They add texture, color and personality to the countryside. They are the rhymesters composing poetic dialogue about the San Juan Mountains. They are the glorious compounds that put the red in the convergent lady beetles (lady bugs), the white in the snowy owls and the blue in the delicate alpine forget-me-nots. Without such superlatives, Telluride’s panoramas would not read half as well and its dazzling landscape would not have been distinguished to the degree of such literary geniuses as Steinbeck, Hemingway, Lawrence and Twain.

AN ALLIANCE WITH NATURE
To many locals and frequenteers to Telluride, a journey into the backcountry is like delving into a multi-layered mystery. Stories unfold with each step farther into the timberlands, forests that brim with life and death. As the wilderness envelopes the voyager, the voyager feels a communion with nature. The explorer denotes patterns and feels part of the cosmic order of things. He/she recognizes that nature eliminates the weak and carries forth the qualities of the strong. Majority rules here, diversity is plentifold and there is little room for the lethargic.

Nature has an uncanny sense of balance; a certain democracy of the earth. There is a freedom for all creatures to live amongst each other and carry out whatever their particular job may be. There is no prejudice when it comes to beauty as everything possesses its own appeal and splendor. The exuberance of Bridal Veil Falls is no more spectacular than the charismatic glory of the San Sophia and Wilson ranges; the chipmunk is no less attractive than a hulking elk. In nature, all inhabitants are encouraged to be different and stand on their own two, four, six or eight feet.
Similarly, we as a democracy should do our utmost in strengthening our abilities to play vital parts in the social and natural order of our culture. The beauty of our democracy is that there are extraordinary possibilities for every citizen as long as they are willing to adapt to particular situations. Ideally, everyone is equal and has the opportunity to reach for the stars, thus create their story of stories. Nature’s bounty seemingly tells us to foster our intellects with all that surrounds us. We must instill in our children the importance of travel, reading, studying music and getting involved in sports, lectures and so much more. A broad-based or cultured mind grows succulent fruits, hearty veggies and gorgeous rose gardens, as well as outdoor, open-aired libraries to keep the psyche from being overgrown with weeds and idleness. A cultured mind concentrates and puts forth effort. It is refined, productive and gathers joy from taking initiative and working. As a great 20th century philosopher, Earl Warren, stated, “The recipe for self-confidence is to do good work.” If we raise children to have cultured minds, we create composed individuals who feel at home in most circumstances. They become natural leaders who exude self-confidence and find contentment in mastering projects. It is in nature that we find life is fluid. It is up to us to hone our survival skills and have lyrical relationships with others. Nature and democratic societies, after all, flourish only when relationships are synchronized and an alliance for survival is understood.

FOR EVERY ACTION, THERE IS A REACTION
Nature’s story is never-ending. Each day brings forth another episode. Protagonists strive for their 15 minutes of fame; some get it, others don’t; some merely remain dormant until it’s their turn to perform in the cyclical seasonal scenes. In Colorado, each time of year fetches a new canvas filled with various hues and different activities. In the spring and summer, nature’s palette is spangled with royal tones. Ruby reds, violets, emerald greens and aquamarines embellish the environs and entice the commonwealth to warm their muscular systems on foot, mountain bike or by horse. Motion in the midst of nature calls to action endorphins, pheromones and all that is feral. It makes the blood flow and acts as a liaison between humans and nature. Activity seemingly grounds us, though we may be high up on one of Telluride’s many 13,000-or-14,000-foot peaks overlooking the surrounding valleys.

The immortal words of Katharine Bates for America the Beautiful—“O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties, Above the fruited plain”—were inspired by the splendor of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, otherwise known as America’s backbone. As you trek through the expanse of Telluride’s mountains and mesas, the southernmost point of the Rockies, ponder not the passage of time, but the vibrant spectrum of colors adorning the landscape. Rusty reds give way to the calming creams of the canyonlands preceding Keystone Hill, while the stalwart grays and robust blues contour the jagged mountain peaks encircling earthly Telluride. Here the beauty of the West is exemplified. Here the heartbeat of the land surges forth with eloquence and grandeur. Quaking aspens sing the song of the wild and free, echoing musical greats like Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Sam Bush, Leon Russell, and the late Johnnie Cash.

The internationally acclaimed festivals Telluride hosts each summer are a fine illustration of this quaint mountain town’s cultural atmosphere. Bluegrass, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, pop and chamber music enlighten audiences as much as Telluride’s Tech Fest, Wild West Fest and many film festivals intrigue erudite individuals and movie-goers. Artistically speaking, Telluride’s event calendar is filled with a gamut of venues sure to whet the appetites of those seeking any type of entertainment. Lest us not forget that Telluride pilots many attention-grabbing sporting events, too: Imogene Pass Run, Hardrock 100, Full Tilt and KOTO’s famed Rubber Ducky Race. Writers, actors, producers, chefs and “hot dogs” also gather here, celebrating their talents and honing their skills. Whether you’re here for a day or so, or frequent Telluride, you most probably will pick up on Telluride’s affirmative nod toward the arts, athleticism and action. Précis, Telluride lives in the here and now, not in the what if. Its vernacular is current.

