Familiar Face – Jane Leland Langdon

Jane Leland Langdon's art expresses what's in her heart - a genuine love for life and others. You've seen Langdon's oil and watercolor paintings in Niwot and Boulder County businesses and homes. She's the Niwotian you just can't help but notice because of her lovely large smile and easy laugh. I met Langdon years ago waiting in the check-out line at the grocery store where she struck up a conversation and I was thrilled that we continued to cross paths again and again. This Familiar Face column is an opportunity to get to know this wise, warm, and whimsical woman even better.

Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - Every time I see you, you remind me of sunshine. Has that always been your nature or was there something that brought you to the happy state you exude?

Jane Leland Langdon (JLL) - You are so kind. Just so you know, I have my moments. Many years ago, during my desperate search for inner peace, I came across these words, "You experience what you express." At last I could be in charge of my own joy and, after 40 years, it's just a way of life.

LHVC - Where did you grow up and what brought you here?

JLL - I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. My brother (and only sibling) was quite ill as a child. My parents worried that I had depression because of my brother. So in the 9th grade during Christmas break, my father drove me to northern Michigan to try skiing. He said I found my smile on the ski slopes. Skiing became a yearly tradition throughout high school. Of course, I never saw real ski slopes until I came west. I moved to Colorado to ski and to attend college...in that order. I've been in Colorado most of my life and eventually found my true home in Niwot in 1993.

LHVC - Where did you go to college and what did you study?

JLL - I earned a BFA degree from the University of Denver and earned my Colorado state elementary teaching credentials from Metro State College.

LHVC - Is there anyone in particular who has had a big influence on your life?

JLL - My parents were always in my corner. My mother told me many times that if I had good manners, I could go anywhere - I could have tea with the queen or coffee with a hobo. My father was exceptionally kind and his kindness is etched in my heart.

LHVC - What's a typical day for you?

JLL - Coffee first! Then, if my neighbor Kellie is not available for a power walk, I hop on my cool e-bike from Niwot Wheel Works and head to the bottom of my favorite half mile incline on the Niwot trails. I call it "heart-rate-hill". I park my bike and power walk up the hill once or twice and then bike home. Once home, I play Frisbee with our dog, Zoey until she's tired or distracted. The rest of my day varies. I paint in my studio, teach drawing or painting, have coffee with friends at Old Oak Coffee Shop, head to the mountains, play a weekly game of bridge, play pickleball when the Longmont rec center is open, etc. Even if I just lollygag (which I excel at), at least I know that I got my heart rate up for the day.

LHVC - What jobs have you had?

JLL - Most of my jobs over the years have involved teaching. My favorite was being part of a pilot program in the Jefferson County Public schools. We experimented by creating a curriculum for each student which was built around the child's interests. I still have a huge warm place in my heart for those years, and the principal and visionary for this school, Jerry Bryant, recently moved to Niwot.

LHVC - How did painting become a passion of yours and where can your artwork be purchased?

JLL - My mother was an oil portrait painter and she always encouraged my love of art. I retired from the business part of art. However, I sell Niwot watercolor prints and postcards at the Niwot Market and Wise Buys Antiques. Fly Away Home is having canvas bags printed with a winter watercolor scene for the holidays. You could say that I have a passion for painting scenes that feel like good old-fashioned community because that's the life I love. Folks can view my Niwot prints at http://www.LeftHandGallery.net

LHVC - Where in the community are folks likely to see you?

JLL - I walk to the Niwot post office each day because we have no mail delivery in old town. I'm also in Niwot Market every day. I love that place and Bert and his friendly employees take such good care of our community. I adore going into Little Bird Boutique. Also, they know me at The Niwot Liquor Store because I head there for cold local beer on hot days. I occasionally have Sunday breakfast on the Pinocchio's patio with friends. I love to attend any music at the Old Oak Coffee Shop.

LHVC - Tell us about your family.

JLL - I met my ever-so-kind husband, Brad, at a meeting in Boulder many years ago. We were an item for two and a half years until I proposed to him! As for Zoey, our Min Pin mix, we adopted her from a shelter in Indiana. Instant love!

After years of working at Niwot Real Estate, Brad decided to take the journey to become a Unity Minister. This idea was great with me as long as I didn't have to become a "preacher's wife." After attending seminary in Kansas City, Brad took a position as senior minister at a Unity Church in Indiana for eight and a half years. During this chapter of our lives we rented our home in Niwot because we always wanted to return once Brad retired.

LHVC - What life challenges have made you who you are?

JLL - My brother took his life at age 23. That unspeakable disappointment set my foot on a spiritual path in search for meaning. To make a long journey short, I ended up in one of Boulder County's many intentional spiritual communities popping up in the early 70's. I was still in my twenties. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I adored being part of a community, organic gardening, raising chickens and turkeys, milking goats, and singing while we cooked or washed dishes. However, I was naïve, idealistic and too trusting. Little did I realize that I was slowly being trapped.

When I finally woke up to the fact that I was part of a patriarchal, hierarchical cult, I was afraid to leave. After 17 years, thanks to The Cult Awareness Network, I was able to disengage, get therapy, find my power and my voice again. That's when Brad and I moved to Niwot so that I could literally start life over. I feel like I might be a good resource for anyone stuck in an allegiance to a dominant leader and loss of freedom.

LHVC - How has COVID-19 affected your life?

JLL - My world is a bit smaller during this pandemic. Mostly, I miss hugging neighbors and friends.