I would like to know how the stars aligned during that time or what the weather was like, what my horoscope was and really what prompted me to take the risk and adventure of going to the USCAF (US Comedy Arts Festival) in Aspen, Colorado in 2004.
I had wanted to go to Aspen for the Comedy Festival for a few years. First as a comedian to perform and of course just to ‘hang out’ in Aspen! That year, for some reason, I just decided to go. I don’t mean planning to go. I decided to take off and go. I didn’t make reservations at any hotels. I got my plane ticket at a good price. He had no idea how he would get to Aspen from Denver as he only had enough money to get to Denver. These facts did not stop me, but rather intensified the adventure aspect of the trip for me!
I thought about accommodation. But I decided to look into Aspen’s battered women’s shelters. They existed! So, I thought that if the worst came to the worst, I could always stay in the shelter. It is important for you, the reader, to know that at NO time did I feel scared, scared or worried. Not once, I shouldn’t or couldn’t do this! Not even once! Even with everyone (mainly women) telling me how scared they would be!
On the plane to Denver, about a third of the way there, I met a young woman, Linda. She seemed like a free spirit with her long shiny hair, bold silver jewelry and the ease of youth that emanated from her. She started a conversation with me, asking where she was leading me. In turn, I discovered information about her. She was impressed that I was headed to Aspen to ‘hang out’. After we disembarked we went our separate ways. Then I saw her again at baggage claim, at which point she approached me and offered to take me to Aspen.
We stopped first at her friends house in Denver, had herbal tea with some of her ‘hippie’ friends who were absolutely warm and welcoming to me. Then we begin the approximately four hour drive to Aspen. I had no idea Aspen was a four hour jeep ride! However, we talked and got to know each other much better. She was going to Aspen to meet her boyfriend who lived in her ex-wife’s basement (he claimed to stay there because he couldn’t afford a place of his own!) The trip was really upbeat and fun! We stopped to eat (I paid) and I took a picture of him outside the restaurant.
As we approached a town called Glenwood Springs, she mentioned a lodge that was there, and if I would be interested in staying at the lodge, if not, she would gladly drive me the short distance to Aspen. We stopped at the hostel and I met a young employee named Florence from Singapore, who pointed me to the available rooms and the price of $10! When Florence mentioned a dorm for $10 a night and easy access to Aspen, I went for it! I thanked Linda profusely for bringing me to the shelter, we hugged and she left. I never saw her again.
In Aspen, I had the time of my life! I put a few more women outside a stage door one night waiting for Robin Williams to come out. She did, and my new friends and I followed his entourage to a VIP party. I thought just following the entourage was enough, but my drunk but witty new friend decided that WE were going to get into the VIP party! He told me to tell the stereotypical clipboard sentinel that I was Whoopi. Like in Whoopi Goldberg. So, I went up to the ‘clipboard guy’, he asked my name, and with an incredulous look I said, “You mean Whoopi Goldberg is NOT on the list!” The clipboard guy stuttered, stuttered, and started apologizing profusely to me, at which point I beckoned to my assistant, and we walked into the party!
Inside the VIP I drank, ate and visually drooled on Ed Norton, Danny DeVito, the creators of South Park, Lillie Tomlin and etc. This party was for the movie ‘Death to Smoochie’ and everything flowed freely.
I left Aspen a champion and with influences and memories that have enriched my life. I went to a Def Poetry Jam and walked away so moved to witness the greatness of the performances that I too do spoken word poetry. When I developed the images to see Linda’s image, her face did not appear. There is a dark shadow of it. She had another photo where a guy walking by saw me looking at the skiers on the mountain and said, “You need to get your picture taken.” He took it. The image came out with sunbeams shining on me, like angelic.
The point of this essay is that I took a chance. I followed my intuition. I let something bigger than me guide me! I LISTENED TO MYSELF! I TRUST IN MYSELF! There is the adventure of your life within YOU! LISTENS!