THE COLONIZATION OF TELLURIDE
The hypnotic force of Telluride surrounds us. Its beauty is authentically stamped with a Western seal. The storefronts retain vibrations from the past, with the same facades as when Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch Gang sauntered about in the late 1800s. Paradoxically, Telluride’s temperament is still easy going and bursting with nonpretentious sensations. It also has a bit of a James Dean—rebel, maverick, sexy—way of thinking. Perhaps better said, Telluride has a blue jean mentality through and through, where many say “yes” to dawdling monetary earnings in order to pursue a life filled with grand outdoor adventures, artistic freedoms and the kismet in having townsfolk look you in the eyes and say, “hey.” Because the town is so small, the simple “hey” oftentimes leads to making a new friend. Telluride’s an uncomplicated place that does not delineate the wealthy from those with meager means. Rather its consciousness looks to everyone as equals, appreciative of everyone’s journey.

The highway of time glances backwards into the past and forward into the future. History’s highway has brought Telluride on a marvelous journey that started with the Ute Indians. The Utes hunted
elk, deer and big horn sheep that grazed on the untenanted emerald-green lands along the San Miguel River. In the 1700s, the Spanish explorers pervaded the San Juan Mountains, christening many landmarks with names and exploring the bounty of the region. Near the end of the Civil War, prospectors and homesteaders began coming West in hordes. By the 1860s, Telluride’s U-shaped valley turned from a once unclaimed, blissful quagmire. Its heart however, still teems with wildlife—coyotes sing, elk bugle and Rocky Mountain chick-a-dees chirp.

Immigrants left the Old World to escape poverty, political unrest, famine and religious persecution. Though the Civil War laid the ground work for much of America’s thinking, newtimers to the country still sought a better life. They were willing to risk everything for the Promised Land, a promise seemingly secured by the ores and minerals found in these parts. Gold and silver became the love serum that attracted prospectors to the area after the government had the Ute Indians cede four million acres of the San Juan Mountain range in the early 1870s. For nearly half a century, Telluride’s mines produced a Mother Lode of gold and silver. Mendota, Smuggler, Sheridan, Liberty Bell and Gold King were some of mountains’ top producing shafts. A miner’s life brushed the skirts of death daily. They dangled from high-wire ropes, toiled in the bowels of the earth, which was oftentimes toxic, and labored with dynamite, heavy machinery and beasts of burden. Brawls, gun fights and civil unrest surmounted, too. The men worked excruciatingly hard, for not very much. In time, the Western Federation of Miners was chartered to safeguard miners against many of the dangers and to secure their incomes to a degree. In truth, however, only a few reaped the big benefits of the lustful disease called Gold Fever.

When the miner’s chapter of history eventually closed, Telluride was left with their spirit. Their courage is infused in the bricks, mortar and gigantic wooden beams that still hold up many of the town’s structures. To keep the character of Telluride true to its roots, Telluride was recorded as a National Historic District in 1964. New structures, or the refurbishing of old ones, need to acquiesce with the standards of HARC (Historic Architectural Review Committee). Such standards make present-day Telluride resonate with Wild West vibes. They also bring forth the heartbeat of America’s old ways and foretell the presence of our forebearers.

CHECKS & BALANCES
Life is what you make of it. It’s what you do. Your perspective stakes its claim on your actions and inactions. Withdraw into the wilderness to change malevolent views or to flush your heart of toxic energy. Go to a lecture series to jostel your brain waves a bit. Cook a gourmet meal for friends, while sipping on a glass of Bordeaux. Life is rich and full as long as there is balance, equity and justice. When the power of balance is disrupted, strive to put it in check. Go after it, everyday. Learn to maintain it. The checks and balances of individuals reverberate throughout society.

The lifestyle of Telluride’s overall populace ostensibly reflects the essence of a balanced society. In many lights and many nights, Telluride folks put on their party hats. Telluride’s “come out and play” attitude permeates the landscape. Festivals, live theatre, great dining, deck parties and outlandish gatherings in high up places fill this resort town with vim and vigor. Feeling good and remaining healthy are also magnetic draws to people in this community. So, herein, they find balance in their social endeavors. Their concern for a fluid, natural balance doesn’t mean a curtailment of personal liberties, but rather an act of discipline which denotes character.

CITIZENSHIP
In my eyes, Telluride is a compassionate community full of caring citizens. Most everyone you chat with at a social function donates time and personal talents to the betterment of the town. Albeit, much of the volunteering warrants access into festivals and events, a large proportion of it is to assist the flourishment of the art community, help in-need kids go to college or fulfill Olympic dreams, give abused women safe houses, the list goes on. Citizen involvement augments the quality of life here tremendously.

The Telluride Foundation sets the benchmark in contributing to the enrichment of Telluride’s standard of living. This organization provides leadership in philanthropy, strengthens community groups, serves as a steward for entrusted funds and supports the activities and causes that contribute to the well-being of this unique community. Another dynamic asset to the town is TAB, Telluride’s AIDS Benefit, which raises awareness for HIV/AIDS. The Out Loud Lecture Series, Sparky Productions, Wilkinson Library, which hosts a plethora of venues, Telluride Council for the Arts and Humanities (TCAH), Sheridan Arts Foundation, The San Juan Mountains Association, Ah Haa School for the Arts and other
organizations are driven by countless caring citizens. Their efforts are applauded and their ingenuity is to be commended.

William J. Bennett wrote, “We should remember that everything which comes to our table is the harvest of labor.” In this light, we should give credit, where credit is due. We should acknowledge those people who put forth good energy to make communities a better place to reside. They, like Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, flavor everything with love, enthusiasm and industry. They are the sweet nectar of society’s sieve. ts