I spent a third of my life here. Time I wouldn’t trade for the world. When a place feels so special for so long it’s very hard to let go of it. I’m getting emotional writing this because I have so much love for you, Dudley…but you’ve seen my tears before. You really became a part of my identity. I will always appreciate the house for the energy it provided me with. It’s been my sanctuary…a place I could always retreat to, and dream freely—and I never felt like the walls judged me for my thoughts, both light and dark. I was constantly surrounded by vibrancy here (literally and figuratively)—each kitchen cabinet is a different color…though I should probably paint them white so my landlord doesn’t wonder what the hell has been going on here for the past decade. Anyway…Dudley, you reside in a rarified atmosphere. One of purity. Minus the mold in the end. But you rocked my world, gently. It’s been both peaceful and wild. All those nights spent dancing, added a little more creak to the hardwood. You taught me how to host, and allowed me to share this space with some of my favorite people - all equally unique and inspiring, teaching me lessons from different chapters of my life. We’ve had some cool folk here. I just feel so lucky. What a spot to reside from 23-33 years old! A bohemian bungalow with a garden and a fire pit. Hiking trails with waterfalls I could walk to. A diner next door. Playing disc golf from light pole to light pole in the tech park down the road. I fell in love with everything. My film, ‘Ingredience’, was even filmed here. That will live on forever…and is a great showcase of it all. An important piece of art that came at a time I really needed it. Together we gave birth to a lot of art. Dudley, you provided me with so much. I became great friends with my neighbor, John. He taught me what it means to be a good neighbor—respecting each other’s space but always offering a helping hand. Doing something for someone else and not calling it a favor—like shoveling a driveway, fixing a lawnmower, or even something as simple as waving and saying “good morning”. You always had sweet ways of making me feel less lonely, Dudley. I also lived here for a year with a woman I loved. Kalei was a wonderful, and lovely person to share this home with. She taught me so much…like how to curate a living space and cook something besides breakfast for dinner. I cherished that chapter, even though it was hard for me to share. I’m trying to be honest with you, Dudley…before I leave. You are perfectly imperfect. But I preferred you that way. You ain’t no cookie cutter, that’s for sure. I agree, we did fix each other up over the years. In the end, I can finally accept that I’m moving on though. Out to the country for some fresh air! Bought a humble abode in Valley Falls, about thirty minutes away from you. A creek in the backyard and a log cabin on some acreage. A farm down the road. I plan on painting the walls a funky green - and building a fire pit creekside. Looking forward to it. One last hug. So glad I was yours for a while. Take care of the next guy, Dudley! I’ll always love you. Thank you.
J.T. CONDE 