Voices of Western Colorado: Happiness Is Here

We Asked These Western Slope Locals to Weigh in on This Topic.

KAYLEY VOGEL

Owner and lead planner at Sparked Weddings and Events in Grand Junction

“Throughout my life, I have always believed that happiness is what you make it, and over the last seven years, happiness truly has been here in the Grand Valley. Happiness, to me, is exploring the areas adjacent to National Monument such as Bangs Canyon with my German Shepherd, drinking Palisade wine and adding peaches to everything throughout the months of July through September, going to college, graduating, starting a career and building a business, but most importantly, building a life with my fiancé that is joyful. The Grand Valley has a special, welcoming feeling; the physical geography and the people make this place so special.”

TYRONE SHIELDS

Founder and co-owner of Mesa Bloom Market

“Happiness is what a puppy feels when you give them a long, gentle scratch behind their ears. It is the ability to have gratitude for all that we experience, even our greatest challenges. To be able to let go of the past and future in order to find the time to take joy in our present moment. Happiness is taking note of the things that make your heart sing and shifting life’s focus in those directions. It is curiosity — the desire to explore yourself, others and uncharted territory. Our little local market has been a source of happiness for us, and we hope it puts a smile on the face of anyone who visits.”

ROBIN BROWN

Vice President of Development for Colorado Mesa University + founder of Spoke+Blossom Magazine

“Happiness for me, right now, is high school sports in Western Colorado. Friday nights under the lights with kids from all backgrounds working together and families squeezed into stands, hosting team dinners and carpooling. Late practices, hard work, lessons in pride and humility, and 50-degree temperature swings and windstorms that build resilient athletes. Road trips to Aspen, Vail or Durango and the inevitable spring snowstorm that keeps us from getting home. Our local coaches who feel called to build character and integrity into our young people, because they certainly aren’t doing it for the money! I know it sounds like a suffer fest, but I’ll be sad when the season ends.”

Compiled by Lexi Reich + Lauren Farrauto

Originally published in the Summer 2022 issue