On the Loose in Salida

My dear girlfriend Natha Perkins and I are off to Salida very soon for the annual COMA conference. The Colorado Metalsmithing Association holds this quaint little conference every year and it is always energizing to get away to Salida. Once a year we pack up our summer dresses, the cruiser bikes, and margarita glasses. Then we escape all by ourselves for a summer getaway. It reminds me of that summer camp feeling. No chaperones, a giddy girlfriend to stay up and giggle with. We both just can't wait.

The downtown is full of small art galleries, good food and an overall slower lifestyle than either of us are usually able to enjoy. We especially love Bongo Billy's, Laughing Ladies Cafe, and the Culture Clash Gallery. Natha, the mother of two girls, is an amazing artist. Her business is Luscious Metals and her designs are like her: smart, modern and fun. It is such a rare treat for me to have a girlfriend who is both a mom and a metalsmith. I feel so lucky to have her as my kindred spirit. Hopefully we won't get into too much trouble.