Author: Amanda Hancock
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Break stuff, work out, chill: Colorado trainer opens place for fitness of body and mind
It came to Erica Valenzuela in a dream. She saw graffiti art on the walls. She saw bottles breaking and sweat splattering and “deep feels” being felt. “I woke up with a clear vision for what I should do,” she said. That was four years ago, when Valenzuela’s work as a personal trainer was pulling…
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Colorado man’s garden with a ‘bit of wildness’ is haven for bees, positivity
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save It’s not the fanciest or flashiest front yard. Feedback from those who pass by the downtown Colorado Springs house, via foot or bike or scooter, would suggest otherwise. “A lot of people comment on it, and it’s unanimously positive that people like it,” said Tommy…
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Colorado Springs-based ceramic artist inspired by colors and flowers
Some people were born to be artists. Going by Alexandra Rose Tanner’s name, she’s one of them. Her initials spell it out: A.R.T. Colorado Springs teacher creates artsy fence as a ‘statement piece’ The native of Northern California doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t doing art in some form, whether it was doodling, drawing,…
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Colorado-based father creates ‘Dude Dad’ empire of videos, TV show, books and laughs
What does it mean to be a “Dude Dad?” Give Taylor Calmus a second to grab his coffee mug, where the definition is printed. “1. A father dedicated to raising children in the most epic way possible,” read the words in a format resembling a dictionary entry. “2. Like a normal dad except more fun.”…
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Celebrating the season with songs of the summer of yesteryear
Songs of the summer often have a life of their own. The hottest song of the season tends to be unpredictable. We don’t know when or where it’s coming from. When it does arrive, in a way similar to the hottest day of the season, you feel the unmistakable blaze. You feel it in the…
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12 songs celebrating the beauty of different states for your Fourth of July playlist
When it comes to songs we might hear on the Fourth of July, there are some obvious ones. “This Land is Your Land,” Woody Guthrie will likely play as well as “The Star Spangled Banner.” Don’t forget about sneaky anthems such as “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” by Taylor Swift and “Party in the…
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Brain tumor couldn’t stop comedian Kyle Grooms
If comedy legend Richard Pryor could joke about lighting himself on fire, Kyle Grooms knew he could find a way to joke about his brain tumor. “It’s what comedians do,” Grooms, a veteran comedian who lives in Miami. “This was one of the biggest things to happen in my adult life.” The seizure happened in…
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12 icons of the Colorado outdoors seek dates for Valentine’s Day
For Valentine’s Day, let’s give ourselves the gift of imagination. We know online dating isn’t for everyone, but there seems to be options for everyone. Between Christian Mingle and Farmers Only and Plenty of Fish, there are plenty of apps in the sea. But what about one for mountains, parks and other natural beauties? We’re…
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After decades away, composer returns to Colorado and honors the state with new song
She’s not sure why, but Marcia Stockton always knew she’d make it back to Colorado. It’s kind of like she always knew she was meant to be a composer. Other places and other jobs, though, came first. Stockton says it was the mountains, mostly, that made an impression on her as a child. She lived…
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Colorado songwriter balances music with full-time job as therapist
She’s been mentioned on the same page as Dolly Parton. She was shouted out as one of 2020’s top songwriters by multiple publications in multiple genres. One music site called her recent album “one of the most musically and spiritually enthralling efforts of the year.” These musical accolades belong to Xanthe Alexis. But “musician” is…




