Rowena Alegría
The only difficulty I faced at Elsewhere came in the leaving. A ten-day residency for parents allowed me time without my children, where I could extract the sorrow from my veins and put it on the page without worrying them. In writing scenes for the end of a novel – in the funky peace of the Commons, the Suite and the garden – I discovered a beginning that may solve a structural question that has long dogged me. If only I’d had a full month to see it through!
In my short visit, I began a glorious stretch of days by exploring town on an Elsewhere bicycle most mornings. I treated myself to iced horchata latte at Espresso Paeonia and cherry cider from Big B’s and fed myself on fresh veggies from one of the best farmers markets I have ever attended. Trust me, don’t miss Paonia Park on a Tuesday evening, where there are farm stands, entertainment and vendors including the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition serving a delicious dinner.
As you can see from my handful of photos, the skies in Paonia are breathtaking. Cherry Days was small town fun with a hippie twist. And Tomatoes is a sweet boy, even if you happen to be allergic.
