Not Just Another Fly-Over State

Kansas...the state that connects East to West, North to South and if you ask me, should not be overlooked by the overlookers.  I have lived in this state my entire life, living in 7 different cities or towns and experiencing places some of you probably don't even know exist.  I grew up on a gravel road and my home was surrounded by cornfields, railroad tracks, fireflies, and nighttime silence. 

This post is for those who may want to venture out of the city to a small town where you may be labeled as the outsider or for those who may want to venture out of the country into the city where you become someone who "looks like you are from the country"...I have played both roles so I know all about that.  But guess what, no matter where I go the people are friendly, I can usually find a really good place to eat...necessity, and when I leave to go home, I have usually learned something new and have meet some really awesome people. 

Besides that, even though Kansas isn't surrounded by the ocean or the mountains, it is a beautiful place...I'll show you.

A little bit of country...because gravel roads lead to home.

 photo courtesy of @heather.rolf

 photo courtesy of @heather.rolf

harvested by my Dad

Lakes...because they are smooth like seas.

 Toronto Lake...photo courtesy of @heather.rolf 

 Clinton Lake

Perry Lake

Melvern Lake

Diners...because I mentioned I love to eat.

 Ladybird Diner, Lawrence KS...just overall amazing.

 Hookers N Reelers, Lake Perry...ask for extra bacon.

 The City Diner, River Market...great breakfast!

 The Pizza Parlor in LeRoy KS...homemade pies and pizza...need I say more?

Perry Bar and Grill, Perry KS...hamburger and fries please!

Trains...because they connect us.

photo courtesy of @heather.rolf

Flinthills and Wind Farms...because open highways and views for miles.

Last but not least, the city KCK-KCMO because we are one...with unexpected beauty.

For The Love Of Kansas

Shona

Labor Day, The Lake, and The Life of a Pirate

Labor Day Weekend wasn't much different than any other weekend, except we were able to spend four days at Lake Perry with a lot of friends and a few beers...or maybe more than a few beers, but it was a holiday!  The weather was perfect with cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and nights that included live music and a lot of laughter. 

Background; I didn't grow up on the Lake, it just wasn't something that my family did.  Occasionally we would join friends and I did learn how to ski early on and remember getting thrown off of jet ski's, but that's about it.  Still, even though years would go by without me being able to enjoy it, I managed to always love the water...the lake or the ocean for that matter.  This year, I have been pretty fortunate to be able to spend a lot of weekends on the lake.  I have made a lot of new friends, have learned so much about myself and not to mention about boating in general.  Never did I think I would know how to drive a boat let alone park one and I can park one...with certain weather conditions and with a little help from the Captain.

I managed to capture some moments this weekend with my professional camera aka my iPhone.  It's a simple life out there on the lake.  I have learned that I can pack lightly, use a lot of dry shampoo and use carbonated water to brush my teeth if I don't feel like walking up the dock.  Not to mention, sleep on a boat without any problems, other than waking up early, but sometimes the mornings are the best out there. The water is calm, the air is cool, you can hear the sounds of the early morning boaters, the seagulls and ducks are out and about, and you can smell the local bar at the marina preparing food for the day.  Did I mention we ordered a Casey's pizza for breakfast one morning...with a big cup of Coca-Cola Classic...that certainly hit the spot! Besides, I love that we can venture down the dock and creep on our friends...to see if they are ready for breakfast or have coffee talks before venturing up to have Spicy Bloody Mary's with extra bacon or the infamous Rum Runner to start the day.

Maybe I will never be a real Pirate but I like to think I am...a Sailor perhaps.  My heart skips a beat every time I see a sailboat and one day, I will be sailing around on one and maybe even living on the water, you know, like a Pirate would do with my spyglass and endless amounts of rum.

"Wherever we want to go, we go...that's what a ship is, you know." Captain Jack Sparrow

Yo Ho!
Shona

 

One Hell of a Loft Living Year

One year ago on August 11th I was loading up the U-Haul on the hottest day of the year, because that's how I roll, and heading to my new home in the River Market.  Do not confuse this with downtown KC...it's different, much different.  I remember telling my friends and family I was going to move there and most of their reactions were about the same.  "It's so far away", "Why?", "Is it safe?" My response;  It's not that far, I grew in a town without a grocery store or stop light, I am used to driving everywhere, besides, maybe it would get more people to venture out of their comfort zone and experience something new.  The why, well because living in a loft is something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do, it's less expensive than where I was living, and I had the chance to do it, so that's why.  Is it safe? Yes Mom and Dad...I will be fine, bad shit happens anywhere.  Do not get caught up with the "downtown" area being unsafe.  Of course there are unsafe areas to avoid, just like anywhere. And yes Dad, I have my firearm.  What can I say, I grew up on farm target practicing. No big deal.

Here's what I have learned from moving here.  People are super friendly and even though I had a great family adopt my Melly because of my schedule, there are pets and specifically dogs everywhere, so I get my fix.  You can walk or take the streetcar and be most places in about 10 minutes.  It's like a little family down here, you see the same people and they remember you, they say hello and they stop and will have a conversation with you.  I am right across from a little diner that so reminds me of the one my Gma used to own and it has a great breakfast. Coffee shops, farmers markets, fresh flowers, happy hours, views of the city, and being centrally located are more reasons I love it here.  Did I mention there isn't a Target nearby? Yes, that's a good thing...but I have managed to still frequent there probably more than needed.

I couldn't be happier with this decision I made a little over a year ago, signing the lease before even seeing the loft I would be living in, but rather knowing it was time to take a chance and because I knew the view I was going to have, I couldn't let it slip away.  I did have to buy a couple of new pieces of furniture that would "fit" so when I found an orange leather sofa and vintage camera light, I knew those pieces were perfect for the space! I love the concrete and brick walls, open ceilings, and huge west-facing windows where I can see the River Market and the KC Skyline. I have learned to live a more simpler life in a much smaller space with less "things" that I realized aren't really important anyway.  Ok, so the closet is a bit of an issue but I have made it work...I haven't quite given up on fashion or shoes.  But I have learned to live a life that makes me happy and to appreciate what life has offered me in the last year.

Cheers To One Year! 

Shona