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Nederland - Where Hippies Grow Old

By
Real Estate Agent with Falcon Property Company

Scores of you have emailed, called, and commented to encourage me to write.  Since November is NaNoWriMo, I opted to take the challenge and write a book.  The premise of NaNoWriMo is to complete 50,000 words of a novel in the month of November.  It is an internet event, but also includes "meet ups" in your local area. 

As someone who only recently started writing, it has been a fun challenge ~ the operative word being 'challenge.' The setting for my novel is a little town outside of Boulder, Colorado (where I went to college) called Nederland.  When I was in college in the early 70s, Nederland was known as a Hippie Hangout.  (The title of the BOOK is not "Nederland - Where Hippies Grow Old" ~ that is just the setting and the title of this post :) )


Jerry GarciaWanting to research the area to have a better feel than what my 40-year-memory provided, my husband and I decided to take yesterday and play in Nederland, about 100 miles from Colorado Springs.  It was unimaginably enjoyable and BEAUTIFUL.  No longer just an escape for Jerry Garcia fans, it was a beautiful mixture of mountain chalets overlooking Barker Reservoir, and small cabins that are so popular in the foothills of Colorado. 

But rather than telling you about it, I'd love to show you some of what we experienced in this charming town.  (Music is from 1971 [when I first moved to Boulder] by Jerry Garcia, Grace Slick and David Crosby ~ Mountain Home)

Nederland ~ Where Hippies Grow Old was written by Mimi Foster

Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Mims--what great fodder for a novel!  How very very exciting, and I'm jealous AS HELL. But, golly, gosh, I mean it in the nicest way...so, now I have to go click on your Nano-Nano and see what it's all about.

I always thought you were quite the gifted writer from the very first blog of yours that I saw. You are a great storyteller, and you do it in an effortless manner as to how you weave the storyline and take us along...we, as readers are easily invited into your thoughts.  I like taking MindWalks with you. (My term, and I'm sure being YOU, I don't have to explain it).

Nov 15, 2011 03:27 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Dear Mimi,

It's an honor to know a published Author. I can't wait to read your book. The subject matter is perfect - I think it will be very popular with the AARP group who lived through that Hippie movement. Plus, it will be easily enjoyed by ALL generations. You'll be reaching out to a wide audience, so I just know you'll be a huge success! I admire you. I love the video too!

The Colorado scenery from this quaint town called Nederland is beautiful! It looks like the perfect place to be inspired for character sketches for your book called, Nederland ~ Where Hippies Grow Old.

I'm looking forward to reading it. You're truly an inspiration!

Patricia

Nov 16, 2011 06:11 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

thanks, Pam.  What's been really fun has been to see the totally different direction it is taking than when I started.

Tatyana ~ I am sure that you have your own special talents in which you shine

Brian - you know how much I love your mind, but you can probably count on me passing on that :))))

 

Nov 16, 2011 06:23 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

OMG, Gayle of my heart - I LOVE LOVE LOVE the notion of MindWalks!!  That set off so many notions in my brain . . . we'll discuss soon :)

Oh, Patricia, as usual, you are such an encouragement and sweetheart.  Actually, that is just the title of this post, not the book. ;))  I went up there to see the scenery again, which was actually quite different than what I remember, and get a feel for the town and its people, which will be an integral part of the story.  How I intended the story to be when I started has taken a completely different angle, so I, also, will be interested to see how it turns out when I'm done ;)  Hope you're well.

Nov 16, 2011 06:29 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Woops - I just realized I missed the first posts . . . Hey, John Q . . . It was such an amazing town.  Little but close to Boulder and Denver.  Some fascinating things to do there that are totally out of the ordinary.

Totally agree, Mike.  Amazing how money helps to make you part of the 'establishment.' :) But definitely a laid-back town.

Hey, Linda.  I never heard of it before November 5.  I'm playing catch-up, but having lots of fun.  Because I don't have time to do much research (a lot of people do that BEFORE November when the contest starts) I am incorporating things that I know.  Therefore, it is taking a completely different angle than what I first intended.  A little bit of everything :)

 

Nov 16, 2011 06:41 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Thanks, Connie.  I expect the rough draft to be pretty well completed in November.  Then I'll spend December editing it.

thanks, Rose!  It's taking on a mysterious romantic bent.  I'm having a LOT of fun with it!

