square, where string lights and boutique windows always feel like the perfect place to wander.
š City MVPs: These Off-Brand Zero Shoes
My off-brand zero drop shoes from Amazon absolutely saved my feet. Cute, flexible, and not $150. Highly recommend for city days that turn into hiking days.
š£ Sushi, Sound, and Solitude
After wandering, I found the kind of lunch that restores your faith in Tuesdays: excellent sushi, eaten solo with no one asking me to share a bite.
Then came my favorite surprise of the day: a spontaneous stop at ESP HiFi, a vinyl listening bar that felt like walking into someoneās private dream. Low lights, curated sound, zero pressure to speak ā just you, a drink, and whatever record is spinning.
It wasā¦ magical. Like my nervous system exhaled.
š± Staying Connected the Tween Way
Rhapsody stayed in touch on her breaks using her iPod connected to the studioās WiFi. Itās a great little system for independence-with-training-wheels and makes me feel better about not hovering.
š½ļø Wrapping Up on the Patio
After pick-up, I got the full download from her about her classes ā the choreography, the corrections, the outfits (of course). We capped the night with a family meal on the patio, the kind where the sun hangs low and nobody checks the time.
Weāre both totally wiped, but it was one of those days that feels full in all the right ways ā like the kind you donāt realize was perfect until itās already over.
š§³ Amazon Finds That Made My Day Better:
- Zero-drop city shoes for long wandering:
š https://amzn.to/4kN9PyC - iPod touch for tween check-ins without a phone:
šhttps://amzn.to/3FGCLcp - Lululemon belt bag- wouldn’t leave home without it!
- Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
š· Catch more of our Denver days on YouTube at Bon Voyage Rhapsody or follow us on Facebook for behind-the-scenes bits.
š¬ Whatās your favorite way to spend a solo afternoon while your kidās at camp or class? I need ideas!
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