Oh, Debb, how fun will that be when you come and visit???  There are so many great little towns around like that.  Crisp, clear mountain lakes and streams.  HEAVEN :)

Nov 16, 2011 06:45 AM
Amy Robinson
London Pierce Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Realtor, Scottsdale Arizona Homes For Sale

Mimi,  you are going to write a book.  That is so impressive!!  Good luck I can already tell it will be great.

Nov 16, 2011 07:33 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Thanks, Amy!  I am having a lot of fun with it.

Nov 16, 2011 10:56 PM
Mona Gersky
MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro,NC - Sylva, NC
GRI,IMSD-Taking the mystery out of real estate.

I'm confused Mimi, I thought the best part of being a hippie is that we DON'T grow old! lol.  This is so exciting and you are going to write something awesome, I know because I've already seen your work!

Nov 16, 2011 11:44 PM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

Well Mimi, good for you on your decision to write a book!  Sounds like you have things pretty well under control too...  best of luck to you.  Great video ~ I love the photos of the homes in the mountains...  Keep us posted!

Pamela

Nov 16, 2011 11:59 PM
Mara Hawks
First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL
Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL

What a fun post and impressive writing challenge you've taken on! I loved reading this & viewing what is probably the most broadcasting about Nederland ever found in one clip :-)  It's been 8 years since I moved from Boulder, and finding this just gave me a wonderfully happy start to my work day. Thanks for sharing! (and all the best for your chapters!)

Nov 17, 2011 12:02 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

You don't EVER have to grow up, Mona, not sure about the growing old part tho :)  I must say the book seems to be taking on a life of its own, and now I understand when people say that their characters do what they want to do :))  Thank you so much for the reblog and your very sweet words.

Thank you, Pamela!  It was SO GORGEOUS up there.  I was completely enraptured!

Did you go to school in Boulder, Mara???  I am a Floridian who ended up in Boulder to go to school.  I agree about Nederland, and what I want to know is, why don't more people know about it?  It had been 40 years since I had been there, but it is a magical little town.  I LOVED it!

Nov 17, 2011 03:52 AM
Anonymous
Liz

Yes, it's is very lovely in Nederland.  What gets me is how they allowed those awful-looking huge oil tanks to be so close to the lake.  Yuk! 

Nov 17, 2011 06:09 AM
#23
Pam Hills
Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL
ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

Dear Mimi - Do you see me??  I am dancing in my seat!!  Sign me up when it is done :)  I bet once you start, you will not slow down :).  Hugs & congratulations!  I am sure it is going to be wonderful.  I love the scenery...it is beautiful!!!  I think that Colorado air is a wonderful environment from what I have seen here :).  Hugs & will check back later. 

Nov 17, 2011 07:40 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Well, I had to drop in and see what Mimi was musing about today.  I realized that Nederland may be my home one day since I was a hippie.  8-)  Unfortunately, long gone are those beautiful long blonde locks I once had, but I can't complain.  At least there is still something up there.  Of course, like many young men of that day, I was in love with Grace Slick.  Good luck with the book!

Nov 17, 2011 11:46 AM
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Hey Mimi-nice video and a pretty place, it also looks by the size of those "mountain"homes that those old hippies made some serious cash since Woodstock days.

Nov 17, 2011 10:03 PM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

Mimi - that video rocks and makes me want to visit the area more than ever! I like the idea of a place where Hippies can grow old in peace...........

Nov 19, 2011 01:13 AM
Donna Malone
Waterfront, Luxury, Family, Affordable, Cottage, Deals - Bridgewater, NS
Homes and Property for Sale Nova Scotia

Mimi, Good luck with your book. The video footage is lovely. They have snow, already. It was cold here yesterday for the first time this fall.

Nov 19, 2011 01:33 AM
Greg Herbert
Northland Real Estate - Eugene, OR
CCIM SIOR

Mimi, Nederlands are wonderful, high in slopes of the Rockies.  Should try Estes Park and YMCA of the Rockies as well, great place this time of year to see the Northern Lights occassionally.

Nov 19, 2011 02:10 AM
Toni Weidman
Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL
20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

Mimi - I loved your video (which I saw on Barbara Jo's reblog) and congratulations on your new venture. Can't wait for the book.

Nov 19, 2011 11:40 PM